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Datasette-apps: Apps that live inside Datasette

Datasette-apps is a new system that allows users to bundle and install full applications within Datasette, turning it into a platform for data-driven apps. It enables developers to create self-contained packages combining SQLite databases, metadata, plugins, templates, and assets.

Background

- Datasette is an open-source tool (created by Simon Willison) that turns any SQLite database into an explorable, publishable web interface. It lets non-engineers browse, filter, and query data without writing code. - Datasette Apps is a new extension framework that lets developers build full-featured web applications that run *inside* Datasette. Instead of just viewing tables, users get custom tools like dashboards, visualizations, or data entry forms—all powered by the same underlying SQLite data. - This matters because it turns Datasette from a simple data browser into a platform for building lightweight, data-centric web apps without needing a separate backend or server. It's part of a broader trend of "batteries-included" tools that make publishing interactive data easier for journalists, scientists, and small teams.

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