Dify.ai
Build, test and deploy LLM applications.
Best self-hosted Software Development - Low Code software in 2026
A low-code development platform (LCDP) provides a development environment used to create application software through a graphical user interface.
We track 12 open-source, self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps. 10 of them had commits in the last 90 days, 11 can run with Docker, and the most common licenses are MIT (4), Apache-2.0 (2), GPL-3.0 (2). The most-used languages are Nodejs, Java, Rust. Below are the top picks by GitHub stars, followed by every app ranked by stars weighted by maintenance health.
Alternatives to ZapierAlternatives to AirtableAlternatives to RetoolAlternatives to FirebaseAlternatives to MendixAlternatives to OutSystemsAlternatives to BubbleAlternatives to Power AppsAlternatives to SupabaseAlternatives to n8n
Top 5 by GitHub stars
| # | App | Stars | Health | Last activity | License | Language | Docker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dify.ai | 161.1k | Active | 2026-11-10 | Apache-2.0, Commons-Clause | Docker | ✓ |
| 2 | Appwrite | 58.1k | Active | 2026-11-10 | BSD-3-Clause | Docker | ✓ |
| 3 | Appsmith | 41.3k | Active | 2026-11-09 | Apache-2.0 | Java, Docker | ✓ |
| 4 | ToolJet | 41.2k | Active | 2026-11-09 | GPL-3.0 | Nodejs, Docker | ✓ |
| 5 | Halo | 40.3k | Active | 2026-11-09 | GPL-3.0 | Java, Docker | ✓ |
- Dify.ai — Build, test and deploy LLM applications.
- Appwrite — End to end backend server for web, native, and mobile developers 🚀.
- Appsmith — Build admin panels, CRUD apps and workflows. Build everything you need, 10x faster.
- ToolJet — Low-code framework to build & deploy internal tools with minimal engineering effort (alternative to Retool and Mendix).
- Halo — Powerful and easy-to-use website building tool (documentation in Chinese).
Head-to-head comparisons
Appwrite vs Dify.aiAppsmith vs Dify.aiDify.ai vs ToolJetAppsmith vs AppwriteAppwrite vs ToolJetAppsmith vs ToolJet
All 12 self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps
Ranked by GitHub stars weighted by maintenance health.
Appwrite
End to end backend server for web, native, and mobile developers 🚀.
Appsmith
Build admin panels, CRUD apps and workflows. Build everything you need, 10x faster.
ToolJet
Low-code framework to build & deploy internal tools with minimal engineering effort (alternative to Retool and Mendix).
Halo
Powerful and easy-to-use website building tool (documentation in Chinese).
Budibase
Build and automate internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, CRUD apps, and more, in minutes (alternative to Outsystems, Retool, Mendix).
Manifest
Complete backend that fits into 1 YAML file.
TrailBase
Open, sub-millisecond, single-executable FireBase alternative with type-safe REST & realtime APIs, built-in JS/TS runtime, auth & admin UI.
SQLPage
SQL-only dynamic website builder.
Saltcorn
No-code database application builder for web and mobile applications. One platform for user interface, data backend, durable workflows, email, PDF generation, and AI applications.
UI Bakery
Build internal tools, customer portals, and CRUD apps quickly. Configure scheduled jobs and webhooks. Create structure and manage data through a GUI.
PocketBase
Backend for your next SaaS and Mobile app in one file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best self-hosted Software Development - Low Code software in 2026?
By GitHub stars, the most popular self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps are Dify.ai (161,134 stars), Appwrite (58,081 stars), Appsmith (41,252 stars). Popularity is only one signal: also check maintenance health, license and whether it fits your setup.
How many self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps are actively maintained?
10 of the 12 apps listed had commits in the last 90 days and 1 more in the last 12 months; for 1 we have no repository activity data.
Which self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps can I run with Docker?
11 of the 12 apps can run with Docker; 2 publish an image on Docker Hub, including Appwrite and Budibase.
Which licenses do self-hosted Software Development - Low Code apps use?
The most common licenses in this category are MIT (4 apps), Apache-2.0 (2 apps), GPL-3.0 (2 apps).
How much does it cost to self-host Software Development - Low Code software?
The software itself is free to download. Based on our rough hardware estimates, the cheapest suitable VPS plan starts at about $3.5/month (median $5/month across apps in this category). Several light apps can share one server.
Related categories
Figures from GitHub and Docker Hub as of 2026-11-15; hosting costs are rough estimates.