Saltcorn

Saltcorn is a no-code platform that enables users to build web applications and manage data with customizable workflows, databases, and a user-friendly interface

Nov 28, 2024
Saltcorn

What is Saltcorn?

Saltcorn is an open-source, no-code platform that lets you build web applications without writing any code. It provides an easy-to-use interface where you can create and manage relational databases, design user interfaces, and automate workflows. Saltcorn is perfect for making applications like to-do lists, note-taking apps, project management tools, and more.

Features of Saltcorn

  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily design pages and data views by dragging and dropping elements onto the canvas, making layout customization simple and intuitive.
  • Relational Data Modeling: Create complex data relationships using tables and foreign keys to ensure data integrity and efficient organization.
  • Responsive Design: Build applications that work smoothly on various devices, including desktops and mobile platforms.
  • Plugin Architecture: Enhance functionality by installing plugins for new data types, views, and themes, increasing the platform's versatility.
  • Open Source: Access the source code freely for customization and transparency, eliminating concerns about vendor lock-in.

Pros of Saltcorn

  • No Coding Required: Create functional web applications without needing any programming skills, making it easy for non-developers to use.
  • Cost-Effective: Being a free and open-source platform, Saltcorn lowers development costs compared to proprietary software.
  • Community Support: Enjoy the benefits of a growing community that contributes plugins, themes, and offers help.
  • Data Ownership: Self-hosting options give you complete control over your data, improving security and privacy.

Cons of Saltcorn

  • Learning Curve: Although no coding is needed, you might need to learn about relational databases and application logic.
  • Performance Considerations: For applications with high traffic, you may need to optimize performance to ensure scalability.
  • Limited Real-Time Collaboration: Features like live updates from other users are not supported yet, which could impact collaborative applications.

Alternatives to Saltcorn

  • Appsmith: An open-source platform for creating internal tools, emphasizing features that are friendly for developers.
  • Retool: A low-code platform aimed at building internal tools, providing extensive integrations but at a higher price. Read our detailed review of Retool.
  • Budibase: An open-source, low-code platform that enables quick application development with an integrated database.

Saltcorn is for you if

  • You want to build custom web applications without writing code.
  • You prefer an open-source solution with community support.
  • You need full control over your data with self-hosting options.

Saltcorn is not for you if

  • You need advanced real-time collaboration features.
  • You require a platform optimized for high-traffic applications without extra performance tuning.
  • You prefer a platform with many pre-built templates and components.

Saltcorn FAQs

What kind of applications can I build with Saltcorn?

You can build applications like to-do lists, note-taking apps, project management tools, CRMs, blogs, wikis, and more. It's suitable for applications that fit into the relational model and involve creating, reading, updating, and deleting structured content.

Is Saltcorn suitable for building mobile apps?

Yes, Saltcorn has experimental features for building mobile apps for Android and iOS. Additionally, web applications built with Saltcorn are responsive and work well on mobile devices, depending on the theme used.

How does Saltcorn handle data storage?

Saltcorn relies on the PostgreSQL relational database to store its data. It manages the database schema, so you don't have to write any SQL.

Is Saltcorn secure?

Saltcorn takes security seriously and scans for vulnerabilities. To the best of their knowledge, there are no exploitable SQL injection, cross-site scripting, or cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities by non-admin users.

Can I use Saltcorn without coding knowledge?

Yes, Saltcorn is designed to let you build web applications without writing code, using its intuitive point-and-click, drag-and-drop user interface.