Retool & Xano: The no-code solution for your scalable & secure web application

In 2024, no-code development will be a real game changer for companies that want to innovate quickly. Previous concerns about scalability have been overcome by modern tools like Xano and Retool, which combine rapid development with impressive scalability. Together, these efficient and user-friendly tools form a powerful solution for building robust web applications. And important to emphasize: they offer a safe solution that fully complies with European guidelines. This makes them ideal for dynamic and forward-thinking companies looking for a secure, scalable and innovative web application solution.

Retool & Xano: The golden combination for web apps

Some time ago, we discovered something extraordinary in the world of no-code solutions: Retool and Xano, a combination worth gold. Retool excels at creating user-friendly front ends, while Xano is the hero when it comes to powerful back-end features. Together, they unlock a new dimension in web application development. These two, combined, offer an unparalleled opportunity to develop complex, scalable web applications. These tools not only significantly accelerate development time, but also ensure perfect harmony between front-end and back-end, crucial for designing state-of-the-art applications.

What is Retool?

Retool is a powerful low-code platform designed specifically for building internal business applications. It enables developers to create user-friendly interfaces quickly and efficiently. With a wide range of pre-built components and the ability to integrate custom components, Retool offers the flexibility to meet highly specific business needs. The platform facilitates the rapid development of applications through drag and drop functionality, while maintaining a high level of customizability and control.

Retool is particularly suitable for integrating with existing APIs and databases. This makes Retool a valuable tool for visualizing data and interacting with this data. Companies can connect to their data efficiently and easily, giving them the ability to create insightful dashboards and interactive applications that respond instantly to the latest data.

What is Xano?

Now that you know what you can do with Retool, it's now time to Xano to be examined. Xano is the perfect partner for Retool. Xano is a robust, scalable and secure no-code tool that acts as a true back-end solution for your application. It is specifically designed to integrate flexibly with various front-end tools. One of Xano's biggest strengths is its emphasis on scalability. For projects that require a high level of scalability in terms of data consumption and storage, it's important not to run into limits. Xano recognizes this importance and therefore focuses on building a back-end solution that can scale with your business.

Xano is not only scalable, but also secure. It complies with the European Privacy Act (GDPR), which means you can work with Xano in accordance with European privacy guidelines. It complies with important regulations such as SOC2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. What does this mean for you? It means that Xano takes the security of your data seriously.

All data stored in Xano is encrypted, even when it is simply “silent”. When data is transmitted, this is always done via a secure SSL connection. In addition, Xano regularly undergoes strict audits to ensure that security is always up to date. They even perform quarterly PCI compliance network scans to detect and address potential vulnerabilities. So you can be sure that your data is in safe hands with Xano.‍

The benefits of a separate front and back end

Separating front-end and back-end in web development may seem cumbersome, but it offers several advantages, including:

1. One front end for different back ends: By using a uniform front end, you as a company can easily combine and access different back-end systems without having to adjust the user interface each time. This ensures a consistent user experience, even when underlying data or processes come from different sources or systems.
2. One backend for different front ends: A powerful and well-designed backend can serve as the backbone for multiple front-end interfaces, such as web applications, mobile apps, or even IoT devices. This provides a more efficient code base and enables developers to support new user platforms quickly and cost-effectively.
3. Increased functionality through focus: No no-code tool is able to perfectly control all aspects of web development. While full-stack development tools offer a wide range of functionalities, they can fall short in specific areas. By maintaining a clear separation between front-end and back-end, vendors can focus on perfecting their specific part of the development stack, and both tools can excel in their own domain.
   

How to set up a no-code web application with Retool and Xano?

To give you an idea of setting up a no-code web application with Retool and Xano, here are the steps. Keep in mind that both tools have a certain learning curve. If you don't have a technical background, it's strongly recommended that you hire a Retool and Xano expert for a professional, complete implementation.

1. Create a Xano Account

Get started by registering at Xano. Use it for free Build plan, ideal for building your MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

2. Creating a workspace in Xano

Create a new workspace and specify that you will use Retool as a front-end tool. You can choose to import data from various sources, but for this example, we're starting with a blank slate.

3. Setting up a database in Xano

Decide which tables you want in your database and create CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) API endpoints right away. These are essential for connecting to a front end.

4. Adding columns to your tables in Xano

In the “Databases” tab, add columns to your tables and define the relationships between different tables, such as the relationship between a company (account) and its contacts. You can choose from many different type of fields such as Text, Integer, Date, Boolean, and relationships with other tables.

5. Fill the database with test data

‍Add test data to the database for later testing in the front end.

6. ‍Create Retool Account

Register at Retool and use it here too Free plan.

‍‍7. Creating a new organization in Retool

Choose a subdomain and set up your organization. In a paid plan, the application can also be hosted on a custom domain.

8. Creating a new app in Retool

Create a new app and modify the default template to better suit your CRM application.

Time to give your app some flair! With a few simple adjustments - such as a fresh color, the right labels, and, of course, your own logo - your app will quickly get that unique look and feel.

9. Connect to the database from Retool

Create a Resource query in Retool to retrieve data from Xano. Copy the endpoint link of the desired table into Xano and connect via a REST API in Retool.

10. Link the data to the interface in Retool

Use the retrieved data to display it in the interface, for example in a table.

Voila, you've created your first web application with Retool and Xano!

This is just a basic setup. From here, you can continue building by integrating functionalities such as adding, editing and deleting contacts. To do this, Xano offers endpoints that you can call from Retool, resulting in an interactive web application.

Tip: Think about authentication

When setting up your application, it's important to take secure authentication into account. Xano is a highly secure tool, but the ultimate security depends a lot on the configuration. Attention to authentication is essential, as default settings in the basic setup do not include this. Without proper authentication, anyone can access your data with the URL. Xano offers advanced options for user-based authentication, providing secure and controlled access to the application.

More details about implementing authentication in Xano can be found here.

The most important benefits of Retool and Xano at a glance

1. Efficiency: Retool and Xano's no-code approach significantly streamlines the development process. With these tools, you can build powerful web applications in a fraction of the time it normally takes for traditional development methods. This not only speeds up time to market, but also makes it possible to adapt quickly to changing business needs.
2. Flexibility: Both platforms are designed with a view to customization. Retool offers a wide range of customizable user interface components, while Xano offers flexibility in back-end configurations. This adaptability enables companies to create applications that closely match their unique business processes and requirements.
3. Scalability: Xano excels in providing a scalable database solution, essential for companies that grow and see an increase in data usage. Retool supports this with powerful visualization options for large data sets, so that both tools together offer a robust solution for growing organizations.
4. Safety: Both Xano and Retool take safety seriously. They comply with European privacy laws, including AVG, and offer the option to be hosted within the EU. Retool goes one step further by offering companies the option to fully host the tool themselves. This opens doors for companies that consider safety a top priority.

The endless uses of Retool and Xano

Retool and Xano offer a world of opportunities for creating various types of web applications, each with their unique features and applications. From building advanced CRM systems that seamlessly integrate all customer interactions and data, to developing comprehensive ERP solutions that streamline all business processes. These tools are also ideal for creating interactive dashboards that provide real-time data and insights, essential for data-driven decision making. In addition, they are perfect for setting up portals where customers, suppliers or employees have access to personalized information and services.

In short, the flexibility of Retool and Xano means that you can build applications for almost any need, whether it's internal process control, data visualization, or even complex, sector-specific applications. Unmatched flexibility, scalability and security make Retool and Xano an excellent choice for companies looking for a customized solution.

Consider getting help from a Retool & Xano expert

Building a no-code web application with Retool and Xano is accessible, but involves a learning curve, especially if the application is intended for critical business processes. Involving a Retool whether Xano expert is therefore recommended. An expert can not only accelerate the development process, but also ensure a solid and professional implementation. This is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of business-critical applications.‍‍