Grails
Grails is a web application development platform that allows you to develop an application in Java. The tool has a set of features like sensible defaults, convention-over-configuration, groovy language, and opinionated APIs that make it easier to learn for beginner Java developers. The framework is made on top of Spring Boot and powers its time-saving features like Spring-powered dependency injection. The tool transparently and smoothly integrates with the JVM, Java, and present Java EE containers. A module called Apache Groovy is designed to uplift the developer’s productivity. It is a dynamic language that consists of static-typing and static compilation capabilities.
With the use of application profiles, the Grails framework allows developers to build REST APIs or modern web applications with a JavaScript frontend. Another notable feature of Grails is the async feature that sim to simplify the programming with the concept of a unified event model and the use of RcJava to write reactive logic.
Grails Alternatives
#1 OpenXava
OpenXava is an open-source low-code application development framework that allows you to build AJAX, JavaEE, or J2EE programs without the need for any advanced computing skills. This helps you to create apps with Java 5 annotations, and developers can take advantage of increased flexibility and generate JSR-168 applications. You only have to write the code for your data structure and business logic. There is no need to write JavaScript, HTML, SQL, or CSS. The user interface and the database logic are automatically provided. The AJAX UI is quick and needs no page reloading.
The list mode includes paging, filtering, ordering, adding, moving columns, exporting to PDF, Excel, cards formats, and charts, etc. The detail mode consists of tabs, dialogues, frames, references, and a responsive layout. It supports a bunch of browsers and application servers, including JBoss, Tomcat, Glassfish, WebSphere, WebLogic, etc. Additionally, you can migrate your current Java code easily to OpenXava and use any Java tool for OpenXava.
#2 Vaadin
Vaadin is an open-source platform that you can use for building web applications based on the Java backend. It helps you build a scalable User interface in Java or Typescript. The integrated tools, components, and design system help you to iterate faster, design better, and simplify the development process. The user interfaces with two interoperable frameworks can be used independently or together. A highlighting feature of Vaadin is that you can write the whole code in Java without needing other languages like HTML, CSS, or JS. But if you prefer, you can create layouts in HTML with a visual designer. The apps you create will run on the server and handle all communication automatically and securely.
With the Vaadin Fusion module, you can build your design system on the complete set of components that are tested for mobile and desktop with superior consideration to availability. Another notable feature is the type of safety that enables superior productivity, tooling support, and the guarantee that your backend and frontend are always in sync.
#3 Eclipse RAP
Eclipse RAP is a modular business app developer for desktop, browser, and mobile platforms. You can build a modern web UI with a real widget toolkit and SWT API. The tool includes some powerful features, including drag & drop, inline editing, drawing, and loading data on demand. Using the JFace APIs makes accessing complex data models incredibly simple. A highlighting feature of Eclipse RAP is the cross-platform support that allows you to run it in all relevant web browsers, without any add-ons required. Additionally, the gradients are rendered in browsers without CSS3 support. It’s built on an open protocol; therefore, you can connect with other clients in it.
Eclipse RAP uses typical servlet tools and runs on any JEE servlet database. It also integrates pretty well with OSGi, but you can also use it as a standalone setup. The applications are written in Java from A to Z, and you don’t need another language to take any kind of help. This includes a first-class UI designer and an acceptance testing tool suite available that combines with the Eclipse environment and maximizes the app-building potential without any limits.
#4 Apache Sling
Apache Sling is a framework for Restful API that you can use to develop web applications. It helps you map the HTTP request URLs to content properties established on the request’s path, extension, and selectors. By using convention over configuration, you can process the requests by servlets and scripts that are selected based on the current resource. Apache Sling allows you to deploy the application components as OSGi bundles or as scripts and patterns in the content database.
The supported scripting languages are server-side JavaScript, JSP, Velocity, and Ruby. The aim of Apache Sling is to picture the content in the database as HTTP resources and to develop a RESTful style of application architecture. This framework is different from others as it truly focuses on the web aspect of the development paradigm. Other notable features include a content resolution that maps a request URL to a content node in the database, Servlet resolution that maps a content node to a Servlet handling the request, and a Javascript client library that allows access to the content database via AJAX.
#5 Corteza Low Code
Corteza Low Code is an open-source web app development framework that lets you build customized business apps that exactly meet your requirements. Its simple and secure design mixed with an intuitive UI provides you an environment that allows for quick programming even without having advanced coding knowledge. It provides a tailored UI for administrators and manages modules, charts, pages, and much more. Some highlighting features include module builder, chart builder, visual workflow builder, pre-built apps, user management, role-based permissions, record federations, PDF generations, template builder, responsive designs, REST API, action logs, SSL security, and scalable architecture.
The Low-code platform has a simpler element builder and a drag & drop page builder that allows you to arrange the position of multiple data categories of information and data blocks. You can automate any process with visual workflow builder, Corteza workflow, and define granular permissions to reflect your hierarchy. All in all, Corteza Low Code is a great app builder that you can consider among its alternatives.
#6 Open As App
Open As App is an app development tool that you can use to build applications without having advanced coding knowledge. You just need a mouse and keyboard to build the app as it requires no coding unless you want to add an exceptional feature. You can create and share apps based on your Excel data, Google Sheet data, and other databases without any coding. Open As App allows you to build a bunch of apps that match the content of your data like invoices on-site, calculators for quotes, pricing plans, dashboards, budget reports, product catalogs, finance reports, contact lists, company performance, inventory lists, project lists, recording of billable hours, time-tracking, customer surveys and much more.
Additionally, you can manage your apps through one dashboard and see the stats like how many people are using the app and on which devices it is being used. It lets you customize the user access, security, and rights at any time. You can also choose who can see your app. By default, your app is visible only to you until you decide to share it with other people.
#7 REI3
REI3 is an application-building platform that allows you to use readymade business application templates and extend them to build the App with your desired data. This technique saves you a lot of time in building the App from scratch. With its consistent, moderns, and user-friendly interface, you can manage all your applications from one dashboard, which is always up to date for applications. Applications built in REI3 are modular and build on existing data. For example, after maintaining the data of an organization, other applications can use it as well.
The data types, display options, and functions of REI3 are extended continuously, i.e., new and existing applications can also benefit from this. As the functionality of the platform expands, new requirements can be easily addressed. Some other notable features include LDAP authentication, mobile optimization, multilingual support, list and calendar view, corporate identity customization, complex data structure support, official app repository, auto backup, extensive change history, and data frontend due to modern web standards.
#8 AppFlower
AppFlower is an open-source business application builder tool tailored for the beginner that doesn’t require advanced coding knowledge to develop apps. You can use its visual designer module to create beautiful-looking applications by dragging and dropping the pre-built elements. This helps in starting the development without any prior knowledge of application development and deliver on time. AppFlower applications works on all devices, both mobile, tablets, and desktop. The user interface automatically adapts to the device you use.
Some highlighting features include editable theme design, extensible and customizable colors, and customizable UI design. Other notable features include forms, lists, graphs builder, web-based visual designer, Native REST integration, automatic code-generator, integrated debugging and benchmarking utilities, easy extension with plugins, and enhanced security. The tool helps you save your time by giving a faster product to market, fast learning curve, a faster product to market, and less development time. All in all, AppFlower is a great app development tool that saves your coding time and increases productivity.
#9 Alpha Anywhere
Alpha Anywhere is a mobile application development software that allows you to build and deploy business apps with a complete management dashboard. The application is built on low-code and cross-platform language support with some advanced security features in an outstanding app design. Being a non-technical user, you can also use this low code mobile development platform to visually transform a plain form into a mobile app with a super-rich interface using the capabilities of the smartphone.
Its low-code development tools optimize productivity for developers while allowing them to hand-code if necessary. With the patented capabilities for building offline apps, Alpha Anywhere works flawlessly without a connection, including accessing on-device data. Additionally, you can incorporate advanced functionalities like security, authentication protocols, and integration with existing data systems to make it suitable for corporate companies who look for stringent data protection measures. All in all, Alpha Anywhere is a great mobile app development platform that you can consider among its alternatives.
#10 AmpleLogic Low Code Platform
AmpleLogic Low Code is an application development platform that makes its mark by building an enterprise-class application without any code. The platform shows all the capabilities with its modern approach to developing an application with the right set of features and tools to mechanize your workflow. You will get more improved productivity and earn more profit at the end of the day via easing the organizational complexities.
The platform facilitates many developers worldwide, and once the application is created, you can publish it to the user in a matter of no time. There is an extensive dashboard where you can analyze the data with graphical charts and reports that will allow you to make more informed decisions to solve all the hassle.
AmpleLogic Low Code development platform is built with the aim of low cost, less effort, and saving time via having the bank’s advanced features. You have many advantages with this development platform, such as build forums, configure the workflows, define roles and permissions, single-click deployment, master data, and more.
#11 ProcessMaker Low Code BPM
ProcessMaker is a top-notch Low Code BPM platform used by dozens of businesses worldwide to design and deploy complex processes. It features a process modeler to enable business users to complete their applications within days. They can utilize the drag and drop functionality to add tasks and decision points and link them with several objects such as data connectors, users, and more.
The platform includes a Form Builder that empowers business users to design beautiful forms and interfaces required in the workflow. Forms are utilized to save information, render it from external systems, and build interfaces to assist managers in making quick decisions.
ProcessMaker Low Code BPM provides an Actions by Email feature that empowers decision-makers to accept or deny petitions through their inbox or Slack. This module extracts the data from a specific form and displays it within an email coupled with two buttons to accept and deny the mail. It can work without an internet connection, enabling management to view and change decisions which will automatically be saved upon connecting to the internet.
#12 Frevvo Low Code Workflow Automation
Frevvo Low Code Workflow Automation platform enables companies to automate workflows while requiring little to no coding. It offers a free trial that allows you to experiment with the tool for 30 days. Once you’ve signed up, you can select a template from the library and modify it as per requirements without programming/coding.
The template library includes design for frequent tasks in Human Resources, Financing, and other domains. You can also create a template from scratch, in which the platform will provide detailed guidance to help you along the way. Custom templates are also available for Travel requests, Sales orders, Expenses, and Time off requests.
The platform provides an intuitive form builder that decreases the time taken to build forms. It can auto-fill fields, display/hide certain sections, fulfill complex calculations and configure dynamic validation without requiring manual coding in javascript. The forms are highly responsive and can display properly on all screen sizes and devices, providing users with a seamless experience.
#13 Kissflow Low Code
Kissflow offers a Low Code BPM tool that enables you to build workflows and administer tasks without technical knowledge. It features a dynamic dashboard that displays information that is easy to understand by each user. It also includes a powerful Analytics & reporting module that allows you to download and view custom reports, utilize dashboards, and check insights. Reports include important metrics that allow you to gain knowledge on key insights. It offers tools that ease the creation of workflows and enables you to add changes anytime.
The platform utilizes an agile approach for the handling of processes. It uses Dynamic routing to send the required item to the correct team member. You can manage challenging decisions and implement modifications whenever necessary. Furthermore, an assignment can be reassigned to a member for ongoing processes. The process is easy to create, modify and can be allocated to users for quick deployment.
#14 Appian Low Code Development
Appian Low Code Development enables you to build powerful applications in a short time. It offers several tools to shorten the time taken to create stunning applications. The apps boost user experience on multiple systems such as mobile devices, the web, and more. The platform allows you to access data no matter its location.
You can link to data present on cloud services, Relational database management systems, and any legacy system without any complications. Appian Low Code Development is optimized to handle heavy loads without fail, enabling businesses to grow their operation without worrying about server crash or malfunctions.
The platform features a Visual No-code Designer that helps with the rapid development of apps. You can design an appealing UX to increase the satisfaction of the user and increase service adoption. It eases the process of synchronizing all business data by offering integration with multiple systems like RDBMS, Microsoft Dynamics, RPA, Salesforce, and SAP.