What are Keboola apps
Understand what Keboola apps are, how they run on your governed data, and when to use Python/JS versus Streamlit.
A Keboola app is an interactive application that runs inside your Keboola project, on top of your data. Use one to give people a way to see and act on data, not just move it.
How apps fit into Keboola
Section titled “How apps fit into Keboola”Keboola has always handled the data pipeline — extracting, transforming, and loading your data. Apps add the layer on top: the interface your team or customers actually use. Because the app runs inside your project, it reaches your data through the same access controls you already manage.
This is the part that sets Keboola apps apart from general app builders: the app is governed by default. There’s no separate database connection to configure, expose, or leak, and no dataset copied to an outside service — the app reads through the project’s own access, server-side. It can only touch data the project can touch, and you control who can open it.
What you can build
Section titled “What you can build”- Dashboards — track metrics, replace a BI seat for an internal view.
- Internal tools — forms, approvals, and workflows that read and write back to your data.
- Data narratives — scrollable, explained stories built from your data.
- Anything interactive — configurators, simulators, and more.
Python/JS vs Streamlit
Section titled “Python/JS vs Streamlit”Most apps run on Python/JS (any Python or JavaScript framework), which gives you full control over the interface. Streamlit is a Python-only framework that is quicker for simple data tools but more limited in look and interactivity.
- Build something rich or customer-facing → Python/JS.
- Build a quick internal data tool → Streamlit can be enough.
When you build with Kai, you don’t have to choose up front — Kai selects the framework that fits your request. For details on each, see Python/JS apps (the full-control option) and Streamlit apps (the quick Python option).
How an app is hosted
Section titled “How an app is hosted”Keboola provisions and runs the app for you — there’s no server for you to set up.
Where Kai fits
Section titled “Where Kai fits”Kai can build, edit, and run apps for you. Throughout these docs, “build with Kai” is the recommended path for most users — it removes the low-level setup you’d otherwise do by hand. Developers who want full control can still build locally; see Build locally.