Loopar Introduction
loopar-webpage

What is Loopar?

Loopar is a full-stack meta-framework that enables developers to build complete web applications through a visual drag-and-drop interface, while maintaining full programmatic control when needed. Built on modern technologies like Node.js, React, Vite, and Tailwind CSS, Loopar eliminates the traditional barriers between design and development.

Unlike conventional frameworks that require extensive configuration and boilerplate code, Loopar automates the creation of database models, controllers, views, and API endpoints. You design visually, and Loopar generates production-ready code.

# Get started in seconds
sudo npx loopar-install my-project

The installer handles everything automatically. Once executed, you'll see the complete installation process in your console:

Installing Loopar...
âś“ Creating project structure
âś“ Installing dependencies
âś“ Configuring environment
âś“ Starting application

Loopar initialized on port: 3000
Continue in your browser to complete installation.

Why Loopar?

The Problem with Traditional Development

Building modern web applications typically requires:

  • Setting up complex toolchains (bundlers, transpilers, linters)
  • Writing repetitive CRUD operations
  • Managing database migrations manually
  • Integrating multiple frameworks and libraries
  • Maintaining separate codebases for frontend and backend

The Loopar Approach

Loopar provides a unified development experience where:

Traditional ApproachLoopar Approach
Write database schemas manuallyDefine entities visually, schemas auto-generated
Create API endpoints one by oneREST APIs created automatically for each entity
Build UI components from scratchDrag-and-drop interface with 50+ ready components
Configure routing manuallyRoutes auto-generated based on entity structure
Separate frontend/backend workflowsSingle unified workflow in the browser

Core Philosophy

Self-Recursive Architecture

Loopar is built on a unique self-recursive architecture. The framework uses itself to build and extend itself. Every component in the system—including the core Entity model—is an entity that can be modified, extended, or replaced through the same visual interface used for application development.

This means:

  • Entity creates and manages other entities (including itself)
  • Builders (FormBuilder, ControllerBuilder, ViewBuilder) are entities that generate other entities
  • The framework can evolve and extend its own capabilities dynamically

Navigate to desk/entity/list to see how even the core Entity model exists as a self-referential record.

No-Code Meets Full-Code

Loopar doesn't force you to choose between visual development and traditional coding:

  • No-Code Mode: Build entire applications using the visual designer—perfect for rapid prototyping, MVPs, or non-technical team members
  • Low-Code Mode: Extend visual components with custom logic, hooks, and event handlers
  • Full-Code Mode: Write custom React components, server-side logic, and database queries when you need complete control

All three modes work together seamlessly in the same project.

Key Features

Visual Development Environment

  • Drag-and-Drop Designer: Build interfaces by dragging components onto a canvas
  • Real-Time Preview: See changes instantly as you design
  • Component Library: 50+ pre-built components (forms, tables, charts, layouts)
  • Responsive Design: Built-in responsive controls for all screen sizes

Automatic Code Generation

  • Database Models: Define fields visually, get Sequelize models automatically
  • REST APIs: Full CRUD endpoints generated for every entity
  • Controllers: Server-side logic scaffolded and ready for customization
  • Views: React components generated from your visual designs

Multi-Tenant Architecture

  • Isolated Databases: Each tenant can have its own database instance
  • Shared Codebase: Single deployment serves multiple tenants
  • Custom Domains: Each tenant can use their own domain
  • Tenant-Specific Configuration: Override settings per tenant

App System

  • Modular Applications: Package functionality into installable apps
  • App Marketplace: Share and distribute apps within the Loopar ecosystem
  • Dependency Management: Apps can depend on and extend other apps
  • Version Control: Track and manage app versions

Technology Stack

Loopar leverages modern, battle-tested technologies:

Frontend

TechnologyPurpose
ReactComponent-based UI library
Tailwind CSSUtility-first styling
ViteLightning-fast build tool
Lucide IconsBeautiful icon library

Backend

TechnologyPurpose
Node.jsJavaScript runtime
ExpressWeb application framework
SequelizeDatabase ORM

Database Support

Loopar supports multiple database engines:

  • MySQL — Recommended for production
  • PostgreSQL — Full support for advanced features
  • SQLite — Perfect for development and small deployments
  • MariaDB — MySQL-compatible alternative

How It Works

The Development Workflow

loopar-workflow.svg

Step-by-Step

  1. Define Entities: Create data models by specifying fields and their types through the visual interface
  2. Design Views: Use the drag-and-drop designer to create forms, lists, and pages
  3. Add Logic: Extend with custom controllers, hooks, and client-side scripts as needed
  4. Deploy: Your application is production-ready—deploy to any Node.js hosting environment

Who Should Use Loopar?

Ideal For

  • Startups needing to build MVPs quickly without sacrificing scalability
  • Agencies managing multiple client projects with similar requirements
  • Enterprise Teams building internal tools and dashboards
  • Solo Developers who want to ship faster without a full team
  • Non-Technical Founders who want to prototype before hiring developers

Use Cases

  • Content Management Systems — Blogs, portfolios, corporate websites
  • Business Applications — CRM, inventory, project management
  • SaaS Platforms — Multi-tenant applications with user management
  • Internal Tools — Admin panels, dashboards, reporting systems
  • E-commerce — Product catalogs, order management, customer portals

Comparison with Alternatives

vs. Traditional Frameworks (Express, Next.js, Django)

AspectTraditionalLoopar
Initial SetupHours of configurationMinutes with single command
CRUD OperationsManual implementationAuto-generated
Admin InterfaceBuild from scratch or add libraryBuilt-in Desk interface
Learning CurveFramework-specific patternsVisual-first approach

vs. No-Code Platforms (Bubble, Webflow)

AspectNo-Code PlatformsLoopar
Code AccessLimited or noneFull access to generated code
Self-HostingUsually not possibleFull control over deployment
Vendor Lock-inHighNone—it's open source
CustomizationPlatform limitationsUnlimited with custom code

vs. Frappe/ERPNext

AspectFrappeLoopar
FrontendCustom frameworkReact + modern stack
Learning CurveSteep, proprietary patternsFamiliar React/Node patterns
PerformancePython-basedNode.js with Vite optimization
Design SystemBootstrap-basedTailwind CSS utilities

Benefits

For Development Teams

  • Faster Time-to-Market: Ship features in days instead of weeks
  • Reduced Boilerplate: Focus on business logic, not repetitive code
  • Consistent Architecture: Enforced patterns prevent technical debt
  • Easy Onboarding: New team members can contribute immediately

For Organizations

  • Lower Development Costs: Build more with smaller teams
  • Better Collaboration: Designers and developers work in the same environment
  • Maintainable Codebase: Generated code follows best practices
  • Future-Proof: Modern stack ensures long-term viability

For Individual Developers

  • Full-Stack Capability: Build complete applications without specialization
  • Portfolio Projects: Create impressive projects quickly
  • Learning Tool: Understand how full-stack applications work
  • Freelance Efficiency: Deliver client projects faster

What's Next?

Ready to start building with Loopar? Here's your path forward:

  1. Getting Started — Install Loopar and create your first project
  2. Concepts — Understand the core concepts: Entities, Apps, Builders
  3. Learn — Step-by-step tutorials for common use cases

Community & Support

Loopar is open source and actively maintained. Contributions are welcome!