undb is an open-source, private-first no-code platform that functions as both a visual database and Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS). Designed for developers and non-technical users alike, it enables rapid creation of database-backed applications without writing code. Built on SQLite for lightweight performance and bundled with Bun for single-file deployment, undb offers a complete stack—from a user-friendly UI for table management to auto-generated REST APIs. It’s ideal for teams needing full control over their data, with options to run locally, in Docker, or deploy to cloud platforms like Render. Unlike SaaS alternatives, undb prioritizes data privacy and offline-first operation while maintaining Airtable-like functionality.
What You Get
- No-code table management - Create, edit, and visualize databases through a browser-based UI with support for kanban, gallery, calendar, and pivot views—no SQL required.
- SQLite-based storage - Uses SQLite as the underlying database, ensuring low overhead and single-file portability while supporting standard SQL queries behind the scenes.
- Built-in playground mode - Try undb instantly without installation by accessing the cloud demo at app.undb.io, ideal for quick evaluations.
- OpenAPI RESTful API - Automatically generates a full OpenAPI-compliant REST API for every table, enabling integration with frontends, mobile apps, or third-party services.
- Docker and binary deployment - Deploy as a Docker container using pre-built images or package the entire backend into a single executable binary with Bun.
- Local-first and private by design - Data stays on your infrastructure; no external dependencies or cloud locks—perfect for compliance-sensitive use cases.
- Formula fields like Excel/Airtable - Define calculated columns using formulas (e.g., SUM, IF, CONCAT) directly in the UI without writing code.
Common Use Cases
- Building a private internal tool - A small team needs a custom CRM or inventory tracker with forms and dashboards; they use undb to create tables, add formulas for calculations, and expose a REST API to their React frontend—all without hiring a backend developer.
- Creating a mobile-first data collection app - Field workers collect survey data offline; undb’s SQLite backend allows local storage, and the Docker-deployed server syncs data when back online with a simple API endpoint.
- Problem → Solution flow: Need Airtable-like features without vendor lock-in - Teams tired of paying for Airtable subscriptions and concerned about data privacy switch to undb, self-hosting the same visual interface and API on their own server with full data ownership.
- DevOps teams managing lightweight backend services - Operations teams deploy undb via Docker Compose to provide a no-code data layer for internal tools, reducing reliance on complex Node.js or Python backends.
Under The Hood
The project is a modern, multi-platform application designed to deliver database-driven web experiences with integrated desktop capabilities. It combines a TypeScript backend, Svelte frontend, and Tauri-powered desktop client, offering a unified architecture that supports extensibility through plugins and modular design.
Architecture
It follows a monolithic structure with clear separation of concerns across backend, frontend, and desktop modules. The system emphasizes layered design principles and service registration through dependency injection.
- Modular organization with distinct services for authentication, file handling, and webhook management
- Strong use of registry and dependency injection patterns for configuration and service resolution
- Layered architecture that separates business logic from presentation and data access layers
- Clear boundaries between core modules and external integrations
Tech Stack
Built using a modern tech stack focused on performance and developer experience, leveraging cutting-edge tools and frameworks.
- TypeScript as the primary language with Bun as the runtime and build tool for speed and efficiency
- Elysia.js for backend API development and Svelte for responsive frontend UI
- Extensive use of domain-specific libraries such as lucia-auth, kysely, and AWS S3 integration
- Vite for frontend bundling, Houdini for GraphQL support, and Tauri for cross-platform desktop packaging
Code Quality
The codebase reflects a mixed quality profile with strengths in domain-driven design and structural consistency, though some technical debt remains.
- Linting and type safety practices are in place with TypeScript offering robust static analysis
- Testing coverage is limited but shows a range of test scenarios across modules
- Error handling is applied inconsistently, with some areas showing robust safeguards and others lacking
- Code follows consistent naming and structure conventions within domain objects and value types
What Makes It Unique
This project stands out through its unique blend of web and desktop application development, offering a flexible architecture for database-driven systems.
- Modular and plugin-based design enables extensibility and integration with various storage and service providers
- Seamless combination of Svelte frontend, TypeScript backend, and Tauri for desktop deployment creates a unified development experience
- Multi-storage support including AWS S3 and MinIO adds flexibility in data handling and deployment options
- Real-time update mechanisms and webhook systems provide dynamic interaction capabilities not commonly found in similar tools