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Open-Source Databases · azimuttapp

azimutt

Azimutt is a web-based database exploration and documentation tool that helps teams visualize, navigate, and understand complex database schemas across multiple platforms. It combines ERD diagramming, data querying, and schema documentation in a single interface with both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.

Source: GitHub — github.com/azimuttapp/azimutt
2.1k
GitHub stars
137
Forks
Elm
Primary language
MIT
License (OSI-approved)

Key facts

Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.

FieldValue
Repositoryazimuttapp/azimutt
Ownerazimuttapp
Primary languageElm
LicenseMIT — OSI-approved
Stars2.1k
Forks137
Open issues82
Latest releaseUnknown
Last updated2026-06-20
Sourcehttps://github.com/azimuttapp/azimutt

What azimutt is

Built with Elm (frontend) and Elixir/Phoenix (backend), Azimutt provides schema introspection, visualization, and analysis for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Snowflake, BigQuery, and 10+ other platforms. It supports schema design via AML (custom DSL), interactive diagramming, and database analysis for identifying inconsistencies.

Quickstart

Get the azimutt source

Clone the repository and explore it locally.

terminalbash
git clone https://github.com/azimuttapp/azimutt.gitcd azimutt# follow the project's README for install & configuration

Need it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.

Best use cases

Large-scale schema exploration and documentation

Teams managing databases with hundreds of tables need visual tools beyond basic ERDs. Azimutt's search, filtering, and relation-following capabilities help engineers quickly understand complex schemas without overwhelming diagrams.

Cross-functional database knowledge sharing

Document table/column notes, create tagged layouts for specific use cases (features, teams), and share memos. Enables product, data, and engineering teams to maintain a single source of truth for schema understanding.

Multi-database environment visibility

Organizations using PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, and data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery) can explore all of them through a unified interface without context-switching between specialized tools.

Implementation considerations

  • Determine whether cloud SaaS or self-hosted deployment fits your security/compliance posture. Docker and Kubernetes guides exist, but require DevOps resources.
  • Schema introspection requires database read access (credentials or connection strings). Plan authentication/secrets management for production databases.
  • AML (Azimutt Markup Language) has a learning curve for schema design; team onboarding needed if using it as your primary schema definition tool.
  • Data sync is not automatic; schema changes require re-import or manual refresh. Establish a workflow (e.g., post-deploy hooks) if you need frequent updates.
  • Slack community exists but no formal SLA or enterprise support mentioned. Evaluate support model for mission-critical use cases.

When to avoid it — and what to weigh

  • Real-time data analytics or BI requirements — Azimutt is schema exploration and documentation focused. If your primary need is querying, aggregation, or dashboarding, use a BI tool (Tableau, Looker) or data warehouse query interface instead.
  • Strict on-premise deployment with zero cloud risk — While self-hosting via Docker is documented, the primary offering is the cloud SaaS platform. Organizations with absolute air-gapped requirements or deep compliance restrictions should evaluate deployment overhead.
  • Automated data lineage and governance — Azimutt focuses on schema understanding, not data governance pipelines. If you need column-level lineage tracking, data classification, or PII detection, use a data catalog (Collibra, Alation) instead.
  • Real-time sync with live database changes — Schema must be imported or connected manually. No automated polling or change-data-capture integration described. Not suitable if you need instant reflection of production schema modifications.

License & commercial use

MIT License. Fully permissive OSI-approved license allowing commercial use, modification, and redistribution with attribution. No copyleft obligations.

MIT is a permissive license explicitly allowing commercial use. You may use Azimutt (open-source or self-hosted) in commercial products without restriction, provided you retain the MIT license notice. The cloud SaaS offering (azimutt.app) has its own commercial terms not covered by the open-source license; review SaaS ToS separately if using the hosted version.

DEV.co evaluation signals

Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.

SignalAssessment
MaintenanceActive
DocumentationAdequate
License clarityClear
Deployment complexityModerate
DEV.co fitGood
Assessment confidenceHigh
Security considerations

Requires database credentials (read-only ideally) to introspect schema. Ensure role-based access control limits scope to schema metadata only. Self-hosted deployments should isolate database connections from untrusted networks. Cloud SaaS security posture (encryption, audit logging, compliance certifications) not stated; requires review of azimutt.app security/privacy pages. No mention of secrets rotation, audit trails, or compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOC2).

Alternatives to consider

Dbdiagram.io or Lucidchart

Traditional ERD tools with simpler UI, good for small-medium schemas but struggle with large, complex databases. Less integrated exploration/query experience.

Collibra or Alation

Enterprise data catalogs with governance, lineage, and PII detection. More expensive and feature-rich for data governance, but overkill if you only need schema documentation.

dbt documentation or Dataedo

dbt for analytics-focused teams with code-first schema; Dataedo for visual ERD generation. Both lack Azimutt's real-time exploration and multi-database unification.

Software development agency

Build on azimutt with DEV.co software developers

Simplify database documentation and team knowledge-sharing. Deploy on cloud or self-host, connect any major database, and start visualizing complex schemas in minutes.

Talk to DEV.co

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azimutt FAQ

Can I use Azimutt without connecting my production database?
Yes. You can design schemas using AML (Azimutt Markup Language) or import SQL files. Database connection is optional; useful for exploration but not required for documentation.
Is my database password stored securely if I connect a live database?
Unknown. The README does not detail secrets handling, encryption, or credential storage. Cloud SaaS and self-hosted deployments may differ. Requires review of Azimutt's security documentation and architecture.
Can I embed Azimutt diagrams in my application or documentation site?
Partially. Badge integration allows linking to public SQL files, enabling interactive exploration. Full embedding or API for programmatic diagram access is not mentioned; requires checking azimutt.app docs.
What happens if my database schema changes—does Azimutt auto-sync?
No. Schema is imported or loaded on-demand. You must re-import or manually refresh to reflect production changes. No webhooks or polling for automatic updates are mentioned.

Software development & web development with DEV.co

DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like azimutt into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source databases stack.

Explore Your Database Schema with Azimutt

Simplify database documentation and team knowledge-sharing. Deploy on cloud or self-host, connect any major database, and start visualizing complex schemas in minutes.