ToolJet - An open-source AI low-code development platform with visual drag-and-drop setup.

What is ToolJet?

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform, often referred to as an open-source alternative to Retool. The platform offers 60+ drag-and-drop components and 80+ data source connections, supports a built-in PostgreSQL database, visual workflows, and JS/Python code extensions, enabling rapid setup of internal backends, data dashboards, and approval workflows. The community edition is completely free under the AGPL-3.0 license, supports one-click Docker self-hosting, and offers data autonomy and control, making it suitable for individual developers, small teams, and enterprises with compliance requirements.

ToolJet's main functions

• Visual Application BuilderYou can build your interface by dragging and dropping 60+ pre-built components, without having to write any front-end code by hand.
• Data source connectionOne-click access to 80+ databases, APIs, and SaaS services, connecting internal and external enterprise data.
• Built-in databaseIt comes with a no-code database based on PostgreSQL, which can access data without relying on external libraries.
• Workflow AutomationVisual orchestration of triggers and conditional branches, supporting automatic execution of scheduled tasks and webhooks.
• Code extensionIt supports writing JavaScript/Python and custom React components within the application, allowing for flexible handling of complex logic.
• Security and permissionsProvides data encryption, SSO, RBAC, and audit logs to meet enterprise-level security compliance requirements.
• AI capabilitiesGenerate applications and queries using natural language, and assist in debugging and troubleshooting (Enterprise Edition).
• Deployment and ReleaseSupports one-click self-hosting in multiple environments such as Docker/K8s, and applications can be published, shared, or embedded in other systems.

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How to use ToolJet

• Local deploymentRun a Docker command to start ToolJet and access it. http://localhost Register an account and access the workbench.
• Create an applicationClick "Create new app" in the workbench to name the app, and you can enter the visual editing canvas.
• Prepare dataCreate a table in the built-in ToolJet Database and populate it with sample data, or connect to an external data source.
• Write a queryAdd a query to the bottom query panel (e.g., getEmployees (Read table data), set the application to run automatically when it loads.
• Binding componentsDrag in components such as Table, and use them in the Properties panel. {{queries.getEmployees.data}} Bind the query results to the component.
• Configuration Interaction: Create a new write query (e.g.) addEmployeesAnd bind an event to automatically refresh the table after adding new data.
• Preview VerificationClick "Preview" in the upper right corner to preview the application and confirm that the data and interaction are normal.
• Publish and shareClick "Release" to publish the application, and use "Share" to generate a link to share with colleagues.

ToolJet's core advantages

• Open source and free, extremely low costThe community edition of AGPL-3.0 is completely free, saving a considerable amount of subscription fees compared to commercial low-code platforms such as Retool.
• Self-hosted, with independent and controllable data.Supports deployment on Docker, Kubernetes, and major cloud platforms. Data remains on your own server throughout the process, meeting compliance and privacy requirements.
• Extremely low learning curveA single Docker command can run locally, and the setup can be completed simply by dragging and dropping components and binding a data source. Even non-professional developers can quickly create a usable backend.
• Strong connectivityWith 80+ data sources available out of the box, covering mainstream databases, APIs, and SaaS tools, and also supporting plugin marketplace expansion, it's virtually impossible to have trouble connecting to existing systems.
• Balancing low-code and code freedomIt can be built using drag-and-drop, or it can embed JavaScript/Python and import custom React components. It is fast for simple scenarios and unrestricted for complex scenarios.
• Complete enterprise-level capabilitiesIt features SSO, RBAC, audit logs, multi-environment management, and GitSync/CI-CD, while AI-generated applications and agent automation further amplify efficiency.

ToolJet's Competitive Product Comparison

ToolJet application scenarios

• Data Management BackendIt provides a backend for adding, deleting, modifying, and querying business data such as orders, users, and products, eliminating the need for operations staff to schedule development work.
• Business Data DashboardConnect to databases or APIs and use chart components to build real-time sales, inventory, and operational metrics dashboards to support decision-making.
• Approval and Work Order SystemUse forms and workflows to build application processes such as expense reimbursement approval, leave application, and customer service work order transfer.
• Customer and Lead Management (Lightweight CRM)Based on a built-in database or external data source, build a customer information database, sales lead pool, and follow-up record system.
• Internal automation and AI applications: Automate processes such as data synchronization and notification push through scheduled tasks, webhooks, and agent builders, or quickly generate internal AI tools using natural language.