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NocoDB

No-code database platform that turns any database into a smart spreadsheet.

Overview

NocoDB is an open-source no-code platform that transforms any database into a smart spreadsheet interface. It provides a user-friendly way to manage data, create forms, build APIs, and collaborate on database operations without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Features

  • Smart Spreadsheet Interface: Transform databases into intuitive spreadsheets
  • Form Builder: Create custom forms for data entry
  • API Generation: Auto-generated REST APIs for all tables
  • Collaboration: Real-time collaboration with team members
  • Access Control: Role-based permissions and sharing
  • Data Visualization: Charts and dashboard creation
  • Webhooks: Integration with external services
  • Import/Export: Support for CSV, Excel, and other formats
  • Multi-Database Support: Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and more

Access

  • Default Port: 8090
  • URL: http://localhost:8090
  • Database: PostgreSQL (dedicated root_db instance)

Configuration

Environment Variables

  • NOCODB_PORT: External port mapping (default: 8090)
  • NC_DB: Database connection string for PostgreSQL backend

Database Backend

NocoDB uses a dedicated PostgreSQL instance (root_db) with the following configuration: - Database Name: root_db - Username: postgres - Password: password - Host: root_db (internal container name)

Volumes

  • nc_data: Application data and configuration storage
  • db_data: PostgreSQL database files

Getting Started

  1. Access NocoDB: Navigate to http://localhost:8090
  2. Initial Setup: Complete the onboarding process
  3. Create Project: Start with a new project or connect existing databases
  4. Add Tables: Import data or create new tables
  5. Configure Views: Set up different views (Grid, Form, Gallery, etc.)
  6. Set Permissions: Configure user access and sharing settings

Common Use Cases

Content Management

  • Create content databases for blogs and websites
  • Manage product catalogs and inventories
  • Track customer information and interactions

Project Management

  • Task and project tracking systems
  • Team collaboration workspaces
  • Resource and timeline management

Data Collection

  • Custom forms for surveys and feedback
  • Event registration and management
  • Lead capture and CRM systems

Integration with Other Services

NocoDB can integrate well with other Changemaker Lite services:

  • n8n Integration: Use NocoDB as a data source/destination in automation workflows
  • Listmonk Integration: Manage subscriber lists and campaign data
  • Documentation: Store and manage documentation metadata

API Usage

NocoDB automatically generates REST APIs for all your tables:

# Get all records from a table
GET http://localhost:8090/api/v1/db/data/v1/{project}/table/{table}

# Create a new record
POST http://localhost:8090/api/v1/db/data/v1/{project}/table/{table}

# Update a record
PATCH http://localhost:8090/api/v1/db/data/v1/{project}/table/{table}/{id}

Backup and Data Management

Database Backup

Since NocoDB uses PostgreSQL, you can backup the database:

# Backup NocoDB database
docker exec root_db pg_dump -U postgres root_db > nocodb_backup.sql

# Restore from backup
docker exec -i root_db psql -U postgres root_db < nocodb_backup.sql

Application Data

Application settings and metadata are stored in the nc_data volume.

Security Considerations

  • Change default database credentials in production
  • Configure proper access controls within NocoDB
  • Use HTTPS for production deployments
  • Regularly backup both database and application data
  • Monitor access logs and user activities

Performance Tips

  • Regular database maintenance and optimization
  • Monitor memory usage for large datasets
  • Use appropriate indexing for frequently queried fields
  • Consider database connection pooling for high-traffic scenarios

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Service won't start: Check if the PostgreSQL database is healthy 

docker logs root_db

Database connection errors: Verify database credentials and network connectivity 

docker exec nocodb nc_data nc

Performance issues: Monitor resource usage and optimize queries 

docker stats nocodb root_db

Official Documentation

For comprehensive guides and advanced features: - NocoDB Documentation - GitHub Repository - Community Forum