What is development for you? I bet the first association with this word is ‘coding’. However, developers spend much time setting up the project before they start to code. You should configure integrations, set up your environment, connect the database… Or you shouldn’t?

If you work with Retool, I’ve got some fascinating news: it features an integrated PostgreSQL database. What does ‘integrated’ mean? Well, it needs zero configuration, supports different Retool Environments, and has a beautiful spreadsheet-like UI. Why the Retool Database should be your number one choice?

Reason 1. Zero Configuration

Retool Database is both simple and fast. In reality, it means the database is ready for use without any installation procedures. This eliminates the need to spend a lot of time before the DB becomes fully operational. You can create tables—and start testing applications or deploy them quickly without bothering about managing database infrastructure. With Retool Database, you don’t have to worry about setting up servers, creating users, or securing environments. Literally, all the common enterprise software deployment processes incorporate these steps. In other words, you even don’t need DevOps on your project.

Reason 2. Seamless Integration with Retool

The Retool Database is retooled to its core. It means that the DB is integrated tightly into the platform. You can develop, test, and deploy applications using a single source. And that’s amazing! This integration is so deep that you even have a spreadsheet editor tightened to your database. You can manipulate your data in much the same way as you would on a spreadsheet so that adding, editing, filtering, and sorting records is pretty easy. In addition to this, you still can write good old SQL queries and execute them against the Retool Database. This fact makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

Reason 3. Data Management Made Easy

If you are a beginner, don’t be afraid of database management! Retool has an intuitive interface that looks the same as Excel, Google Sheets, name it. You can add, delete, or edit records quickly, simplifying entering or updating information. The database UI also supports filtering, sorting, and searching - everything you need to efficiently administer large datasets. And all of this exists without legacy database management software complexity​​​.

Reason 4. Scalability and Performance

If you are a pro, this part is for you. As you already know, under the friendly spreadsheet-like UI a real traditional SQL database lives. In practice, it means that the Retool DB supports advanced data types, foreign keys, and data validation—everything you need to ensure scalability and maintain integrity in the data. Therefore, it can be easily scaled for applications handling complex queries making it suitable for both small and large projects. Complex joins, subqueries, as well as data aggregations—that’s all we love in SQL—are here, too.

Reason 5. Automatic Support for Multiple Environments

Managing environments in Retool also needs some skills and time. Hopefully, the Retool Database automatically splits between all the environments you have on your plan. You can safely test any changes before they are implemented in the production environment. After testing, you can migrate the schema from development to production—yes, Retool provides a great UI for this, too! Just select tables and rows, preview the underlying SQL query, and execute it. By the way, the revert operation—from production to dev—is also

Managing environments in Retool also needs some skills and time. Hopefully, the Retool Database automatically splits between all the environments you have on your plan. You can safely test any changes before they are implemented in the production environment. After testing, you can migrate the schema from development to production—yes, Retool provides a great UI for this, too! Just select tables and rows, preview the underlying SQL query, and execute it. By the way, the revert operation—from production to dev—is also supported!

Reason 6. Security and Compliance

Database security is never overemphasized. And it's superb that the Retool Database has not compromised security at all. It includes encrypted connections, role-based access controls, or regular backup options—if you use the cloud version, though. Also, the Retool company states that it complies with all the major industry standards and follows the best practices when handling your data​​​​.

Reason 7. Free Tier and Cost Effectiveness

Retool provides a good deal of free tier where one can get 5GB storage. I believe this is very attractive for startups and small companies. It is also a great choice if you develop a POC or an MVP. In other words, the Retool Database is a good opportunity to experiment more without worrying about how much you are going to pay. And you can concentrate on the development.

Conclusion

The Retool Database is a powerful, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution targeted at developers who wish to streamline their development processes easily. Its zero-configuration setting means that it works seamlessly with Retool, and it is automatically configured to work in different environments. The fact that it runs atop PostgreSQL ensures you can rely on it. If you wish to speed up your development workflow, just go for this option whether you are prototyping an app or dealing with a comparable large project. But if you are still unsure, just reach the Akveo Team—we are here to help, and with the Retool Database, too.

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Dmitry is the Head of Low-Code Department at Akveo. With a rich background in media and marketing, Dmitry brings an extraordinary look at the world of IT technologies. He is deeply passionate about finding the most effective and elegant solutions to complex client problems. In our blog articles, Dmitry will share his expertise in Retool and other low-code platforms to offer you valuable insights on Retool to enhance business process efficiency.

We already discusses with him how to use Retool Workflows, how to improve application security, how to schedule changes and how to generate and send email reports. More topics are coming. Stay tuned!

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