Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 10 Open-Source Alternatives to Mendix in 2025

Here are 10 open-source alternatives to Mendix, focusing on details that would be useful for evaluation.

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1. ToolJet

Description: ToolJet is a full-stack, open-source, low-code platform that enables rapid development of internal tools, dashboards, and applications. It's designed for teams needing complete control over their data and deployment.
Key Features:
Open-Source & Self-Hosted: Offers full customization and control, allowing self-hosting for data privacy.
Drag-and-Drop UI Builder: Simplifies application building without extensive coding.
Database & API Integration: Connects to various databases and APIs for data management.
JavaScript & Python Support: Supports customization using JavaScript and Python.
Enterprise-Grade Security: Provides robust security features with role-based access control. Learn more about ToolJet

2. Appsmith

Description: Appsmith is an open-source, low-code platform that focuses on rapid development and deployment of internal applications. It uses drag-and-drop widgets, JavaScript customization, and integrates with various data sources.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Fosters a collaborative community and ensures transparency.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies UI creation for both developers and non-developers.
Inline JavaScript Customization: Allows advanced customization of applications.
Diverse Integrations: Connects to databases, APIs, and other services.
Rapid Application Development: Enables faster prototyping, shipping, and scaling of apps. Learn more about Appsmith

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3. Budibase

Description: Budibase is an open-source platform for building internal tools by merging databases, spreadsheets, and APIs. It is designed for on-premise hosting with Docker and K8s.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Offers a customizable and flexible development environment.
Data Integration: Combines data from databases, spreadsheets, and APIs.
On-Premise Hosting: Supports self-hosting via Docker and Kubernetes, ensuring data control.
Simple App Creation: Enables quick creation of custom internal tools.
Suitable for Non-Technical Users: Designed to allow easy app creation for those without programming knowledge. Learn more about Budibase

4. UI Bakery

Description: UI Bakery is a self-hosted, open-source, low-code platform that focuses on the drag-and-drop approach for building custom internal tools.
Key Features:
Self-Hosted: Provides more control over data and security.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Makes UI building intuitive.
Customizable Components: Offers a library of customizable, pre-built components.
Data Integration: Seamlessly connects to various data sources including databases and APIs.
Responsive Design: Builds applications that work well across different devices. Learn more about UI Bakery

5. NocoDB

Description: NocoDB transforms databases into a smart spreadsheet interface, enabling operations and views of the data.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Provides a collaborative and adaptable platform.
Spreadsheet Interface: Turns databases into a user-friendly, spreadsheet-like interface.
Multiple Views: Accesses different view types for data management.
Basic Operations: Facilitates data manipulation without requiring extensive coding.
Database Flexibility: Compatible with multiple different databases. Learn more about NocoDB

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6. Node-RED

Description: A browser-based, flow-editing tool built on Node.js for connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services for IoT projects.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Provides a flexible and collaborative environment.
Flow-Based Programming: Uses a visual, flow-based approach to connect different elements.
Browser-Based Editor: Accessible through a web browser.
IoT Focus: Designed for connecting devices, APIs, and online services.
Node.js Foundation: Built on Node.js, a widely-used JavaScript runtime environment. Learn more about Node-RED

7. Joget

Description: Combines no-code/low-code development with workflow management for secure application development and deployment.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Offers flexibility and transparency.
Workflow Management: Combines application development and workflow automation.
Rapid Application Development (RAD): Enables faster development cycles.
Secure Deployment: Ensures secure application deployment.
No Code/Low-Code: Supports both no-code and low-code development paradigms. Learn more about Joget

8. Saltcorn

Description: A free and open-source low-code solution that enables users to create web and mobile applications using a drag-and-drop builder.
Key Features:
Open-Source: A community-driven platform with high transparency.
Drag-and-Drop Builder: Simplifies the creation of web and mobile apps.
Web & Mobile Applications: Builds applications for both web and mobile platforms.
Free: Offers a cost-effective alternative to other low-code platforms.
Fast Development: Allows for quick creation of simple applications. Learn more about Saltcorn

9. Convertigo

Description: An enterprise-grade low-code/no-code platform for creating complex multi-device applications at a reduced cost.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Offers flexibility and customization.
Enterprise-Grade: Suitable for developing large-scale applications.
Multi-Device Applications: Builds applications for various devices.
Low-Code/No-Code Platform: Provides flexibility for different users.
Reduced Investment Cost: Helps in reducing the cost of development. Learn more about Convertigo

10. Skyve

Description: Skyve is an open-source low-code enterprise platform suited for building business applications quickly.
Key Features:
Open-Source: Offers flexibility and customization.
Enterprise Level: Specifically geared towards business applications.
Rapid Development: Built for speed and efficiency.
Cloud Deployable: Can be deployed via the cloud. Learn more about Skyve

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on search results as of January 20, 2025. Features and details can change, so please refer to the official websites for the most current information. Some links may require direct search as they are not provided directly in the source, but the name of the platform is enough to search for their respective websites.

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FAQ

1. What is ToolJet?

ToolJet is a full-stack, open-source, low-code platform that enables rapid development of internal tools, dashboards, and applications. It's designed for teams needing complete control over their data and deployment. Learn more about ToolJet

2. What are the features of Appsmith?

Appsmith is an open-source, low-code platform focused on rapid development and deployment of internal applications. It features a drag-and-drop interface, inline JavaScript customization, and diverse integrations. Explore Appsmith

3. What is Budibase and how can it be used?

Budibase is an open-source platform for building internal tools that merge databases, spreadsheets, and APIs. It offers on-premise hosting with Docker and Kubernetes, combining data integration with easy app creation for non-technical users. Discover Budibase

4. How is UI Bakery different from other low-code platforms?

UI Bakery is a self-hosted, open-source, low-code platform that focuses on building custom internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface, customizable components, and data integration. Learn more about UI Bakery

5. What makes NocoDB special?

NocoDB transforms databases into a smart, spreadsheet-like interface, enabling easy data management and multiple view types without extensive coding. Find out more about NocoDB

6. What is Node-RED used for?

Node-RED is a browser-based, flow-editing tool for connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services, particularly suited for IoT projects. Check out Node-RED

7. What is the Joget platform?

Joget combines no-code/low-code development with workflow management for secure application development and deployment, supporting rapid development cycles. Explore Joget

8. How does Saltcorn help in app development?

Saltcorn is a free, open-source low-code solution allowing users to create web and mobile applications using an intuitive drag-and-drop builder. Discover Saltcorn

9. What is Convertigo and its key features?

Convertigo is an open-source, enterprise-grade low-code/no-code platform designed for developing complex multi-device applications at a reduced cost. Learn more about Convertigo

10. What is Skyve's focus in application development?

Skyve is an open-source low-code enterprise platform geared towards rapidly building business applications with a focus on cloud deployment and enterprise needs. Explore Skyve

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-08-21 08:07 Top Alternatives