Hey everyone! I’m working on a cool project and need some advice. I want to create a web app that mimics Airtable but is a bit simpler—a blend of spreadsheets and databases.
I have a good grasp of both Python and JavaScript. Here’s what I’m aiming for in my app:
- A drag and drop interface
- Multiple views such as kanban and gallery
- File attachments with preview capabilities
- The option to toggle between row and form views
- Real-time collaboration
- Tools for generating pivot tables and custom reports
I’ve noticed some paid solutions offering partial features, but I’m uncertain if mixing these tools is viable. Should I rely on these widgets, seek free alternatives, or start from scratch?
I’d love to hear from anyone who has developed a similar app or has insights on this project. Any advice or resource recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
yo grace, sounds like a cool project! i’ve worked on somethin similar before. for the spreadsheet part, you might wanna check out handsontable. it’s pretty solid and has lotsa features. for the database stuff, maybe look into firebase? it’s got real-time collab built-in. good luck with ur app!
Having developed a similar application, I can offer some insights. For the spreadsheet functionality, consider using AG Grid. It’s highly customizable and supports many of the features you’re looking for, including drag-and-drop and multiple views. As for the database aspect, MongoDB with its document-based structure could be a good fit. It integrates well with JavaScript and supports real-time operations.
For file attachments and previews, you might want to look into libraries like FilePond or Uppy. They offer robust file handling capabilities. Regarding pivot tables and reporting, D3.js or Chart.js could be valuable for data visualization.
Building from scratch will give you more control but increase development time significantly. A hybrid approach, utilizing these libraries and frameworks while custom-coding specific features, might be the most efficient path forward.
As someone who’s tackled a similar project, I can share some insights. For the spreadsheet component, I’d recommend looking into Tabulator. It’s lightweight, flexible, and handles many of the features you’re after. Pair it with SocketIO for real-time collaboration, and you’ve got a solid foundation.
On the database front, PostgreSQL with PostgREST can give you a robust API without much overhead. It’s particularly good for custom reports and pivot tables.
For file handling, I’ve had success with Uppy. It’s user-friendly and handles previews well.
One thing to keep in mind: balancing performance with features can be tricky. Start with core functionality and build up. It’s tempting to add everything at once, but focusing on a smooth user experience first pays off in the long run.
Don’t forget about security, especially with file uploads and real-time features. It’s easier to bake it in from the start rather than retrofit later.