# GoRules: Free Open Source Alternative to Drools

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/gorules
Last updated: 2026-11-07

GoRules (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Drools. Model business logic in decision tables, visual flows, and natural-language rules. Change rules without deploys, test every path, and run the same engine anywhere.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: GoRules
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://gorules.io/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/gorules/zen
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 2.1k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/gorules/zen or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Drools.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (1)
Replacing these paid tools with GoRules saves up to $25/mo ($300/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Drools](https://caniforkit.com/drools) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Drools vs GoRules](https://caniforkit.com/vs/drools-vs-gorules) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is GoRules free and open source?
GoRules is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Model business logic in decision tables, visual flows, and natural-language rules. Change rules without deploys, test every path, and run the same engine anywhere.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using GoRules?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Drools.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)