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Dev tools · May 7, 2025

Sourcetool

Hey HN! I built *Sourcetool* because I wanted Retool-speed without leaving the IDE. What it is: * Write backend functions Sourcetool streams a WebSocket UI to the browser. * No drag-drop builder, so Copilot / Cursor can read & refactor your tool. * Everything is plain code → PR reviews, CI, Git history just work. * Self-hosted binary, no data leaves your infra. 30-second taste: ```go func usersPage(ui sourcetool.UIBuilder) error { name := ui.TextInput("Name") // Just call your existing backend logic here // Example: a function that queries users from your database…

Sourcetool launched on May 7, 2025 with 3 votes. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.

What it does

Sourcetool is a code-first alternative to Retool. Build powerful internal tools with just backend code. Sourcetool auto-generates beautiful UIs from your backend, handling authentication and real-time updates.

Sourcetool is an open-source internal tool builder that enables you to create full-featured applications without writing any frontend code.

Sourcetool transforms your backend code into powerful internal tools. No frontend skills required. No drag-and-drop. No UI design. Just pure backend code turning into powerful internal tools. GUI builders are yesterday's tools. Build better internal tools with backend code in the AI era. Focus purely on your backend logic. Our declarative API automatically handles UI components, layouts, and interactions. No CSS, no JavaScript, no hassle. Catch errors before they happen with end-to-end type safety. Your UI definitions are validated at compile time, ensuring robust and maintainable applications. Your AI pair programmer's best friend. Code-first approach means AI can read, understand, and…from trysourcetool.com

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hey HN! I built *Sourcetool* because I wanted Retool-speed without leaving the IDE. What it is: * Write backend functions Sourcetool streams a WebSocket UI to the browser. * No drag-drop builder, so Copilot / Cursor can read & refactor your tool. * Everything is plain code → PR reviews, CI, Git history just…

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