openblocks-dev/openblocks - Detailed Review#

1. Overview & GitHub Stats#

URL: https://github.com/openblocks-dev/openblocks
Stars: 6015 (as of August 2025)
License: AGPL-3.0
Primary Language: JavaScript/TypeScript

2. Project Description#

OpenBlocks is an open-source, low-code platform designed to help developers and businesses quickly build internal tools, dashboards, and admin panels. It provides a drag-and-drop UI builder with pre-built components, database connectors, and API integrations, enabling teams to create custom applications without extensive coding.

Positioned as a Retool alternative, OpenBlocks emphasizes self-hosting, customization, and developer-friendly workflows while maintaining enterprise-grade capabilities.

3. What Software Does It Replace?#

OpenBlocks competes with several commercial and open-source solutions:

Retool (Primary alternative)
Appsmith (Open-source competitor)
Budibase (Low-code platform)
Internal.io (SaaS internal tool builder)
Custom-built admin panels (Saves development time)

4. Core Functionality#

Key Features:#

Drag-and-Drop UI Builder
Pre-built components (tables, forms, charts) with customizable layouts.
Database & API Integrations
Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, GraphQL, and more.
JavaScript Querying
Write custom logic with JavaScript snippets.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Fine-grained permissions for teams.
Self-Hostable
Full control over deployment and data.
Multi-Environment Support
Dev/Test/Prod separation with environment variables.

Use Cases:#

Admin dashboards
CRM/ERP interfaces
Data visualization tools
Internal workflow automation

5. Pros and Cons#

✅ Pros#

Cost-Effective: Free and open-source (AGPL licensed).
Self-Hostable: No vendor lock-in; data stays on your infrastructure.
Extensible: Supports custom JavaScript and plugins.
Active Community: Growing GitHub presence with regular updates.
Retool-Like Experience: Familiar interface for Retool users.

❌ Cons#

Learning Curve: Requires basic JavaScript/SQL knowledge for complex workflows.
Younger Ecosystem: Fewer pre-built templates than Retool.
AGPL License: May not suit all commercial use cases (consult legal advice).

6. Detailed Installation Guide (Self-Host on Ubuntu)#

Prerequisites:#

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (or newer)
Docker & Docker Compose
4GB+ RAM (8GB recommended for production)
Domain/SSL (for HTTPS)

Step-by-Step Setup:#

Install Docker

1
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose
2
sudo systemctl enable docker

Clone OpenBlocks

1
git clone https://github.com/openblocks-dev/openblocks.git
2
cd openblocks

Configure Environment
Edit .env file:

1
# Database
2
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://mongo:27017/openblocks
3
POSTGRES_HOST=postgres
4
POSTGRES_USER=openblocks
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POSTGRES_PASSWORD=your_secure_password
6
POSTGRES_DB=openblocks
7

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# App Settings
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ENCRYPTION_PASSWORD=your_encryption_key
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SUPERUSER_PASSWORD=admin123  # Change this!

Start Containers
Terminal window
```
1
docker-compose up -d
```
Access OpenBlocks
Visit http://your-server-ip:3000
Login with:
- Email: admin@openblocks.dev
- Password: admin123 (change after login!)

Post-Installation:#

Set up HTTPS (Use Nginx/Caddy reverse proxy)
Backup regular MongoDB/Postgres data
Monitor with docker-compose logs -f

Updating:#

1
git pull origin main
2
docker-compose down && docker-compose up -d --build

Final Thoughts:
OpenBlocks is an excellent choice for teams wanting Retool-like functionality without vendor lock-in. While it may lack some polish compared to commercial alternatives, its open-source nature and active development make it a compelling option for self-hosted internal tooling.

Ready to try? Clone the repo and deploy your first app today! 🚀