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BetterOpenSource

Appsmith vs Windmill

A side-by-side comparison of two open-source tools to help you choose the right one.

Feature
SummaryBuild internal tools, fast.Turn scripts into workflows and UIs.
GitHub stars37K13K
LicenseApache 2.0AGPL 3.0
LanguageTypeScriptRust
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open Source
Self-hostable
ReplacesRetool, AirtableZapier, Retool
Rating4.5 / 54.5 / 5

Appsmith features

  • Drag-and-drop UI builder
  • Connect to databases, REST, and GraphQL
  • JavaScript anywhere for logic
  • Git-based version control
  • Role-based access and self-hosting

Windmill features

  • Run scripts in Python, TS, Go, and Bash
  • Compose flows from scripts
  • Auto-generated UIs and apps
  • Cron scheduling and webhooks
  • Blazing-fast Rust execution engine

Appsmithpros & cons

Pros

  • Truly open Retool alternative
  • Connects to almost anything
  • Git workflow for apps

Cons

  • Complex apps need JS knowledge
  • Editor can feel heavy

Windmillpros & cons

Pros

  • Great for developer-led automation
  • Fast and resource-efficient
  • Scripts, flows, and apps in one

Cons

  • Code-first approach not for everyone
  • Steeper than pure no-code tools

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