NocoDB: Making Database Management as Simple as Using Excel

10 months ago

What is This

Have you ever encountered situations like: your boss asks you to manage a bunch of data, Excel isn't cutting it, but you don't know how to use a database? Or your company wants to build an internal system, but outsourcing is too expensive and you don't know how to program?

NocoDB, introduced today, is specifically designed to solve these problems.

Simply put, it's a free, open-source alternative to Airtable that turns your database into an interface as easy to use as Excel.

Data is stored on your own server, no fear of leaks
No worries about the service provider shutting down or raising prices
Modify it however you want, with no restrictions

https://appstore.lazycat.cloud/#/shop/detail/in.zhaoj.nocodb

Quick Start

After installing the application, first register a user.

Enter the main page.

It supports Chinese. You can change the language first in Settings.

Return to the home page. Currently, there are 3 ways to create a new database.

If your company already has MySQL or PostgreSQL databases, NocoDB can connect directly to them, instantly turning them into a visual management interface. It currently supports these 3 database types.

Here, I choose to import data. It supports files in these formats:

You can modify column names.

After a successful import, you can see the data in the default view.

Besides the default view, you can also add your preferred views for more flexible data presentation.

Gallery View: If your data contains images, using this view is like browsing a photo album. It's especially suitable for managing product libraries or image asset libraries.

Kanban View: Like Trello, you can drag and drop data based on status (e.g., "To Do," "In Progress," "Done"). It's perfect for project management.

Calendar View: If your data has date fields, NocoDB can directly generate a calendar for you, clearly showing task deadlines and event schedules.

If you want to filter data, you can use the buttons above. It doesn't require writing SQL queries.

For example, suppose I want to find apps in the store with over 200 downloads. First, I need to change the field type to Number.

Field Type Selection

Single Line Text: Short text like names, titles
Long Text: Remarks, descriptions
Number: Amounts, quantities
Single Select / Multi Select: Status, tags
Date: Birthdays, deadlines
Attachment: Images, files
Link: Link to other tables
Lookup: Fetch data from linked tables
Rollup: Aggregate data from linked tables
Formula: Automatic calculations

Then, in the filter, input the condition.

The data updates in real-time. After you finish entering the condition, the data below will change accordingly.

If there are many conditions, just add more filters.

Its sharing feature is also excellent. You can generate a form link for customers to fill in information themselves, which automatically enters your system.