Budibase
Budibase is an open-source low-code platform for internal tools, and a self-hosted alternative to Retool. You connect an existing SQL database, REST API, or spreadsheet — or use its built-in database — then assemble screens, forms, and automations from prebuilt components. Apps are deployed from the same tool, either to Budibase's own runtime or via Docker and Kubernetes.
Overview
Description
Budibase is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools — admin panels, CRUD apps, approval workflows, forms — and a self-hosted alternative to Retool. It ships with an embedded database but is designed to sit on top of data you already have: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MS SQL, MongoDB, REST and GraphQL APIs, Google Sheets, and S3. The visual builder covers the UI, a rules-based automation engine covers the logic, and role-based access control governs who sees what.
Features
- Data connectors: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MS SQL, MongoDB, Oracle, REST, Airtable, Google Sheets, and S3.
- Visual builder: Component-based screen designer with binding expressions and a built-in form builder.
- Automations: Trigger flows on record changes, webhooks, or schedules; steps for email, queries, and scripting.
- Internal database: A built-in store with relationships and views for greenfield apps.
- Access control: App-level and data-level RBAC, plus SSO via OIDC and SAML.
- Self-managed deployment: One-command Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or a portable single-container image.
Technology Stack
- Node.js server (app and worker services)
- Svelte client and builder
- CouchDB for app definitions and internal data, Redis for sessions and queues
- MinIO (or S3) for object storage
- Docker Compose and a Helm chart for deployment
Requirements
- Docker and Docker Compose (or Kubernetes)
- ~2 GB RAM for a small instance
- SMTP for invitations and automation emails
Learning resources
BudiBase Tutorial For Beginners | How To Use BudiBase (New Updated)
A beginner's tour of the Budibase builder: connecting a data source, designing screens and forms, adding an automation, and publishing an internal app.
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ArticleSelf-host Budibase with Docker Compose
The official Docker Compose install: download the compose and environment files, set the admin and API secrets, start the app, worker, CouchDB, Redis, MinIO, and proxy services, and open the builder.
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