Lowdefy

Lowdefy is a source-available, config-driven web stack built on Next.js, enabling developers to create internal tools, client portals, and dashboards using YAML or JSON. It offers extensive integrations with databases and APIs, a rich library of UI components, and robust security features. The platform emphasizes flexibility through NPM plugins and easy deployment.

Lowdefy is a strong match for Retool's concept. It explicitly states its purpose as a 'config web stack for business apps' to 'Create web apps, internal tools, client portals, admin panels and dashboards with YAML or JSON config.' This directly aligns with Retool's focus on building custom internal applications. Lowdefy offers extensive API and database integrations, a component-based UI approach (though config-driven rather than drag-and-drop, it achieves the same visual building outcome), and robust code customization through YAML/JSON and NPM plugins. It also emphasizes security features like Auth.js integration for SSO/SAML/2FA and role-based access control, and flexible deployment options. The platform's emphasis on YAML/JSON config for version control and its ability to extend with custom React components further solidifies the match.