Think fast
Thoughts and ideas on how to build tools, automate workflows and speed-up the workplace.
Day 1 - Introducing our new data-first experience
Welcome to day one of the Â鶹AV 3.0 launch week! Over the next few days, we’ll be diving into a variety of exciting new developments, each designed to enhance the way you build and manage your apps. Each day, we’ll explore a different theme, offering insights and guidance to help you get the most out of Â鶹AV 3.0. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! We’re kicking off the week by diving into the new data experience in Â鶹AV.
Michael Drury, Jamie Birss
Nov 4, 2024
Beginners Guide to Web Application Development (2025)
It was the year 2010, I had an idea for a web application which would allow my family and I to share images, organise shopping, populate a shared calendar, and store bills. My family was terribly disorganised. We needed this! This idea was going to make me 💰💰💰. There was a small complication with my vision - I didn’t know how to build a web application. But thankfully, I could build a static site with HTML and CSS so it couldn’t be that hard, right?
Joe Johnston
Nov 1, 2024
Build a Free SQL GUI in 5 Steps
SQL is a powerful query language that’s used to unlock valuable insights stored in databases. No matter how large our database is or what we’re using it for, we need a streamlined, accessible way to interact with our data. But we also need to do this in a controlled, secure manner. That’s where an effective SQL GUI comes in. A GUI - graphical user interface - is an application that allows us to interact visually with our data, rather than relying solely on written commands.
Ronan McQuillan
Oct 31, 2024
6 ServiceNow Alternatives & Competitors for 2025
ServiceNow is totally synonymous with IT service management. In fact, it’s hugely embedded in how countless IT teams deliver services to colleagues. However, despite its dominant market share, it’s not the only option out there. See, ITSM is a hugely varied field. Even the most basic processes can look completely different from one company to the next. This raises a couple of problems for COTS ITSM platforms. Vendors inevitably need to position their solutions towards one type of team or another - even at the level of individual features.
Ronan McQuillan
Oct 25, 2024
Build an Inventory Management App for Free
Keeping track of stock is one of the most fundamental processes in any customer-facing business. Today, we’re checking out how to build a custom inventory management app for free - in just 20 minutes. Even better, since we’re going to use Â鶹AV to build it, you’ll barely need any coding skills - and we’ll have a fully functional application before your coffee gets cold. All we need to do is connect our data, add a couple of custom queries, and start using Â鶹AV’s built-in components to create a professional UI for managing stock levels.
Ronan McQuillan
Oct 23, 2024
How to Build a Database GUI | In-Depth Guide
Database GUI (Graphical User Interface) are tools that allow you to interact with databases even if you aren’t a programmer. In addition, they are useful for programmers, since they provide quick ways to get data. When it comes to picking the right database GUI for you, things get tricky. Although there are a lot of options out there, there are many things to take into account. From something as simple as pricing to more complex considerations, like the functionality provided.
Ronan McQuillan
Oct 22, 2024
Create a Free MySQL GUI in 5 Steps
MySQL is one of the most popular database systems out there. And that’s for a good reason. It is lightweight, fast, easy to learn, and widely available. Using a MySQL GUI to manage your databases will help you make the most out of this tool. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows you to interact with your database with a visual interface. This allows you to see your data and use visual elements as opposed to text-based terminals and command lines.
Ronan McQuillan
Oct 20, 2024
Top 6 Open Source Form Builders in 2025 (Tried and Tested)
My name is Joe, and I have been building online forms for the last 10 years of my life. I have developed forms in several different ways; with html5 form builders, with Javascript form builders, to niche React form builders, and more. From my experience, I can conclude that the best open-source form builders make it quick and easy to create beautiful, functional, and accessible forms. Forms are a critical construct of the digital age.
Joe Johnston
Oct 19, 2024