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ByteChef
Open-source low-code platform for API integration and workflow automation
ByteChef is a low-code, extendable platform for building API integrations and workflow automation across SaaS apps, internal APIs, and databases.
Overview
Overview
ByteChef is an open-source, low-code platform designed for API integration and workflow automation. It serves two primary audiences: teams seeking an automation solution to connect SaaS apps, internal APIs, and databases, and SaaS vendors looking to embed integration capabilities directly into their products for end customers.
Capabilities
The platform features an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow editor, event-driven and scheduled triggers, and a rich ecosystem of pre-built components for databases, SaaS applications, and cloud storage. When no-code isn't enough, ByteChef offers a built-in code editor supporting Java, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby for custom logic. Developers can extend the platform with custom connectors, expose workflows as APIs, and integrate version control systems for CI/CD workflows.
Deployment
ByteChef can be self-hosted via Docker or Docker Compose, giving teams complete control over execution and data. The architecture is designed to scale from a single instance to millions of workflows with high availability. Advanced features include flow controls (conditions, loops, parallel execution), AI-ready components, error handling, retries, and dynamic task orchestration.
Highlights
Drag-and-drop workflow editor with event-driven and scheduled triggers
Low-code extensibility with Java, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby support
Hundreds of pre-built components for SaaS, databases, and APIs
Self-hosted deployment with Git integration and CI/CD-friendly workflows
Pros
- Dual-purpose platform for internal automation and embedded SaaS integrations
- Extensible architecture allows custom connectors in multiple languages
- Self-hosted option provides full control over data and execution
- Version control integration supports modern DevOps workflows
Considerations
- Currently in alpha stage with some features missing or disabled
- Self-hosting requires Docker infrastructure and database management
- Learning curve for low-code customization across four languages
- Limited documentation and community resources during early development
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider ByteChef, 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
- SaaS companies needing embedded integration capabilities for customers
- Development teams automating workflows across multiple SaaS tools and APIs
- Organizations requiring on-premise deployment for data sovereignty
- Teams with CI/CD pipelines seeking version-controlled workflow automation
Not ideal when
- Teams needing production-ready stability during alpha development phase
- Organizations without Docker or container orchestration expertise
- Projects requiring extensive pre-built connectors for niche applications
- Non-technical users seeking pure no-code solutions without developer support
How teams use it
Embedded SaaS Integrations
Enable customers to connect your product with their existing tools, reducing churn and increasing product stickiness through native integration experiences.
Cross-Platform Data Synchronization
Automate data flows between CRM, marketing platforms, and databases with event-driven triggers, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors.
API Orchestration for Microservices
Coordinate complex workflows across internal APIs and external services, exposing unified endpoints while ByteChef handles authentication and error handling.
Scheduled Reporting and Analytics
Build automated pipelines that extract data from multiple sources, transform it with custom code, and deliver reports to stakeholders on defined schedules.
Tech snapshot
Java79%
TypeScript20%
JavaScript1%
CSS1%
HTML1%
Shell1%
Frequently asked questions
What deployment options does ByteChef support?
ByteChef can be self-hosted using Docker or Docker Compose. You can run it on-premise for complete control over execution and data, starting with a single instance and scaling as needed.
Can I write custom code in ByteChef workflows?
Yes, ByteChef supports low-code development with a built-in code editor for Java, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby. You can write custom logic blocks and develop custom connectors when pre-built components don't meet your needs.
How does ByteChef integrate with version control systems?
You can write workflows in the UI editor and push them directly to your preferred Git branch from ByteChef, enabling CI/CD pipelines and version control best practices for workflow management.
Is ByteChef suitable for embedding in SaaS products?
Yes, ByteChef is designed as an embedded solution for SaaS products, allowing your customers to integrate applications they use with your product through a white-labeled integration experience.
What is the current development status of ByteChef?
ByteChef is in active alpha development. Some features may be missing or disabled. It's suitable for testing, learning, and development projects, but evaluate carefully for production use cases.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 702
- Watchers
- 702
- Forks
- 127
Repo age4 years old
Last commit12 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageJava
Last synced 12 hours ago