Top 10 Open Source No Code Platforms

The utilization of no-code platforms and tools is rising among all sizes of businesses. These technologies enable everyone to create mobile and web applications without coding exigencies.

Open-source, no-code platforms are especially beneficial to giving life to ideas without technical experience.

Although several no-code platforms with an open-source nature are available in the market but, let’s discuss the reliable ones. Indeed, this article will comprehensively talk about the top no-code solutions.

What are Open Source No-Code Platforms?

The readily available visual programming environments that let anyone build web and mobile applications are known as open-source, no-code platforms.

These platforms don’t need source codes to craft software. To develop applications, you can utilize pre-built drag-and-drop components, GUIs, data connectors, and APIs.

The open-source nature of these solutions makes them seamlessly accessible to everyone. Besides, most of them come with free-tier offerings.

Back4app, Convertigo, Budibase, and Rowy are famous names in this regard. 

Open Source No-Code Advantages

These solutions offer many advantages to citizen developers, startups, SMEs, and enterprises. However, we are going to present the core benefits below:

Robust Development

No-code development is undoubtedly quicker than conventional programming. According to a survey by Statista, 29% of respondents say that no-code is 40% to 60% agile compared to traditional development. Its visual modeling, connectors, and use of third-party APIs fasten the development process.

Correspondingly, it is swift to get the required resources and community support because of the open-source nature of these platforms.

No Vendor Lock-In

Vendor lock-in is something that businesses hate about using low-code or no-code platforms. Luckily, open-source low-code solutions give them complete freedom to migrate or utilize the platform without restrictions. So, no vendor lock-in is another advantage hereof.

Easy to Use

It is straightforward to use these no-code environments to build software. Citizen developers without a technical background can significantly benefit from these service providers.

On the other hand, community-driven development (CDD) practice helps startups get complete support from community members in reviewing apps and fixing bugs. 

Less Maintenance

App maintenance is complex with custom development. However, the no-code environment made this venture painless for citizen developers.

Yes, you don’t need skilled developers when you perform maintenance through visual IDEs and drag-and-drop components. 

10 Best Open Source No-Code Platforms 

Let’s delve into the leading no-code open-source platforms:

1. Back4app

Back4app is a terrific no-code platform consisting of open-source technologies. It empowers businesses to build front and backend of applications using open-source tools like NodeJS, GraphQL, Parse Platform, Redis, and Docker.

In addition, user-friendly interfaces, APIs, and SDKs reduce the bare bones associated with traditional development. 

With powerful AI support, Backend as a Service (BaaS) and Container as a Service (CaaS) are two core offerings of Back4app.

You can seamlessly perform server-side functionalities or run containerized applications with minimal coding requirements here. 

Ample community support, free-tier packages, and pre-designed app templates are also exciting traits of Back4app.

Use Cases

This no-code provider is ideal for building highly scalable and tailored applications for enterprise-grade ventures.

Besides, this platform is widely used to deploy APIs, backends, and modern web and mobile applications in a breeze. 

Key Features 

• GraphQL & REST APIs – You can efficiently obtain data employing REST or GraphQL APIs. Furthermore, these APIs are not only helpful in developing backends in an instant but also add endpoints on the fly. To improve the server-side functionalities, these APIs work with 10 native SDKs as well. 

• Scalable Hosting – Hosting is an exciting feature of Back4app available under the ‘Webhosting and Custom Domains’ section. You get it when you click the ‘Server Settings’ option from the dashboard. Contrarily, this platform authorizes the users to employ Back4app Containers to deploy and host their apps in a Dockerized environment. Both of these services are highly scalable. It signifies you can extend or reduce the required instances anytime. 

• Spreadsheet-like Database – This no-code vendor is famous for its spreadsheet-like database service. With a click, it permits you to ship in and out CSV and JSON files. So, it becomes robust for developers to sync, manage, delete, and update data using this database.

• Push Notifications – Push and email notifications have become very important in the world of digital marketing. Yes, the goal of a no-code platform is not only building and running applications but also user engagement, which is equally important. Fortunately, with pre-built push notification templates, you can get the attention of app users. 

• Authentication – Dev teams don’t have to write the scripts to create authentication pages and to conduct user management. Back4app performs all user management tasks, from password encryption to verifying emails and enabling social media sign-ins for you. 

Visit the Official Website: Back4app

2. Convertigo

Convertigo is a leading low-code/no-code solution on our list. This enterprise-level open-source platform empowers citizen developers to convert their ideas into reality swiftly.

No Code Studio is the primary product of Convertigo that deals with these development needs. 

Ready-to-use offline support, no vendor lock-in condition, and easy synchronization of this platform with existing projects are the core characteristics of No Code Studio.

Moreover, you can download or get online access to No Code Studio without inserting credit card details. It means you can start using Convertigo for free as a beginner.

Use Cases

If your applications are related to manufacturing, insurance, mobile sales, retail, or transportation and depend on data forms, adopt Convertigo.

Correspondingly, this platform is helpful in crafting enterprise-grade backends for mobile banking, ERP, B2C, CRM, and PLM apps. 

Key Features

• Data Security – Data security is one of the major concerns of enterprises. To address this issue, Convertigo confers protocol encryption to prevent cyber spying. Secure user authentication, identity manager, access control, and mobile data encryption also play a vital role hereof. 

• Backend Logic – Adding backend logic to your application using IDEs is seamless. You can get this feature while using the Low-Code Studio product by Convertigo. With this trait, you can define, develop, and implement business logic on the fly.  

• Cloud or On-Premises Use – Large enterprises prefer complete control over their data. This low-code/no-code platform offers both on-premises and cloud deployments to meet this need. It is entirely up to you to go with a public cloud hosting or choose on-premises development and setups. 

• Data & API Connectors – You can fetch and query data using APIs. Mainly, API connectors are helpful when importing or exporting data from existing and on-premises projects. This feature makes Convertigo a popular choice among enterprises. 

• Task Scheduler – This provider offers a task scheduler, which helps line up and robotize development operations. With this property, aligning the programming tasks for citizen developers and businesses becomes easy. 

Visit the Official Website: Convertigo.

3. Budibase

With 19.8k GitHub repository stars, Budibase is an efficient no-code vendor. Around 100k teams around the globe like using this open-source solution to craft highly scalable workflows and applications.

It is fun to design applications through this platform. Mainly, the presence of 40 readymade elements makes it easy to form appealing cross-platform apps.

If we talk about its compatibility, it is equally suitable for startups to develop enterprise-grade applications. The major companies that use Budibase for their workflows are Google, Disney, Tesla, and Netflix.

Use Cases

You can develop powerful business applications within moments using Budibase, and coding is nonobligatory in this regard.

Mainly, this service is best at creating forms to backlog data and within company approval flows. Moreover, it is a breeze to ship unified admin panels with Budibase.

Key Features

• External Data Source Connections – Budibase functions through internal databases. But you can also smoothly export and connect data with external databases like S3, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

• API Integration – You can utilize the REST API connector to link with RESTful application programming interfaces. This connector is useful to perform data imports, exports, and authentication operations to create advanced applications. On the other hand, it also supports third-party APIs like SOAP, Stripe, Jira, OneLogin, and Elasticsearch. 

• Built-in Database – Citizen and professional developers like using this no-code vendor’s pre-built and spreadsheet-like database offerings. In addition, you can develop highly tailored CRUD screens, simple views, data relationships, and tables within seconds using Budibase. 

• Access Control – Role-based access is another engaging trait of this solution. Budibase grants two types of access. One is user-based, and the second is for app creators. So, it becomes flexible for businesses to customize the app and user data access.  

Visit the Official Website: Budibase.

4. Baserow

Baserow is an incredible no-code open-source app hosting platform made public in 2020. It lets the dev teams build real-time databases without technical expertise.

Furthermore, because of its open-source nature, you can deploy Baserow to Heroku and Cloudron or install it on Ubuntu & Docker.  

It is also a prime choice for businesses and developers looking for an open-source Airtable alternative with both self-hosted and hosted functionalities. Globalvia, Kyndryl, and GRDC are prominent Baserow clients. 

Use Cases

This no-code solution performs remarkably well when it comes to building educational and HR tools.

Companies found HR tools designed using Baserow enhanced their productivity and employee engagement by 35% and 25%, respectively. 

Correspondingly, this open-source vendor is good at creating product management and small business tools.

Key Features

• Flexibility – A highly flexible development environment is the key highlight of Baserow. It offers unmetered rows, easy integrations, and a single interface for all tasks. Thus, dev operations become fast for all teammates.  

• Real-time Collaboration – This platform permits developers to bring in or out datasets spontaneously. Similarly, you can access data and collaborate with the dev team in real time. 

• Unlimited Rows – Rows are responsible for displaying records in a grid view. They are significant to backlog particular data components. With Baserow, you can generate limitless rows, arrange them in tables, and color them. 

• Easy Integration – Seamless integrations are another attractive feature of this no-code service. You can follow the API-first approach to integrate Baserow with 4k+ services and applications in a breeze. In this regard, you can use webhooks, ToolJet, Zapier, n8n, etc.

Visit the Official Website: Baserow.

5. StackStorm

StackStorm is an open-source solution that allows businesses to handle complex workflows and automate DevOps.

It basically acts upon an event-driven approach to begin its operations from triggers and proceed with rules, workflows, and actions to get desired results.

In this regard, the automation engine plays a key role. The major companies that use StackStorm for different tech stacks are Netflix, NASA, and Target Corporation. 

Use Cases

This service is used to overcome the need for human assistance for development tasks. That is why you can use this platform to conduct DevOps automation, ChatOps optimization, continuous deployments, & automated remediation. 

By the same token, creating workflow automation and IFTTT integrations is beneficial. 

Key Features

Integration with Existing Infrastructure – StackStorm depends on Python plugins named ‘sensors’ to deliver inward and outward integrations. This feature has the ability to deal with external infrastructure as well. 

• Triggers – This is basically the portrayal of an extrinsic event. If we talk about their categories, triggers could be integrated or generics. You can know the type of a novel trigger through its sensor plugin. 

• Actions – This is an outward representation of a trigger, including custom or generic actions and open-source integrations. Actions could be the outcomes of a source code or Python plugin you supply to metadata. Users can also influence actions through API or CLI calls.

• Packs – It is the array of content deployment elements. These units aid businesses in the allocation and administration of compatible content. Hereof, packs classify content into automation and integrations to simplify the process. Although you can generate your packs but, readymade packs are also accessible on StackStorm Exchange. 

Visit the Official Website: StackStorm.

6. Rowy 

Rowy is among the best open-source no-code platforms with 5.4k repository stars on GitHub.

It lets citizen developers craft compelling backends with cloud functions and spreadsheet-like databases. Around 10k developers across the globe use Rowy.

Although you can begin your programming journey with zero coding but, it empowers you to switch to code anytime. Forbes, Google, Uber, and Rakuten are featured customers of Rowy. 

Use Cases

This CSP is useful for creating scalable and advanced backend workflows. By the same token, you can build dynamic mobile applications and management tools through Rowy. 

Key Features

• Real-time Collaboration – Rowy is known because of its team collaboration support. Team members can spontaneously give their views about various data inputs. They can update the backends and create notes for members in real time. 

• Fields Support – This platform backs more than 30 data fields. In this regard, Rowy categorizes the types in the same manner as Firestore does. The popular field types are text, selection, numeric, file, cloud function, and metadata.  

• Built-in Code Editor – Visual Studio Code is one of the finest code editors you can get while using Rowy. It is straightforward to manage your application through the VS code editor. Connecting this pre-built code editor with your database is also effortless.  

• Role-based Access – You can customize the user roles and grab pre-built user management features here. Yes, it lets you assign the roles of viewer, editor, and admin to teammates. Similarly, it connects the role-centric access controls with data. 

Visit the Official Website: Rowy

7. ToolJet

If you are looking for tailor-made solutions to build and deploy internal tools rapidly, try ToolJet.

This is basically a low-code/no-code platform suitable for creating frontends without coding complicated programming technologies. In this regard, ToolJet offers an excellent visual app builder to users.  

Use Cases

With 25.6k repository stars on GitHub, ToolJet is highly recommended for generating CRM and HR management software. You can also use this vendor to craft bug and refund tracking applications.

Key Features

UI Components – Visual app builder, also known as ToolJet app builder, leverages in designing interactive user interfaces. Hereof, it provides 50+ UI components, including a code editor, HTML viewer, kanban, text editor, tags, etc.

Redux-like State Inspector – This app builder offers an incredible inspector. This trait lets developers view data associated with constants, pages, queries, and distinct variables. 

Custom Component Support – The custom component feature enables you to ship in or create React components if the required element is unavailable in the library. This property surely improves creativity. 

Visit the Official Website: ToolJet.

8. Directus

With 27 million Docker pulls and 49k monthly NPM downloads, Directus is another valuable no-code option in our list.

This open-source platform grants excellent server-side functionalities to create highly scalable applications using Node.js. Besides, it supports React, Vue.js, Nuxt, Gatsby, Next, Angular and Remix.  

Use Cases

Directus is an absolute option to generate databases and applications. It usually takes 90 seconds to frame digital experiences for all sizes of businesses.    

Key Features

• Intuitive Interface – Built-in editing features make the interface of this platform user-friendly. You can simply modify, preview, and distribute data using the Editor product of Directus. It is available in 64 languages to support international customers.

• Database Mirroring – If your fundamental database fails, you can get its full backup using database mirroring. Directus delivers all sizes of data in your SQL database.  

• Access through SDKs & APIs – This platform empowers the developers to save the time they invest in connecting with data. Yes, it is seamless to interact with databases using REST & GraphQL APIs, CLI, and JS SDKs through Directus. 

Visit the Official Website: Directus.

9. NocoBase

Are you finding a private self-hosted no-code platform for your upcoming project? If yes, don’t ignore NocoBase.

This open-source CSP only takes three steps to build and deploy enterprise-grade software systems. Moreover, it is based on JavaScript and TypeScript to keep its functions lightweight and fast.

Use Cases

Creating backends and UIs of ticket, property, and membership management systems with NocoBase is ideal. Similarly, it also allows the development of scalable applications for collaborations. 

Key Features

• Access Controls – You can easily set and implement the data actions and menu access controls as per the role of dev team members. Yes, it provides you with complete control over data and source code. 

• No Menu Limitations – Unmetered menu support is another exciting feature of NocoBase. However, it is crucial to know this platform backs three types of menus, including page, grouping, and link. 

• Automation – You can also enable automation functionality to perform regular programming tasks. Better productivity, efficiency, and fewer errors are advantages of automated workflows. 

• Tech Stack Support – Although this no-code service is rooted in Node.js but, it also backs other popular tech stacks. React, Ant Design, Sequelize, and Koa are prominent technologies in this regard. 

Visit the Official Website: NocoBase.

10. Motor Admin

Motor Admin is the last but still a considered no-code platform on our list. It empowers professional and citizen developers to deploy and create admin panels within a minute.

Also, it allows you to deploy these application panels on different computing platforms such as DigitalOcean, Heroku, and Railway.  

Case Uses

You can craft and set up various admin panels using Motor Admin. So, whether you want to build HIPAA-compliant healthcare admin panels or sales and custom support dashboards, Motion Admin is the destination. 

Key Features

• User-Friendly Interface – It follows the CRUD UI approach and uses APIs to interact with databases. The overall interface is easy for anyone without a technical background to understand. 

• Custom SQL Reports – You can quickly generate highly tailored SQL reports and display the outcomes in the form of different charts. Also, you can share them with the team through a centralized dashboard. 

• API Integration – Utilizing APIs to perform complicated deployment actions is simple. These integrations are helpful to fill out forms and conduct different dashboard activities.  

Visit the Official Website: Motor Admin.

Conclusion

Open source no-code platforms are considered easy to access, understandable, and adaptable with free starting.

Active community support also makes it readily amenable in case of technical glitches. Therefore, this guide displays one of the finest solutions with use cases, features, and details. 

However, you are advised to choose a no-code provider per the requirements of your project. Please don’t pick them on the basis of popularity only.