Introduction to EmberBlocks

EmberBlocks is a low-code internal web application builder that enables users to create custom data-driven applications without extensive coding. Connect your existing PostgreSQL databases, build interactive views with drag-and-drop components, and deploy powerful internal tools in minutes.

What is EmberBlocks?

EmberBlocks bridges the gap between spreadsheets and custom-built applications. It provides a visual interface where you can:

• Connect your databases - Link existing PostgreSQL databases and introspect schemas automatically
• Build custom views - Create pages with drag-and-drop components
• Write formulas - Use SQL-like expressions for dynamic data manipulation
• Create actions - Define operations for CRUD, navigation, and messaging
• Manage access - Control who can view and edit your applications

Who is EmberBlocks for?

EmberBlocks is designed for teams who need to build internal tools quickly without dedicating extensive development resources.

Operations Managers

Build tools to track inventory, manage team tasks, and visualize KPIs without waiting weeks for IT to build custom solutions.

Developers

Quickly prototype internal tools and reduce the maintenance burden of simple CRUD applications. Focus your development time on complex, customer-facing features.

Business Analysts

Create dashboards and data views that connect directly to your databases, enabling self-service analytics without complex BI tools.

Core Concepts

Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand the key concepts in EmberBlocks:

Apps

An App is your container for building a complete internal tool. Each app can have its own database connections, views, actions, and user access controls.

Views

Views are the pages within your app. Each view contains components arranged on a canvas using drag-and-drop. Views can be organized into folders for better navigation.

Components

Components are the building blocks of your views. EmberBlocks provides several component types:

Component	Description
List	Display data in tables, lists, kanban boards, or cards
Text	Static or dynamic text with markdown support
Button	Trigger actions like CRUD operations or navigation
Image	Display images with various fit modes

Formulas

Formulas use a SQL-like syntax with {{}} brackets to create dynamic values. You can reference table fields, perform calculations, and use built-in functions:

{{$row.price * $row.quantity}}
IF($row.status = 'active', 'Yes', 'No')
SUM(orders.total)

Actions

Actions are operations triggered by user interactions, typically through buttons. Actions can:

• Create, update, or delete database rows
• Navigate to other views
• Open external URLs
• Show notification messages

Database Connections

Connections link EmberBlocks to your external PostgreSQL databases. Once connected, EmberBlocks introspects the schema and makes your tables available for use in components.

User Roles

EmberBlocks uses a role-based access control system:

Role	Access Level
Admin	Full access including billing, user management, and app deletion
Editor	Can edit the app, manage views, and invite users
User	Can only access the published app

Custom roles can be created with optional editor permissions.

Next Steps

Ready to build your first app? Head to the Quick Start Guide to create your first EmberBlocks application in minutes.

Or explore specific topics:

• Features - Deep dive into EmberBlocks capabilities
• Components - Learn about available components
• Data Sources - Connect your databases