Retool

What is Retool?

Retool is a unified platform for building, deploying, and managing internal tools without extensive custom development. The platform enables users to connect to any database, API, or large language model, then create functional applications through a combination of visual components and code. Retool serves developers, data analysts, and business operations teams who need to build internal tools quickly. Rather than writing applications from scratch, users can assemble pre-built components, configure data connections, and add custom logic as needed. The platform supports integration with existing infrastructure, including SQL databases, REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and AI models. The product includes features for managing tool versions, controlling user access, and monitoring deployments across teams. Users can leverage AI capabilities throughout their applications, from automating workflows to generating interface components. Retool is available as open source software, allowing organizations to self-host the platform or use a managed cloud version. This flexibility suits teams with varying infrastructure requirements and data sensitivity concerns. The platform addresses a common challenge in organizations: the gap between business needs and the time required for custom development. By reducing the barrier to creating internal tools, Retool enables teams to automate processes, improve data access, and streamline operations more efficiently than traditional development approaches.