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CodeIgniter VS SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites

Compare CodeIgniter VS SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites and see what are their differences

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CodeIgniter logo CodeIgniter

A Fully Baked PHP Framework

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites logo SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites

Build full web applications using just SQL queries
  • CodeIgniter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites Homepage
    Homepage //
    2025-03-03
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites SQLPage's Homepage is written in... SQLPage!
    SQLPage's Homepage is written in... SQLPage! //
    2024-12-02
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites SQLPage card component
    SQLPage card component //
    2024-12-02
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites A form built in SQLPage
    A form built in SQLPage //
    2024-12-02
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites sqlpage editor demo
    sqlpage editor demo //
    2025-03-03
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites Bompard, a french luxury company, built their performance monitoring tool in SQLPage
    Bompard, a french luxury company, built their performance monitoring tool in SQLPage //
    2024-12-02
  • SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites A school headmaster built an app for his school, alone.
    A school headmaster built an app for his school, alone. //
    2024-12-02

Description

SQLPage is an open-source tool designed for building dynamic web applications quickly, directly from database queries. It focuses on simplicity, allowing data people to leverage SQL expertise to create database-driven web apps. It supports PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, and SQL Server.

Strengths

  • SQL-Centric Development: Removes the many layers of complexity traditionally involved in building apps. No frontend or backend framework.
  • Full CRUD Support: Goes beyond dashboard tools by enabling dynamic user interactions like form submissions, updates, and deletions.
  • Extensibility: Offers customizable built-in components (tables, forms, charts, maps, etc.) that adapt to different visualization needs.
  • Lightweight and Efficient: Distributed as a single executable, SQLPage is built in Rust for performance and security.
  • Open Source: Completely free and highly customizable for unique project requirements.

Comparison with Alternatives

  • Vs. Retool/Appsmith: SQLPage offers deeper SQL integration and flexibility to build custom tools but currently lacks the drag-and-drop UI and integrations of No-Code tools.
  • Vs. Airtable/Knack: SQLPage supports more complex queries and dynamic interactions but requires a more technical skillset to set up and manage.
  • Vs. Traditional Frameworks (e.g., Django, Ruby on Rails): Faster setup and iteration for database-driven apps but less flexibility when advanced code-based workflows are deeply integrated into the UI.
  • Vs. BI Tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker): Adds interactivity and CRUD operations, but fewer advanced graph types.

SQLPage excels in scenarios where rapid development of data-driven web applications is needed, especially for custom tools, prototypes, or admin panels.

CodeIgniter features and specs

  • Performance
    CodeIgniter is known for its exceptional performance and fast execution, which is beneficial for applications requiring quick load times.
  • Documentation
    CodeIgniter offers comprehensive and clear documentation, making it easier for developers to understand and use the framework effectively.
  • Easy to Learn
    CodeIgniter's simple and straightforward syntax makes it relatively easy for beginners to learn and start developing applications quickly.
  • Lightweight
    The framework is lightweight and does not impose many dependencies or require a specific server environment, providing flexibility to developers.
  • Community Support
    CodeIgniter has a strong and active community, which means plenty of resources, forums, and add-ons are available for developers.
  • Built-in Security Features
    CodeIgniter comes with built-in security features like XSS filtering and CSRF protection, helping developers to secure their applications with minimal effort.
  • MVC Architecture
    The framework follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, promoting clean code separation and better organization of the project.

Possible disadvantages of CodeIgniter

  • Lack of Modern Features
    CodeIgniter does not include many modern features found in other frameworks, such as built-in ORM or out-of-the-box RESTful API support.
  • Limited Modular Extensions
    It has fewer modular extensions compared to other frameworks like Laravel or Symfony, which can limit code reusability and scalability.
  • Manual Routing
    Routing in CodeIgniter is somewhat manual and less intuitive compared to other frameworks that offer more automatic and flexible routing mechanisms.
  • Outdated PHP Practices
    Some of the practices and conventions in CodeIgniter are considered outdated with respect to modern PHP development trends.
  • No Built-in Authentication
    CodeIgniter does not come with a built-in authentication system, requiring developers to implement their own or use third-party libraries.
  • Less Emphasis on Testing
    CodeIgniter has less built-in support and emphasis on unit testing compared to other frameworks like Laravel, making it harder to implement TDD or BDD.
  • Lack of Native Composer Support
    The framework's native support for Composer, PHP's dependency manager, is not as robust as other modern frameworks, which can complicate dependency management.

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites features and specs

  • SQL Execution
    Short learning curve, easy to use, interoperable with existing tools.
  • Data Visualization
    Visualize your data not only as classical charts, but also as interactive maps, lists, data cards, forms and much more
  • Forms
    Quickly build forms to insert data into your database

Analysis of CodeIgniter

Overall verdict

  • Yes, CodeIgniter is a good choice for developers looking for a simple and efficient PHP framework. It's particularly well-suited for projects where performance is a priority, and extensive feature sets found in larger frameworks are not necessary.

Why this product is good

  • CodeIgniter is considered a good PHP framework because it is lightweight, easy to set up, and requires minimal server resources. It offers a straightforward approach to building web applications, especially for developers who appreciate simplicity and performance. Its comprehensive documentation and active community support are additional positives.

Recommended for

  • Developers who need a lightweight and fast framework
  • Projects with straightforward requirements and simplistic architectures
  • Developers who prefer a framework with easy installation and minimal configuration
  • Smaller projects or prototypes that require rapid development
  • Projects with limited server resources

CodeIgniter videos

+ Add

PHP CodeIgniter tutorial: What is CodeIgniter and why should I use it? | lynda.com

More videos:

  • Review - Laravel vs Codeigniter - A quick comparison for you to decide
  • Review - Review Codeigniter 4

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites videos

+ Add

SQLPage — Building a full web application with nothing but Postgres and SQL queries

More videos:

  • Tutorial - SQLPage tutorial video series
  • Demo - Introduction to SQLPage

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CodeIgniter and SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites)

CodeIgniter

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites

Web Frameworks
100 100%
Web Frameworks
0% 0
Developer Tools
91 91%
Developer Tools
9% 9
Javascript UI Libraries
0 0%
Javascript UI Libraries
100% 100
PHP MVC Framework
100 100%
PHP MVC Framework
0% 0

Questions and Answers

As answered by people managing CodeIgniter and SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites.

What makes your product unique?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

SQLPage enables creating web apps entirely with SQL, bypassing traditional web programming languages, while producing clean, functional web pages.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

  1. Simplified Development:

    • Unlike traditional web frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, or Ruby on Rails), SQLPage eliminates the need for separate programming layers. Applications are built using SQL directly, reducing complexity and time-to-market.
    • Tools like Microsoft Access or Airtable focus on low-code development but often involve proprietary systems or limited web integration. SQLPage, being open-source, provides better customization and scalability.

  2. Direct Database Integration:

    • Compared to BI tools like Tableau or Power BI, which offer visualizations but lack direct data modification, SQLPage integrates with relational databases for both read and write operations.
    • SQLPage also offers support for multiple database types (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server) without relying on intermediate APIs or additional query tools.

  3. Full Web Application Support:

    • SQLPage supports dynamic components (forms, charts, etc.) and HTTP functionalities like authentication and JSON API creation, which many BI tools or visualization platforms lack.
    • Traditional CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal offer dynamic content capabilities but require PHP, templates, and plugins. SQLPage achieves similar results with a simpler SQL-based model.

  4. Performance and Security:

    • Unlike server-side frameworks that often require substantial middleware (Node.js, Python servers), SQLPage is lightweight and Rust-based, delivering faster performance and secure-by-default implementations.
    • It also protects against common vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS) without requiring developers to manage these themselves, unlike in raw frameworks or traditional web servers.

  5. Cost-Effectiveness and Open Source:

    • SQLPage is free and open-source, offering significant advantages over proprietary platforms or tools that charge per user or usage (e.g., Salesforce, Airtable).

Best Use Case: SQLPage excels for users looking to quickly build interactive, data-driven web applications without investing in a complex tech stack or expensive proprietary platforms.

How would you describe your primary audience?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

Data scientists, analysts, and business intelligence teams who need to create data-driven applications without a deep expertise in web development or a lot of time to get from idea to production.

What's the story behind your product?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

SQLPage was designed to simplify the process of building web apps by leveraging SQL as the sole development language, reducing complexity and focusing on declarative, data-centric application design.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

Rust for the backend. actix-web for handling HTTP requests. Handlebars for rendering HTML templates. Tabler for clean UI components.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites's answer:

Eric Bompard, the Must-Have Cashmere Brand

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare CodeIgniter and SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites

CodeIgniter Reviews

  1. Careem
    A PSR-compliant framework with diverse set of facilities and capabilities

    You can build any kinds of web apps and sites with this framework without consuming substantial server resources.

    🏁 Competitors: Lumen Framework
CakePHP vs CodeIgniter: Which PHP Framework is Best for Development?
CodeIgniter: CodeIgniter was developed by EllisLab and released in February 2006. It is known for its simplicity and speed, designed to help developers create full-featured web applications quickly. CodeIgniter emphasizes a lean and minimalistic approach, providing just enough to get the job done without imposing too many restrictions.
Source: blog.radwebhosting.com
Top 5 Laravel Alternatives
CodeIgniter is simpler to use for the majority of developers. Laravel’s convenience is matched only by its adherence to a small set of standards and guidelines. CodeIgniter also offers improved error handling and more leeway in terms of customization. Overall, in comparison of Laravel and CodeIgniter, CodeIgniter might be the simpler choice for most web programmers.
Source: www.etatvasoft.com
Framework review: Laravel vs CodeIgniter
Let's start with CodeIgniter first. It focuses on performance and speed. It offers a simple, easy-to-learn syntax, making it ideal for beginners. CodeIgniter uses its own proprietary Active Record implementation for database operations, which provides a simple and intuitive way to interact with data. Unlike Laravel, CodeIgniter does not enforce a specific architectural...
Source: infinyhost.com
10 Ruby on Rails Alternatives For Web Development in 2022
Laravel is a PHP web framework that was built by Taylor Otwell in 2011 as an attempt to replace the older framework CodeIgniter that lacked some important features, like built-in customer authentication and user authorization. The current version of the framework, Laravel 8.16 has a great infrastructure of web development tools that facilitate queue monitoring, server...
Source: www.ideamotive.co
The Most Popular PHP Frameworks to Use in 2021
Laravel is billed as “The PHP Framework for Web Artisans.” It was developed by Taylor Otwell, who wanted a framework with elements that CodeIgniter didn’t have, such as user authentication.
Source: kinsta.com

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites Reviews

We have no reviews of SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites should be more popular than CodeIgniter. It has been mentiond 20 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

CodeIgniter mentions (10)

  • 19+ Laravel Best Practices for Developers in 2024
    For history's sake, you should know that Laravel was built in place of the CodeIgniter framework as a modern replacement because the CodeIgniter framework missing important core features such as built-in support for user authentication and authorization. Since its initial launch in 2011, Laravel has implemented built-in support for localization, views, dealing with sessions, routing the request to the specific... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • How to Install Codeigniter on a Local Server in 2025?
    Visit the CodeIgniter official download page and download the latest version. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Top 12 PHP Frameworks For Web Development in 2024
    CodeIgniter is an open-source PHP framework with 18k+ stars and 7.8K forks on GitHub. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture and provides a structured way to create and organize code. It provides a set of libraries and an intuitive interface to accelerate PHP web app development. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Why I selected Elixir and Phoenix as my main stack
    Over the years I have tried different frameworks, mostly in PHP, like Code Igniter (2010), ProcessWire (2014) and Laravel (2015). - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • In One Minute : CodeIgniter
    CodeIgniter is an open-source php web application framework created by EllisLab Inc and it is now a project of British Columbia Institute of Technology. The framework implements a modified version of the Model-View-Controller design pattern. It is praised for its performance and the quality of its documentation. It's currently licensed under the MIT License, although the previous version was released under the... - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
View more

SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites mentions (20)

  • The Demise of the Mildly Dynamic Website
    This article resonates with me. I do love "mildly dynamic websites", and have fond memories of my days hacking together PHP websites 15 years ago. And what I am working on today might be called a bridge for the "dynamicity gap". I'm making an open source server to write web apps entirely in SQL ( https://sql.ophir.dev/ ). It has the "one file per page" logic of PHP, and makes it easy to add bits of dynamic... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • SQLPage – Building a full web application with nothing but SQL queries [video]
    Saving a few clicks for readers: Project page: https://sql.ophir.dev/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Bruno
    I am currently looking for a solution to run automated tests on a sql website generator I am working on ( https://sql.ophir.dev ) I wanted to use hurl (https://hurl.dev/), but Bruno's UI seems to be useful while developing the tests... Has someone tried both ? Which is better for automated testing, including when the response type is html and not json? - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Apache Superset
    Full fledged BI tools like Superset and Metabase are amazing for their intended use cases. But they may be an overkill if your primary use case is to infrequently build semi-interactive reports for non-technical end-users and your use cases are are mostly covered by standard graphs & tables. Esp. So if you are familiar with SQL and have access to the underlying data source. Two nifty utilities I have found to be... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • PostgREST: Providing HTML Content Using Htmx
    I feel obligated to add a shameless plug here. The idea is very close to a project I presented at pgconf.eu last week: SQLPage https://sql.ophir.dev/ SQLPage has the same goal as postgrest+htmx, but is a little bit higher level. It let's you build your application using prepackaged components you can invoke directly from SQL, without having to write any HTML, CSS, or JS. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing CodeIgniter and SQLPage - Build SQL-only websites, you can also consider the following products

Laravel - A PHP Framework For Web Artisans

htmx - high power tools for HTML

CakePHP - The Rapid Development Framework for PHP

Postgres.js - Postgres.js - The Fastest full featured PostgreSQL client for Node.js - porsager/postgres

Django - The Web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

Aircall for HubSpot - Document and organize every phone call instantly in HubSpot

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