DronaHQ
Low-code platform for internal apps, workflows, and AI agents with enterprise controls
Lowdefy
Config-driven web framework for building business apps fast
Build internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD apps using YAML or JSON config. Extends with npm plugins, runs on Next.js, deploys anywhere.
Overview
What is Lowdefy?
Lowdefy is a config-driven web framework that lets developers build business applications—internal tools, admin panels, BI dashboards, client portals, and CRUD apps—using declarative YAML or JSON instead of writing boilerplate UI code. Built on Next.js and Auth.js, it bridges the gap between no-code simplicity and full developer control.
Who Should Use It?
Lowdefy targets developers and technical teams who need to ship internal applications quickly without sacrificing flexibility. With over 70 UI blocks, 150 logic operators, and a plugin system powered by npm, you can prototype rapidly while extending functionality with custom React components, database connections, and API integrations when requirements demand it.
Deployment & Security
Because Lowdefy compiles to a standard Next.js application, you can deploy to Vercel, Docker, or any Next.js-compatible host. Authentication leverages Auth.js for SSO, SAML, 2FA, and popular providers like Google, Okta, and Auth0. Role-based access control (RBAC) enables granular permissions across public and authenticated pages. The structured config format integrates naturally with Git workflows, making collaboration, code review, and handoffs straightforward for teams of any size.
Highlights
Declarative YAML/JSON config with 70+ UI blocks and 150+ logic operators
Extensible plugin system for custom blocks, operators, actions, and connections
Built on Next.js and Auth.js for flexible deployment and enterprise authentication
Connect to databases and APIs with minimal config and secure secret management
Pros
- Rapid prototyping with minimal boilerplate for internal tools and dashboards
- Full npm ecosystem access via plugins for custom components and integrations
- Deploy anywhere Next.js runs—Vercel, Docker, self-hosted infrastructure
- Git-friendly config format simplifies collaboration, reviews, and version control
Considerations
- Learning curve for YAML/JSON schema and operator syntax
- Config-driven approach may feel restrictive for highly custom UI requirements
- No built-in data storage; requires external databases or APIs
- Smaller community and plugin ecosystem compared to mainstream frameworks
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Fit guide
Great for
- Development teams building internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards quickly
- Organizations needing RBAC, SSO, and enterprise authentication out of the box
- Projects requiring rapid iteration with Git-based workflows and code reviews
- Teams comfortable with Next.js deployment and npm-based extensibility
Not ideal when
- Consumer-facing apps requiring highly polished, pixel-perfect custom UIs
- Projects needing built-in database or backend without external dependencies
- Teams unfamiliar with YAML/JSON config or preferring traditional component libraries
- Use cases demanding extensive custom animations or complex client-side interactions
How teams use it
Internal Admin Panel
Ship a role-based admin dashboard connecting to existing databases in days, not weeks, with minimal custom code.
Client Portal
Build authenticated portals for customers to view orders, invoices, or reports with SSO integration and responsive layouts.
BI Dashboard
Aggregate data from multiple APIs and databases into interactive charts and tables using declarative config and logic operators.
CRUD Application
Rapidly prototype data entry forms, validation, and workflows for internal operations without writing repetitive UI code.
Tech snapshot
JavaScript95%
HTML2%
Less2%
Nunjucks1%
TypeScript1%
Shell1%
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know React to use Lowdefy?
No. Lowdefy uses YAML or JSON config for most tasks. You only write React code if you need custom blocks or advanced functionality.
Can I use my own database or API?
Yes. Lowdefy connects to external databases and APIs via requests. You can build custom connections using any npm module.
How does deployment work?
Lowdefy compiles to a Next.js app, so you can deploy to Vercel, Docker, AWS, or any platform that supports Next.js.
What authentication providers are supported?
Lowdefy uses Auth.js, supporting Google, Okta, Auth0, SAML, SSO, 2FA, and many other providers out of the box.
Can I extend Lowdefy with custom components?
Yes. The plugin system lets you add custom blocks, operators, actions, and connections via npm packages or local modules.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 2,930
- Watchers
- 2,930
- Forks
- 179
LicenseApache-2.0
Repo age5 years old
Last commit19 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageJavaScript
Last synced 3 hours ago