NocoBase 2.0 Beginner Tutorial
This tutorial walks you through building a minimal IT HelpDesk system from scratch using NocoBase 2.0. The entire system requires only 2 data tables and zero code, yet delivers ticket submission, category management, change tracking, access control, and a data dashboard.
About This Tutorial
- Target audience: Business users, technical users, or anyone interested in NocoBase (some computer background is recommended)
- Case project: A minimal IT HelpDesk system with only 2 tables
- Estimated time: 2-3 hours (non-technical), 1-1.5 hours (technical users)
- Prerequisites: Docker environment or Online Demo (24-hour trial, no installation needed)
- Version: NocoBase 2.0
What You'll Learn
Through 7 hands-on chapters, you'll master the core concepts and workflow of NocoBase:
| # | Chapter | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Getting Started — Up and Running in 5 Minutes | Docker install, UI Editor vs Usage mode |
| 2 | Data Modeling — Building the Skeleton | Collections, Fields, Relations |
| 3 | Building Pages — Making Data Visible | Blocks, Table block, Filtering & Sorting |
| 4 | Forms & Details — Entering Data | Form blocks, Field linkage |
| 5 | Users & Permissions — Who Sees What | Roles, Menu permissions, Data permissions |
| 6 | Workflows — Automation | Notifications, Triggers |
| 7 | Dashboard — The Big Picture | Charts, Markdown blocks |
Data Model Preview
This tutorial is built around a minimal data model — just 2 tables, but enough to cover data modeling, page building, form design, access control, workflows, and dashboards.
| Table | Key Fields |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Title, Description, Status, Priority |
| Categories | Name, Color |
FAQ
What is NocoBase best suited for?
Internal business tools, data management systems, approval workflows, CRM, ERP, and other scenarios requiring flexible customization with self-hosted deployment.
What prerequisites do I need?
No programming required, but some basic computer knowledge is recommended. The tutorial explains concepts like tables, fields, and relationships step by step. Experience with databases or spreadsheets is a plus.
Can the tutorial system be extended?
Yes. This tutorial uses only 2 tables, but NocoBase supports complex multi-table relationships, external API integrations, and custom plugins.
What deployment environment is needed?
Docker is recommended (Docker Desktop or Linux server), minimum 2 cores and 4GB RAM. Git source installation is also supported. For learning purposes, you can also request an Online Demo — no installation needed, valid for 24 hours.
Are there limitations in the free version?
Core features are fully free and open-source. The commercial edition offers additional premium plugins and technical support. See commercial pricing for details.
Tech Stack
NocoBase 2.0 is built on:
- Frontend: React + Ant Design 5.0
- Backend: Node.js + Koa
- Database: PostgreSQL (also supports MySQL, MariaDB)
- Deployment: Docker, Kubernetes
Platform Comparison
If you're evaluating no-code/low-code platforms:
| Platform | Highlights | Difference from NocoBase |
|---|---|---|
| Appsmith | Open-source, strong frontend customization | NocoBase is more data-model driven |
| Retool | Internal tool platform | NocoBase is fully open-source, no usage limits |
| Airtable | Online collaborative database | NocoBase supports self-hosted deployment |
| Budibase | Open-source low-code, self-hostable | NocoBase has stronger plugin architecture |
Related Docs
Getting Started
- How NocoBase Works — Core concepts overview
- Quick Start — Installation and initial setup
- System Requirements — Hardware and software requirements
More Tutorials
- NocoBase 1.x Tutorials — Task management system tutorial with advanced topics
Solutions
- Ticket System Solution — AI-powered intelligent ticket management
- CRM Solution — Customer relationship management
- AI Employees — Add AI capabilities to your system
Ready? Let's start with Chapter 1: Getting Started!