# NocoBase — Extensible No-Code/Low-Code Platform

> NocoBase is a self-hosted no-code and low-code platform for building internal tools, CRMs, and business applications. It features a data-model-first approach with a plugin architecture that lets developers extend every aspect of the system.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# NocoBase — Extensible No-Code/Low-Code Platform

## Quick Use
```bash
# Docker Compose (recommended)
git clone https://github.com/nocobase/nocobase.git
cd nocobase/docker/app-postgres
docker compose up -d

# Access at http://localhost:13000
# Default: admin@nocobase.com / admin123
```

## Introduction
NocoBase takes a data-model-first approach to no-code application building. Instead of starting from forms or views, you define your data structure and NocoBase generates CRUD interfaces, workflows, and APIs automatically — while remaining fully extensible through a plugin system.

## What NocoBase Does
- Builds internal tools and business apps with visual data modeling and UI configuration
- Generates REST and GraphQL APIs automatically from your data models
- Provides workflow automation with triggers, conditions, and multi-step actions
- Supports role-based access control with field-level and record-level permissions
- Extends functionality through a plugin architecture covering auth, storage, charts, and more

## Architecture Overview
NocoBase is built with Node.js (Koa) on the backend and React (Ant Design) on the frontend. It uses a plugin-based architecture where every feature — collections, users, workflows, file storage — is a plugin. The ORM layer (Sequelize) supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and SQLite. The UI is rendered from a JSON schema stored in the database, enabling visual page building without code generation.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Deploy via Docker Compose with PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite as the backing database
- Install from source with Node.js 18+ and your choice of database
- Configure environment variables for database connection, storage, and authentication providers
- Add plugins through the built-in plugin manager or develop custom plugins with the SDK
- Support multiple languages with built-in i18n and locale management

## Key Features
- Data-model-first design — define collections and fields, then build UIs on top
- WYSIWYG page builder with drag-and-drop blocks, tables, forms, charts, and kanban boards
- Built-in workflow engine with approval flows, scheduled tasks, and webhook triggers
- Plugin architecture where every feature is modular and replaceable
- Multi-database support with the ability to connect external data sources

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **NocoDB** — Spreadsheet interface over databases, but less capable for building complex application UIs
- **Appsmith** — Code-first internal tool builder with more JavaScript flexibility but steeper learning curve
- **Budibase** — Similar no-code builder with simpler UX but less extensible plugin architecture
- **Directus** — Headless CMS and API layer for databases, but not focused on application building workflows
- **Tooljet** — Low-code platform with strong API integration, but less emphasis on data modeling

## FAQ
**Q: How is NocoBase different from NocoDB?**
A: NocoDB provides a spreadsheet-like view of databases. NocoBase is a full application builder with visual page design, workflow automation, and a plugin system for building complete business applications.

**Q: Can I use NocoBase with an existing database?**
A: Yes. NocoBase can connect to existing PostgreSQL or MySQL databases and create collections from existing tables without modifying your schema.

**Q: Is NocoBase free for commercial use?**
A: The core platform is open source under AGPL-3.0. Commercial plugins and enterprise features are available under a separate license.

**Q: Does NocoBase support mobile apps?**
A: NocoBase provides a responsive web interface. A dedicated mobile client plugin is available for building mobile-optimized views.

## Sources
- https://github.com/nocobase/nocobase
- https://www.nocobase.com

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/692e94c8-39db-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: Script Depot