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Poli

Self-hosted SQL reporting platform with drag-and-drop visualizations

Analytics & BI Platforms

Poli lets SQL enthusiasts create interactive reports and dashboards quickly. Connect to any JDBC database, edit queries, design pixel-perfect charts, and manage users—all from a single JAR.

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Overview

Overview

Poli is a lightweight web‑based reporting server aimed at developers and analysts who are comfortable writing SQL. By connecting to any JDBC‑compatible database, users can craft ad‑hoc queries, apply variables for dynamic filtering, and instantly visualize results in charts or tables. The built‑in editor shows schema details, so no separate ETL step is required.

Deployment & Extensibility

The application runs from a single JAR file backed by an embedded SQLite database, or via the official Docker image, allowing a full setup in minutes on Windows, Linux, or cloud platforms such as GCP. Role‑based access control and group permissions let administrators restrict report visibility, while language packs provide internationalization. Drag‑and‑drop layout tools give pixel‑perfect positioning, and features like auto‑refresh, drill‑through, and CSV export are available out of the box. Because Poli is released under the MIT license, it can be freely modified or embedded into internal portals.

Highlights

Single‑JAR deployment with embedded SQLite for instant setup
Supports any JDBC‑compatible database (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, Elasticsearch, etc.)
Drag‑and‑drop report builder with pixel‑perfect styling and dynamic query variables
Built‑in user roles, group‑based access control, and internationalization

Pros

  • Fast self‑hosted installation (single JAR or Docker)
  • Full control over data via native SQL queries
  • Highly customizable visual layout
  • Free MIT license

Considerations

  • Requires Java runtime knowledge for advanced configuration
  • Limited to JDBC sources—no native NoSQL connectors
  • Feature set still evolving; some advanced BI functions missing
  • UI may feel basic compared to commercial BI suites

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Fit guide

Great for

  • Teams that prefer writing SQL over ETL tools
  • Organizations needing on‑premise reporting with strict data governance
  • Developers wanting a lightweight, embeddable BI server
  • Projects that require multi‑language UI support

Not ideal when

  • Large enterprises demanding enterprise‑grade analytics (ML, data catalog)
  • Users seeking out‑of‑the‑box cloud SaaS BI
  • Non‑technical business users uncomfortable with SQL
  • Deployments requiring extensive NoSQL or streaming data sources

How teams use it

Ad‑hoc sales analysis

Business analysts write custom SQL to slice sales data, apply filters, and export CSV instantly.

Scheduled financial snapshot

Canned reports generate nightly PDFs of key financial metrics, freeing database space.

Embedded dashboard in internal portal

Developers embed Poli charts via iframe, providing real‑time KPI visualizations to employees.

Multi‑regional reporting

International teams switch language packs and color themes, delivering localized dashboards.

Tech snapshot

Java100%

Tags

data-visualizationspring-bootbigdatadashboardreportingsqljdbcbusiness-intelligencereactjssql-editor

Frequently asked questions

What Java version is required to run Poli?

Poli runs on Java 11 or newer; the JAR includes all necessary dependencies.

Can Poli be deployed with Docker?

Yes, an official Docker image is provided and can be started with a single `docker run` command.

How does user access control work?

Poli offers three system‑level roles and group‑based permissions to restrict report visibility per user or group.

Is chart export supported?

Charts can be exported to CSV, and reports can be downloaded as PDF or image files.

Where can I find documentation and support?

Documentation is available on the project website and GitHub repository; issues can be opened on GitHub for assistance.

Project at a glance

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Stars
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Watchers
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Forks
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LicenseMIT
Repo age7 years old
Last commit3 years ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageJava

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