Low-Code, No-Code, Maybe-Code: The Code-less Revolution

One of the most captivating shifts in this evolution is the rise of no/low code platforms. These platforms not only promise to redefine how we understand software development but also suggest a future where creating software becomes even more intuitive and accessible.

INTRODUCTION

Low code/no code platforms are storming the tech world, providing an accessible avenue for startups and tech entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to life without the traditional constraints of programming. This paradigm shift is more than just a fad in my opinion; it's a disruptive force that democratises the software landscape. Re-imagine how we were socialising before Facebook; Music CDs before Napster.

It's time to look beyond the misbelief that low code/no code means 'low love.'

In this article I explore what low code/no code is, discuss the emergence of Flutter and FlutterFlow as examples, delve into alternatives like React and React Native, and end with some catchy renaming ideas that may bring sexy back is 'low love.'

ORIGINS: Flutter vs. FlutterFlow

Flutter - The Language

Flutter is Google’s UI toolkit, launched in December 2018, for crafting natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop. Let's say a set of tools made by Google to help people create apps for phones, computers, and websites. It uses a special computer language called Dart, has many ready-to-use parts (we call these packages in IT) that make building apps easier and faster.

What's great about Flutter (it's value proposition) is that it works really well, is flexible, and you can use it to make apps for different kinds of devices all at once.

FlutterFlow - The No Code App

FlutterFlow is like a simpler version of Flutter that you don't need to know coding to use. It's designed for people who are new to making apps but still want to take advantage of what Flutter has to offer. Think of it as an easy way for people who don't know how to code to still make great apps using Flutter.

ALTERNATIVES: Not Just a Flutter Affair

React

React is another set of tools made by Facebook to help people build apps and websites. It's mostly used for making websites but can also work for some apps. Unlike Flutter, it doesn't use Dart; it uses a language called JavaScript.

React is really popular, and a lot of big websites use it.

React Native

React Native is a special version of React made just for building mobile apps. You can use it to make apps for phones just like you would with Flutter. Both React Native and Flutter let you write your app one time and have it work on many kinds of phones.

Adalo

Adalo is another easy-to-use tool for people who don't know how to code but still want to make apps. It's similar to FlutterFlow because you don't need to write any computer code to use it.

Adalo is designed to make it super easy to build apps by just dragging and dropping things into place.

Comparison Table

• Use Flutter if you're an experienced developer aiming for high performance and customisability.
• Choose FlutterFlow for a quick MVP without the need for extensive coding.
• Go for React or React Native if you’re looking to leverage JavaScript and want a strong community.
• Opt for Adalo if you’re a non-coder looking to quickly bring a mobile app to market.

What You Can Make and How to Choose the Right Tools

You can make lots of different things with low-code or no-code platforms, and they fall into three main categories:

1. Websites and Online Portals: These are websites that your customers can use. They can help you manage both your public-facing work and behind-the-scenes tasks.
2. Office Apps: These tools help your company run smoothly from the inside. They help you manage your business information as well as collaborate for internal use.
3. Phone Apps: You can also create apps specially made for smartphones and tablets.

You do not need to install anything because these tools operate entirely online.

You should do your research before selecting the correct tool. Determine what you need the tool to do and look for a platform that can do it. Make a list of possibilities and choose the one that provides the best value for your money.

These platforms are wonderful because they save you time and money while allowing you to adjust things rapidly as your business grows or develops.

STATS AND FACTS

Not only are the adoption rates excellent, but the technology has shown to be essential in tackling important difficulties like as talent shortages and project backlogs. These platforms are game changers, from closing the developer divide to promoting a collaborative environment for non-tech workers.

Below, I have distilled the most relevant statistics and trends that highlight the technology's significant positive use cases.

• Market Growth and Revenue: The global low-code platform market is expected to generate $187.0 billion in revenue by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 31.1% from 2020-2030.
• Executive Prioritisation: Since COVID-19, 26% of executives consider no-code and low-code platforms as their most crucial automation investment, up from 10%.
• IT Project Backlogs: A concerning 72% of IT leaders indicate that project backlogs are hampering their ability to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Talent Gap in Software Engineering: 82% of organisations report difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled software engineers.
• Customisation and Scalability: Both no-code and low-code platforms offer high levels of customisation and are scalable to meet evolving business needs.
• Collaboration Across Teams: No-code and low-code platforms facilitate collaboration between cross-functional teams, even those without technical skills.
• Mainstream Adoption: By 2024, 65% of app development is expected to result from no-code platforms.
• Future Trends: Gartner predicts that by 2023, the market for these platforms will increase to $26.9 billion, up from $3.8 billion in 2017.

The compelling numbers and trends strongly suggest that no-code and low-code platforms are not merely a passing fad but a strategic imperative for any forward-thinking organisation.

RENAMING LOW CODE/NO CODE GAME

Don't be fooled by the names 'low code' and 'no code'; they may sound basic, but they're far from it. These platforms are actually powerhouses in disguise, and they can be game-changers for startups and entrepreneurs who are sensitive to budget and timelines. Instead of seeing these terms as a sign of limitation, think of them as gateways to efficiency and rapid innovation.

The reality is that these platforms allow you to build high-quality apps without the time or cost involved in traditional coding. They bring down the barriers to entering the tech space, making it possible for people without a tech background to create robust, scalable solutions.

If you're a startup or an entrepreneur, this means you can quickly transform your innovative ideas into actual products without breaking the bank or the clock.

Let's get creative and rebrand these platforms to better reflect their true potential.

How about "Rapid Development Platforms," "Streamlined App Creation," or "Efficiency-First Development"? Whatever we call them, the fact remains that these tools are powerful allies for anyone looking to disrupt markets and innovate quickly.

Fun Naming Alternatives

1. CodeLite Platforms
2. FastCraft Tech
3. ZeroBarrier Dev
4. EffortlessCode
5. Idea-to-App Engines

CONCLUSION

Let's ditch the tech jargon and get down to business for a minute. If you're a startup or a tech entrepreneur who still codes every line from scratch, you're comparable to someone who uses a landline in an age of smartphones. Why? Because the low-code and no-code movement is similar to the craft beer revolution in the tech world: artisanal, yet scalable; distinct, yet approachable.

Do you believe you need a computer science degree to break into the tech industry? Consider again. The great thing about low-code and no-code platforms is that they level the playing field. Building an app with them is virtually as simple as drafting an email, and that is not hyperbole. This isn't simply a playground for developers; it's a field of dreams for anyone with an idea and the courage to put it into action. This is your golden ticket if you want to disrupt the pet-walking sector or bring blockchain to babysitting.

Let us dispel the myth that low-code and no-code are only for dabblers, hobbyists drawing on the outskirts of innovation. The truth is that these platforms have more influence than you might believe. They have the ability to transform you from a "I have an idea" individual to a "I have a launched product" entrepreneur. And for startups, where agility is everything, this is a revolution you cannot afford to miss.

So, are you going to be a spectator or will you enter the ring? The next big innovation in technology will not come from someone who is stuck in the past. It will come from someone who recognises that these platforms offer a superhighway to innovation—a method to turn huge ideas into even bigger realities.

Whatever we call it, from "ZeroBarrier Dev" to "FastCraft Tech," the low-code/no-code movement is here to stay. It's not just the future; it's also the present. So, my recommendation to any visionary out there is this: Forget about 'low love.' It's time for first byte love!