Build Custom Database Applications Visually

Creating custom business applications usually means hiring expensive developers, waiting weeks for results, or settling for off-the-shelf solutions that don't quite fit your needs. Your team needs a way to build tailored data-centric applications quickly without burning through your budget or technical resources.

What is Saltcorn

Saltcorn is a free, open-source platform that lets you build web and mobile applications without writing code. Using intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, you can create database structures, design custom interfaces, and automate workflows entirely visually. With PostgreSQL under the hood and a modular plugin system, Saltcorn combines the simplicity of no-code tools with the power and flexibility typically reserved for developer platforms.

Key Capabilities

Visual Database Builder : Create complex data models with relational tables, custom fields, and relationships through a point-and-click interface, eliminating database coding.

Drag-and-Drop Page Builder : Design custom interfaces and user experiences by arranging components visually, allowing non-technical users to create professional-looking applications.

Role-Based Access Control : Secure your application with granular user permissions that protect sensitive data and functionality, tailoring access to each user's needs.

Automation & Workflows : Build triggers and actions that respond to events in your application, automating repetitive tasks and business processes without custom code.

Extensible Plugin System : Enhance functionality through a growing marketplace of plugins for new data types, views, and themes, allowing endless customization as needs evolve.

Perfect For

A small marketing agency built a custom CRM to track clients, projects, and campaign results. Without hiring developers, they created a solution that perfectly matched their workflow, complete with automated reporting and task assignments.

An inventory manager at a manufacturing company replaced spreadsheets with a tailored inventory system in just days. Now they track parts across locations, get automatic reorder notifications, and generate reports that previously required hours of manual work.

Worth Considering

Saltcorn requires basic understanding of relational database concepts to use effectively. While powerful, it lacks some of the polished UI templates found in commercial alternatives and may require more initial setup time. It's best suited for users who need customization flexibility over drag-and-drop simplicity. Free with MIT license (self-hosted) or free trial hosting on saltcorn.com.

Also Consider

Budibase: Better for teams needing more polished UI templates and slightly easier learning curve for complete beginners.

Appsmith: Ideal for developer-focused teams that want to incorporate more custom JavaScript within a low-code environment.

Retool: Best for enterprises willing to pay for a more comprehensive platform with additional integrations and commercial support.

Bottom Line

Saltcorn stands out as a powerful, flexible solution for building custom database applications without code. It offers a rare combination of complete customization freedom with visual development tools, all without subscription fees. If your business needs tailored internal tools or data-driven applications but lacks developer resources, Saltcorn delivers remarkable value.