Kexi: Open-Source Tool for Designing Databases Visually
Kexi sits in the KDE family and often gets compared to Microsoft Access. It’s not a heavy-duty database engine but more of a builder for small, data-driven applications. You can design tables, create forms for data entry, build queries, and even add simple reports — all inside one tool. That’s why people describe it as “Access for Linux,” though it runs on Windows and macOS too.
Core Traits
| Aspect | Details |
| Platform | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Database backend | SQLite by default; supports PostgreSQL and MySQL |
| Interface | Form editor, table designer, query builder, reporting |
| Features | Visual database projects, scripting, import/export |
| Security | Depends on the chosen backend (PostgreSQL/MySQL for roles and auth) |
| License | GPL, open source |
How It’s Usually Used
Kexi shows up when a team needs something more structured than spreadsheets but doesn’t want to dive into full RDBMS management. A small office might use it to build a custom form for data entry. Developers sometimes pick it up for prototyping — they can sketch a quick front-end, wire it to SQLite, and hand the project file around without installing a server. In that sense, it fills the gap between personal tools like Excel and enterprise systems like PostgreSQL.
Deployment Notes
– Ships as part of Calligra Suite but can be installed on its own.
– Projects live in single files, making them portable between machines.
– Works out of the box with SQLite; for multi-user setups, connect to PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Examples from the Field
– A research team builds a small form-driven app to collect survey responses.
– A startup prototypes a lightweight inventory system in Kexi before moving to a web app.
– An IT department uses it to create quick internal tools for staff who aren’t comfortable with raw SQL.
Weak Spots
Kexi isn’t built for scale. It won’t give you replication, clustering, or advanced monitoring. Performance tuning is basic, and support resources are thinner than for bigger platforms. It’s best seen as a desktop app builder for small workloads, not a replacement for enterprise-grade RDBMS.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Distinctive Strength | Best Fit |
| Kexi | Visual app builder on top of databases | Small teams, prototyping, form-based apps |
| HeidiSQL | Lightweight SQL client | Direct DB management, mostly MySQL/MariaDB |
| DBeaver (Community) | Full SQL IDE with multi-DB support | Mixed environments, enterprise use |
| Microsoft Access | Familiar to business users, Office integration | Legacy Windows apps, non-technical staff |



