Everything you need to know about no-code

In the previous post Create MVPs - 3x faster, 50% cheaper, we discussed what an MVP is and why you should create it with No-Code. Now, we will discuss what exactly this whole no-code is, how it can help us, how it works and why it is worth taking an interest in it.

As the name suggests, no-code application development is a method of building an application without writing code. This is made possible by no-code platforms that allow developers to drag and drop preconfigured blocks to build mobile and web applications. MVP products and enterprise-class applications.

‍

How do no-code platforms work?

No-code platforms work a bit like LEGO bricks. Thanks to their use, we can create the application interface (frontend) and what is to happen on the server side (backend). Depending on which part we are currently creating - the process looks a bit different.

Let's start with the frontend. When we start developing applications, the interface looks a bit like a blank document. Then we have to drag and drop relevant and interesting elements to this blank page, such as buttons, graphics, texts, inputs, etc. Then we need to set properties of those elements like: lengths, width, colors and more. Thanks to this, we can create the entire user interface. This is called the WYSIWYG method. What we see is a living effect of our work. Underneath - plain HTML, CSS or JavaScript code, creating the interface of our application.

When we create a backend, which is what should happen when: the user clicks on something, when an action is to be performed on the server side, a record is to be created in the database, etc. then we just drag the appropriate action / function blocks so that they create workflows.

(Note: actions performed after user interaction can also be performed on the frontend side, e.g. displaying an alert, switching to another page, etc.)

Workflow is what you want to happen step by step when, for example, I click the X. Thanks to that underneath, we are actually structuring the code (the code is "inside" these action / function blocks).

We created the application without using a line of code, but underneath us, the platform created all the code, which, when properly processed, creates our application.

Advantages of no-code platforms

Creating applications using no-code is attractive because it does not require programming knowledge (it is useful, but it is not necessary) and allows you to quickly create and test applications for much less money.

The main advantages of no-code:

• Much shorter application development time and thus a lower budget is required
• No programming languages ​​required
• The ability to make changes very quickly in response to user feedback
• The ability to scale the application (these platforms are based on AWS, Google, etc. cloud solutions)
• The ability to add your own functions through plugins (then we are talking about low-code)
• Better application security (code used on platforms has been tested by thousands of users)
• Predictability of maintenance costs - these platforms usually offer rigid price lists, not pay-as-you-go billing. Thanks to this, we know in advance how much the maintenance of a given application will cost.

Disadvantages of no-code platforms

Of course, the fact that no-code platforms are the future of programming and democratize access to its creation does not mean that they have no disadvantages. We have listed the most important below:

• Some platforms do not allow the code to be exported outside their servers
• Developers must know their specifics in order to be able to use them effectively (so it is worth using the help of no-code agencies that specialize in a given platform)

What can you create with no-code?

The second facebook will be hard, and it's not about how it looks and works, but about its very extensive and advanced tracking algorithms. It is impossible to create them in no-code. The rest shouldn't be a problem, as the American no-code leader, AirDev agency, proved by building NotRealTwitter - you can check it HERE. It is quite impressive. :)

Moving on to the examples of applications you will build with no-code:

• Back-office applications
• Web applications - social media, CRM, ERP, bookings, websites with job offers, eCommerce, etc., invoicing, etc.
• Mobile applications - same as above.

As you can see, the possibilities are practically unlimited. What's more, no-code applications, thanks to the access to API,  can easily integrate with your current solutions, or AI, ML solutions or something else. Thanks to this, your new application will be able to chat and exchange information with others.

Who should use no-code?

Of course, we will write that everyone and it will not be a lie. ;) However, below is a list with examples of situations:

• Startups: very often they do not have the appropriate resources, money to create expensive software in a software house and have to test their idea as soon as possible. In such a situation, no-code ensures fast and cheap execution, thanks to which we can quickly verify our idea.
• Companies with limited access to developers: few companies have knowledgeable people on board who will be able to establish effective cooperation with the software houses, not to mention having developers. In such a situation, it is also worth reaching for no-code. Application development shouldn't be reserved just for giants.
• Market gap: Your company has seen a very lucrative market gap and wants to fill it quickly for fear of competition. In our agency, we create the MVP of the application even in 3 weeks, thanks to the no-code you will be able to quickly verify your idea.
• Proof of Concept and prototypes: you are a medium or large organization, you know that the final idea must be created from A to Z by traditional coding, but you are not sure if it will work. In such a situation, it is worth creating a proof of concept or a prototype of an application - for a fraction of the budget you will find out if the idea is worth implementing. If not - you have just saved a large budget and minimized the risk of implementing an uncertain idea. If so - you will proceed with its implementation with 100% certainty.
• Companies looking to expand their portfolio or enter a new market: you see that your customers need a new application or you just want to create it to enter a new market. It is better to create it in no-code, thanks to which you will save time and money and your application will not be worse in any way. In addition, along with the collected feedback, you will add new functions very quickly and increase your market share. You can find examples of applications that we have created HERE.

Summary

No-code applications have revolutionized the business and IT industry. Thanks to them, launching and using even enterprise-class applications is easier, cheaper and faster than ever. While there will always be a need for developers to develop software, no-code platforms fill an important gap for companies of all sizes and industries.

Thanks to them, now every company can afford to create a mobile or web application without worrying about spending cosmic amounts.

No-code will drive the future of application development. The demand for applications is so great that there are as many as 600,000 (!!!) programmers missing on the market. This is a problem because it is blocking a gigantic wave of development. Companies cannot develop faster, enter new markets because they cannot digitize or implement new ideas. Fortunately, thanks to no-code, this may change in the coming months.