Why you shouldn't choose no-code or low-code!

Is no-code or low-code just another buzzword to add to the endless list of jargon that clutters the digital world? The answer is yes. In an increasingly competitive digital landscape, it seems like any catchphrase or trending hashtag can generate buzz and draw attention. It's undeniable that "no-code" and "low-code" are products of aggressive marketing strategies aimed at promoting digital products in an already overcrowded market.

As our digital reality evolves, the words used to describe it inevitably become dated. The term "Web 2.0" no longer holds the same allure or novelty that it once did. While some argue that Web 2.0 never truly existed, others contend that we have already surpassed it and moved onto the third iteration, or beyond. Despite these debates, words are necessary to sell products and convey ideas that can shape the web in new and exciting ways.

But what about "no-code" and "low-code"? Are they just passing trends, or do they hold real value? Fashion has a way of reinventing itself and making yesterday's trends relevant again, but can we trust that the providers of no-code and low-code solutions are promoting the technology because it truly represents the future, or because it benefits their bottom line? These are important questions to consider as we navigate the constantly evolving landscape of digital innovation.

The no-code and the low-code, the false names of false prophets?

Regarding the question of whether no-code and low-code are just passing trends, we can confidently say that they are not. These terms refer to tools that have been around for a while, even before they were given these labels. It was only when these tools became prevalent enough that we could recognize them as belonging to the no-code and low-code movements.

While fashion trends can be defined retroactively, artistic trends are often characterized by a particular technique or approach. The same holds true for no-code and low-code. While these tools prioritize design and user-friendliness, they are still grounded in technological advancements. In fact, the concept of visual programming succinctly captures the essence of no-code. Given the convenience and ease of use of these tools, it's unlikely that we will revert to traditional coding interfaces anytime soon.

No-code and low-code tools have gained traction because they are broad enough to encompass a wide range of digital services and options. The digital world is highly permeable and interoperable, making no-code tools especially valuable. Interoperability is key to deploying no-code, and many providers take advantage of this fact by promoting their "no-code" banner as a marketing tactic. While this may be a clever campaign, it remains to be seen whether it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Large groups such as the GAFAs often set the tone in the digital world, with soft or more forceful tactics to shape the market. However, the term "no-code" was not originally deployed by these groups, but by smaller companies like Zapier and Bubble. Although these tools have gained momentum, it was only recently that larger companies like Microsoft began to promote no-code tools as well.

The no-code, the foam of an in-depth evolution

As time goes on, it will be increasingly challenging to ignore the presence of no-code and its significance, particularly given the participation of industry titans like Microsoft. This raises an important point that deserves consideration: the world of no-code is already a competitive landscape, and its competitive scope is expanding beyond the confines of no-code providers themselves.

No-code is a universe born from the world of start-ups, and competition is an inherent characteristic of that realm. However, the competitive environment is no longer limited to just no-code providers. Your rivals could already be deploying no-code solutions unbeknownst to you, enabling them to save time and money while continuing to progress.

In marketing, we understand that emotions drive decision-making, and fear is a powerful emotion. While we may criticize the influence of marketing in our lives, particularly in politics, the reality remains that fear is a persuasive tool. If someone attempts to scare you by suggesting that your competitors have transitioned to no-code and are gaining an advantage, it's a possibility worth considering.

Whether you need no-code depends on the size of your company, your market, and your goals. If you already have a well-functioning ERP system and a team of developers to handle security and data, you may not need no-code – unless you're dealing with shadow IT. That's when employees develop their own tools without your knowledge, which can be a security risk. Your IT department may be trying to manage it all, but they have limited resources. That's where a no-code solution could help.

Refusing no-code, a strategic choice

Let's be clear: whether or not to adopt no-code depends on various factors such as the size of your company, your market, and your goals. If you have an ERP that works well and a team of developers who can manage your system, security, and data, then no-code may not be necessary - unless you have shadow IT lurking in the corners. However, keep in mind that your competitors may already be leveraging no-code to improve their productivity and gain an edge.

It's important to note that going no-code or low-code doesn't mean starting from scratch. These platforms can be useful for testing the waters, exploring new opportunities, and improving productivity. In fact, for small to medium-sized companies, these platforms can be crucial partners for web development. However, it's also important to remember that in today's digital world, independence can be difficult to achieve and interoperability is key. Many people still rely heavily on Microsoft products, for example.

Ultimately, the decision to adopt no-code is yours to make, especially if you work in a large organization where change takes time. But keep your eyes open and stay aware of the potential benefits of no-code for your business.

Whether or not to adopt a no-code or low-code solution depends on various factors such as the size of your company, your market, and your needs. If you have an ERP system that works well and a team of developers to take care of security and data management, then you can probably do without no-code. However, you should be aware of the risks of shadow IT - the small projects that your employees develop without your knowledge, which can pose a security problem. While your IT department can try to monitor these, it's not always easy.

The decision to adopt a no-code solution ultimately rests with you. If you're part of a large organization, it can take time to make such a decision. No-code may not even be a marketing target for you, but keep an eye out for your competitors who may be using productivity niches that could give them an edge. Adopting no-code or low-code doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch. It can be a way to test the waters and discover areas to exploit.

For small and medium-sized companies, no-code solutions can be game-changers, especially if you don't have the resources to build a system in-house. The agility, efficiency, and elegance of visual programming, combined with powerful integrations between applications and database management, offer you options and solutions that can be a significant help.

While the terms no-code and low-code may lose their buzzword status or even disappear, the benefits of their solutions will continue to contribute to the development of the Web, digital world, and economy. Digital freedom means that you have the right to choose not to adopt these solutions, but be aware that the cost of this freedom may be increasingly prohibitive.