Let’s face it – we live in a world where the demand for software and web-based applications is far greater than the supply of skilled developers. As a result, we are seeing an increase in the number of platforms that empower regular users to take software and app development into their own hands.
According to research by Forrester, the no-code development market will grow to $21.2 billion by 2022, and proof for that are the numerous acquisitions of companies that bring the no-code development principle to the focus. Below, we are talking more about the no-code development practice, what it's all about, and what its advantages and disadvantages are.
What is no-code development?
As the name itself describes, no-code development is a practice where one develops software, apps, or web-based solutions without coding. While many find this hard to believe, the no-code principle is actually a popular and promising alternative to traditional software development for non-technical business users who hope to build their own full-fledged applications.
Businesses that need software can benefit from a no-code solution and use alternatives to coding. For example, instead of a balance sheet software coded from scratch, they can use a balance sheet template or design a similar solution using a platform that promotes the no-code principle.
Also, many people think that no-code development and low-code development are the same, while they are a lot different. A low code platform is another advantageous solution, but also one where the user must be a member of a development crew to customize things according to your needs.
Shopify is one of the best examples of the no-code development principle – this eCommerce platform promotes the design of actual online shops without any coding. There are many design templates you can choose from, adding your products is simple, and the real beauty is that you can equip more of your workforce as what’s known as “citizen developers” to meet the demands of faster delivery. You can even create no-code apps for your Shopify store.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits and pitfalls of the no-code development principle.
Pros of no-code development
There are plenty of great things about no-code development. Obviously, this principle is an alternative to something that we all consider expensive and quite limited nowadays. So, the pros are as follows.
Cost savings
The first advantage of no-code development is the reduced cost. We all know developers are expensive – they charge per hour and need a lot of hours to finish something. If you need software written in code, you will likely have to pay thousands to get started. With no-code development, you can bypass all of that and take a lot of the costs involved with hiring a programmer, or even a team of programmers. The costs you save can be allocated towards something different.
Better agility
On the subject of agility, the no-code principle is definitely more agile. The typical scenario and example for this is a drag-and-drop interface, which is built visually with a lot of pre-installed modules. As a result, building apps and web pages are a lot faster, and testing everything is automated which cuts down on development time.
Greater productivity
Most apps are built at a much faster pace thanks to the no-code method. If your IT staff is overloaded with requests, you can allocate these tasks to someone else. The truth is, there will always be more skilled people to work on the same project, rather than having to find technical experts. If you have read through the release notes' best practices, you probably know how important having less documentation actually is.
Easy to replace
At the end of the day, you can always change a no-code platform for a team of full-stack developers and have them code your software, app, or website from scratch. There won’t be any bottlenecks with coding, and you will have the blank canvas to start again and include or change features where you want to. It’s always easier for developers to start from scratch rather than change something or figure out someone else’s logic. Of course, this is an expensive option, so you’ll want to ensure that your full stack developers have current training and certificates in the type of development that’s pertinent to your project.
Cons of no-code development
There are and always will be cons of no-code development, and the reason for that is simple – code has its own perks and can’t always be replicated. After all, something that might seem like a cost-effective decision for someone is not the best opportunity for another person. Let’s look at the cons of no-code development.
Users must have a clear understanding of their requirements
Any user must determine their requirements before even thinking about developing something, with or without code. If those requirements fit within the constraints of some tool or platform, it’s good to consider the no-code approach as well. However, if they don’t, coding is the only possible and realistic scenario.
Many templates limit the design opportunities
There are plenty of platforms that come with rigid templates that limit what you can build or design. No-code development is still a fairly new method, which is why this is still acceptable. However, not everyone is pleased by being limited in their own vision. If you need software that does specific functions and a no-code method doesn’t support it, you probably know that coding is the only viable alternative that’s left on the table.
Your source code is not owned by you
Next on the list is something known as source code. If you choose a no-code development platform, you won’t have any source code owned by you – all you will discover is a black box of tangled and unmaintainable symbols that lack clear documentation. Whether the content is hidden or locked, it would prevent developers from fixing, editing, or adding anything to the software, app, or website.
Security issues
Lastly, no-code development is known for its security issues, where control over your application is often limited. At times, you may think that you have no control at all, and this can feel stressful and lead to a number of risks around security and reliability. In the event that the platform is acquired, liquidated, or even breached (worst-case scenario) you will realize that having no centralized security around your site is a big mistake that can leave you and your system vulnerable.
When to use no-code development?
In order to see if no-code development is right for your project, you need to define your users’ needs and see which solution would be right for them. It’s true that both no-code and coded development are suitable for different scenarios and users, but you need to see for yourself and make the right decision.
In practice, no-code development platforms are usually a great fit for businesses that need simple and out-of-the-box solutions with minimal customization. For instance, if you need a simple 3-page website to show the world your specialty, location and a “Contact Us” form, a no-code development solution might save you both money and time. Examples of popular no-code website builders include Wix, SquareSpace, HubSpot CMS Hub, and Webflow.
However, if you need robust software that will automate your tasks but also pull together a lot of data and streamline your invoicing and reporting, it’s more likely that a coded solution can fit your needs.
Final thoughts
Developing a digital application takes money and time, but the good thing is that there are many different approaches to choose from. No-code development is certainly one of them – though limited for many, it still has a lot of advantages and benefits for users. Building apps and software without code, however, isn’t for everyone – if your needs require more complex work, custom software development might be the ideal choice for your needs.
