No Code is a platform that allows users to build software applications, like web and mobile apps, without having to write any code. This means that no prior knowledge of coding is needed to develop and deploy a program. It is a fast-growing alternative to traditional computer programming, and modern businesses are using it to create fully-fledged applications.
How Does No Code Work?
No Code is a form of visual programming whereby users develop programs using graphical elements and figures. Programmers make use of drag-and-drop components to form parts of the whole application. This means that you are not typing commands textually. No Code empowers non-programmers to create apps and web pages without having to learn to code.
Nevertheless, No Code platforms vary when it comes to functionality and integration. It depends on the market niche.
Difference Between No Code and Low Code
Some users believe that No Code and Low Code are mostly the same, but there are significant distinctions between the two.
- No Code employs a model-driven approach, while Low Code focuses on model-based software development.
- No Code users can create applications without modifying the underlying codebase, while low code users require input from a developer in some parts of the development process.
How is a No Code Application Made?
You may be wondering if there’s any need for developers if people can create applications without having to code. Well, developers still do all of the coding for you. You just can’t see it when using No Code. No Code components are coded for reuse and scale such that users don’t have to do any coding themselves.
Features of No Code
Graphic User Interface Builders
This allows users to drag and drop components to form a web page suited to their needs. Elements available include headers, forms, and tables. Once a user is finished laying out their components, they’ll be given a preview of how the web page would look on a smartphone, desktop, or tablet.
Visual modeling
Visual modeling works the same way using a graphic user interface builder works. It is a drag-and-drop interface using graphic and textual designs to create functional applications.
WYSIWYG Editors
Most No Code platforms use WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) web builders to design, assemble, and create applications. Nonetheless, WYSIWYG is quite different but related to No Code. The two should not be confused as one.
Re-usability
This is a feature that allows users to design a single item and reuse it as many times as they want in their application. It saves users time, not having to start from scratch when designing an item.
Advantages of No Code
No Code is not too good to be true, so know that the benefits of using it are certainly real!
1. Easy to Use
No Code enables businesses to deploy internal and external workflows without having to bring in a seasonal programmer. It is fun to build applications using No Code and requires no maintenance whatsoever. This encourages the rise of citizen developers and reduces backlog in the IT department.
2. Agile
Building applications using pre-built modules is a lot faster compared to traditional programming. Furthermore, automated testing reduces development time. It streamlines the digital transformation process. Users can rapidly implement their ideas and meet customer needs without having to code.
3. Lower IT Costs
Software development is costly, considering the limited number of developers available. No Code platforms save on money that would have been used to hire a third-party development partner. It automates programming by visualizing enterprise processes and helps design user screens efficiently.
4. Makes Software Development More Accessible
No Code gives more people the chance to create software on their own without learning how to code or depend on developers. It is also the answer to today’s overwhelming demand for software developers.
Disadvantages of No Code
There are some very notable downsides to using No Code that must be taken into consideration.
1. The Source Code is Inaccessible
The entire implementation of the user’s application remains hidden, and maintenance rests entirely on the No Code development platform. Often, the issue of proprietary lock-in arises when a user wants to switch providers. Since they don’t own the source code, the original vendor may prevent them from doing so or make the cost of switching very high.
2. Security Risks
No Code platforms are not subject to data oversight or third-party security auditing of their systems. Also, the user has no control over the technology stack. Any vulnerability on the platform’s vendor’s side critically affects the user’s application. Worse yet, if the platform vendor suffers a security breach or liquidates, it is the user that pays the price.
3. Lack of Visibility
The biggest challenge of No Code is its lack of visibility. An employee may develop an application using RAD (rapid application development), which the IT department cannot see. Cloud-based platforms have proven to be a solution to this problem. It improves visibility, provides access, and is more secure.
4. Many Limitations
No Code platforms have limitations when it comes to mobile or web application development. Most platforms focus on functional and fast solutions to a single problem and pay little attention to the UX (User Experience). No Code platforms only offer rigid templates that can be configured by rearranging the blocks to meet a limited set of possibilities. This prevents the user from thinking out-of-the-box, and they’re forced to resort to costly workarounds.
No Code Platforms
Many No Code development platforms exist today, and new entrants enter the market regularly. Most platforms specialize in either building mobile or web applications.
In many cases, No Code platforms rely on Google sheets as a back end since it is much easier to build a User Interface around it. Below are some of the notable No Code platforms on the market.
- Microsoft Power Apps for mobile and web applications.
- Oracle Visual Builder for mobile and web applications.
- Oracle Application Express for business applications.
- Salesforce Lightning Platform for customer relationship management.
- AppSheet for mobile applications and web applications.
- Appy Pie for mobile applications and web applications.
- Bubble for web applications.
Conclusion
Before choosing No Code for your next development project, consider the pros and cons. Although the program allows the layman to program without code, you may feel safer hiring a developer. Still, No Code is certainly paving the way for easy programmings.
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