Top 15 Open-Source Low-Code Projects with the Most GitHub Stars

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by NocoBase

Last week, we published an article titled "The Top 12 Open-Source No-Code Tools with the Most GitHub Stars," which received much appreciation. Many friends commented asking why well-known products like n8n and Appsmith were not on the list. The reason is that we based this list on the "no-code" tag on GitHub, while these products were only tagged as "low-code."

In today's article, we will review low-code projects. It's important to note that there is some overlap between no-code and low-code products (as these concepts do share similarities). Building on our previous article, we will add three additional dimensions to comprehensively evaluate these projects:

1. Open Source License
2. Number of Active Contributors
3. Acceptance of External PRs

During our exploration of the most popular open-source low-code projects on GitHub, we discovered several compelling tools.

NocoBase, with its highly scalable plugin architecture, enables businesses to quickly build and expand applications.

Supervision focuses on simplifying the training, deployment, and monitoring of computer vision models, providing efficient data annotation and model optimization tools.

Refine offers complete control over React code, making it ideal for building and maintaining enterprise-level internal tools, with an emphasis on security and modularity.

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that simplifies complex system integrations and data processing through visual programming.

These tools offer developers a variety of solutions, helping them quickly create powerful applications. Let's take a closer look at these low-code projects now!

Number 15: NocoBase

Introduction

NocoBase is an open-source, self-hosted no-code and low-code development platform. While it serves as a no-code/low-code platform, NocoBase is specifically designed for developers. Its plugin-based architecture allows developers to easily add and customize features to meet a variety of complex business needs.

With NocoBase, developers can combine data model-driven design with an intuitive WYSIWYG interface to achieve seamless data management and automated operations.

Features

• Data Model Driven: Unlike traditional form and table-driven methods, it employs a data model-driven development approach, offering unlimited development capabilities.
• High Scalability: All functionalities are provided through plugins using a microkernel architecture, supporting private deployments.
• WYSIWYG Interface: Provides an intuitive user interface that simplifies the development of complex systems.
• Open Source Tech Stack: Uses mainstream technologies like Node.js and React, ensuring transparency and control.

Use Cases

NocoBase is ideal for technical teams that need to quickly develop and deploy complex business systems, especially in data-intensive and dynamic business environments. It is particularly suitable for CRM, ERP, and custom business process management.

Number 14：APITable

Introduction

APITable is a powerful low-code tool focused on simplifying application creation through an API-centric approach. APITable enables users to build collaborative applications with extensive automation capabilities, seamlessly integrating with over 6,000 applications via tools like Zapier and Make.

Features

• Extensive Application Integration: Connects with over 6,000 applications, supporting code-free automation.
• Data Flow Automation: Simplifies repetitive tasks, such as automatically sending Slack messages and emails following form submissions.
• User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive visual database and customizable form functions.

Use Cases

APITable is suitable for individuals and businesses needing to automate data flows and streamline daily work tasks, especially in the CRM and project management sectors.

Number 13：LowCodeEngine

Introduction

LowCodeEngine, crafted by Alibaba's front-end technical team, is an open-source low-code development platform designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of front-end development. It offers a robust platform equipped with a rich library of UI components and drag-and-drop capabilities, simplifying the development process for complex applications. However, in the past year, the project has seen minimal maintenance and lacks English documentation.

Features

• Modular Design: Embraces a modular design philosophy, supporting rapid iteration and development of complex applications.
• Rich Component Library: Provides an extensive array of UI components and functional modules, supporting high customizability and expansion.
• Graphical Interface: Features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, simplifying the development process and accelerating application construction.

Use Cases

LowCodeEngine is ideal for enterprises and developers building responsive websites, management systems, and other applications, particularly suitable for projects that prioritize development efficiency and maintainability.

Number 12：Amplication

Introduction

Amplication is designed to assist developers in rapidly building and deploying production-grade Node.js applications. It leverages AI to automatically generate backend and frontend code.

Developers can define data models and relationships through its intuitive interface. Amplication then automatically generates a fully functional, production-ready application, including REST API, GraphQL API, authentication, authorization, and an administration interface. Once the models are set, you can customize the generated code or extend it with custom code. The platform supports deployment to various cloud services, facilitating simple and continuous integration.

Features

• AI Code Generation: Automatically generates models, APIs, configurations, etc.
• Full Code Control: Generated code is fully editable, supporting both .NET and Node.js.
• Plugin System: Highly extensible, allowing the use of community-built plugins or the creation of custom plugins.

Use Cases

Amplication is ideal for development teams that need to rapidly develop enterprise-level applications, especially those that require a quick transition from concept to production while maintaining strict data security and compliance.

Number 11：Amis

Introduction

AMIS, developed by Baidu, is a low-code front-end framework that rapidly generates complex front-end interfaces through JSON configuration.

Designed to simplify the development of data-intensive applications, AMIS is particularly suited for administrative backends and complex data displays. It embodies the low-code platform ethos by enabling rapid application development through minimal or no-code configurations.

However, the lack of English documentation can be a barrier for non-Chinese speaking developers.

Features

• JSON Driven: Pages are generated through JSON configurations, streamlining front-end development.
• Rich Component Library: Includes a variety of components such as tables, forms, and charts to meet the needs of complex pages.
• Visual Editing: Supports visual operations, simplifying the development process.

Use Cases

AMIS is ideal for scenarios that require the rapid development of rich, interactive front-end applications, especially in the areas of management backends and complex data visualization.

Number 10：APIJSON

Introduction

APIJSON is an automated ORM library open-sourced by Tencent that provides zero-code backend interfaces and documentation, allowing front-end developers to customize the returned JSON data and structure.

APIJSON is not a traditional low-code platform; it simplifies backend development by automatically creating APIs and documentation without the need for writing backend code. This adheres to low-code principles by reducing the amount of coding required. However, it specializes more in simplifying database interactions through JSON, targeting front-end developers.

Features

• Zero-Code Implementation: Automates CRUD operations, eliminating the need for manually written backend code or documentation.
• High Security: Automatically validates permissions and manages versions to prevent SQL injection.
• Powerful Flexibility: Supports a variety of queries, including cross-database joins and nested subqueries.

Use Cases

APIJSON is suitable for small to medium-sized front-end and back-end separated projects, such as startups, internal projects, and applications requiring rapid development and iteration, especially those involving complex database operations.

Number 9：Supervision

Introduction

Supervision is a platform designed for training, deploying, and monitoring computer vision models, aimed at optimizing model performance and streamlining workflows.

While not strictly marketed as a low-code platform, Supervision focuses on providing tools for training, deploying, and monitoring computer vision models, including features that simplify processes such as data annotation and one-click model training.

This greatly simplifies the development process for users without deep technical expertise, aligning with some low-code platform principles by reducing the amount of code users need to handle directly.

Features

• Data Annotation Tools: Provides efficient labeling tools to accelerate the data preparation process.
• Model Training and Deployment: Supports one-click model training and deployment, requiring no deep technical background.
• Continuous Monitoring and Optimization: Monitors model performance in real-time and automatically optimizes to enhance accuracy.

Use Cases

Supervision is suitable for businesses and researchers needing to rapidly develop and deploy computer vision applications, particularly in areas like product quality control, security monitoring, and enhancing customer experiences.

Number 8：Node-RED

Introduction

Node-RED is a low-code programming tool based on Node.js, designed to connect hardware devices, APIs, and online services to create event-driven applications.

Features

• Browser Editor: Features a browser-based flow editor that simplifies the process of connecting and deploying workflows.
• Based on Node.js: Utilizes Node.js's event-driven model, making it suitable for running on edge devices and in cloud environments.
• Community Driven: Supports community sharing and reuse of flows, boasting a rich library of modules and online flow repositories.

Use Cases

Node-RED is ideal for projects that require the integration of multiple systems and services, such as IoT device control, automated workflows, and various data processing and distribution tasks.

Number 7：Refine

Introduction

Refine is an open-source enterprise-level alternative to Retool, designed for building React-based internal tools, management panels, dashboards, and B2B applications. It combines the benefits of low-code and full-code, offering scalability from startup to long-term maintenance.

Features

• Pure React Code: Provides a fully controllable open-source solution, avoiding the limitations of a black box.
• Enterprise-Level Security: Supports self-hosted deployments and seamlessly integrates with existing authentication providers, supporting complex access control models.
• Modular Architecture: Easily integrates with REST and GraphQL APIs, supporting a variety of front-end libraries and frameworks.

Use Cases

Refine is ideal for enterprise developers looking to build and maintain highly customized internal applications, especially in scenarios that demand strong customization and high security standards.

Number 6：Flowise

Introduction

Flowise is an open-source low-code tool specifically designed for creating customized large language model (LLM) applications. It enables developers to build complex LLM workflows and AI agents through a simple drag-and-drop interface, accelerating the development process from prototype to production.

Features

• Rapid Iteration: Supports a low-code approach that speeds up iterations from testing to production.
• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies the creation process of LLM applications, supported by built-in templates and logic.
• Multimodal Integration: Facilitates connections to a variety of data sources and APIs, such as databases and cloud services.

Use Cases

Flowise is suitable for enterprises that need to quickly develop and deploy AI-driven interactive applications, such as customer service automation, intelligent data analysis, and multilingual support systems.

Number 5：ToolJet

Introduction

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform designed for building business applications. It allows connections to databases, cloud storage, GraphQL, and API endpoints, utilizing a drag-and-drop app builder to create applications.

Features

• Multiple Data Source Connections: Supports seamless integration with over 50 different applications, databases, and APIs.
• Visual App Builder: Provides a drag-and-drop interface to simplify front-end development.
• Workflow Automation: Enables automation of complex manual business processes, reducing developer workload.

Use Cases

ToolJet is ideal for enterprises that need to quickly build and maintain custom internal tools, especially suited for scenarios with complex integration requirements.

Number 4：Appsmith

Introduction

Appsmith is an open-source platform for building internal tools, enabling developers to quickly create, deploy, and manage enterprise internal tools using a low-code approach. It supports connections to any database, SaaS tool, or API and offers flexible UI construction options.

Features

• Extensive Integrations: Supports over 18 native integrations, facilitating easy connection to data sources.
• Flexible Development Options: Provides over 45 customizable widgets and a built-in JavaScript editor to meet complex customization needs.
• Rapid Deployment and Collaboration: Appsmith features instant preview and one-click deployment capabilities, enabling teams to collaborate and iterate on applications quickly.

Use Cases

Appsmith is ideal for enterprises needing to quickly build and maintain internal management dashboards, CRM systems, customer support portals, and other backend applications.

Number 3：n8n

Introduction

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that enables technical teams to connect any online service or API through a visual programming interface. It supports highly customizable workflows for automatic data transmission and processing, enhancing the efficiency and automation of business operations.

Features

• Open Source and Extensible: Users can freely modify and expand functionalities.
• Diverse Integrations: Supports integration with over 400 applications.
• Advanced Automation Capabilities: Provides sophisticated AI features for complex data operations and interactions.

Use Cases

n8n is particularly suited for businesses that need to automate the processing of large volumes of data and integrate multiple systems, such as in automated marketing, customer data analytics, and internal workflow optimization.

Number 2：NocoDB

Introduction

NocoDB is an open-source alternative to Airtable, capable of transforming any database into a smart spreadsheet for powerful data management and automation.

Features

• Flexible Data Views: Provides grid, kanban, gallery, form, and calendar views to accommodate various data presentation needs.
• High Scalability: Capable of handling millions of rows of data, suitable for large-scale database applications.
• Robust API Support: Offers high-throughput APIs to ensure flexible and efficient data operations.

Use Cases

NocoDB is ideal for businesses that require data-intensive operations, such as CRM, project management, operations management, and inventory management.

Number 1：AppFlowy

Introduction

AppFlowy is an open-source alternative to Notion, available for offline use and focused on data privacy and customization. It supports a rich array of plugins and templates. AppFlowy offers end-to-end encryption and multi-platform compatibility, including offline mode, allowing users to manage their data and tasks anytime, anywhere.

Features

• Highly Customizable: Provides expandable plugins, templates, and themes, allowing users to tailor the tool to their specific needs.
• Data Privacy Protection: Supports end-to-end encryption, ensuring data security.
• Multi-Platform Support: Available on various operating systems, including iOS and Android mobile platforms.

Use Cases

AppFlowy is suitable for individuals and teams who require high levels of data privacy and customizability, ideal for knowledge management, project collaboration, and personal note-taking.

Attached: Overview of Star Trends

Trend for Stars from 15th to 10th

Trend for Stars from 9th to 4th

Trend for Stars from 3rd to 1st

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by NocoBase