When working with a PostgreSQL database, you often need a way to manage records without writing SQL queries or building a custom admin panel. Whether it’s for internal tools, customer support, or content management, having a simple interface to interact with the database can save time and effort.
Kottster is a no-code admin panel designed for this purpose. Instead of setting up a database client or giving direct access to PostgreSQL, it provides a web-based interface where users can view and manage data securely. It’s an ideal solution for teams that need database access without technical complexity.
Kottster is a Node.js app that runs on a server and connects to a PostgreSQL database. It provides a web-based admin panel where you can easily view and manage data in your database tables.
Getting up and running with Kottster is quick and straightforward. Whether you're setting it up for the first time or just exploring its features, you can follow these resources:
Once you've completed the setup, you'll have a Node.js app running locally that connects to your PostgreSQL database. From there, you can:
This gives you full control over how and where you run Kottster, making it flexible for different projects and teams.
Kottster allows you to set up pages for managing specific tables in your PostgreSQL database. The configuration form lets you:
Kottster automatically detects relationships between tables in your PostgreSQL database and adds them as columns in the table view. This makes it easy to see linked data without writing any queries.
For example, if you create a page for a u table, Kottster will recognize that the orders table refers to it through a user_id column. In this case, it will:
This means you can view and manage related data directly without switching between different pages. If you don’t need a particular linked relation, you can disable it in the settings. You also have the option to add custom relations manually if needed.
This feature helps structure data effectively while keeping the interface clean and easy to navigate.
Kottster allows you to go beyond standard database tables by adding custom pages.
All pages in Kottster are essentially routes that include both backend logic and a frontend built with React. This makes it easy to create completely custom pages tailored to specific needs—whether it’s a dashboard, reports, or custom workflows.
Since you have full control over both the server-side logic and the UI, you can extend Kottster however you like.
For more details on how to add and configure custom pages, check out the documentation: Custom pages.
Kottster is open-source, giving you full transparency and control over its code. Unlike some admin panels that integrate directly into your application, Kottster runs as a completely separate Node.js server that connects to your database. This means your main application remains isolated, reducing security risks and keeping your architecture clean.
Access to your database can be restricted not only through PostgreSQL’s built-in permissions but also on Kottster’s side. Using Kottster’s configuration tables, you can:
For more details, check out the configuration documentation: Data Sources.
Authentication in Kottster is handled through web.kottster.app, which uses Clerk for secure authentication. When a user logs in or signs up, the process happens externally on web.kottster.app. Once authentication is successful, the user is then authorized in the local Kottster app. This approach enhances security by keeping authentication separate from the admin panel, reducing potential risks.
Since Kottster is essentially a Node.js server, you can deploy it anywhere—whether it's on your own server, a cloud provider, or a managed platform.
Additionally, because Kottster is built with Remix, it can be deployed on platforms like Vercel, AWS Lambda, and other serverless environments that support edge computing.
Kottster makes it easy to manage a PostgreSQL database without writing SQL or building an admin panel from scratch. It’s fully customizable, self-hosted, and open-source, giving you control over both functionality and security.
With a simple setup and the flexibility to deploy anywhere, it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a no-code database management tool that adapts to different workflows.