What is no-code?
What is no-code, who uses no code, and why is no code important? Currently, these are some prevailing queries in the business world.
And we bet you’re here on the same note.
It’s difficult to wrap your head around the fact that in less than two years, 65% of app development will require little to zero knowledge of programming languages. We’re currently living in a world where people with thorough non-technical backgrounds can build and launch apps on their own.
You might find yourself wondering how come creating an app no more requires:
- Tons of knowledge,
- Massive budget,
- And a minimum of 98 days?
What happened to the traditional idea of hiring software developers with 10+ years of experience?
Well, times have changed. For good.
And as perplexing as it may sound right now, we ask you to sit back and relax.
We’ve got the concept and practicalities of no code completely decoded and neatly outlined for you.
So, just sit back, relax, and read through!
What is no-code?
No code practically and literally means no need to code. You don’t have to write even a single line of code when developing a software application using no code.
It is a newly found approach towards software development that empowers non-technical people to create apps on their own.
There are no prerequisites for using no-code. All you need to have is a clear idea of your business goals.
Determine:
- Why do you need an application?
- What functionalities do you require?
- What’s your visual idea of your application?
Once you have the answers, you can begin creating your app on a no-code development platform.
What are no-code development platforms?
No-code development platforms are the actual online places where you can put the concept of no-code into practice. These online places are basically websites or installable applications.
These platforms offer a visual set of app-building components. You can assemble your app by the drag and drop method. Once assembled, you can launch your fully functional app in the market.
To understand this better, visualize no-code development platforms like Canva. They replace the traditional app building process in the same way as Canva replaces Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator for graphic designing and light illustration.
In this way, these platforms make app development easier, quicker, and doable for almost anyone. You don’t need to have a skillset or app-knowledge to get started.
With that said, you ought to know that no-code app development platforms involve coding of their own. It’s the backend coding, which enables the platforms to execute your commands. But of course, you won’t see any of this code on your screen. It’s the platforms' job, and that’s how they work.
Types of No-Code Platforms
The no-code industry just took off. There are plenty of ready-to-use no-code development platforms out there, and several more are in the making.
Currently, we can categorize the existing no-code platforms based on their operating mechanism, which divides them into:
- Blank canvas platforms
- Process-driven platforms
- Micro-process tools
Blank canvas platforms let users create an all-embracing app from scratch, while process-driven platforms allow users to develop specific functions within an app.
Micro-process development platforms are more commonly recognized as tools rather than development platforms. That’s because they help minimally with app building.
Instead, they serve as add-ons or extensions to enhance the apps you've built or for existing apps. For example, you may use these tools to enable apps to talk to one another (i.e., pass or exchange information).
What can you build with no-code?
As mentioned earlier, you can use no-code to develop simple software applications. These may include:
- eCommerce sites (like etsy.com)
- Marketplaces (like Uber)
- Appointment Scheduling Apps (like Calendly)
- Customer Relationship Management Systems (like HubSpot)
- Messaging Apps (like Reddit)
- File Management Apps (like Dropbox)
- Project Management Apps (like Trello)
- Socializing Apps or Features
- Dashboards within apps
- Shopping carts within the app
Note: The examples given with each use case are not no-code apps. The examples only aim to help you visualize the practicality of each use case.
Pros & Cons of No-Code
We’re all only understanding what is no-code and exploring its true potential.
We may not know everything but we’re sure that no-code technology is beneficial for both business owners and developers. It’s beneficial for both technical and non-technical people.
How so?
Well, that’s because no code technology eliminates the coding hassle and allows the creator to focus on the purpose of their application. They can pay more attention to achieving their purpose instead of executing their projects.
Moreover, it saves developmental costs and time. You can single-handedly develop an app from scratch in a few days. It boosts productivity, raises profit margins, and helps you stay ahead of the competition.
Simultaneously, we must not forget that it’s a new technology and still has some risks and limitations. Most no-code platforms offer templates. If you use them, you’ll be restricted to that design.
Similarly, even if you’re assembling from scratch, you’ll be limited to your respective provider’s plugins and functionalities.
Also, since you use your provider platform’s codes for building your custom apps, you do not have complete control over the source code. It may make you vulnerable to certain security risks.
It’s simple & it’s the future.
By now, we hope you have a clear answer to your prime query: what is no-code? Above we’ve discussed this new technology in complete detail along with its use cases as well as pros and cons.
From our evaluation, it is safe to say no code has birthed a win-win approach in the world of app development. It’s freeing us from iterative and mundane programming methods, simplifying business building, and directing human potential to something robots & programs can never replace, i.e., innovation & creativity.
Programming is on the verge of a renaissance. We’ve yet to see how it turns out. Let’s hope for the best!
