Low code and no code platforms have been gaining popularity in recent years. They optimize the processes of creating applications, business tools, websites and online stores. They are the answer to the deepening deficit in the software market. And they do great.
What is no-code and low code? How do they work and what can be created with their help? This article presents the most important information about no-code, including definition, benefits, popular tools and market trends. We begin!
What is no-code? Definition
Until a few years ago, the development of applications required extensive knowledge of programming languages such as Java or Python. Today, more and more often in business environments for building applications and websites, preference is given to the use of “no code” platforms. No-code is a modern approach to application development that allows you to create advanced tools without having to write code. Thanks to them, the process of creating a given technological solution is significantly accelerated, labor costs are reduced and the efficiency of solutions increases.
Analysts indicate that the low-code and no-code market in 2022-2030 may increase by up to 23% per year. - www.magaznit.pl
But is no-code actually a no-code solution? That would be impossible. Code is the engine of any application. The use of low-code platforms focuses only on the drag and drop system. The individual elements of the page or application are dragged to the appropriate places. And based on these manual and simple actions, no-code solutions on their “back-end” create their own code.
This is how it works, among others, web development in Webflow. It is a low-code solution that additionally allows you to add your own code in a situation where the tool itself is not equipped with a specific functionality. Besides webflow Examples of low-code platforms are:
- Bubble;
- Voiceflow;
- Glide;
- Carrd.
It is worth knowing that with the help of no-code platforms it is possible to create both mobile and web applications. And often even the very complicated ones. Just look at the biggest ones. Low-code solutions are used by, for example, Google, Volkswagen and DHL.
No-code and low-code - the basic difference
Although in many cases the terms low-code and no-code will be used interchangeably, it is worth pointing out a subtle difference between them. No-code applications are completely devoid of code, and their operation focuses on dragging elements and setting dependencies between them. They are much simpler to operate, but at the same time more limited.
On the other hand, low-code tools already allow you to add a little code when the situation requires it. Webflow Developer, which works with a low-code application, has the ability to add buttons, widgets or custom colors that are not available in the integration system with the help of several lines of code. However, there is one drawback - he must be able to program.
No-code development - how does it work?
The development of no-code applications is based on the principle of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). This method focuses on dragging individual, ready-made elements available within a given tool, and then creating dependencies between them.
With low-code applications, you can:
- the interface of the website, application or store (front-end);
- their way of working (back-end).
According to the State of Low-Code Report 2021, until 77% of companies, IT specialists from 6 countries implemented low-code solutions to your business - www.mendix.com
However, it is worth adding that despite its simplicity, no-code design is not for everyone. Although it does not require knowledge of programming languages, you still need a great knowledge of UX/UI and marketing techniques that will make a solution that will help your business earn money.
What can be created with the no code platform?
We will answer briefly - practically everything. No-code allows you to create applications and pages in any style and with many functionalities. At the same time, it significantly reduces the preparation time of a given tool and thus allows you to focus on other elements of sales, such as understanding the target audience or building usability.
Online stores - This is of particular importance in the case of a growing e-commerce market. With the help of low code tools, it is possible to quickly set up a store with all the necessary functionalities. At the same time, we are sure that the site will look beautiful and achieve the established sales goals.
Web pages - Both those for new companies and those that have been on the market for a long time, e.g. as part of the redevelopment of the website. With the help of low-code we can create solutions for you that are individually tailored to your needs and look extremely original.
Web and mobile applications - Many companies use low-code and no-code platforms to design simple mobile and desktop applications. And this solution works great. It is possible to create applications for iOS and Android.
Other business solution - Low-code and no-code are also used to build solutions other than all, such as booking platforms, payment systems or price comparison sites - regardless of the industry.
Advantages of no-code
No-code offers many benefits, both for individual users and for companies. Here are some of the main advantages of no-code:
Speed and efficiency - Creating applications with no-code is much faster than traditional programming. Ready-made components and drag & drop interfaces eliminate the need to write code from scratch, saving tons of time. This allows you to create prototypes, test ideas and make quick changes in a short time.
Cost savings - Traditional methods of developing applications can be expensive, especially for small businesses and startups. No-code eliminates the need to hire expensive developers or use the services of third-party software houses. With no-code, companies can create and manage their applications on their own, saving large sums of money.
Scalability and Flexibility - No-code allows you to easily scale your application according to your needs and business growth. Ready-made components and tools allow you to quickly add new features and adapt applications to changing market conditions. This gives companies more flexibility and allows them to adapt to changing business requirements.
The most popular no-code tools
There are many no-code tools on the market that offer different functions and capabilities. Here is a list of the best no-code tools and the most popular ones that you should consider when creating an application or website:
Google App Sheet - is a platform that allows you to create business applications without the need for programming. It allows you to convert data collected in spreadsheets, databases, Google sheets or other data sources into interactive mobile and web applications. Google AppSheet is perfect for simple to intermediate needs.
Webflow - is a no-code tool that allows you to create responsive websites without writing code. The platform offers an extensive library of templates and an easy-to-use interface. Webflow It also provides scalable hosting and built-in SEO tools, making it an ideal tool for creating online stores, online portfolios or blogs.
Our offer: Webflow website development
bubbel - is a no-code tool that allows you to create prototypes and build applications without specialized programming knowledge. The platform offers a scalable infrastructure, the ability to customize the design in terms of UX and numerous integrations. Bubble allows you to easily make changes and add new features to existing applications.
Glide - is a no-code tool that allows you to create mobile applications using Google Sheets. With Glide, you can turn an idea into a functional application tailored to the needs of your company in a few minutes. The platform offers a large selection of templates, access to helpful tutorials and no fees for creating simple applications.
Voiceflow - is a no-code platform that allows you to create voice applications for virtual assistants such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. The platform offers the possibility of prototyping in the browser or directly on the voice device, a dedicated space for team collaboration and the option to publish the finished application directly to virtual assistants.
Carrd - is a no-code platform that allows you to create simple websites consisting of only one page. It is an ideal tool for creating effective landing pages, portfolio or CV pages. Carrd is distinguished by its simplicity and speed of operation, a large database of ready-made templates and the ability to use the platform for free up to three built sites.
Logotec App Studio - we present it as a curiosity because it is a Polish 🇵🇱 no-code platform. It allows you to create applications without having to write code. Users can build both rapid prototypes and advanced solutions using ready-made components. The advantages of Logotec App Studio include automatic creation of native applications for all devices and operating systems, the ability to build dedicated applications, and ease of use and flexibility.
Source: Thibault Bernard
Building an application in no-code - what does it look like?
Designing a website or application in no-code is just one of several stages of its implementation. Therefore, for this purpose, it is worth working with an agency that will carefully analyze the business needs of your company and select the right tool for the project.
In Hilvec The whole process can be divided into 6 main parts:
- Analysis of the company, its needs and business objectives. We discuss here the branding of the brand and the basic and additional functionalities that are to be found on the website or in the application.
- Creating a visual part, i.e. mockups based on UX and UI principles and audience habits.
- No-code/low-code design with one of our solutions.
- Testing phase, i.e. we check that everything works and that there are no errors.
- Making corrections received from the client.
- Devotion of the project.
Trends in the nocode/lowcode market
No-code and low-code is one of the most important trends in the field of programming and application development in the coming years. This market is regularly growing year by year at a rapid pace. Gartner estimates that this is an average of $1 billion a year, from nearly $3.5 billion in 2019 to $8 billion in 2022, and that's just the beginning.
According to data from the consulting firm Gartner, the low-code technology market will increase by 20% in 2023. - Gartner.com
So you can clearly see that this is a huge market. Following Gartner's analysis, it is worth mentioning that the demand for no-code/low-code platforms will grow at least five times faster than the demand for traditional web and application development services.
Source: www.gartner.com
The market for no-code tools is developing dynamically, and the number of available tools is constantly growing. Companies are investing in the development and refinement of their platforms to meet the growing demand for fast and efficient application development. The no-code trend is also associated with the growing demand for mobile and responsive apps that are available on a variety of devices and operating systems.
Is no-code the future of programming?
No-code is without a doubt the future of programming. The availability of increasingly advanced no-code tools allows you to create comprehensive and professional applications without having to write code. This democratization of application development opens up new opportunities for people without specialized programming knowledge and accelerates the process of innovation in business.
No-code, however, does not mean the end of traditional programming. There is still a demand for coding and programming specialists, especially when developing more advanced applications. No-code, however, is an excellent complement to the traditional form of programming and allows for the realization of less demanding projects. It is not anticipated that No-code Developer has become a real competition for traditional developers in the near future. However, it cannot be ruled out that the developing AI technology combined with “no-code” technologies will not have an impact on the job market for programmers and coders in the long term.
Summary
In conclusion, no-code design is an innovative approach that gives the opportunity to create applications faster and easier, even for people without IT education. It is a tool with powerful potential, but it requires a sensible approach and awareness of its limitations, especially in the context of more advanced projects.
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