Want to get started with AppSmith? The platform enables you to create applications and workflows for internal use. If you have a background in programming, AppSmith is ideal. However, it may not be the best platform for users accustomed to no-code app-building platforms.
If you plan to start your app development journey with Appsmith, this review will help you understand how the product works, its key features, and its primary pros and cons.
If you’d prefer a fully no-code approach, we also discuss how AppMySite could be a better option for your app-building needs.
How does Appsmith work?
By definition, Appsmith is a low-code platform. This means that while the level of coding required to build applications is low, it still helps if you have some technical background.
For instance, experience interacting with SQL databases can come in handy when building internal apps for business use, such as CRM dashboards, automations, etc. It also helps if you understand the basics of working with APIs, database schema essentials, and related technologies.
The following two steps broadly explain how Appsmith works –
Step 1: Connecting a Database
Once you sign up on Appsmith, you’ll be required to connect an existing data source to the platform. This is mandatory as it’s not possible to create a database within Appsmith.
You can connect database platforms such as MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, ArrangoDB, and Databricks. Besides database platforms, you can connect other data sources from platforms like Google Sheets, Airtable, Salesforce, AWS Lambda, Hubspot, and Twilio.
Once you connect to a data source, you will be redirected to Appsmith’s app builder interface. Here, you can start creating your application.
Step 2: Start building your app
Appsmith’s building canvas is located at the center of your screen. On the far left, you’ll find two buttons: the Editor button at the top and the Data button below it.
- Click the Editor button to add UI elements such as tables, labels, and buttons. Simply drag and drop these elements onto the canvas.
- Click the Data button to view your complete database schema. To make changes, select the Edit button at the top of the screen.
The Editor button also allows you to connect APIs or use custom JavaScript.
- To connect an API, click the Queries button at the top.
- To add custom JavaScript, press the JS button next to Queries and follow the setup instructions.
What sets Appsmith apart? Key features and functionalities
What makes Appsmith a good tool for building internal applications? While the platform has many features, here are a few points that set it apart from other products –
- Open-source framework – Appsmith is open-source. When you build an app on the platform, you can download the source code and host it on your servers. This further enables you to continue customizing the app with your custom programming. If you’re not familiar with coding, you can consider hiring an agency to continue work on your application.
- Extensive integrations – As explained earlier, Appsmith comes loaded with a bunch of integrations, especially when it comes to connecting a data source. You can also create API integrations within your app, making it easier to connect to third-party data sources. In addition, you can also connect your app with generative AI platforms like Open AI, Anthropic (Claude), and more.
- Hosting flexibility – Unlike various other app-building tools, you don’t necessarily need to host your app with Appsmith. Once you’re done, you can download your app’s source code and host it on your own servers. If your organization requires flexibility when it comes to app performance, scalability, and security, Appsmith lets you accomplish this with flexible hosting options.
What are the pros and cons of using Appsmith?
As is the case with most app-building tools, there are pros and cons to using Appsmith. In the following sections, we each respectively to give you a complete overview.
The pros of using Appsmith include –
- Full developer control – If you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with databases, Appsmith gives you the flexibility to build exactly what you need. You can write features in JavaScript, precisely structure your database schema, retain your source code for future development, and even run your app on-prem. Many other low-code and no-code platforms don’t offer this level of customization.
- Unlimited apps – There’s no cap on the number of apps you can build. Whether you’re scaling your business, managing clients, or streamlining workflows, Appsmith grows with you.
- AI-Powered app development – Appsmith seamlessly integrates with AI tools like OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Claude, enabling features like chatbots, image recognition, and data analysis. Additionally, Appsmith comes with its own AI assistant, which suggests widgets, generates code, and provides guidance as you build your app.
Where there are pros, there are also some cons.
- Requires technical expertise – While Appsmith offers flexibility and customization, it’s not beginner-friendly. If you lack experience with databases, backends, or coding, you may find the platform challenging to use.
- Designed for internal business apps – Appsmith is built for process automation and data management, not for public-facing apps. If you need to create apps for social media, booking, real estate, or other consumer-facing platforms, you’ll need to explore other solutions.
Is Appsmith Right for You?
On the fence about Appsmith? Here are a few points to keep in mind before taking a call –
- Business size – Appsmith is designed for medium to large businesses. If you’re a small or even a small-to-medium business, its features might be more than you need.
- Need for unlimited internal apps – If your organization only requires a few apps for CRM, marketing, or accounting, a simpler and more cost-effective app builder might be a better fit. Appsmith is ideal for businesses that need to build multiple internal applications.
- Technical expertise – As mentioned before, Appsmith requires knowledge of databases, backends, and coding. Ensure you have tech-savvy team members before diving in.
One advantage is that you don’t need to book a sales call or worry about a time-limited free trial. Before committing to a paid plan, you can explore Appsmith’s free tier, which includes UI tools, Google & GitHub SSO, on-prem hosting, and more.
How can AppMySite help?
Appsmith is ideal for creating internal apps. However, if you need to build a consumer facing app for your clients and customers, AppMySite is the perfect option.
You can build apps with AppMySite’s no-code app builder. Currently, AppMySite offers four different solutions to build apps, each tailored to specific needs of business owners and entrepreneurs. If you have multiple clients and would like to white-label the app-building interface as well, AppMySite’s Agency white-label app builder is ideal.
We’re also going to release a PWA app builder in the coming months. This means if you create an internal web app for your team, you can convert it into a PWA with our product and allow your team members to collaborate effortlessly on mobile as well.