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Should we use Knack in 2025?
Since 2010, Knack has established itself as an essential no-code solution for creating and managing custom databases, particularly suited to SMEs and non-technical developers. With its intuitive interface and ability to automate simple tasks while offering advanced data management options, Knack makes it easy to structure and publish your data without the need for coding.
With version 5.0 recently updated in 2024, the platform allows you to create responsive, mobile databases with seamless integration with third-party tools via a REST API. But can this type of tool really be suitable for the complex projects of development professionals? In this article, we will analyze Knack in detail to understand whether it deserves a place among your tools in 2025.
My experience with Knack
I have used Knack for both personal projects and in a professional setting, particularly for internal databases in small and medium-sized businesses. What impressed me most was its ease of use thanks to the drag-and-drop interface and the speed with which data-driven applications can be created.
Knack excels particularly in contexts where a data manager needs to be set up quickly with little or no code, such as for custom dashboards or small internal web applications. Its integration via API also makes it easy to connect external tools without any major difficulties.
However, I have noticed its limitations when databases become very large or when automation requires a high degree of complexity, scenarios in which other specialized tools are more suitable.
Is Knack really useful for my needs?
The real question to ask yourself before adopting Knack is: Do I need a simple database that is quick to set up and requires no coding? For developers in a hurry and SMEs that want an effective tool without spending weeks on development, Knack is the perfect solution.
For example, a marketing manager who wants to manage contacts and campaigns, a project manager looking for customized dashboards, or a small web agency that wants to offer its clients a customized tool without a heavy investment in development are typical users who will find Knack very valuable.
Another strong point is its multi-user collaboration feature, which facilitates teamwork, making it a pragmatic and efficiency-oriented solution in a professional environment.
Is Knack suitable for beginners?
Knack is well-suited for beginners thanks to its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality. Users without technical experience can quickly build a database and publish it without writing a single line of code, making it easy to get started with data management.
For beginners, access to comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and an active community forum are valuable assets that facilitate learning. These elements allow users to progress smoothly without technical frustration, while offering the opportunity to explore more advanced features at their own pace.
How much does Knack cost?
Knack offers a freemium plan with basic features, ideal for testing the platform and carrying out simple or personal projects. This entry-level plan allows you to build and publish databases at no cost, with some limitations in terms of volume and advanced features.
For professionals or SMEs with more advanced needs, Knack offers several paid plans starting at $39/month. These plans include additional features such as advanced user management, API integration, basic automations, and priority customer support. This pricing remains affordable for a powerful and accessible no-code database.
What are the key features of Knack?
The key feature of Knack is undoubtedly its drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to create custom databases without writing code. This visual approach makes it easy to structure data and organize it into tables, fields, and relationships, thereby speeding up the process of creating applications based on this data.
Another important feature is user and permission management. Knack allows you to precisely control who can view, edit, or manage which data, which is essential for collaborative enterprise applications or for managing customer access.
Among its advanced features, Knack offers basic automation capabilities that allow simple actions to be triggered based on data, simplifying certain internal workflows. In addition, the platform guarantees GDPR-compliant security with SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication, ensuring the confidentiality and protection of user data.
Knack also integrates numerous native connectors, including Zapier, GitHub, and Slack, greatly facilitating interconnection with other tools already in use in the professional ecosystem.
Knack is particularly well suited to small and medium-sized databases, but it shows its limitations as soon as the data becomes very large or advanced automation is required. For example, for complex automation systems or real-time management of large amounts of data, Knack can become too restrictive.
Tools such as Airtable, Bubble, or even more robust low-code solutions such as OutSystems may therefore prove to be preferable alternatives depending on the complexity of the project. Nevertheless, Knack retains the advantage of being quick to learn and having an intuitive interface, which often justifies its choice for simpler projects or prototypes.
In summary, Knack's advantages are its simplicity, speed of implementation, and accessible no-code offering, while its disadvantages mainly concern the scale and depth of automation features for more ambitious projects.
FAQ
Is it reliable and secure?
Knack is a reliable and secure platform that complies with GDPR standards and uses SSL encryption for data transmission. Multi-factor authentication enhances access security, and user permissions can be finely managed to ensure strict control over data.
The robustness of the cloud infrastructure guarantees high availability and stable performance, tailored to the needs of SMEs and small teams developing simple and secure web applications.
Is it compatible with my other tools?
Knack is accessible via any modern web browser without requiring installation, and its applications are fully responsive for mobile use. The platform offers a REST API that greatly facilitates integration with other tools and services, and supports CSV file import/export for data import and manipulation.
Is there responsive customer support?
Knack's customer support is available via email and chat, with hours primarily based in the United States. Despite this, the quality of responses is generally considered relevant and helpful, with reasonable response times for a SaaS solution.
What do other users think?
Users mainly appreciate Knack's ease of use, quick setup of databases, and flexibility. However, some regret the limitations in automation and limited scalability for very large data volumes.
Can I easily change later?
Knack offers CSV export options that facilitate data migration to other platforms. However, complete project migration may require adjustments, especially when dealing with more robust or specific solutions.
There are many alternatives on the market, such as Airtable, Bubble, or OutSystems, which can meet different needs depending on the complexity of the databases or automations required.
Alternatives
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Specializing in business creation, sales and digital marketing, he puts his expertise at the service of users to help them identify the solutions best suited to their needs. Passionate about digital innovation and online performance optimization, Alexis is committed to providing detailed, transparent and unbiased comparisons.
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