6 Open-Source No-Code & Low-Code Tools for Software Agencies

At the start

When software agencies take on new client projects, the pressure is almost always the same: clients want results fast, but they also expect stability, flexibility, and long-term maintainability.

That is why many agencies turn to no-code and low-code tools to quickly build prototypes or PoCs.

However, not every no-code or low-code platform is suitable for long-term client delivery. As requirements evolve, workflows become more complex, and access control needs to be more granular, the limitations of many tools start to surface.

Within developer communities, opinions on no-code vary widely. Some see it as a powerful way to ship faster, while others worry about vendor lock-in, architectural constraints, and the cost of maintaining complex systems over time.

From the perspective of teams delivering real client systems, this raises a key question: among open-source no-code and low-code platforms, which ones are truly suitable for building systems that clients will rely on for years, not just weeks?

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Client Projects vs. Internal Projects

Many no-code platforms are built around a simple assumption: they are primarily used for internal projects and maintained by the same team over a long period of time.

Once you move into client-facing projects, this assumption quickly breaks down.

When a system is built for external clients, the delivery model, technical requirements, and long-term responsibilities change in fundamental ways.

First, changing requirements are the norm

In client projects, the first release is rarely the finish line. Requirements evolve constantly. Clients add new features, adjust workflows, and sometimes even reverse earlier decisions. This means a no-code platform must support continuous iteration without breaking existing functionality or forcing costly rework.

Second, deployment and delivery are far more complex

Many client projects are eventually deployed into the client’s own environment, such as on-premise servers, private clouds, or restricted internal networks. A suitable platform must support self-hosting and make deployment, upgrades, and migrations predictable and controllable, rather than hidden risks that surface months later.

Third, delivery is only the beginning

For teams building client systems, going live does not mean the project is finished. Ongoing changes, bug fixes, and feature extensions continue long after launch. If a platform is not designed for long-term maintenance, each new request increases technical debt and operational friction.

Finally, cost control determines whether a project is actually profitable

This is the most practical and often overlooked factor. If a platform is expensive to modify, extend, or maintain over time, a project can keep losing money even after a successful launch. Choosing the right platform is ultimately about controlling long-term labor costs and reducing unpredictable delivery risks, not just shipping faster at the beginning.

Key Comparison Dimensions for Client Project Delivery

Dimension	NocoBase	Appsmith	Budibase	NocoDB	ToolJet	Directus
Open source	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Self-hosted deployment	✅ Built-in, production-ready	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Data modeling capability	Strong (relational, model-first)	Medium	Medium	Weak (table-centric)	Medium	Strong
Relational data support	Full support (many-to-many, junction tables, constraints)	Limited	Limited	⚠️ Not a core focus	Limited	Strong
Permission system (RBAC)	System-level, fine-grained (role, data, action)	Basic	Basic	Basic	Basic	Strong
Business processes & workflows	Built-in, designed for real business processes	Weak	Medium	❌	Medium	❌
Extension & customization approach	Plugin-based architecture; frontend JS blocks for lightweight extensions	Primarily custom JS	Limited	❌	Primarily custom JS	Hooks-based
Support for evolving requirements	Strong, designed for continuous iteration	Average	Average	Weak	Average	Medium
Reuse across multiple client projects	Well suited (templates, plugins, repeatable patterns)	Average	Average	Not suitable	Average	Average
Suitability for long-term client delivery	High	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited	❌	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited

NocoBase

Website:https://www.nocobase.com

GitHub:https://github.com/nocobase/nocobase

GitHub stars: 20.8k

NocoBase is an open-source, self-hosted AI no-code and low-code platform built around data models and a plugin-based architecture. It is designed for building scalable, production-ready business systems rather than lightweight internal tools.

From a client project delivery perspective, NocoBase behaves less like a fixed-feature no-code tool and more like a flexible, extensible development foundation. This makes it particularly suitable for agencies and service teams responsible for long-term delivery, maintenance, and ongoing system evolution.

When does NocoBase make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, NocoBase is especially well suited for the following types of projects.

1.Projects with clear or evolving AI requirements

NocoBase integrates AI directly into the system through AI Employees. Instead of treating AI as an external add-on, AI is modeled as a first-class system role that can participate in forms, workflows, and data operations, all within clearly defined permission boundaries.

This approach works well for projects that:

Need intelligent assistance inside business workflows
Want to introduce AI gradually, without redesigning the system later
Require strict control over what AI can access and modify

AI Employee.png

For example, an AI Employee can read and analyze lead data stored in the system and assist sales teams with classification, enrichment, or follow-up suggestions.

2.Projects where data relationships, permissions, and workflows define the core complexity

Many client systems are not complex because of UI, but because of:

Multiple business entities with relationships
Role-based and data-level permissions
Cross-role approval flows and business processes

data modeling.png

NocoBase provides system-level support for relational data modeling, RBAC, and workflows, which significantly reduces long-term maintenance costs compared to tools that rely heavily on custom scripts.

At its core, NocoBase is data-driven. It supports:

A primary internal database
External databases such as MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and Oracle
API-based data sources

UI blocks and user actions are fully decoupled from underlying data sources, resulting in an architecture closer to traditional software development and far better suited for complex business scenarios.

field-level permission control.png

NocoBase also supports field-level permission control, which is critical for multi-role client systems.

3.Systems with continuously evolving requirements

In client projects, change is the default. New fields, new relationships, and new workflows are introduced long after the first release.

NocoBase follows a model-first approach: stabilize the data structure first, then layer UI, workflows, and permissions on top. This makes it easier to extend systems over time without breaking existing functionality or accumulating fragile workarounds.

Adjusting the UI is straightforward. Teams can enter edit mode directly from the interface and iterate quickly without touching the underlying data model.

4.Projects that require customization and extension

When built-in features are not enough, NocoBase allows code-level extensions through its plugin mechanism, rather than forcing teams into predefined capabilities.

frontend JS blocks.png

For lighter customization needs, frontend JS blocks can be used to implement custom field rendering, interactions, or integrations. This combination allows teams to balance speed and flexibility without sacrificing maintainability.

Typical client systems built with NocoBase

In practice, NocoBase is commonly used to deliver:

CRM systems
Project and delivery management systems
Lightweight ERP and business management systems
Customer success and after-sales systems
Approval and workflow systems
Industry-specific customized management systems

What these systems have in common is not their domain, but their structure: clear data models with complex relationships, continuously evolving requirements, and a strong need for long-term maintenance and controlled delivery costs.

Appsmith

Website:https://www.appsmith.com/

GitHub:https://github.com/appsmithorg/appsmith

GitHub stars: 38.7k

Appsmith is an open-source, self-hosted no-code and low-code platform designed for rapidly building API-driven internal tools and admin interfaces. Its core strength lies in UI composition, direct API bindings, and fast interaction with existing services.

From a client project delivery perspective, Appsmith is best suited for UI-centric, tool-focused applications, rather than full-fledged business systems with complex data models and workflows.

When does Appsmith make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, Appsmith is typically a good fit for the following types of projects.

1.UI- and operation-focused tools

When the primary goal is to quickly build admin dashboards, operational panels, or data manipulation interfaces, Appsmith’s component-based UI and direct API bindings can significantly accelerate delivery.

2.Projects with an existing backend

If the client already has stable backend services or databases and only needs a frontend layer for querying, editing, and triggering basic actions, Appsmith is easy to adopt and quick to roll out.

In these cases, Appsmith acts as a thin UI layer on top of existing systems, avoiding the need for heavy data modeling or workflow configuration.

3.Projects with relatively stable requirements

When data fields, relationships, and workflows are largely fixed and unlikely to change frequently, Appsmith can be delivered efficiently without extensive upfront modeling or architectural planning.

This makes it suitable for tools where the structure is known early and long-term evolution is limited.

Typical client tools built with Appsmith

In practice, Appsmith is commonly used to deliver:

Internal admin dashboards
Data querying and maintenance tools
Operational or customer support interfaces
API-driven business tools
Simple internal form-based systems

What these tools have in common is a clear focus on UI efficiency and operational convenience, with limited complexity in data relationships, workflows, and permission models.

Budibase

Website:https://budibase.com/

GitHub:https://github.com/Budibase/budibase

GitHub stars: 27.5k

Budibase is an open-source, self-hosted no-code platform designed for rapidly building business applications on top of databases or table-based data. It emphasizes ease of use, prebuilt components, and a template-first development experience.

From a client project delivery perspective, Budibase occupies a similar position to Appsmith. It is particularly strong at building UI-driven tools and straightforward business applications.

When does Budibase make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, Budibase is typically a good fit for the following types of projects.

1.Low- to medium-complexity data management systems

When a project primarily involves data entry, querying, basic updates, and status tracking, and the underlying data relationships are relatively simple, Budibase can be delivered efficiently with minimal setup.

2.Projects with tight delivery timelines

Budibase’s configuration model and ready-to-use UI components make it well suited for projects where time-to-first-version is the main constraint.

UI components.png

3.Applications built on existing databases or table schemas

If a client already has a well-defined database or table schema, Budibase can be layered directly on top of it to build application interfaces.

Typical client systems built with Budibase

In practice, Budibase is commonly used to deliver:

Simple CRM or customer information management systems
Internal data entry and management tools
Lightweight approval or status-tracking applications
Operational tools used by business or operations teams

What these systems have in common is a focus on straightforward data operations and UI efficiency, with relatively flat data models, limited workflow and permission complexity, and modest requirements for long-term extensibility.

NocoDB

Website:https://nocodb.com/

GitHub:https://github.com/nocodb/nocodb

GitHub stars: 59.2k

NocoDB is an open-source, self-hosted no-code platform designed to turn relational databases into Airtable-style visual tables, with a strong emphasis on data access, collaboration, and spreadsheet-like interaction.

From a client project delivery perspective, NocoDB functions primarily as a database visualization and collaboration layer. It excels at making structured data more accessible, but intentionally keeps business logic and process complexity to a minimum.

When does NocoDB make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, NocoDB is best suited for a relatively narrow, table-centric set of use cases.

1.Spreadsheet-driven data management

When a client’s core requirement is still collaborative, spreadsheet-style data work, but with better access control and deployment flexibility than Excel or Google Sheets, NocoDB can be delivered quickly with minimal overhead.

2.Clients explicitly seeking an open-source Airtable alternative

For teams that want to avoid SaaS products and prefer a self-hosted, open-source alternative to Airtable, NocoDB is a direct and intuitive choice.

3.Projects with stable and simple data structures

If table schemas are largely fixed and there is little need for complex relationships or evolving business logic, NocoDB is a practical option.

It supports external databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, making it suitable for exposing existing data in a more user-friendly format without restructuring the underlying schema.

MySQL and PostgreSQL.png

Typical client systems built with NocoDB

In practice, NocoDB is commonly used to deliver:

Excel or Airtable replacements
Simple customer, inventory, or asset records
Data entry and sharing tables
Spreadsheet-centric internal collaboration tools

What these systems have in common is a strong focus on table-based operations, with lightweight business logic and limited requirements for workflows, permissions, and long-term extensibility.

ToolJet

Website:https://www.tooljet.com/

GitHub:https://github.com/ToolJet/ToolJet

GitHub stars: 37.1k

ToolJet is an open-source, self-hosted low-code platform that combines AI-assisted app generation, a visual builder, and integrations with databases and APIs. It allows teams to bootstrap applications using natural language prompts and then refine them through visual configuration.

From a client project delivery perspective, ToolJet blends visual low-code development with fast, prompt-based scaffolding. Its strengths lie in rapid prototyping and internal business tools, rather than serving as a foundation for complex, long-lived business systems.

When does ToolJet make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, ToolJet is most effective in the following situations.

1.Projects that require rapid prototyping from requirements

ToolJet allows teams to describe requirements in natural language and generate an initial application structure. This makes it well suited for quickly producing prototypes, demos, or early-stage versions of client applications.

ToolJet can significantly shorten the path from idea to working interface.

describe requirements.png

2.Data-integration-driven internal tools

When the primary goal is to consolidate data from databases, APIs, or existing business systems into dashboards, admin panels, or operational interfaces, ToolJet’s visual builder and data connectors help reduce development effort.

3.Business logic with simple workflows or automation

ToolJet supports event triggers, basic workflow steps, and lightweight automation logic. This is sufficient for straightforward business process automation, such as form submissions, status updates, or simple approval actions.

Typical client tools built with ToolJet

In practice, ToolJet is commonly used to deliver:

Internal management or operations tools
Data querying and editing backends
Simple business operation interfaces
API-driven management panels

What these tools have in common is a strong focus on UI efficiency and fast iteration, with limited reliance on system-level data modeling, complex workflows, or advanced permission control.

Directus

Website:https://directus.io/

GitHub:https://github.com/directus/directus

GitHub stars: 33.7k

Directus is an open-source, self-hosted headless data platform that sits on top of existing databases to provide unified data access, fine-grained permission control, and auto-generated APIs. It is commonly used as a Headless CMS or a centralized data service layer.

From a client project delivery perspective, Directus is best understood as a data and content management layer, rather than a full application framework responsible for UI, workflows, or end-to-end business processes.

When does Directus make sense for client projects?

In real-world client delivery scenarios, Directus is a strong fit for projects where data structure, access control, and API consistency are the primary concerns.

1.Content- or data-centric projects

When the core focus of a project is managing content structures, defining data schemas, and exposing clean APIs to multiple consumers, Directus is a natural choice.

managing content.png

2.Projects requiring stable data models and strict access control

Directus offers robust, data-level permission management and automatic API generation, making it well suited for environments with strict governance, compliance, or data access requirements.

3.Acting as a data backbone or backend service

In many client projects, Directus is most effective when positioned as a foundational data service, rather than the application layer itself.

Typical client systems built with Directus

In practice, Directus is commonly used to deliver:

Headless CMS and content management systems
Data management and distribution platforms
Backend service layers for frontend applications
Shared data platforms used across multiple applications

What these systems have in common is a strong emphasis on data structure, access control, and API reliability, with relatively limited focus on business workflows, UI interactions, or application-layer process orchestration.

Summary

Each open-source no-code platform excels in different client delivery scenarios. The key is not which tool is “better,” but which layer of the system you are actually building.

Appsmith, ToolJet, and Budibase

These tools focus primarily on the application and tooling layer. They are well suited for rapidly building internal tools, admin panels, and operational interfaces, offering fast delivery at the cost of limited system depth and long-term extensibility.

NocoDB

NocoDB functions essentially as a spreadsheet collaboration and database visualization tool. It is a strong replacement for Excel or Airtable when teams want better control and self-hosting, but it is not designed for complex business systems.

Directus

Directus operates as data and content infrastructure. It is commonly used as a backend service or a centralized data layer, especially when data governance and API consistency are the primary concerns.

NocoBase

NocoBase is closer to an extensible business system foundation. It is particularly well suited for client projects with continuously evolving requirements, complex data relationships, and permissions and workflows at the core of the system.

In the end, the best tool is the one that fits the delivery scenario, system boundaries, and long-term responsibility of your project.

❤️ Thanks for reading to the end. If you found this article useful, feel free to share it with others who build and deliver real client systems.

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