DronaHQ
Low-code platform for internal apps, workflows, and AI agents with enterprise controls
Budibase
Low-code platform for building internal tools and workflows
Open-source low-code platform that helps engineers build forms, portals, and approval apps in minutes. Connect to databases, automate workflows, and deploy anywhere.
Overview
Build Internal Tools Without the Overhead
Budibase is a low-code platform designed for engineers who need to ship internal applications quickly without sacrificing control. Unlike traditional no-code tools, Budibase generates real single-page applications with built-in performance and responsive design.
Connect, Build, and Automate
Pull data from PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, MariaDB, CouchDB, DynamoDB, Airtable, S3, REST APIs, or start from scratch with Budibase's internal database. Use pre-built components to design interfaces, then automate workflows with built-in triggers, webhooks, and email integrations. The platform includes a public API that lets you use Budibase as a backend or integrate it into existing systems.
Deploy on Your Terms
Self-host on Docker, Kubernetes, or Digital Ocean for full control over your infrastructure, user management, and security. Alternatively, Budibase Cloud offers a managed option for teams that want to start building immediately. Licensed under GPL v3 (with client libraries under MPL), Budibase is extensible—fork it, customize it, or build plugins to fit your exact requirements.
Highlights
Connect to 10+ data sources including PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, REST APIs, and cloud storage
Build real single-page applications with responsive design and native performance
Automate workflows with webhooks, email triggers, and custom logic
Self-host on Docker, Kubernetes, or Digital Ocean with full infrastructure control
Pros
- Generates actual SPAs rather than embedded iframes, delivering better performance
- Extensible architecture allows custom plugins, forking, and API integration
- Multi-source data connectivity supports complex enterprise data landscapes
- Self-hosting options provide complete control over security and compliance
Considerations
- GPL v3 license requires careful consideration for proprietary derivative works
- Learning curve steeper than pure no-code tools due to developer-oriented features
- Self-hosted deployments require infrastructure management and maintenance expertise
- Monorepo architecture may complicate contribution for newcomers
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider Budibase, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.
Looking for a hosted option? These are the services engineering teams benchmark against before choosing open source.
Fit guide
Great for
- Engineering teams building internal tools, admin panels, and approval workflows
- Organizations requiring self-hosted solutions for compliance or data sovereignty
- Teams with existing databases who need rapid application development
- Developers who want low-code speed with the ability to extend and customize
Not ideal when
- Non-technical users seeking pure no-code drag-and-drop simplicity
- Projects requiring mobile-native iOS or Android applications
- Teams unable to navigate GPL v3 licensing for their use case
- Organizations needing extensive pre-built industry-specific templates
How teams use it
Customer Support Portal
Connect to your PostgreSQL database and build a ticket management interface in hours, with automated email notifications and role-based access control
Inventory Management System
Pull data from multiple sources (MySQL inventory, S3 images, REST API for suppliers) into a unified dashboard with approval workflows
Employee Onboarding App
Create forms, checklists, and document upload interfaces that trigger automated workflows for IT provisioning and HR notifications
Data Entry and Validation Tool
Build custom forms connected to MongoDB with validation rules, automating data quality checks and downstream integrations via webhooks
Tech snapshot
TypeScript58%
Svelte35%
JavaScript5%
CSS1%
Shell1%
Handlebars1%
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Budibase as a backend for my existing applications?
Yes, Budibase provides a public API that allows you to use it as a backend service, enabling interoperability with external applications and systems.
What databases does Budibase support?
Budibase connects to MongoDB, CouchDB, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MySQL, Airtable, S3, DynamoDB, and REST APIs. You can also use the internal database to start from scratch.
How does licensing work for apps I build?
Budibase core is GPL v3, but client and component libraries are MPL-licensed, allowing you to license your built applications however you choose.
Can I self-host Budibase on my own infrastructure?
Yes, Budibase supports self-hosting via Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Digital Ocean, and Portainer, giving you full control over deployment and security.
What's the difference between Budibase and other low-code platforms?
Budibase builds real single-page applications with native performance rather than embedded tools. It's open-source, extensible, and designed for developers who need both speed and control.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 27,554
- Watchers
- 27,554
- Forks
- 2,064
Repo age6 years old
Last commit22 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageTypeScript
Last synced 12 hours ago