8 Must-Try Open Source Low Code Platforms for Developers

Low-code platforms are changing the game!

They make building apps quicker and simpler. You can save time on things like:

• Speeding up project starts and customer integrations
• Adding new features to your software without coding
• Helping customers with special requests

So, low-code platforms are like having a superpower for making apps. 

They're great for everyone, not just people who are good at coding!

Why Open-Source Low-Code Platforms?

As a developer, you'll love these platforms for their flexibility and the fact that you can peek at the source code. They're great for scaling up and adapting to your needs.

The Top 8 Open-Source Low-Code Platforms

Here's a quick look at the best platforms out there:

Automation Platforms

n8n: A flexible tool for creating complex workflows.

Node-RED: Great for connecting hardware devices and online services.

Database Platforms

NocoDB: Turns any database into a smart spreadsheet.

Baserow: Similar to NocoDB, with some unique features.

Backend Tools

Directus: Offers a range of tools for SQL databases.

Supabase: A backend project built on PostgreSQL.

Dashboard Builders

Appsmith: Ideal for building internal tools.

Metabase: A platform for creating self-service analytics.

Understanding Open-Source

Open-source means anyone can see and use the program's code. It's free to use and share, though some versions have restrictions.

What's an Open-Source Low-Code Platform?

These platforms let you build web and mobile apps with little coding. They offer:

• Drag-and-drop interfaces
• Pre-built components for quick building
• Tools for designing data and user interfaces
• Automated app management features
• Custom code options
• Collaboration tools

Most are free, but some have paid features for big companies.

Exploring the Platforms

1. n8n: The Flexible Workflow Automation Tool

n8n is a source-available tool designed for creating automated workflows. It connects different systems like databases, CRMs, and analytics platforms, allowing for complex workflow automation.

Key Features:

1. Versatile Integration: n8n offers hundreds of ready-made nodes to connect various systems.
2. Custom Automations: Users can create custom workflows using the HTTP Request node or JavaScript.
3. Scalability: It can be scaled both vertically and horizontally to suit different needs.
4. Workflow Templates: Over a thousand workflow templates are available for a quick start.

Pricing:

n8n offers a free tier, with cloud plans starting from 20€ per month and self-hosted plans from 25€ per month.

2. Node-RED: The IoT and Hardware Integration Platform

Node-RED is a low-code programming tool focused on connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services, particularly useful for IoT and telecom projects.

Key Features:

1. Wide Protocol Support: Includes MQTT, Modbus, AMQP, and more for diverse hardware integration.
2. Flexible Installation: Can be installed locally, in the cloud, or on devices like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
3. Browser-Based Editor: Simplifies the creation of event-driven applications.
4. UI and Dashboard Creation: Allows building user interfaces and dashboards for better control and visualization.

Pricing:

Node-RED is free as part of the OpenJS Foundation. Cloud hosting may incur additional costs.

3. NocoDB: The Smart Spreadsheet Converter

NocoDB is an open-source platform that transforms any SQL database into a smart, configurable spreadsheet interface, similar to Airtable.

Key Features:

1. Supports Major SQL Databases: Compatible with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and MariaDB.
2. API for Data Manipulation: Offers an API for both data manipulation and platform configuration.
3. File Upload Support: Allows file uploads, storing them locally or in an S3 bucket.

Pricing:

NocoDB is currently a free self-hosted solution. An enterprise plan is under development.

4. Baserow: The User-Friendly Database Tool

Baserow is an open-source no-code database tool that offers a user-friendly interface for managing data, with features similar to NocoDB but without support for external data sources.

Key Features:

1. Hosted Plans Available: Unlike NocoDB, Baserow offers hosted plans.
2. Internal Database Management: Works with a predefined database in case of self-hosting.

Pricing:

The hosted version has a free tier, with paid plans starting at $5 per user per month. The self-hosted version also has a free open-source tier, with a premium plan at $5 per user per month.

5. Directus: The Versatile Data Platform

Directus is an open-source data platform that provides a suite of tools for any SQL database, including REST API, GraphQL, authentication, access control, and file transformations.

Key Features:

1. Multiple Database Support: Connects to a variety of SQL databases.
2. Cloud and On-Premises Options: Available as a cloud service or for on-premises installation.
3. Workflow Automations: Allows building custom workflow automations.
4. Multilingual Support: Ideal for managing content in multiple languages.

Pricing:

Directus offers a free tier for both cloud and self-hosted versions. Standard cloud tier starts from $25 per month.

6. Supabase: The PostgreSQL-Based Backend Solution

Supabase is a unique backend project that offers a comprehensive set of tools built on top of the PostgreSQL database, ensuring scalability and avoiding vendor lock-in.

Key Features:

1. Familiar Technologies: Uses well-known technologies, reducing the learning curve.
2. Detailed Data Control: Allows fine-tuning of data access for complete user data management.
3. PostgreSQL Expertise: Experts can utilize their PostgreSQL knowledge for advanced database management.

Pricing:

Supabase has a free tier, with paid plans starting from $25 per project per month. A self-hosted version is also available for free.

7. Appsmith: The Customizable Interface Builder

Appsmith is a platform for connecting to data sources via API or SQL, featuring a JavaScript editor for extensive customization and rapid UI prototyping.

Key Features:

1. Diverse Data Connectivity: Connects to data sources through APIs or SQL queries.
2. JavaScript Editor: Offers a JavaScript editor for custom functionality.
3. Rapid UI Prototyping: Enables quick creation and configuration of user interfaces.

Pricing:

Appsmith has a free tier for both cloud and self-hosted versions. The business plan starts at $0.4 per user per hour, capped at $20 per user per month.

8. Metabase: The Analytics and Visualization Expert

Metabase is a low-code platform for self-service analytics, allowing users to connect to various data sources, create dashboards, and visualize data.

Key Features:

1. Data Querying and Visualization: Enables both SQL and non-SQL data querying and visualization.
2. User Permissions: Offers configurable user permissions for data access control.
3. Embedding Options: Supports full-app or standalone embedding of dashboards.

Pricing:

Metabase Cloud starts at $85 per month for 5 users. The self-hosted version has a free open-source edition, with a Pro plan starting at $500 per month for 10 users.

Conclusion

These eight platforms offer a range of tools for backend, database, automation, and dashboard creation. They're mostly free and perfect for developers who want to save time and add custom features. 

Remember, the tech world is always changing, so keep an eye out for new tools and updates. 

To choose the right platform, make a list of what you need, try a small project, and ask experts for advice.