Retool

Retool is a low-code platform designed to help developers rapidly build internal tools and custom business applications. Founded in 2017 by David Hsu, Retool provides a suite of drag-and-drop UI components and pre-built integrations that allow developers to quickly create interfaces for databases, APIs, and other data sources. The platform enables users to build applications like admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD interfaces in hours or days rather than weeks or months. Retool's core functionality includes a visual interface builder, database connectors, API integrations, and the ability to extend applications with custom JavaScript code. As of July 2022, over 500,000 apps had been built on Retool, with billions of queries processed. The company aims to streamline the process of building internal software while still providing the flexibility and power that developers need.

Retool's platform includes web and mobile app builders, as well as tools for creating automated workflows and backend processes. In November 2022, Retool expanded its offerings by launching Workflows, a feature that allows developers to build backend automations and scheduled tasks. The company has also introduced AI-powered capabilities, including Retool Vectors, a hosted vector storage service for adding context to large language models, and AI-based actions for text summarization and image generation. Retool positions itself as a developer-focused tool, requiring knowledge of JavaScript and SQL to fully utilize its capabilities, setting it apart from more non-technical-oriented no-code platforms.