Mathesar

Mathesar is an open source web application that turns a PostgreSQL database into an approachable, spreadsheet-like workspace for non-technical and technical users. It focuses on easy data entry, exploration, and sharing while keeping PostgreSQL as the source of truth.

Key Features

• Connects directly to PostgreSQL and works on existing schemas (no proprietary storage layer)
• Spreadsheet-style table browsing and editing with typed columns and validation
• Create and manage tables, columns, and relationships from the UI
• Filter, sort, group, and build saved “explorations” (query-like views) without writing SQL
• Rich data types support (e.g., numbers, text, dates/times, booleans; behavior depends on PostgreSQL types)
• Shareable/savable views for common reporting and operational workflows
• Role-based access control aligned to database permissions (designed to respect Postgres roles)

Use Cases

• Replace spreadsheets for teams that need multi-user editing backed by PostgreSQL
• Provide a friendly UI for business users to view and maintain operational data
• Quickly explore unfamiliar PostgreSQL databases (tables, relationships, and subsets)

Limitations and Considerations

• PostgreSQL-only (not intended as a generic multi-database GUI)
• Feature coverage depends on underlying PostgreSQL schema/types; advanced DB features may still require SQL/admin tools

Mathesar is best suited for organizations that want spreadsheet-like usability while keeping data in PostgreSQL. It bridges the gap between raw database tools and end-user-friendly data workflows, improving accessibility without replacing the database.