Data Apps Overview
Data Apps are custom interactive data applications that you build and share directly within the Datafi platform. Each Data App combines visual widgets, live data connections, and configurable layouts into a self-contained application that your team can launch, explore, and interact with -- all without writing front-end code.
Use Data Apps when you need to deliver a focused, interactive experience around a specific dataset or workflow. They are ideal for operational dashboards, executive summaries, data entry forms, and guided analytical workflows.
What Is a Data App?
A Data App is a multi-page application composed of widgets -- visual components such as charts, tables, text blocks, and interactive controls. You assemble these widgets on pages using the App Builder, connect them to your federated data sources, and publish the result as a versioned application that authorized users can launch from the App Catalog.
Because Data Apps sit on top of the Datafi federation layer, every widget pulls live data that is subject to the same policies and governance rules that apply everywhere else in the platform. You do not need to export, duplicate, or stage data before visualizing it.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| App Catalog | A centralized directory where you browse, search, and launch published Data Apps. |
| App Builder | A visual editor for creating pages, placing widgets, configuring themes, and managing versions. |
| App Sharing | Fine-grained access control that determines who can view, edit, or interact with an app and its data. |
| Versioning | A lifecycle model with Draft, Published, and Archived states so you can iterate safely. |
| Theming & Branding | Customizable color palettes, styles, and branding options that align apps with your organization's identity. |
Common Use Cases
- Operational Dashboards -- Surface real-time KPIs and metrics for teams that need to monitor systems, pipelines, or business processes throughout the day.
- Executive Reports -- Build polished, read-only applications that present high-level summaries for leadership review.
- Data Entry & Workflows -- Combine input widgets with backend data to create guided workflows such as approval queues, inventory updates, or customer onboarding flows.
- Embedded Analytics -- Deliver self-service analytics to business users who prefer a visual interface over writing queries.
- Client-Facing Portals -- Share governed, branded data experiences with external stakeholders without exposing the underlying platform.
How Data Apps Fit into the Platform
Data Apps build on several core Datafi capabilities:
- Federated Data -- Widgets query your connected sources in real time through the Coordinator and Edge architecture.
- Policies & Governance -- Row-level and column-level policies are enforced automatically, so each user sees only the data they are authorized to access.
- AI & Agents -- You can embed AI-powered widgets or connect agent outputs into your app pages.
Data Apps query your sources directly through Datafi's federation layer. You never need to extract, transform, or load data into a separate system before building an app.
Next Steps
- App Catalog -- Learn how to browse, search, and launch Data Apps.
- App Builder -- Start creating your first Data App with pages, widgets, and themes.
- App Sharing -- Configure access control and record-level policies for your apps.