No code in its simplest form takes the complexity of building an application from code and moves this to, usually, a visual editor.
It enables you, even as a non-developer, to build an application without writing any code. Once you have learned your no code platform of choice, you can quickly build applications to solve all kinds of problems.
No code platforms came about as a solution to speed up the development process and release cycle. It allows your marketing or admin teams to build solutions to their problems without having to wait on internal or external IT teams to build the solutions for them.
No code vs Low Code
The main difference between no code and low code is the required knowledge to build the solution. While no code platforms require no previous coding or software design experience, low code platforms allow for minimal code adjustments.
No Code Examples
No code platforms have been around for over 20 years. There is a chance that you have already used a no code solution without realising it. Here are a few no code examples that you might have come across and some you might not have.
WordPress
This blog runs on WordPress, which in its essence is a no code platform. You can build a blog, a multivendor marketplace like Amazon or a training platform. All without writing a single line of code.
Zapier, Make (Integromat), IFTTT
Automation tools like Zapier, Make and IFTTT allow you to build automated workflows by joining multiple software sources together to build a solution without writing any code.
Bubble
Bubble is an advanced no code tool that has been around for over 10 years. It enables you to build complex applications for both desktop and mobile. There are a number of dedicated agencies that provide application development for Bubble. You can build social networks, marketplaces, communities, training platforms and many other kinds of applications. There aren’t many things you can’t build with Bubble.
Webflow
Webflow is a website builder that is an alternative to the likes of WordPress or Wix. It is a fully hosted solution that allows to build great looking websites without relying on 3rd party plugins and themes. You can rapidly build a solid web presence with Webflow.
Shopify
If you need to build an online store, Shopify is how you can do it without the need of hiring a developer or agency to do it. You can get your store up and running in a matter of minutes. From experience, if you have less than 100 products, this is a solution you should consider.
Should I use no code?
In short, yes. No code allows you to get your idea out of your head, off the paper and into action. It’s better to get your idea online and testing it with real users as soon as possible and with minimal expense.
But I’m a software developer!
If you’re a software developer, there is plenty of room for no code in your toolbox. Sure, you can spin up an application in your favourite framework, but that doesn’t mean you have to for every problem.
There are times when you need to test something quickly or demonstrate an idea, and this is where no code is a great addition to our skill set.
Conclusion
No code is gaining more traction as more and more people are wanting to upskill, change careers, solve problems and build cool stuff. No code platforms enable this, and every day there are more tools to build applications.
Is no code going to replace developers in the near future? Probably not, but the role of developers will change. What and how applications are built will change, just as technology rapidly does every year.