Day 30: NocoDB – Self-hosted No-Code Platform – 7 Days of Docker

12. May 2025

No-Code / API / Automation / Deployment / Development / Docker

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What is NocoDB?

NocoDB is an open-source Airtable alternative that transforms relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and MariaDB) into a spreadsheet-like smart interface. It allows teams to collaborate and build applications with familiar spreadsheet features while leveraging the power of underlying databases.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, ensure you have:

Docker installed (latest version recommended)
Docker Compose installed
Basic knowledge of Docker and containerization
A server or computer with at least 1GB RAM

Installation Methods

There are several ways to set up NocoDB with Docker Compose:

Using the official NocoDB GitHub repository examples
Creating a custom Docker Compose file
Using image from Docker Hub directly

Basic Docker Compose Setup

Here’s a basic docker-compose.yml file to get started with NocoDB using SQLite (simplest setup):


version: '3.3'
services:
  nocodb:
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    volumes:
      - ./nocodb_data:/usr/app/data/
    environment:
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

version: '3.3'

services:

nocodb:

image: nocodb/nocodb:latest

ports:

- "8080:8080"

volumes:

- ./nocodb_data:/usr/app/data/

environment:

- NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

This configuration:

Uses the latest NocoDB image
Maps port 8080 from the container to your host
Stores data in a local directory (./nocodb_data)
Sets a JWT secret for authentication

Docker Compose with PostgreSQL

A more production-ready setup with PostgreSQL:


version: '2.1'
services:
  root_db:
    image: postgres:14
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
    environment:
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: password
      POSTGRES_USER: postgres
      POSTGRES_DB: root_db
    healthcheck:
      test: pg_isready -U postgres -d root_db
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5

  nocodb:
    depends_on:
      root_db:
        condition: service_healthy
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/
    environment:
      - NC_DB=pg://root_db:5432?u=postgres&p=password&d=root_db
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

version: '2.1'

services:

root_db:

image: postgres:14

restart: always

volumes:

- ./pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data

environment:

POSTGRES_PASSWORD: password

POSTGRES_USER: postgres

POSTGRES_DB: root_db

healthcheck:

test: pg_isready -U postgres -d root_db

interval: 10s

timeout: 5s

retries: 5

nocodb:

depends_on:

root_db:

condition: service_healthy

image: nocodb/nocodb:latest

ports:

- "8080:8080"

restart: always

volumes:

- ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/

environment:

- NC_DB=pg://root_db:5432?u=postgres&p=password&d=root_db

- NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

Docker Compose with MySQL

To use MySQL as your database:


version: '2.1'
services:
  root_db:
    image: mysql:8
    command: --character-set-server=utf8mb4 --collation-server=utf8mb4_unicode_ci
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./mysql_data:/var/lib/mysql
    environment:
      MYSQL_DATABASE: root_db
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: password
    healthcheck:
      test: mysql -u root -ppassword -e "SHOW DATABASES;"
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5

  nocodb:
    depends_on:
      root_db:
        condition: service_healthy
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/
    environment:
      - NC_DB=mysql2://root_db:3306?u=root&p=password&d=root_db
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

version: '2.1'

services:

root_db:

image: mysql:8

command: --character-set-server=utf8mb4 --collation-server=utf8mb4_unicode_ci

restart: always

volumes:

- ./mysql_data:/var/lib/mysql

environment:

MYSQL_DATABASE: root_db

MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: password

healthcheck:

test: mysql -u root -ppassword -e "SHOW DATABASES;"

interval: 10s

timeout: 5s

retries: 5

nocodb:

depends_on:

root_db:

condition: service_healthy

image: nocodb/nocodb:latest

ports:

- "8080:8080"

restart: always

volumes:

- ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/

environment:

- NC_DB=mysql2://root_db:3306?u=root&p=password&d=root_db

- NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

Using with MariaDB


version: '2.1'
services:
  root_db:
    image: mariadb:10.6
    command: --character-set-server=utf8mb4 --collation-server=utf8mb4_unicode_ci
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./mariadb_data:/var/lib/mysql
    environment:
      MYSQL_DATABASE: root_db
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: password
    healthcheck:
      test: mysql -u root -ppassword -e "SHOW DATABASES;"
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5

  nocodb:
    depends_on:
      root_db:
        condition: service_healthy
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    restart: always
    volumes:
      - ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/
    environment:
      - NC_DB=mysql2://root_db:3306?u=root&p=password&d=root_db
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

version: '2.1'

services:

root_db:

image: mariadb:10.6

command: --character-set-server=utf8mb4 --collation-server=utf8mb4_unicode_ci

restart: always

volumes:

- ./mariadb_data:/var/lib/mysql

environment:

MYSQL_DATABASE: root_db

MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: password

healthcheck:

test: mysql -u root -ppassword -e "SHOW DATABASES;"

interval: 10s

timeout: 5s

retries: 5

nocodb:

depends_on:

root_db:

condition: service_healthy

image: nocodb/nocodb:latest

ports:

- "8080:8080"

restart: always

volumes:

- ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/

environment:

- NC_DB=mysql2://root_db:3306?u=root&p=password&d=root_db

- NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

Environment Variables

NocoDB can be configured using various environment variables. Here are the most important ones:

Database Configuration

Variable	Description	Default
`NC_DB`	Database connection string (Mandatory)	SQLite in `/usr/app/data/`
`NC_DB_JSON`	Database connection as JSON string	–
`NC_DB_JSON_FILE`	Path to database connection JSON file	–

Authentication

Variable	Description	Default
`NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET`	JWT secret for authentication (Mandatory)	Random generated
`NC_JWT_EXPIRES_IN`	JWT token expiration time	`10h`
`NC_ADMIN_EMAIL`	Super admin email	–
`NC_ADMIN_PASSWORD`	Super admin password	–

Storage

Variable	Description	Default
`NC_ATTACHMENT_FIELD_SIZE`	Max file size for attachments	20MB
`NC_MAX_ATTACHMENTS_ALLOWED`	Max number of attachments per cell	10

Networking

Variable	Description	Default
`PORT`	Port to run NocoDB on	8080
`NC_PUBLIC_URL`	Base URL for public access	Inferred from request

Email (Optional)

Variable	Description
`NC_SMTP_FROM`	From email address
`NC_SMTP_HOST`	SMTP server host
`NC_SMTP_PORT`	SMTP server port
`NC_SMTP_USERNAME`	SMTP username
`NC_SMTP_PASSWORD`	SMTP password
`NC_SMTP_SECURE`	Enable SMTP secure (true/false)

Database Connection Strings

NocoDB uses the following format for database connections:

PostgreSQL


pg://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

pg://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

MySQL/MariaDB


mysql2://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

mysql2://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

MS SQL Server


mssql://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

mssql://host:port?u=username&p=password&d=database

SQLite


sqlite3://path/to/database.db

sqlite3://path/to/database.db

Starting NocoDB

After creating your docker-compose.yml file:

Open a terminal/command prompt
Navigate to the directory containing your docker-compose.yml
Run:


docker-compose up -d

docker-compose up -d

Access NocoDB at http://localhost:8080 (or your configured port)

Persistence

To ensure your data persists between container restarts, always:

Mount volumes for your database (as shown in examples)
Mount a volume for NocoDB at /usr/app/data/

Security Considerations

For production deployments:

Always set a strong NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET
Consider running behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS
Use strong database passwords
Consider setting up NC_ADMIN_EMAIL and NC_ADMIN_PASSWORD
Restrict access to your database container (don’t expose ports unless needed)

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

Connection Issues

Ensure database container is healthy before NocoDB tries to connect
Check database credentials are correct in connection string
For external databases, ensure they’re accessible from the NocoDB container

Permission Issues

Ensure volumes have correct permissions
For SQLite, check write permissions to the data directory

Logs

View container logs for troubleshooting:


docker-compose logs nocodb

docker-compose logs nocodb

Advanced Configurations

Using with NGINX Reverse Proxy

For a setup with NGINX as a reverse proxy:


version: '3.9'
networks: 
  frontend:
  backend:
    
services:
  proxy:
    image: nginx:alpine
    restart: unless-stopped
    volumes:
      - ./nginx/conf.d:/etc/nginx/conf.d
      - ./nginx/certs:/etc/nginx/certs
    ports:
      - "80:80"
      - "443:443"
    networks:
      - frontend
      - backend
      
  nocodb:
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    restart: unless-stopped
    volumes:
      - ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/
    environment:
      - NC_DB=pg://db:5432?u=postgres&p=password&d=nocodb
      - NC_PUBLIC_URL=https://your-domain.com
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here
    depends_on:
      db:
        condition: service_healthy
    networks:
      - backend
      
  db:
    image: postgres:14
    restart: unless-stopped
    volumes:
      - ./pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
    environment:
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: password
      POSTGRES_USER: postgres
      POSTGRES_DB: nocodb
    networks:
      - backend
    healthcheck:
      test: pg_isready -U postgres -d nocodb
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5

version: '3.9'

networks:

frontend:

backend:

services:

proxy:

image: nginx:alpine

restart: unless-stopped

volumes:

- ./nginx/conf.d:/etc/nginx/conf.d

- ./nginx/certs:/etc/nginx/certs

ports:

- "80:80"

- "443:443"

networks:

- frontend

- backend

nocodb:

image: nocodb/nocodb:latest

restart: unless-stopped

volumes:

- ./nocodb:/usr/app/data/

environment:

- NC_DB=pg://db:5432?u=postgres&p=password&d=nocodb

- NC_PUBLIC_URL=https://your-domain.com

- NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret-here

depends_on:

db:

condition: service_healthy

networks:

- backend

db:

image: postgres:14

restart: unless-stopped

volumes:

- ./pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data

environment:

POSTGRES_PASSWORD: password

POSTGRES_USER: postgres

POSTGRES_DB: nocodb

networks:

- backend

healthcheck:

test: pg_isready -U postgres -d nocodb

interval: 10s

timeout: 5s

retries: 5

NGINX configuration (./nginx/conf.d/default.conf):


server {
    listen 80;
    server_name your-domain.com;
    
    location / {
        return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
    }
}

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    server_name your-domain.com;
    
    ssl_certificate /etc/nginx/certs/cert.pem;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/nginx/certs/key.pem;
    
    location / {
        proxy_pass http://nocodb:8080;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
    }
}

server {

listen 80;

server_name your-domain.com;

location / {

return 301 https://$host$request_uri;

}

server {

listen 443 ssl;

server_name your-domain.com;

ssl_certificate /etc/nginx/certs/cert.pem;

ssl_certificate_key /etc/nginx/certs/key.pem;

location / {

proxy_pass http://nocodb:8080;

proxy_set_header Host $host;

proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;

proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;

proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;

}

Additional Resources

FAQ

What is NoCode development?

NoCode development is an approach to software creation that allows people to build applications, websites, and workflows using visual interfaces without writing any code. These platforms use drag-and-drop components, pre-built templates, and visual programming tools that enable non-technical users to create functional digital products.

What’s the difference between NoCode and LowCode?

The main difference between NoCode and LowCode is the level of coding knowledge required. NoCode platforms require zero coding expertise, using purely visual interfaces with drag-and-drop functionality. LowCode platforms, however, allow for some custom coding to extend functionality, requiring at least basic programming knowledge for more advanced customization and complex applications.

What can I build with NoCode tools?

With NoCode tools, you can build a wide range of digital products including:

Websites and landing pages
Mobile and web applications
Internal business tools and dashboards
Automated workflows and processes
Customer portals and self-service platforms
Databases and data management systems
Forms and surveys
E-commerce stores

Are NoCode applications scalable?

Scalability depends on the specific NoCode platform you choose. Many modern NoCode platforms offer scalable infrastructure to handle growth, but there can be limitations. While NoCode solutions are excellent for rapid prototyping and smaller to medium-sized applications, they may face challenges with very complex, data-intensive applications experiencing high traffic volumes. For enterprise-level applications, it’s important to choose platforms specifically designed for scalability or consider hybrid approaches.

Is NoCode secure for business applications?

Most reputable NoCode platforms implement robust security measures, including data encryption, user authentication, and regular security audits. However, security features can vary between platforms. While NoCode tools generally provide basic security, they may not offer the same depth of security features as traditionally developed applications. For applications handling sensitive data, look for platforms that comply with industry standards like GDPR or HIPAA and offer advanced security features.

How much do NoCode platforms cost?

NoCode platform pricing varies widely based on features, capabilities, and target users. Many platforms offer tiered pricing models:

Free plans: Limited functionality, suitable for learning or small projects
Basic plans: $10-50/month for individuals or small teams
Professional plans: $50-200/month with more features and capacity
Enterprise plans: $200-1000+/month with advanced features, support, and security

While there’s an upfront cost, NoCode platforms often provide significant ROI through reduced development time and resources compared to traditional coding.

Will NoCode replace traditional developers?

NoCode is unlikely to completely replace traditional developers. Instead, it complements their work by handling simpler application development, allowing professional developers to focus on more complex, specialized tasks. According to industry forecasts, by 2025, approximately 70% of new applications are expected to be developed using NoCode or LowCode platforms, up from 25% in 2020. This shift represents a transformation in how software is built rather than the elimination of coding professionals.

Can NoCode platforms integrate with existing systems?

Yes, most modern NoCode platforms provide integration capabilities with existing systems and databases. These integrations typically work through:

APIs and webhooks
Built-in connectors for popular services
Integration platforms like Zapier
Native integrations with common business tools
Database connections via standard protocols

The extent and ease of these integrations vary by platform, so it’s important to verify that your chosen NoCode solution can connect with your critical existing systems.

How does AI impact NoCode development?

AI is transforming NoCode development in two primary ways:

Developer-focused AI: Helps create software by interpreting natural language prompts to design interfaces or generate components. AI assists in understanding requirements and translating them into functional application structures.
User-focused AI: Enables NoCode platform users to add AI capabilities to their applications, such as text summarization, image recognition, or intelligent data analysis without needing AI expertise.

As these technologies continue to evolve, AI is expected to make NoCode platforms even more powerful and accessible to non-technical users.

What are the limitations of NoCode platforms?

NoCode platforms have several common limitations:

Customization constraints: Limited ability to create highly unique or specialized functionality
Performance issues: May struggle with complex, data-intensive applications or high traffic loads
Scalability challenges: Can face limitations when scaling applications beyond certain user or data thresholds
Vendor lock-in: Difficulty migrating applications between different NoCode platforms
Advanced functionality: Complex algorithms or specialized features may still require custom code
Learning curve: Despite being “no-code,” some platforms have steep learning curves

What are the most popular NoCode platforms in 2025?

The most popular NoCode platforms in 2025 include:

Bubble: Full-stack application development with extensive customization
Webflow: Advanced website building with complex interactions
Airtable: Versatile database and spreadsheet hybrid with automation
Zapier: Workflow automation connecting different applications
Glide: Mobile app creation from spreadsheet data
NocoBase: Open-source platform for building large systems
Microsoft Power Apps: Business application development within the Microsoft ecosystem
Nintex: Process automation and workflow management
Quickbase: Business process management and application development
Figma: Collaborative interface design with interactive prototyping

Each platform specializes in different aspects of NoCode development, from website creation to database management and workflow automation.

How long does it take to learn a NoCode platform?

The learning curve for NoCode platforms varies based on the platform’s complexity and your technical background. Simple platforms like form builders or basic website creators can be learned in a few hours to a few days. More comprehensive platforms for building complex applications may take several weeks to master. Most NoCode platforms offer tutorials, documentation, and community support to accelerate the learning process. The time investment is typically much shorter than learning traditional programming languages.

What skills are useful for NoCode development?

While NoCode eliminates the need for programming skills, these abilities are valuable:

Logical thinking: Understanding process flows and conditional logic
UI/UX design knowledge: Creating intuitive and effective user interfaces
Data modeling: Structuring data efficiently for your application
Problem-solving: Breaking down complex requirements into manageable parts
Project management: Planning and organizing application development
Basic technical understanding: Familiarity with concepts like APIs, databases, and workflows
Design thinking: User-centered approach to solving problems

Having these skills will help you create more effective, user-friendly applications, even without coding knowledge.

How do I choose the right NoCode platform for my project?

To choose the right NoCode platform:

Define your requirements: Clarify what you need to build and its complexity
Consider your technical skills: Choose platforms matching your comfort level
Evaluate scalability needs: Ensure the platform can grow with your project
Check integration options: Verify compatibility with your existing systems
Assess customization needs: Determine how unique your solution needs to be
Review pricing models: Check if costs align with your budget as you scale
Test with free trials: Experiment before committing to a platform
Research community support: Active communities offer valuable resources

Take time to research and test multiple platforms before making your final decision.

What are the main benefits of using NoCode solutions?

The main benefits of NoCode solutions include:

Speed and efficiency: Develop applications much faster than traditional coding
Cost-effectiveness: Reduce development costs and resource requirements
Accessibility: Enable non-technical team members to build software solutions
Rapid prototyping: Quickly test ideas and validate concepts
Ease of maintenance: Update and modify applications without complex coding
Democratized innovation: Allow more people to create technology solutions
Reduced technical debt: Pre-built components follow best practices
Business agility: Respond faster to changing business needs

According to research, 90% of NoCode users believe their companies have experienced accelerated growth thanks to using NoCode solutions.

Let’s Talk!

Looking for a reliable partner to bring your project to the next level? Whether it’s development, design, security, or ongoing support—I’d love to chat and see how I can help.

Get in touch,
and let’s create something amazing together!

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Alexander

I am a full-stack developer. My expertise include:

Server, Network and Hosting Environments
Data Modeling / Import / Export
Business Logic
API Layer / Action layer / MVC
User Interfaces
User Experience
Understand what the customer and the business needs

I have a deep passion for programming, design, and server architecture—each of these fuels my creativity, and I wouldn’t feel complete without them.

With a broad range of interests, I’m always exploring new technologies and expanding my knowledge wherever needed. The tech world evolves rapidly, and I love staying ahead by embracing the latest innovations.

Beyond technology, I value peace and surround myself with like-minded individuals.

I firmly believe in the principle: Help others, and help will find its way back to you when you need it.

Day 30: NocoDB – Self-hosted No-Code Platform – 7 Days of Docker

Table of Contents

What is NocoDB?

Prerequisites

Installation Methods

Basic Docker Compose Setup

Docker Compose with PostgreSQL

Docker Compose with MySQL

Using with MariaDB

Environment Variables

Database Configuration

Authentication

Storage

Networking

Email (Optional)

Database Connection Strings

PostgreSQL

MySQL/MariaDB

MS SQL Server

SQLite

Starting NocoDB

Persistence

Security Considerations

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

Permission Issues

Logs

Advanced Configurations

Using with NGINX Reverse Proxy

Additional Resources

FAQ

What is NoCode development?

What’s the difference between NoCode and LowCode?

What can I build with NoCode tools?

Are NoCode applications scalable?

Is NoCode secure for business applications?

How much do NoCode platforms cost?

Will NoCode replace traditional developers?

Can NoCode platforms integrate with existing systems?

How does AI impact NoCode development?

What are the limitations of NoCode platforms?

What are the most popular NoCode platforms in 2025?

How long does it take to learn a NoCode platform?

What skills are useful for NoCode development?

How do I choose the right NoCode platform for my project?

What are the main benefits of using NoCode solutions?

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Alexander

DISCOVER.

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