Top 4D Alternatives: Discovering Your Next Database Solution
4D has long been a robust choice for developers seeking a relational database management system and integrated development environment. Its comprehensive suite of tools for web, mobile, desktop, and client-server applications, including features like a SQL back-end, integrated compiler, and productivity plug-ins (4D Write, 4D Draw, 4D View), makes it a powerful platform. However, for various reasons—cost, platform compatibility, specific feature needs, or a desire for open-source solutions—many are now seeking a strong 4D alternative. This guide will explore some of the best replacements available today.
Top 4D Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free solution, cross-platform compatibility, or specific database management features, there's a 4D alternative out there that can meet your development and data management needs. Let's dive into some of the most prominent contenders.
LibreOffice - Base
LibreOffice - Base is an excellent open-source 4D alternative, serving as a database front-end similar to Microsoft Access. It offers extensive database engine support and is available across Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and PortableApps.com platforms, making it highly versatile. Its features include robust database and database management capabilities, multiple language support, and portability.
Microsoft Office Access
Microsoft Office Access, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, is a commercial 4D alternative for Windows users. It combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface. Key features include a consistent UI, powerful data management, database management, real-time collaboration, and web-database functionalities, making it a strong contender for those familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Symphytum
Symphytum is a free and open-source personal database software available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It provides an easy and intuitive way to manage and organize data without requiring complex database knowledge, making it a user-friendly 4D alternative. Notable features include portability, cloud sync (including Dropbox integration), cross-platform compatibility, and the ability to import/export CSV data for database and spreadsheet management.
Zoho Creator
Zoho Creator is a powerful freemium, low-code application development platform that serves as an excellent web-based 4D alternative. It empowers users to build enterprise-class applications for mobile, tablet, and web, running across various platforms including Android, iPhone, and iPad. Features like web-database capabilities, customer analytics, workflow automation, and offline work support make it highly versatile.
Memento
Memento is a freemium personal database available on Windows, Android, and Java. It allows users to store and organize all personal data in one place, from collections to tasks, making it a convenient 4D alternative for individual use. It supports importing CSV data, exporting to CSV, and includes in-memory database functionality, as well as note-taking features.
FileMaker Pro Advanced
FileMaker Pro Advanced is a commercial cross-platform relational database application, making it a robust 4D alternative. It integrates a database engine with a graphical user interface and robust security features, supporting users on Mac, Windows, Web, iPhone, and iPad. Its features include comprehensive database management, CSV export, file searching, offline data collection, and powerful reporting tools.
VFront
VFront is a free and open-source dynamic front-end for MySQL or PostgreSQL databases, written in PHP and Javascript. It runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web platforms, offering a web-based 4D alternative for managing data. With VFront, users can create forms to manage their data in an AJAX style, focusing on database management capabilities.
LiveCode Platform
LiveCode Platform offers a unique 4D alternative, available under both GPL and proprietary licenses. It's a highly cross-platform solution supporting Mac, Windows, Linux, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Its key features include cross-platform compatibility, GPLv3 licensing for open-source projects, and live editing capabilities, appealing to developers who prioritize rapid application development across diverse environments.
Kexi
Kexi is a free and open-source integrated data management application available on Windows and Linux. It is often considered an open-source competitor for Microsoft Access, FileMaker, and Oracle Forms, making it a strong 4D alternative, especially for those seeking a no-cost solution. Kexi provides robust data-management and database management functionalities.
H2 Database Engine
H2 Database Engine is a free and open-source relational database management system written in Java. It can be embedded in Java applications or run in client-server mode, making it a flexible 4D alternative for developers. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, its features primarily revolve around its core as a fast and efficient database, ideal for those needing a robust SQL backend.
The landscape of database management and application development is diverse, offering a multitude of powerful alternatives to 4D. From open-source solutions like LibreOffice - Base and Symphytum to commercial powerhouses like Microsoft Access and FileMaker Pro Advanced, and low-code platforms such as Zoho Creator, there’s a solution for every need. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect 4D alternative that aligns with your specific project requirements, budget, and preferred development environment.