When managing a MySQL database, developers often need an easy way to handle data without writing complex SQL queries or building a custom admin interface. Whether it's for internal operations, content management, or customer support, a simple admin panel can significantly streamline database tasks.

Kottster is a no-code admin panel designed specifically for MySQL databases. Instead of configuring database clients or giving users direct database access, Kottster provides a secure, intuitive, web-based interface for viewing, editing, and organizing MySQL data effortlessly.

How Kottster works

Kottster runs as a standalone Node.js application connecting directly to your MySQL database. The result is an easy-to-use web admin panel allowing smooth data management and interaction with your MySQL tables.

  • Browse and Explore Data – Quickly navigate through database tables with built-in pagination, search, filtering, and sorting features. You can easily locate the records you need without writing a single line of SQL.
  • Intuitive Forms for Data Management – Manage your data effortlessly using straightforward forms for creating, editing, and deleting records. The user-friendly design simplifies database operations and removes the hassle of interacting with raw MySQL data directly.
  • Efficient Handling of Related Records – Kottster smartly identifies related tables in your MySQL database and makes managing linked data seamless. View and edit related records without needing to write JOIN queries or switch between multiple screens.
  • Customizable Interfaces – Easily customize tables and forms within Kottster. Change field layouts, adjust column visibility, and refine user interfaces using built-in settings—no coding knowledge required.
  • Advanced Customization Options – For users requiring additional customization, Kottster's source code is open and flexible. Modify and extend functionality or tailor the app specifically to your workflow by directly editing the codebase.

Get started quickly

Setting up Kottster with MySQL is straightforward and quick. Resources are available to guide users through each step, including:

You can view a live demo of an admin panel built with Kottster to see how it looks before using the tool yourself: https://demo.kottster.app

After installation, you'll have a Node.js-based admin panel running locally, connected to your MySQL database, where you can:

  • Easily manage data via a user-friendly web interface.
  • Customize database interactions directly through intuitive settings.
  • Extend and modify the source code of admin panel and its pages.
  • Deploy flexibly on any server, cloud provider, or containerize using Docker

Customizable table views

Kottster makes managing specific MySQL database tables easy through customizable pages. You can:

  • Select the tables to display.
  • Configure visible columns and fields.
  • Enable powerful features such as search, sorting, and filtering.
  • Define permitted operations, including adding, updating, or deleting records.

Work with related records

Kottster automatically detects table relationships within your MySQL database. It automatically displays linked records, allowing users to manage related data easily:

  • View relational data directly within parent records.
  • Manage linked records conveniently without complex queries.
  • Optionally disable automatic relations or manually configure custom relationships as needed.

Custom pages

Kottster is not limited to basic database tables. Create fully custom pages to handle unique requirements such as specialized dashboards, reports, or workflows. Built with React, Kottster allows complete customization of both frontend and backend logic, providing significant flexibility for specialized tasks.

Final notes

Kottster is open-source and runs as an independent Node.js application separate from your primary app. This approach maintains a clean architecture, minimizing security risks.

The admin panel enhances MySQL's native permissions by offering granular control over:

  • Table and column access restrictions.
  • Permissions for insert, update, or delete operations.

You can easily deploy Kottster as it supports various platforms including cloud providers, dedicated servers, or serverless solutions like Vercel or AWS Lambda.

Kottster provides an efficient, secure way to manage MySQL databases without manual SQL coding. It’s easy to set up, highly customizable, and can be deployed anywhere. It simplifies data management tasks significantly, making it ideal for developers, teams, or anyone who wants streamlined access to MySQL data without complexity.