Vibecode Airtable
track this build5 steps, step by step0%A spreadsheet database CRUD app is buildable, but Airtable's views, permissions, automations, interfaces, forms, sync, and integrations are broad.
You are building a lean indie version of Airtable. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Airtable indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Airtable workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Create tables/fields/views, forms, simple automations, filters, and a REST API over Postgres/SQLite. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - rich field types - interfaces - automations - sync/integrations - mobile - permissions - scalability If those capabilities are essential, use NocoDB instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal spreadsheet-database to replace Airtable. Requirements: - Local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, one database file at data/base.db; the grid is Tabulator plus vanilla JS, no build step. - Create tables and columns from the UI, typed as text, number, date, select, checkbox, or URL; each is a real SQLite table so other tools can query it. - Inline grid editing, click-to-sort, per-column filters. - Saved views: name + filters + sort + hidden columns, stored in a views table and listed in a sidebar. - Link columns: a cell can reference rows in another table, picked from a dropdown, rendered as chips that click through to the linked row. - A quick-entry form page per table at /form/<table>: one input per column, posts a row. - CSV import and export per table so nothing is ever trapped. - Localhost only, no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: multi-user permissions, automations, and hosted interfaces; when teammates need in, that is what Airtable is for. - README: setup and where the database lives. ## Required capabilities - database - schema builder - grid UI - auth/permissions - automation worker - hosted backend ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a lean indie version of Airtable. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Airtable indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Airtable workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Create tables/fields/views, forms, simple automations, filters, and a REST API over Postgres/SQLite. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - rich field types - interfaces - automations - sync/integrations - mobile - permissions - scalability If those capabilities are essential, use NocoDB instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal spreadsheet-database to replace Airtable. Requirements: - Local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, one database file at data/base.db; the grid is Tabulator plus vanilla JS, no build step. - Create tables and columns from the UI, typed as text, number, date, select, checkbox, or URL; each is a real SQLite table so other tools can query it. - Inline grid editing, click-to-sort, per-column filters. - Saved views: name + filters + sort + hidden columns, stored in a views table and listed in a sidebar. - Link columns: a cell can reference rows in another table, picked from a dropdown, rendered as chips that click through to the linked row. - A quick-entry form page per table at /form/<table>: one input per column, posts a row. - CSV import and export per table so nothing is ever trapped. - Localhost only, no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: multi-user permissions, automations, and hosted interfaces; when teammates need in, that is what Airtable is for. - README: setup and where the database lives. ## Required capabilities - database - schema builder - grid UI - auth/permissions - automation worker - hosted backend ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a production product version of Airtable. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== PRODUCT.md ===== # Airtable product brief ## Problem A spreadsheet database CRUD app is buildable, but Airtable's views, permissions, automations, interfaces, forms, sync, and integrations are broad. ## Product outcome Create tables/fields/views, forms, simple automations, filters, and a REST API over Postgres/SQLite. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - database - schema builder - grid UI - auth/permissions - automation worker - hosted backend ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - rich field types - interfaces - automations - sync/integrations - mobile - permissions - scalability ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees. ===== ARCHITECTURE.md ===== # Architecture ## Starting brief Build me a personal spreadsheet-database to replace Airtable. Requirements: - Local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, one database file at data/base.db; the grid is Tabulator plus vanilla JS, no build step. - Create tables and columns from the UI, typed as text, number, date, select, checkbox, or URL; each is a real SQLite table so other tools can query it. - Inline grid editing, click-to-sort, per-column filters. - Saved views: name + filters + sort + hidden columns, stored in a views table and listed in a sidebar. - Link columns: a cell can reference rows in another table, picked from a dropdown, rendered as chips that click through to the linked row. - A quick-entry form page per table at /form/<table>: one input per column, posts a row. - CSV import and export per table so nothing is ever trapped. - Localhost only, no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: multi-user permissions, automations, and hosted interfaces; when teammates need in, that is what Airtable is for. - README: setup and where the database lives. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone. ===== MILESTONES.md ===== # Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations. ===== OPERATIONS.md ===== # Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Airtable capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
# Airtable indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Airtable workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Create tables/fields/views, forms, simple automations, filters, and a REST API over Postgres/SQLite. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - rich field types - interfaces - automations - sync/integrations - mobile - permissions - scalability If those capabilities are essential, use NocoDB instead of pretending the gap is solved.
# Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs".
# Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal spreadsheet-database to replace Airtable. Requirements: - Local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, one database file at data/base.db; the grid is Tabulator plus vanilla JS, no build step. - Create tables and columns from the UI, typed as text, number, date, select, checkbox, or URL; each is a real SQLite table so other tools can query it. - Inline grid editing, click-to-sort, per-column filters. - Saved views: name + filters + sort + hidden columns, stored in a views table and listed in a sidebar. - Link columns: a cell can reference rows in another table, picked from a dropdown, rendered as chips that click through to the linked row. - A quick-entry form page per table at /form/<table>: one input per column, posts a row. - CSV import and export per table so nothing is ever trapped. - Localhost only, no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: multi-user permissions, automations, and hosted interfaces; when teammates need in, that is what Airtable is for. - README: setup and where the database lives. ## Required capabilities - database - schema builder - grid UI - auth/permissions - automation worker - hosted backend ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden.
# Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
# Airtable product brief ## Problem A spreadsheet database CRUD app is buildable, but Airtable's views, permissions, automations, interfaces, forms, sync, and integrations are broad. ## Product outcome Create tables/fields/views, forms, simple automations, filters, and a REST API over Postgres/SQLite. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - database - schema builder - grid UI - auth/permissions - automation worker - hosted backend ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - rich field types - interfaces - automations - sync/integrations - mobile - permissions - scalability ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees.
# Architecture ## Starting brief Build me a personal spreadsheet-database to replace Airtable. Requirements: - Local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, one database file at data/base.db; the grid is Tabulator plus vanilla JS, no build step. - Create tables and columns from the UI, typed as text, number, date, select, checkbox, or URL; each is a real SQLite table so other tools can query it. - Inline grid editing, click-to-sort, per-column filters. - Saved views: name + filters + sort + hidden columns, stored in a views table and listed in a sidebar. - Link columns: a cell can reference rows in another table, picked from a dropdown, rendered as chips that click through to the linked row. - A quick-entry form page per table at /form/<table>: one input per column, posts a row. - CSV import and export per table so nothing is ever trapped. - Localhost only, no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: multi-user permissions, automations, and hosted interfaces; when teammates need in, that is what Airtable is for. - README: setup and where the database lives. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it.
# Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone.
# Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations.
# Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Airtable capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
$ choose a build depth, inspect the files, then open the complete pack in your agent · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
They pay because non-engineers can turn data into workflows without asking for a custom app.
xrich field types
xinterfaces
xautomations
xsync/integrations
xmobile
xpermissions
xscalability
Don't feel like building it? These folks already made it free.
all 5 free alternatives to Airtable →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Airtable pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/workspace | $0/workspace | 1,000 records/base; 1 GB attachments/base; 1,000 API calls/workspace/month; 500 AI credits/editor/month. |
| team | $24/user | $20/user | 50,000 records/base; 20 GB attachments/base; 100,000 API calls/workspace/month; 15,000 AI credits per billable collaborator; 1-year history. |
| business | $54/user | $45/user | 125,000 records/base; 100 GB attachments/base; unlimited API calls subject to rate limits; 20,000 AI credits per billable collaborator; 1-year history. |
| enterprise scale | custom | — | 500,000+ records/base; 1 TB attachments/base; unlimited API calls subject to rate limits; 25,000 AI credits per billable collaborator. |
free tier1,000 records/base, 1 GB attachments/base, 1,000 API calls/workspace/month and 500 AI credits/editor/month
billingmonthly + annual; prices are per billable collaborator and annual figures are effective monthly rates
hidden costsBilling is per workspace and seat: Team can bill commenters and above, while Business generally bills editors and above. Added seats are prorated, so a user in multiple paid workspaces can create multiple charges.
verified 2026-08-11 · source ↗
Vibecode Airtable
Kinda. The core of Airtable is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: rich field types, interfaces. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Airtable cost?
Airtable costs about $24/month (Team, checked 2026-07-30), which is $288 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Airtable?
Honestly: rich field types; interfaces; automations; sync/integrations; mobile; permissions; scalability. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Airtable?
Yes: Airtable Free (The obvious escape hatch is staying put: five editors and 1,000 records per base, with forms, interfaces, and small automations.) Baserow Free (Airtable with fewer ornaments: 3,000 rows, forms, views, automations, and a small app builder for $0.) Fibery Free (A less spreadsheet-shaped Airtable replacement with relational databases, forms, views, formulas, and 250 automations for ten people.) All 5 curated free alternatives are at vibecodeit.com/airtable/alternatives. The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.