As a developer, building internal tools can be a daunting task, especially when you’re working with non-technical users. You want to create something simple, easy to use, and efficient. But, finding the right framework can be a challenge. I recently came across a Reddit post that resonated with me – a developer was looking for a framework to build standalone internal tools that don’t require spinning up a server. I totally get it.
The problem is, most solutions require technical expertise, which can be a hurdle for non-technical users. Installing Python, for instance, can be overwhelming for someone who’s not familiar with coding. And, let’s be honest, spinning up a server for a process that users run once a week feels like a waste of resources.
The developer mentioned PowerBI, but it’s not designed to execute actions when buttons are clicked. Tkinter is an option, but its outdated design can be off-putting for users. Streamlit and Shiny are great, but they require a server to run 24/7, which can be a maintenance nightmare.
So, what are the alternatives? What frameworks can you use to build internal tools that are easy to use, efficient, and don’t require technical expertise? In this post, I’ll explore some options that might just do the trick.