No Code Revolution

When Ole Kirk Christiansen went out of business back in the 1930s, little did he know that the scraps from his furniture factory would help build a whole new business during the world recession. Ole along with his son Godtfred founded Lego (meaning ‘put together’ in Latin) - a company that sold toys made of fine wood.?

However, after a decade of selling those toys while braving the Great Depression and the Second World War, Godtfred felt this business model wasn’t quite right. Lego was not the only toy-producing company. Meanwhile, his father Ole couldn’t get his mind off of a brick-like toy made of plastic, that he had seen many years ago in a business exhibition. Both men put together the idea and created what Lego is today - a set of building blocks that allows children to put their imagination to work.?

The no-code creation in a website and application development is perhaps moving in the Lego direction. A kind of app development that allows creative freedom to build apps without much technical knowledge.?

The No-code revolution is indicative that modern businessmen and women want to keep creative control in their own hands when it comes to developing websites or mobile applications. No-code is really for businesses who wish to personalize their product or service branding, and it does not mean that no-code platforms can only produce simple apps.?

A no-code revolution is brewing

Forbes reported in 2021 that “60% of all custom apps were being developed outside of the IT department while 40% of these users worked in a professional setting.” Many businesses today are opting for no-code creation for several reasons, one of them being faster time to market.?

What are no-code platforms?

No-code tools or platforms are basically programming styles and methodologies that do not require coding. Instead, these platforms use GUI (Graphical User Interface) tools to create websites or mobile applications. A user does not need to be either a coder or a developer but someone who knows the basics of using keyboard tools such as click, drag, drop, and scroll.?

Benefits of no-code?

1] Better allocation of IT/engineer hours - Since no-code platforms are more like drag-and-drop tools, business users need not employ coders and engineers in the website and application development. This technical workforce then can be applied towards mission-critical work.?

2] Faster time to market: When it comes to developing a business website or a mobile application, a business needs to go through several rounds of approvals and iterations. With no-code platforms, the task can be allotted only to a few employees after approval from the upper management. This reduces the approval and development time, and your product or service may come out in the market in much less time.?

3] Cost reduction: Through no-code environments, you can create more applications in less time and resources, which leads to lower costs. It also reduces the costs of hiring since coders or developers are not needed for launching web or mobile apps.?

Some of the best no-code platforms to watch out in 2023?

# 1 Appy Pie?

This is a no-code mobile and software application development platform that involves the creation of chat boxes, websites, intelligent workflows, and automation. It allows users to connect 300+ apps to simplify further development work.?

Pros?

• User friendly?
• Quick customer support?
• Automates tasks?
• Can build and launch chatbots?
• Custom mobile app development?

Cons?

• No webview button on the main menu?

# 2 Webflow?

The platform has been around for quite some time and has evolved to be more than just a website builder. It allows users to create responsive software and websites with absolute web design freedom. Compared to traditional website development platforms such as Wix or WordPress, Webflow offers more customization options.?

Pros?

• Allows building of custom databases for CMS and e-commerce stores?
• Hassle-free hosting network?
• 999.9% uptime
• Zero maintenance?

Cons

• Compared to other web builders, it is difficult to use?
• Expensive for small businesses?
• No live chat or phone support?

# 3 Bubble.io?

Bubble allows for easy custom web application development offering a wide range of features including databases, APIs, and e-commerce. Bubble is the most suitable web application builder for SaaS entrepreneurs who are testing a prototype or businesses intending to launch tools/apps quickly.?

Pros?

• User-friendly?
• Free version has enough features?
• Paid subscription gives access to a wide range of features?
• Thriving user community of 300,000 people

Cons?

• Cannot test plugins before buying?

# 4 Bildr?

Non-technical startup entrepreneurs use Bildr to create functional and stunning websites for testing prototypes or for reiteration of ideas. You can create web applications or SaaS products using Bildr.?

Pros?

• Precoded building blocks?
• Functional APIs to retrieve data?
• Real-time collaboration with integrated apps?

Cons?

• May require some coding knowledge?
• Best only for simple Web3 decentralised applications?

# 5 Thunkable?

Thunkable is a drag-and-drop no-code application builder that’s designed specifically for building native mobile applications. It offers a wide variety of options for customizing the look and feel of your iOS or Android app. That’s because it provides a blank canvas to build the applications from blocks, modules, and integrations with other platforms. You can put together your user interface (UI), and advanced logic modules, and handle the functionality of your app.?

Pros?

• Assistance with publishing your app on App Store and Google Play
• Perfect for native apps building?
• Advanced logic workflow builder?

Cons

• Advanced features building takes technical skills?
• Hard to detect bugs?

If you need assistance in understanding more about no-code creation, our team at Codelinear would be delighted to have a chat with you.?

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