Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) are software tools that enable developers to create applications with minimal coding. They offer features such as drag-and-drop interfaces, visual editors, pre-built components, data connectors, and code generators that simplify and speed up the development process.
LCDPs are especially useful for building internal tools, such as dashboards, admin panels, workflows, and CRUD apps. Internal tools are applications that help businesses manage their data, processes, and operations more efficiently. However, building internal tools from scratch can be time-consuming, costly, and complex.
That’s why many developers turn to LCDPs to build internal tools faster and easier. LCDPs can help developers save time and money, reduce errors and bugs, improve productivity and collaboration, and deliver better user experiences.
However, not all LCDPs are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing an LCDP for your internal tool development needs, such as:
Features and Functionality
Ease of use and learning curve
Customization and flexibility
Integration and compatibility
Pricing and support
In this blog post, we will compare two popular LCDPs for building internal tools: Appsmith and Tooljet. We will also introduce ILLA Cloud, a new and innovative LCDP that offers a viable alternative to Appsmith and Tooljet.
What is Appsmith?
Appsmith is an open-source LCDP that enables developers to build admin panels, internal tools, and dashboards. It integrates with 15+ databases and any API and offers a framework to build custom widgets and plugins.
Appsmith’s main features include:
A drag-and-drop UI builder with 45+ pre-built widgets
A query editor to write SQL or JavaScript queries to interact with data sources
A code editor to write custom logic using JavaScript
A debugger to test and troubleshoot queries and code
A version control system to manage changes and deployments
A user management system to define roles and permissions
A self-hosting option to deploy on any cloud or on-premise server
What is Tooljet?
Tooljet is an extensible LCDP that enables developers to build business applications. It connects to databases, cloud storage, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, etc., and offers a drag-and-drop application builder.
Tooljet’s main features include the following:
A drag-and-drop UI builder with 30+ pre-built components
A data source manager to connect to various data sources
A query editor to write SQL or JavaScript queries to interact with data sources
A visual programming interface to define workflows and logic using actions
A code editor to write custom logic using JavaScript
A deployment manager to deploy applications on any cloud or on-premise server
A user management system to define roles and permissions
Appsmith vs. Tooljet: Comparison
Both Appsmith and Tooljet are powerful LCDPs that enable developers to build internal tools quickly and easily. However, they have some differences and trade-offs that may affect your decision.
Here is a table that compares Appsmith and Tooljet based on some key criteria:
Criteria | Appsmith | Tooljet |
Features | - More widgets available | - More data sources available |
Ease of use | - Intuitive UI builder | - Intuitive UI builder |
Customization | - High degree of customization using JavaScript | - High degree of customization using JavaScript |
Integration | - Supports 15+ databases and any API | - Supports databases, cloud storage, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, etc. |
Pricing | - Free for self-hosting | - Free for self-hosting |
What is ILLA Cloud?
ILLA Cloud is a new and innovative LCDP that enables developers to build and deploy internal tools in minutes. It connects to various databases and APIs and offers a drag-and-drop UI builder with dozens of components. It also supports JavaScript and SQL for writing queries and logic.
ILLA Cloud’s main features include:
A drag-and-drop UI builder with 50+ pre-built components
A data source manager to connect to mainstream databases or any data connected through APIs
A query editor to write SQL or JavaScript queries to interact with data sources
A code editor to write custom logic using JavaScript and template syntax
A SQL generator to input natural language and get SQL statements that can be run directly
A real-time collaboration feature to work simultaneously with team members on the same project
A flexible deployment option to use ILLA Cloud or ILLA CLI for cloud or on-premise hosting
ILLA Cloud vs. Appsmith vs. Tooljet: Comparison
ILLA Cloud is a robust and versatile LCDP that offers a viable alternative to Appsmith and Tooljet. It combines the best features of both platforms, while also adding some unique and innovative features of its own.
Here is a table that compares ILLA Cloud, Appsmith, and Tooljet based on some key criteria:
Criteria | ILLA Cloud | Appsmith | Tooljet |
Features | - More components available | - Custom widget development framework | - Visual programming interface |
Ease of use | - Intuitive UI builder | - Intuitive UI builder | - Intuitive UI builder |
Customization | - High degree of customization using JavaScript and template syntax | - High degree of customization using JavaScript | - High degree of customization using JavaScript |
Integration | - Supports mainstream databases and any API | - Supports 15+ databases and any API | - Supports databases, cloud storage, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, etc. |
Pricing | - Free for self-hosting | - Free for self-hosting | - Free for self-hosting |
Conclusion
Appsmith and Tooljet are both powerful LCDPs that can help you build internal tools faster and easier. However, they have some limitations and drawbacks that may not suit your needs or preferences.
ILLA Cloud is a new and innovative low-code development platform for internal tool building that offers a viable alternative to both Appsmith and Tooljet. It combines the best features of both platforms, while also adding some unique and innovative features of its own.
If you are looking for an LCDP that can help you build internal tools with minimal coding, high customization, easy integration, flexible deployment, and real-time collaboration, you should give ILLA Cloud a try.
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Source:
(1) Announcing: ILLA Cloud 2.0. https://blog.illacloud.com/announcing-illa-cloud-20/.
(2) ILLA Cloud Pricing, Reviews and Features (March 2023) - SaaSworthy.com. https://www.saasworthy.com/product/illa-cloud.
(3) ILLA Cloud | Accelerate your internal tools development. https://www.illacloud.com/.
(4) About ILLA - ILLA. https://www.illacloud.com/en-US/docs/about-illa.
(5) Top 5 Retool Alternatives in 2022. https://blog.illacloud.com/top-5-retool-alternatives-in-2022.
(6) Introducing ILLA Cloud's AI Power. https://blog.illacloud.com/introducing-illa-clouds-next-level-feature-harnessing-the-power-of-ai-generation/.
(7) appsmith vs ToolJet - compare differences and reviews? | LibHunt. https://www.libhunt.com/compare-appsmith-vs-ToolJet.
(8) Appsmith Vs Tooljet : r/selfhosted - Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/xo4v5g/appsmith_vs_tooljet/.
(9) Tooljet vs. Appsmith Which open-source low-code platform is better for you? – ILLA. https://www.illacloud.com/zh-CN/blog/tooljet-vs-appsmith.