A no-code approach to development: a simple introduction to the no-code movement
"In the business world, 'no-code' is a term that is becoming more and more popular. But what does it mean? Simply put, the no-code movement refers to the development methods of software that does not require traditional coding skills.
This can include visual tools and drag-and-drop builders that let you build apps without writing a single line of code. So how does no-code work? And what are the pros and cons of using this approach? Keep reading to find out!"
The history of ""no-code"" tools:
The no-code movement is a relatively new concept in the world of software development. It's only been around since 2014, when no-code platforms started emerging online as alternatives to hand-coding apps. Since then, no-code has grown into a $21 billion industry this year alone!
How it works ?
No-code platforms work by allowing users to build and deploy applications with no coding required. This is done through a visual interface, where users can drag and drop components to create the desired application.
It's become more than just an alternative for people who can't code or don't want to spend time on it; No-code platforms make app building accessible to everyone and help entrepreneurs launch new ideas quickly without any technical expertise.
What is the difference between low-code and no-code solutions?
Low-code platforms are different from no-code platforms in that they require coding knowledge to use them. Low-code platforms allow users to build apps by dragging and dropping components, but also give users the ability to write code if they want to further customize their app.
This makes low-code platforms more versatile than no-code platforms because they can be used by people with no coding knowledge and people who are more familiar with coding.
Even then, these lines of code are frequently included in ready-to-use, easily accessible code snippets that can be added quickly.
Although blockless technology makes it easier for non-developers to use, adding more complex features is more difficult. Computer experts with programming knowledge can use low-code software to create these distinct operations.
Low-code platforms also enable better integration with applications and faster application development, testing, and extension.
Low-code and no-code platforms have their roots in rapid application development initiatives that used programming languages like C++ and Java.
What are the pros and cons of no-code?
The advantages of no-code systems are simplicity and ease of use for non-developers.
There is little or no training at all
The user experience is simple. To create an app, you just need to drag and drop or overlay app components. Users will likely need some training; however, this should not be done with code.
Costs are low
Letting non-developers perform basic functions frees up IT staff to focus on more complex operations or initiatives that have greater business value. This compromise saves time and money for the company as a whole.
Align business and IT
No-code supports the ultimate partnerships between business and IT. Both parties use each other's special skills to gain valuable information. Check out this short video featuring Forrester experts, John Rymer.
Fighting the setback of IT
Business app users are more likely to access and use existing choices online than desktop tools. This indicates that they are less likely to download and use fraudulent and unsupported tools, which pose monitoring challenges for IT departments and potentially expose the organization to security risks.
No-code app development is accelerating.
Processes are faster and we are able to create MVPs quickly.
Get products to market faster
The no-code capability enables rapid prototyping, enabling faster product production and release and also helps reduce the time to market.
Encourage citizen development
No one knows the business process or its customers better than company employees. It is essential to include this information in a software development process. There is a code that allows it, but there are no rules. The no-code product is intended to cater to a specific industry audience that has a strong desire and ambition to develop cutting-edge technologies and be a leader in their fields. In doing so, it contributes to solving the difficulties inherent in traditional modes of development alone by bringing new advantages to development.
Visual modeling tools
Doing application development using a graphical model is much faster than coding an application based on code. The no-code software platforms are supported by a visual modeling capability that uses built-in modules to present data in any readable format.
App integration.
Depending on the low-code/no-code spectrum mentioned above, it can be difficult to extract data from other existing applications. Some no-code programs actually provide integration tools. Even these, however, require some basic programming.
Limited use.
The downside to simplicity and ease of use is that most no-code tools usually don't include fancy features. Some no-code vendors provide "escape hatches" and other features that allow technically savvy users to write code to generate more varied customization and mission-critical business applications.
Users have the option of using a split view, in which case Betty Blocks, for example, provides split screen: citizen developers use a drag-and-drop interface on the left side of the screen to build things, while coders use bars on the right side of the screen to code their programs and access additional features.
According to Gartner, the demand for software development has increased fivefold since 2010. A large portion of a company's IT budget is focused on the ongoing maintenance of outdated systems, leaving little room for innovative software and processes.
No-code platforms allow anyone without knowledge to quickly develop a mobile application without IT support. It allows the business owner to gain knowledge about workflow automation while having an overall feeling that it is right for their needs.
What can you build with no-code?
Due to the origins of the no-code trend in rapid app development, most no-code platforms are limited to simple apps such as:
Contact Management:
no-code platforms are often used to create and maintain basic contact management systems.
Survey apps:
no-code tools can be used in a variety of ways, including survey app development. Survey apps help you gather customer feedback and better understand your audience's wants and needs.
Chatbots:
No-code is used by businesses in all industries to create chatbot software that automates customer support and other repetitive tasks normally done by humans. A no-code tool would allow you to develop one without having any coding experience or knowledge!
Several platforms offer pre-made bot templates, which anyone with little technical expertise can customize for their own use case scenarios, such as chat conversations on web pages where no bot is currently available.
Sales Pipeline Tracking:
No-code can be used to quickly develop a sales pipeline tracking tool. This would allow you to keep track of all your potential and current customers and their interactions with your business.
Task management:
No-code can also be used to develop simple task management tools that help you keep track of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
File management:
No-code can also be used in file management, which is especially useful if you work remotely and regularly share files among team members. The no-code tools are very easy to use and would allow anyone with little technical knowledge or experience in programming languages such as Python Java etc to use them.
CRM simples:
Le no-code peut être utilisé pour développer rapidement un CRM simple pour votre entreprise. Cela vous permettrait de garder une trace de tous vos clients, de leurs coordonnées et de leurs interactions avec votre entreprise.
Marketing Automation Tools:
No-code can also be used to develop marketing automation tools that help you automate your marketing tasks and processes. This can include things like automatically sending emails based on a customer's purchase history or demographics.
Mobile app:
No-code can also be used to develop mobile applications. It's a great option if you don't have the time or resources to hire a developer to build your app for you. No-code platforms allow anyone with no coding experience to quickly build an app in minutes or hours instead of days! No-code platforms often come with pre-made templates and designs that you can use to get started.
However, some more complex no-code applications exist.
People say ""no-code could replace developers"" - but in the end, who is coding the apps...?
The future of no-code development?
No-code development platforms are growing in popularity for good reason: it's an efficient and cost-effective way to develop applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
As the no-code trend continues to grow, more sophisticated no-code platforms will undoubtedly emerge, allowing users to build more complex applications without the need for coding.
It's no secret that no-code development is on the rise. In fact, expect it to become a standard tool in every company's tech stack over the next few years as companies continue to embrace no-code technologies and citizen developers.
According to a recent study, the no-code market is expected to grow from $14.81 billion in 2020 to $46.73 billion by 2025. This indicates that companies are starting to see the value in no-code development and are starting to adopt these technologies in their workflow. As no-code platforms continue to improve and become more sophisticated, that number will only grow.
So there you have it - a brief overview of no-code development and what you can build with it! If you want to know more, do not hesitate to consult our other blog articles on the subject. Thanks for reading! :-)