Saltcorn

Saltcorn is a no/low-code platform for building database-backed web applications. It provides a UI to define tables and relationships, generate forms and views, and add logic (workflows) and access control—aimed at quickly delivering internal tools and custom business apps.

Key Features

• Data modeling for tables, fields, and relationships with a built-in admin UI
• Auto-generated CRUD apps: forms, list views, detail pages, and dashboards
• Multiple view types (e.g., tables, cards, calendars, maps, charts) via core and plugin views
• Role-based access control (RBAC) and user authentication for securing pages and data
• Workflow/automation actions triggered by events (e.g., form submits) to implement business logic
• Plugin architecture for extending field types, views, authentication, and integrations
• SQL database support with a focus on PostgreSQL; can connect to existing schemas
• Import/export utilities and configurable page routing/navigation

Use Cases

• Build internal admin tools (inventory, CRM-lite, request/approval apps) on an existing database
• Rapidly prototype and deploy custom data collection apps with forms and dashboards
• Create lightweight portals with authenticated access to records and reports

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced UI customization may require writing templates/plugins rather than only point-and-click configuration
• Feature depth depends on available plugins; some enterprise features (e.g., complex BI) may require external tools

Saltcorn is a good fit when you want Airtable/Retool-style speed while keeping data in your own SQL database and retaining the option to extend functionality in code. Its plugin system and RBAC make it practical for real-world internal applications beyond simple CRUD prototypes.