What are No-Code development platforms, how do they work and function, their utilities, shortcoming, trends, and best of the platforms of 2021. Know all about them here.
Many of us planning to build a low-cost application but couldn't really afford to hire professional developers, get stuck with the wisest and the most feasible decision to make: how to cut the costs and yet make a hit app? Well, to give a little preview & make your read worthwhile here, we have dissected the idea of opting for a no-code platform.
No-code development platforms have tools that develop software quickly without coding. It provides WYSIWYG editors drag-and-drop components to assemble and design the applications fast. These platforms can also integrate with databases, web services, and APIs to connect with data. The best part about the platform is that both developers and non-developers can use these tools with customized workflow, templates, element libraries, and quick functionality without any coding.
“Make it work, make it right, make it fast.” – Kent Beck
Advantages of using no-code platforms-
No formal coding experience required.
User-friendly interface.
Quick and customized application development.
App security, safe and simple cookie-cutter style apps are easily developed.
COMMON FEATURES OF NO-CODE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS
Visual user interface — Unlike code-centric development platforms that drive software creation with text editors, no-code development platforms depend on visual Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to amplify the lack of source code.
App frameworks — Every app needs a framework to be built. Most of the no-code platforms offer several to choose amongst.
Drag-and-drop assembly —no-code development platforms can use drag-and-drop tools without direct coding access and can also insert features like simple menus in the application.
Basic integrations — Business applications need at least basic integrations with databases, web services, or simple APIs. No-code development platforms help in making all of these integrations easy for any user.
WHO CAN USE NO-CODE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS?
The answer to this question is ANYONE. Yes, you read that right. The greatest benefit of no-code development platforms is that it is user-friendly. Users require no prior development knowledge to use the platform for software or app development. So anybody working in a company/corporation can take advantage of no-code Platforms to create an app that can ease their day-to-day business.
As ‘vocal for local’ is in trend, the small businesses can also get a great benefit from no-code platforms in raising their work efficiency and standards as they generally do not have a software engineer on board. This also creates a problem when they want to create a public-facing app, especially the e-commerce businesses. This non-formal experience of no-code development platforms can help small enterprises and startups uplift their business drive.
“Users require no prior development knowledge to use the platform for software or app development. So anybody working in a company/corporation can take advantage of no-code Platforms to create an app that can ease their day-to-day business.”
TOP 5 NO-CODE PLATFORMS OF 2020
“Our top 5 picks- OutSystems, Apple Pie, AppSheet, Airtable, and QuickBase.”
OutSystems Without any technical or coding knowledge, one can develop full stack mobile and web apps on this platform.
Key features -
Full-stack visual development.
Full DevOps automation.
Native support.
Real-time monitoring.
Superior Technical Support (SLAs).
Apple Pie It is a no-code development platform to grow business in a well-rounded manner. It includes app and website builder or no-code work-flow automation builder.
Key features -
No-code and no technical knowledge required.
Social media integration.
Push notifications and event calendar.
Drag and drop feature for building highly customized apps.
Google Analytics integration for real-time metrics.
AppSheet It is an intelligent no-code development platform for software development. Trusted by over 200,000 app creators around the globe, it was a Forrester low/no-code development leader in 2018.
Key features-
Multi-Platform Support.
UI/UX Customization.
Hybrid Cloud-Enabled.
Data Integration.
Data Visualization.
Airtable It is a part of the spreadsheet, part database, and is a no-code maker’s go-to tool with templates for most use cases covering marketing, product, and project management.
Key features -
Customized Views.
Filter, Sort, and Rearrange Records.
Customized Views.
Relational Database Functionality.
Email Integration.
QuickBase It is a low-code database and application development platform. It allows teams to work with a common data repository to build forms, create reports, set up workflows and automate processes.
Key features-
ode integrations with other cloud apps.
Open API.
Fully Customizable Applications.
200+ Ready-To-Use Templates.
Automated Email Alerts & Reminders.
SERVICES OF NO-CODE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS
Low-code development platforms
Low-code and no-code development platforms tend to confuse users because of their similar functions. But low-code platforms are typically intended to provide users with development experience and more in-depth control over application configurations due to source code access, making them much more flexible and dynamic than no-code platforms.
Workplace innovation platforms
Just like the low-code and no-code development platforms, workplace innovation platforms are aimed to make development simple. Workplace innovation platforms, like low-code platforms, are focused more on which have at least some development experience. They also include much more company-oriented and team-connecting features compared to no-code or low-code solutions.
“No code development platforms being easier to use have less in-depth control over applications however they still have development features which are simpler from low code and workplace innovation platforms.”
NO-CODE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM TRENDS
In-field adoption rate
It is strange that people who use no-code solutions the least are those whose main job function is app development. Many dedicated app developers choose not to use no-code and low-code development platforms due to a lack of complexities and limited ability to meet certain business requirements. No-code platform developers may require to decide this in the future if they want to keep catering to app developers or if they want to focus more exclusively on users with no formal coding experience.4
Continuous delivery
No-code development tools and the other rapid application development (RAD) styles have become integral to a few continuous delivery methods. Because no-code development, in particular, automatically facilitates incredibly quick changes, adjustments can be made to applications followed by the last-minute arrangements.
“Many dedicated app developers choose not to use no-code and low-code development platforms due to a lack of complexities and limited ability to meet certain business requirements. But in terms of flexibility no-code development platforms stand out as they automatically facilitate incredibly quick changes, adjustments can be made to applications, and then the last-minute arrangements.”
SHORTCOMINGS OF N0-CODE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
Minimal app complexity
One of the biggest shortcomings of using no-code development platforms is that the complication and feature-richness of an application can be limited. The elimination of coding means that platform users are stuck with whatever functionalities, themes, and frameworks the platform provides, and there is no way to work around that because source code access is non-existent. If you're looking to get a no-code development platform, note this: If you wish to create a complex app, this type of software might not be right for you.
Difficulty in meeting business requirements
Due to the relatively minimal complexity of features and functions offered by no-code development platforms, it is difficult for them to cover more complex business needs. Some functions that the businesses perform regularly might not be "standard" enough to be included as a pre-built app function. Or maybe the functionalities exist in the basic sense but cannot scale up to the size or complexity a business demands. This may make it difficult to suggest a no-code platform as it would not be worth spending money on the platform not fulfilling all business needs.
So as a user or a coder, what are your thoughts? Let's discuss them over the comment section below, shall we?