Placeholder description.
Grab the automated bash script from GitHub to follow along with the video.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/analytics/nocodb/nocodb-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x nocodb-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash nocodb-ubuntu.shwget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/analytics/nocodb/nocodb-ubuntu.shchmod +x nocodb-ubuntu.shThe script installs Docker if needed and deploys NocoDB. It starts in seconds and connects to your existing database or creates a new SQLite store.
sudo bash nocodb-ubuntu.shOpen your browser and navigate to:
http://<your-server-ip>:8080After signing up with your admin email and password, click New Base to connect to an existing database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB) or create a new one. NocoDB will display all tables as spreadsheet views. Use the toolbar to add Grid, Gallery, Kanban, Calendar, or Form views on top of any table.
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 8080 | NocoDB Web UI & REST/GraphQL API |
| — | Connects to external DB or uses embedded SQLite |
NocoDB is an open-source no-code platform that wraps any relational database — MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite — into a collaborative spreadsheet-style interface. Think of it as a self-hosted Airtable that sits on top of your real SQL database: your data stays in standard tables, queryable by any SQL client, but your non-technical team interacts with it through a clean grid, kanban, gallery, calendar, or form view. NocoDB also auto-generates a REST API and a GraphQL API for every table, making it an instant backend for simple web apps and internal tools. It is particularly powerful for teams that need the flexibility of a spreadsheet but the structure and integrity of a relational database.
Airtable is $10–20 per user per month with strict row limits and no data portability. NocoDB gives you the same visual database experience — multiple view types, field types, linked records, formulas, and team collaboration — at zero cost, on your own server, with your data in standard SQL tables. Unlike spreadsheet tools, NocoDB's data is immediately accessible to BI tools, backend services, and SQL queries without any export step. The auto-generated API means a developer can build a form or a mobile app against your NocoDB database in hours, not days.
NocoDB only needs port 8080 (web UI and API) open to users. In production put it behind Nginx Proxy Manager on port 443. If NocoDB connects to an external PostgreSQL or MySQL database, ensure that database port is accessible from the NocoDB container on the internal Docker network — it should not be exposed to the internet. Configure ufw allow 443, ufw allow 80 (for redirect), and deny all other inbound.
Baserow is the closest open-source Airtable alternative with a similar concept but uses its own internal database rather than connecting to an existing one — better for greenfield projects. Budibase is more of an internal app builder that also has a database component. Rowy is a Firestore-based no-code spreadsheet for Google Cloud users. Airtable itself is the gold standard SaaS product but costs $10–20 per user/month with row limits. For teams that need to expose an existing SQL database to non-technical users, NocoDB is uniquely strong because it sits on top of your real data.
NocoDB is not a replacement for a proper application backend — complex business logic, user authentication flows, and multi-step workflows belong in a real application. If you need to build a full web app (not just a data interface), use a proper framework. NocoDB also struggles with very large tables (millions of rows) as each view is essentially a filtered SQL query without application-level caching. If your team needs a true Gantt chart or resource scheduling tool, NocoDB's Calendar view is not a substitute.
PrismaTechWork provides end-to-end infrastructure services — from initial deployment and security hardening to ongoing monitoring, automated backups, and dedicated support. Whether you need a single-server setup or a multi-site network, our team ensures your infrastructure is built right, secured properly, and maintained reliably.
NocoDB connects to MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, TiDB, and CockroachDB. It can also run with an embedded SQLite database for testing (no external database required). For production, connect to a proper PostgreSQL or MySQL instance. MongoDB and NoSQL databases are not supported — NocoDB is designed for relational data.
Yes — NocoDB automatically generates a REST API for every table with full CRUD endpoints. It also generates a GraphQL API. Both are browsable through the built-in API explorer. Each API call requires an API token (from Team & Auth → API Tokens) for authentication. The generated endpoints follow a consistent pattern: GET /api/v1/db/data/{org}/{project}/{table} for listing, POST for creating, PATCH for updating.
Yes — when you connect NocoDB to an external database (Connect to External Database), it reads the existing schema and presents tables and columns as-is. No migration, no schema changes, no new tables added to your database. Your existing application can continue querying the same database directly alongside NocoDB.
Airtable is a polished SaaS product with a better mobile experience, more native integrations, and simpler onboarding — but costs $10–20 per user/month with record limits. NocoDB is self-hosted, unlimited records, zero license cost, and can sit on top of your existing database. Airtable wins on UX polish and integrations; NocoDB wins on data ownership, cost, and the ability to connect to existing databases.
Yes — NocoDB supports real-time collaboration. Multiple users can view and edit records simultaneously, and changes appear for other users within a few seconds. Each table has an activity log showing who changed what and when. You can assign Editor, Commenter, or Viewer roles per base to control who can make changes.
In any table, click the + View button and choose Form. Customize which fields to show, add descriptions and validation, then click Share Form to get a public URL. Anyone with the link can submit the form without logging in — submissions appear as new rows in the table immediately. You can also embed the form in a website using the iframe embed code.
NocoDB focuses on being a no-code database interface — its primary job is showing your data in grid, kanban, gallery, and form views. Budibase is an internal app builder that happens to include a database — you build full UI screens with buttons, forms, and logic. NocoDB is simpler and quicker for data management; Budibase is better when you need to build a complete internal web application.
Yes — NocoDB has a built-in CSV and Excel importer. Click + Table → Import CSV (or Import Excel), upload your file, and NocoDB creates a new table with the columns from your spreadsheet. It detects data types automatically (text, number, date, checkbox). You can also paste rows directly from Excel into any NocoDB grid view the same way you would paste into a spreadsheet.