Retool

Internal tool builder.

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Console’s review

· Reviewed by David Mytton

What we like

Impressive level of UI flexibility and customization - simple drag & drop to writing custom JS & React with external dependency support. Auto-generates UIs from database schemas including those tedious features like sorting, pagination, filtering & search. Real browser devtools-like debugger. Can also build native mobile apps and automated data pipelines & workflows.

Tradeoffs

Themable, but no true dark mode. Remotely querying databases over the internet has inherent latency challenges (you can self-host Retool or use their cloud database).

Is Retool a fit?

Based on Console’s review published on 2023-01-26. Summary updated .

Who it’s for

Developers who need to build internal tools with a high degree of customization should consider Retool

Why consider it

Retool allows for a high level of UI flexibility and customization

Keep in mind

Retool has inherent latency challenges when remotely querying databases over the internet

Console is a free weekly newsletter with short reviews of developer tools, covering strengths and tradeoffs. This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2023-01-26. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date. Read our selection criteria and learn about Console.

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