Coda.io variables, formulas/macros/computations/queries, database tables/cards/kanbans/views/filters, forms/dropdowns/buttons/inputs

[balupton]

I've been on the hunt for an open-source local-first Coda.io alternative. Coda.io is a WYSIWYG document platform, but its WYSIWYG editor supports blocks that can be variables, tables that are actually databases that can be queried, and formulas/macros/algorithms/computations (which can also be saved as variables) that can query the variables, the database tables, or even run arbitrary code and render the result. The databases behind the tables are are viewed through portals/views which can be filtered subtables, kanbans, calendars, cards, forms, etc. Form fields can be added such as lookups, dropdowns, text fields, number fields, buttons, toggles/checkboxes, etc. These dynamic abilities extend to user installable and makeable packs/plugins, enable the coding engine to query anything from anywhere, beyond the builtin document and cross-document references. These features enable a platform where a simple document, extends to one with tables and databases inside, to full on applications within documents, and documents providing functionality to other documents. This has allowed me to create incredible flows within Coda, however the problem is Coda.io is incredibly slow because all that processing is happening via server-side. An open-source implementation wouldn't have that limit and be able to be local and fast.

Here's a video of Coda's dynamic blocks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtrZsIKu2qE&list=PLcQRHmSuAAir_WKHUq11eLZDxav8G28l_&index=13
https://help.coda.io/hc/en-us/articles/39555858394637-Basics-of-Coda-formulas