What is No-Code Development?

Advancements in standard software development procedures and the spike in need for websites & applications led to the formation of a rapid option called no-code development platforms.

In this article, you will find out what is no-code development, the benefits and drawbacks of codeless development and the top 10 no-code development tools.

Did you know that the global no-code market size is expected to reach 21.2 billion dollars in the year 2022? The tech giant “Google” has also jumped on the bandwagon. It has recently bought AppSheet to penetrate the no-code industry.

Introduction To No-Code Platform

No-code development platforms are dedicated tools that empower users with short or no technical and programming know-how to create fully-functional applications. This is possible without dealing with the troubles of conventional programming-based software development.

In this technology-driven world, every company wants to have mobile and web applications to cater to the digital audience. The world economy is based on small to medium-sized enterprises. Such companies have a restricted budget. In such a case, partnering with a professional software development firm doesn’t seem like the best option. Employing an in-house software developer is also not suitable if you are operating in a non-technical niche. Creating an application via codeless programming is the most suitable option in this scenario. Everyone without any understanding about application development can use them as they are pretty advantageous and productive. With these tools on your side, nothing can stop you from designing your own software products. It also brings your non-programmer workforce in the loop and utilizes them to ensure that the process becomes accelerated.

Let us explain to you with an example here. Entering data in offline software is a repetitive and time-consuming process for every company. When you complete this process manually, the chances of errors increase too. Popular data entry tools, like Microsoft Excel, come with undesirable complications. They have commands which are also very tricky, further increasing the risks of errors. In such circumstances, a cloud-based application to record your company data will simplify and speed up the task. Previously developing one for your company was challenging. But now, no-code solutions will come in handy to create a super practical application as long as you are clear about your specifications. The platform you choose should also offer all the features required to avoid any complications.  A custom application will not only simplify the process but also enhances your team’s efficiency and performance.

Low Code vs No-Code – What makes them different?

A lot of you will assume that a low code platform is similar to no-code tools, but this is a prevalent misunderstanding.  The titles are non-interchangeable, and they are not the same. Let’s have a brief insight into what makes them unique.

No-code development tools are for everyone with zero expertise and experience in coding. The system will assist you in building your desired application, and you don’t worry about how it happens. Unlike typical software development environments in which code is the principal thing. When you use a no-code platform, you define the app’s purpose and not the back process of how it completes the tasks.

A low code development platform is also advantageous for people with insufficient technical knowledge. Still, a developer must be a member of your app development crew to trim the application for your use.  Low code platforms like Codebots consist of ready-made functionality that allows users to create their software application to the maximum possible stage. Then a developer can take over and finish the application by customizing it according to your needs. A developer will narrate the platform how they want to utilize the components.

Are you planning to use any of these programs and confused about which one is most suited for you?  You can always get a more comprehensive insight into low code vs. no-code, but in this article, we will talk about some pros & cons, but first things first.

How To Develop An Application Without Coding?                         

Everyone who hears about no-code development wonders how this is even possible. The next thing that pop-ups in their mind are then what’s the purpose of software developers then? Let’s solve this mystery for you all.

In a no-code development environment, actually, you are creating your software application with code. It’s just that you have to do it by yourself. No-code platforms are infused with reusable and customizable drag/drop elements. A no-code is completely a visual approach to software development in which you build a UI by using readily available drag and drop features. It allows you to have a realistic view of what your webpage/ application will look like. When you utilize the pre-built visual models, it eliminates the intricacies of coding. No-code tools utilize declarative UI. It describes what the user should see instead of how it should be laid out. This allows users to render the same app across multiple devices.

Although no-code platforms are not just simple drag and drop UI, There is another great misconception about them. You will often hear that a no-code can only build basic applications or DIY apps, which is not true. Currently available no-code app builders are power-packed with features and smart enough to build high-grade, fully functional applications. This includes e-commerce stores, enterprise applications, and any other application needed to fulfill your business demands.

No-Code Development: Advantages & Disadvantages

No-code development is the talk of the town for numerous reasons. It is convenient, non-programmer friendly, and enables them to produce workflows or apps quickly. However, no-code tools are equally beneficial for business users & developers. It is incredibly favorable for the development team with a huge workload that wants to convert their non-programmer users into developers.

The Advantages

Reduced Time

No-code development platforms contain pre-built reusable visual modules. The development is complete via drag/drop elements which makes the process inherently fast. Testing is another time-consuming process. This process automates it to reduce associated development time.

Enhanced Productivity

Conventional development puts a strain on the IT workforce. Often they are overloaded with a request from other teams. With delayed delivery of the application, many other teams are at a halt waiting for the app launch. The no-code solution helps IT people complete app development in days that used to take months previously. This results in increased organizational productivity.

Easy Maintenance & Post Built Changes

Hand coding is an exhaustive task so naturally, making changes at a later time is also similar. For instance, if you hired a team to create an application for your business. They built an app in a coding language that you are not familiar with. This is a severe problem when you have to change something. No-coding is not only inherently user-friendly but also empowers you to make changes without any hassles. The maintenance and whole change process are done in a few hours.

Cost-Effectiveness

The industry is short on competent developers. The good ones will cost you a fortune. No-code tools cut your expenditure by bypassing the need for an expert team of developers. Once you are familiar with these tools and know which one is best for a specific type of all, you will create apps faster and without breaking your bank. To create the software from these tools, you don’t need a team of professionals. One tech-savvy person will complete the task. The associated cost of hiring a professional programmer is reduced.

The Disadvantages

There is doubt about the fact that no-code development has a wide range of benefits for contemporary businesses. They are easy to use, fast and affordable, which is the core reason why they are so attractive. However, there are some downsides of it that you must know to make a well-informed decision about them. Software development is a major investment for a company, and your business relies on it. If you make a rash decision without knowing the cons, there is a chance you might regret your decision. Let’s have a look at some of them.

Must Know What You Need Beforehand

Every no-code platform is distinct with a set of features. The app you are trying to build should only contain features that can be built via the chosen tool. This requires proper planning before you pick a platform, as it must meet your requirements. With no-code tools, there is always a risk that with time if your needs evolve, you will outgrow the tools chosen in the first place.

No-Code Templates Limits Creativity

Every business owner has a vision for their software products, but when you choose to invest in no-code development, there is something you should consider. No-code solutions support a set of templates that can be personalized according to your business processes. But if you are thinking of doing something more creative with the application, your picked tool and its fixed template might not support it. This demands a real-time shift in your software goals to fit into the option offered by the tool. If you build software from handwritten code, this is never a problem as it is dynamic and in your hand.

Increased Security Risks

No-coding applications are best suited for businesses that don’t deal with sensitive data because you will have limited control over it. You do not know your application’s back end, unlike when you create an app from scratch by writing its code. If security is a major concern, you must weigh out your options as security and dependability are the weakest part of no-code development. You must also consider worst-case scenarios like if the no-code app builder stops its operation or gets hacked. This is actually a worrisome situation if you opt for no-code apps.

No-source code ownership & Inadequate Integration

Not every business owner has an updated IT infrastructure. Some use a private cloud, third-party software, or custom-built in-house solutions. The integration of a no-code built application with them is oftentimes a very tricky job, and the scalability of a no-code solution is compromised. Above all, with a no-code solution, you don’t have the absolute ownership of the source code, which is not favorable in the longer run. In both situations, a no-code solution is definitely not beneficial when the business requirements change.

The Best No-Code App Development Platforms

You can find tons of no-code app development platforms over the internet. More platforms keep rising on a regular basis. Here are some of the best of these no-code app development platforms.

Airtable

If you are looking for a tool that can provide you with the abilities of a database combined with a spreadsheet, try Airtable. Airtable provides you with a database-spreadsheet combination service in collaboration with the cloud. You can merge apps through this tool and can also link your website,

Nintex Platform

You can make your business work automated through Nintex. This tool is great for managing your business since it lets you deeply analyze and plan your business process. Your business will improve in no time when you connect the data generated by Nintex.

AppSheet

By using AppSheet, you can make apps that gather or merge any type of data without having to go through any coding. You can make applications for android/ ios, websites, and even tablets. Some examples of these data-based applications are Dropbox, Google Drive, and Office 365.

Salesforce Platform

In case you are in search of a platform that allows you to create and use cloud applications as a service, Salesforce is for you. You can use it to make your business process automated, merge with different applications, and has a flexible interface for users.

Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Powerapps is one of the best no-code app development platforms when it comes to providing quick app development. You can customize your app creation process. Your custom-built business app will be able to save your business data in no time. Your data will most likely be saved in some safe online data sources.

Bubble

Bubble is another great no-code app development platform. For anyone who wants to get into the app development market without having any technical knowledge, give Bubble a shot. You will have no need to learn to code for developing apps with Bubble.

Betty Blocks

Betty Blocks was made in order to enable today’s younger generation to create business applications without having to worry about all the coding technicalities. They themselves call it a citizen development platform. People can easily create various types of applications through Bettey Blocks. Whether it is a customer portal app or a general business data-based app, with Betty Blocks, it is easy.

BP Logix BPMS

With BP Logix BPMS, you don’t have to worry about programming. BP Logix BPMS assists business ventures to become automated in no time. The quick development and deployment are the reason why BP Logix BPMS is so good.

Outgrow

Outgrow is a little different than some of the apps here. Outgrow main objective is to help people in marketing. The contents that Outgrow includes are quite responsive as well. This content includes giveaways, chatbots, recommendations, assessments, and much more. There are many templates in outgrow that will help you in making engaging content.

Nutshell

Nutshell, like Outgrow, focuses on a particular part of a business. Nutshell main focus is to help digitize sales customer relationship management. You can manage your relationship with a customer through Nutshell quite easily.

Is a No-Code Development Suitable For You?

When we talk about basic applications with not-so-advanced characteristics, no one will argue about the usefulness of a no-code development. Codeless development has many unique benefits. However, in some cases, they are not a most feasible option as it limits the app’s functionality. This is not beneficial for businesses in an upcoming competitive digital atmosphere. A low code or complete personally coded application will always outshine no-code platforms built software products. No-code solutions are the most qualified option if your application requires minimum personalization. It is most of the time needed in applications prepared for customers. No-code development is preferable to create applications for the internal use of a company.

Ending Note

Frankly, the options to develop a software application are endless. Each comes with its unique selling points and functionality. Every single day several new companies add to the list making the choice decision trickier.  Whether you choose a low code platform or a no-code platform, or a rapid development environment, you must pay great attention to the security feature. As a company, you are solely accountable for your customer data. So if you have an iota of doubt about the security capabilities of the no-code tools, don’t shy away from talking to their customer team about it. The testing process should be meticulous to ensure that it is safe and viable regardless of the tool used to develop the application.