“The future of coding is no coding at all,” says Chris Wanstrath, CEO at GitHub.
No-code platforms provide a way to build web and mobile apps without writing code a popular and promising alternative to traditional software development for non-technical business users. If you want to make an app – mobile or web one, but you don’t know how to code, you can use a platform to build it and deploy it. Instead of building your layout with code, all you have to do is to drag and drop components or parts of an application. No-code platforms are supposed to enable you to build whatever kind of apps you could imagine, a skill that was once only available to developers.
Whether you’re an individual wanting to develop an app or a business owner, the no-code platforms can be useful to you. The low learning curve makes it easier for you to grow your business or to build your start-up.
Why use no-code?
No-code platforms make building apps possible without hiring expensive and in-demand developers. These modern platforms should enable organisations to build apps without having to get IT involved at all. There is no maintenance, no need for new employees, just productivity, and a bit of fun building it.
Many developers use no-code and low-code tools. For example, when something is specific enough that you can’t copy and paste it but generic enough to be uninteresting to build. A very common approach is to build about 80% of the app without code and to build the unique value of the app with code and interface with the no-code application.
And remember – when you use a no-code platform to build your app, you are building with code, it’s just hidden, so you don’t have to write it.
No-code vs low-code
No-code platforms are for business people who have no coding knowledge. No code uses declarative programming, and you tell the system what you want, and build it. In traditional software application platforms, code represents instructions that tell the platforms how to implement the desired functionality. With no code tools, the creator defines what the app does rather than how it does it.
Low code platforms can be used by non-technical people, too. However, at some point, a developer will be required to finish the app. Low code platforms or rapid application tools have pre-built functionality that enables users to build their application to a certain point.
Features
A no-code platform usually has the following key features:
- User interface builder
You can drag and drop every web page together, the way you want it and like it. And you can instantly see how it looks on a mobile, tablet, or a desktop.
- Visual modelling
You can design full-stack applications and visualise each step in real-time during the app development process. Build the front-end and back-end of your application in the same interface, at the same time. Fast, fun and easy with many possibilities.
- Reusability
Some platforms have the function to reuse small parts of an application in new applications. Fast development is awesome, but not developing at all is even better. Also, you can contribute to the platform community by offering your part for others to reuse it.
- Integrations
You can easily integrate with all kinds of web services like Slack, Facebook, Twitter, and so on.
- Collaboration
You can have multiple employees create apps together, at the same time. You have to define roles within your development team. You can control who makes changes to projects and deploys apps.
- Internationalisation
Some of the platforms offer you to deliver your app on a worldwide scale. You can create multi-lingual apps with local time-zone support and local data storage.
No-code platforms are revolutionising business IT, making it easier than ever to develop or start your new business.
However, traditional code writing will remain important, and we will always need developers. But businesses realise the need for speed that can be provided by no code. Also, no-code platforms give independence, ability to innovate, and progress to businesses and makers.
No-code platforms make creating apps something very simple and easy, so why not try out no-code development for yourself, when you have a great idea?
