No-Code app development
The NoCode market is predicted to grow upwards of $21.2 billion by 2022. No-code app development is set to become a mainstream solution. In fact, even Google has adopted the approach by acquiring AppSheet, a popular NoCode tool.
Why is NoCode so important?
NoCode tools and platforms bring an innovative alternative to traditional development. Using these tools, just about anyone can build full-fledged applications and software.
So what does NoCode mean for enterprises? Today, almost every business needs at least one purpose-built software. With NoCode, organizations can take development into their own hands and fulfill their needs.
Who needs no-code development?
No-code benefits everyone. Software development is expensive. If you are a small business or organization, NoCode brings the power of innovation to you.
You no longer have to rely on generic third-party software. You can empower your workforce by building them the tools they need. It's cheaper, faster, and doesn't require extensive training.
Is NoCode the same as low code?
Low code and NoCode are not the same. It's a common misconception. NoCodeplatforms are designed to be used by people with no coding knowledge. NoCode is based on declarative programming. The user decides what the app does, not how.
Low codeplatforms can be used by non-technical people as well. But they require a developer to finish the job. The developer then finishes the code, telling the app how to behave.
Benefits of using no-code app builders
No-code tools give everyone the chance to become creators. Almost every business has problems that need software solutions. Using NoCode, businesses can quickly design exactly what they need. NoCode app builders offer several distinct advantages.
1) Simplified prototyping
Building a minimum viable product or initial prototype is often a good idea. With simple drag-and-drop interfaces, NoCode tools help make prototyping fast and easy.
2) Fewer people involved
NoCode tools take away the need for a development team or even a developer. Every project manager knows that fewer people = easier logistics.
3) Faster launch
Using NoCode, design and marketing teams no longer need to work with (or wait for) developers. This means you can launch much more quickly than conventionally possible.
4) Low costs
Software developers are expensive. Sometimes they cost more than the entire marketing team. Removing them from the equation saves you a bundle of cash.
5) Greater freedom
With lowered costs and restrictions, NoCode tools put the development power in your hands. You get to decide what's possible and what isn't.
Best uses of NoCode development
It's incredibly difficult to argue with the value NoCode provides. Cheaper, faster, and simpler software is always in demand. However, there are always some things that NoCode does best. These include:
- Simple mobile applications
- Custom internal business solutions
- Highly specific software solutions
- Product prototypes
Pros and cons of NoCode development
NoCode development offers distinct advantages over traditional software development. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't have any drawbacks. Let's take a look at both.
Pros of NoCode Development:
Simplicity is the main reason NoCode development is so appealing. No more messy complexities or lines after lines of code. NoCode allows businesses to quickly design, build and test out new apps. It can also help relieve an overburdened development team.
By allowing anyone to create and design apps, NoCode provides incredible freedom for creativity. Other advantages include:
1. Speed
Most NoCode tools are drag-and-drop based. Designing solutions visually is a much faster process. Most tools also come with automated testing. You don't waste time figuring out what works and what doesn't.
2. Low costs
NoCode gives businesses a cheaper alternative to expensive developers. Businesses can save a lot of overhead if they don't hire a development team.
3. Productivity boost
With apps being built faster, key IT and design people will have more time. With NoCodes, timelines can accelerate from weeks to days. Even hours!
4. Easy changes
NoCode allows for much faster changes than usual. If something doesn't work out, you don't have to rewrite a thousand lines of code. Simply make the change in the interface!
Cons of NoCode Development:
All these advantages don't mean that NoCode is free from risk or drawbacks. Cost-effective decisions can sometimes end up costing more in the long term. It is important to understand that NoCode tools come with certain limitations. You must be aware of these, and how well they suit your needs.
1. Limitations with functionality
Most NoCode tools offer a lot of flexibility and functionality. You can build different features using out-of-the-box building blocks. However, once you start building something truly unique you hit a wall. Working around these restrictions can often be tedious, complex, and expensive.
2. Source code ownership
Another major issue is that you do not own the source code for your app. If you ever decide to move away from the platform, you will face vendor lock-in. You will then have to build the app from scratch again. Or pay a large sum to acquire the code.
3. Scaling can be difficult
The above two reasons make scaling with NoCode platforms quite difficult. When you scale, you need more functionality and features. Your app builder may not support these. If you leave, then you don't get any access to the source code.
This doesn't mean that NoCode doesn't work - it's perfect for small apps that need limited functionality. Most business solutions don't need complex features or scalability. Plus, it's super affordable.
Top NoCode app development platforms
With the NoCode movement quickly gaining popularity, there are a ton of platforms to choose from. However, not all of them are great, and each has its limitations. Here are our top 3 picks:
Bubble
An incredibly popular visual app builder, Bubble is trusted by major tech companies like Plato and Dividend Finance. It offers several useful features for NoCode development including:
- Drag and drop builder
- Dynamic content
- Multilingual options
- Version controls
- Secure payments
- Advanced metrics and more
These features along with the affordable pricing make Bubble ideal for small teams and businesses.
Airtable
Airtable is a cloud collaboration tool that helps you create and share databases. It is extremely popular because it is fast and easy to use. Airtable takes away the beer for SQL scripting and has a simple interface. It also includes:
- Pre-made templates
- Easy integration with REST API
- Cloud storage
- Easy customisations
- Project management and tracking
Adalo
Adalo is another popular and powerful program that allows you to build NoCode applications. Adalo features include:
- Intuitive drag and drop builder
- Pre-made design elements
- Secure payments
- Lots of tutorials!
Because it is so quick and easy to use, Adalo is ideal for small businesses and enterprises.
This doesn't mean that Bubble, Airtable, and Adalo are the only tools out there. Every business is unique and has different needs.
Final thoughts
The NoCode approach offers several advantages over traditional software development. It's cheaper, faster and simpler. The tools are easy to use and offer unlimited creative control for non-technical users. Businesses don't need to hire expensive designers anymore. NoCode means custom apps are just a few clicks away. That being said, NoCode tools still have limitations, especially with complex features and scalability. For now, NoCode remains ideal only for small businesses and enterprises.
