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Home/Categories/No-Code & Low-Code/Appsmith
icon of Appsmith

Appsmith

Open source alternative to Retool, OutSystems, Microsoft Power Apps and Airtable

Appsmith is an open source low-code builder for internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards that connects to any database or API. Apache 2.0 licensed; self-host with Docker or use the cloud.

Repository

Stars
39.8K
Forks
4.6K
License
Apache-2.0
Latest
v1.99
Last commit
22 days ago
Last verified
May 13, 2026
Repo
appsmithorg/appsmith ↗
39.8K stars
TypeScript
Apache-2.0
Active this month
Visit websiteGitHub repo
image of Appsmith
Contents
  1. 01Who Appsmith is for
  2. 02The problem it solves
  3. 03How it solves it
  4. 04Strengths and trade-offs
  5. 05Appsmith vs alternatives
  6. 06Install and self-host
  7. 07Tech stack
  8. 08FAQ
  9. 09Similar open-source tools
TL;DR

Appsmith is an Apache-licensed low-code platform for building internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and workflow apps on top of databases and APIs. It replaces Retool when developer-led teams want source access and a self-hosted path.Apache-2.0 · TypeScript · 39.8K stars · Active this month

who it's for

Who Appsmith is for#

Operations teams needing admin panels

Build CRUD views, workflow tools, and dashboards over internal databases without waiting for a full product roadmap slot.

Skip if:

The tool will become a customer-facing product experience.

Developers replacing spreadsheet workflows

Connect APIs and databases behind a usable interface for support, finance, or operations teams.

Skip if:

Your data access rules cannot be safely managed inside a low-code builder.

the problem
tech stack · detected from GitHub

What it's built on#

Languages
JavaJavaScriptTypeScript
Frameworks
React
Databases
PostgreSQL
Infrastructure
AWS
Tooling
RollupWebpack
frequently asked

FAQ#

Can Appsmith replace Retool?
What can I build with Appsmith?
Does Appsmith connect to databases?
also worth a look

Similar open-source tools#

Budibase

Budibase

Low-code platform for building internal apps, self-hosted

27.9KTypeScriptGPL-3.0

Additional details

Language
TypeScript
Open issues
4,463
Contributors
380
First release
2020

Categories

No-Code & Low-CodeDeveloper ToolsWeb Development

Tags

Low-codeWorkflow AutomationDeveloper ToolsSelf HostedAPI Development ToolsDatabaseOpen CoreWebsite Builder

The problem it solves#

how Appsmith solves it

How it solves it#

Internal app builder

Appsmith helps teams build dashboards, CRUD tools, admin panels, customer 360 views, and service workflows without hand-coding every screen.

Database and API connectors

The README states Appsmith integrates with 25+ databases and any API, which covers common internal-tool data sources.

Self-hosted deployment options

Teams can run Appsmith themselves with Docker or Kubernetes when internal tools need to stay close to private systems.

strengths · trade-offs

Strengths and trade-offs#

Strengths

  • Strong fit for developer-led operations toolsAppsmith gives engineers enough control to wire databases, APIs, and custom logic while still moving faster than a full frontend build.
  • Apache-licensed Retool alternativeThe community edition gives teams a source-available path for internal tools rather than relying only on a hosted builder.

Trade-offs

  • -Low-code still needs governanceTeams need review around database access, credentials, permissions, and production workflows.
  • -Retool has more enterprise polishRetool may be stronger for organizations that want mature managed governance, procurement, and enterprise support.
versus alternatives

Appsmith vs alternatives#

install · self-host

Install and self-host#

bash
```bash docker run -d --name appsmith -p 80:80 -p 443:443 -v "$PWD/stacks:/appsmith-stacks" appsmith/appsmith-ce ```
ToolJet

ToolJet

Build internal tools with a drag-and-drop UI and 50+ connectors

38KJavaScriptAGPL-3.0
Totum

Totum

Self-hosted low-code platform for internal business tools

983PHPMIT
Windmill

Windmill

Developer platform for scripts, automations, and internal tools

16.6KHTML
Modelence

Modelence

Full-stack framework for building production-ready web apps

401TypeScript
Bolt.diy

Bolt.diy

Self-hosted AI app builder for full-stack web prototypes

19.4KTypeScriptMIT

Appsmith can replace Retool for teams that want self-hosted internal tools and Apache-licensed source access. Retool is still stronger for managed enterprise deployments.

Teams use Appsmith for admin panels, dashboards, CRUD tools, customer 360 views, IT automation, and service management workflows.

Internal tools often start as scripts, spreadsheets, or half-maintained admin pages because product engineering teams cannot justify full custom builds for every operations workflow. Hosted builders speed this up, but they can put private databases, API credentials, and internal workflows behind a vendor-controlled layer.

Appsmith vs Retool

Appsmith is better when internal tools need to run close to private databases and APIs, and when the team wants Apache-licensed source access. Retool is still stronger for teams that want a polished managed platform, enterprise governance, and less self-hosting work. Appsmith fits developer-led teams building dashboards and admin panels around internal systems.

Yes. The README says Appsmith integrates with 25+ databases and any API.