In a world where developers have access to an abundance of tools, it can be difficult for companies to stand out. But when you’re an enterprise software company, standing out is exactly what you need to do. No code platforms are a great way for companies to differentiate themselves from their competition.
No code platforms are tools that allow users without development experience to build applications from scratch. They allow users to create applications without having to write any code or learn any new skills. In some cases, these tools don’t require you to install anything on your computer or website; they just run in your browser!
Many platforms help developers to create applications and websites. Some of these platforms are free and others charge a fee. Many of these platforms require coding skills or knowledge, which makes it difficult for those who have no coding experience to create an application.
No code platform: What does it mean?
Generally speaking, a no code platform allows one to build an app using a drag-and-drop interface. You put texts, images, icons, and buttons, and make advanced layouts, even such as columns, splits, or grids all by dragging items from a prebuilt library onto the canvas.
Some no code platforms offer more functions, elements, components, and templates than others. Yet others offer a lot more features such as APIs, database management, designing app logic workflows, integrating third-party apps, and so on to help you make enterprise-level complex apps without writing a single line of code.
No code platforms are designed to make the process of building an app easier by eliminating the need for coding knowledge. They allow you to build a website with no programming language required and without any prior experience in creating websites or apps. You simply select from a variety of templates and then customize them with your content and images.
The world of building applications is complex, but it doesn’t have to be. No code platforms are designed to make it easy for you to build any type of application without having to write any code at all. These platforms offer pre-built templates that allow you to choose from a wide range of features and functionality.
Coding platforms vs. no code platforms: Who is the winner?
If you are an experienced developer with years of app development work under your belt, a no code platform will feel somewhat limiting and inflexible to you. That’s pretty much where the disadvantages end, however.
A no code platform is good for just about anyone else. This includes business owners, freelancers, small shop owners, entrepreneurs, website owners, and others. In fact, now even experienced developers have started to use no code platforms because these are faster to develop a prototype or an MVP (minimum viable product) that they can show to investors, and clients, or send for testing.
Features of a no code app development platform
Different no code app development platforms have different features. Here are the features they can have.
- Basic elements such as text fields, images, buttons, icons, links, etc. are available in any no code platform.
- Specialized layout components such as headers, footers, screen splits, sidebars, notice boxes, stylized typography, forms, etc. are more common in more advanced ones.
- Responsive elements such as columns, rows, and specialized units/features that allow content and layout to shift or adapt flexibly from screen to screen are not available in all no code platforms. These features are important to build web apps that scale beautifully from a wide screen monitor to a small mobile screen without causing any readability inconsistencies or visual glitches.
- Icon libraries, prebuilt readymade templates, APIs, third-party integrations, etc. are more advanced features that you typically need to pay for in more premium no code app development platforms.
- Database management, hosting/cloud resources, logic workflow design, analytics tools, real-time collaboration, and annotations, etc. are also some features that certain no code app development platforms have.
- Nearly all platforms allow you to build and port apps for iOS and Android architectures. Not all support Windows and Blackberry. And yet fewer platforms support web app/browser app creation alongside smartphone app creation.
Introducing the best no code platform
There are tons of no code app development platforms out there. But do you know which one is the best? Bubble.io not only has all the features we mentioned above, but it’s also free to get started. It has a huge library of templates and plugins to extend your app’s functionality and the required infrastructure to scale your app in the future.
Additionally, Bubble.io is a specialized platform to build digital products with all types of interactivity that you can imagine – not just being limited to creating browser web apps or smartphone apps.
Few other platforms come close to this level of versatility while charging a hefty premium for components and features that are free in Bubble.io.
No code platform adoption: The advantages
The advantages of adopting a no code app development platform include:
No programming skills required
The application is built with simple drag-and-drop actions. No coding and programming skills are required to create the application in a no code app development platform’s editor.
User-friendly interface
The user can create an application within minutes by simply dragging and dropping the components from a component panel onto the canvas and then configuring each component’s properties according to their needs.
Rapid deployment and low-cost maintenance
The application can be deployed on multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows Phone, etc., at a very low cost. The application can also be updated easily without any need for additional investment in development or maintenance charges because of its architectural flexibility and scalability features.
No code apps are cost-effective to use as compared to traditional coding methods. Many online tools offer free trials so that you can test their services before paying for them. If you find one that meets your requirements, then you can sign up for paid services and start creating your own applications within minutes.
Easy to use
No code platforms are designed to be simple and intuitive so that anyone can use them without any prior experience or technical knowledge.
There is no need for any technical expertise or experience in order to use these tools since they have been designed specifically for non-technical users such as entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to create their own mobile apps without having any prior coding experience or knowledge of how software development works behind the scenes.
Time saving (a lot of it!)
The average cost of developing an app using traditional software development tools is $10,000-$50,000 depending on complexity, but with no code platforms, it costs only a fraction of that price! This means that anyone can afford to build their own mobile application without having to spend months or years working on it.
You just have to choose an app template from the catalog and customize it according to your needs using simple drag-and-drop tools provided by the platform, without having any prior coding knowledge. As a result, you will save both time and money while developing your mobile application within a shorter period of time than conventional code-based development.
How does a no code platform work for real businesses?
It’s very practical to use a no code platform to create prototypes, smartphone apps, complex enterprise-level digital products, and web apps.
- It reduces the time taken to develop an app by up to 70%.
- It allows you to build apps for multiple platforms.
- You get full control over your app and its features.
- No code platforms are not only cost-effective but also save time and money as well.
All these features make these app development platforms an interesting business decision for almost every type of company.
Is choosing no code platforms more realistic?
The first thing to ask yourself is, “How much time do I have to devote to this project?” If you’re a small business owner with a lot on your plate and limited resources, then building your own app may not be the best choice.
For instance, if you want a simple website that showcases your business and has an online store, choosing no code platforms like Squarespace or Wix will likely be more realistic. These platforms are easy to use — most people can figure them out within minutes — which means they’ll save you time when compared to learning how to code.
Similarly, if you want a simple app, a no code app development platform is the best way out for you.
On the other hand, if you want something more elaborate or customized than what these platforms offer, then coding your own site might be the better option. You are first recommended to check the features of the leading no code platforms. If they have what functions you need then it makes little sense to look at code-based alternatives such as hiring an app developer.
The industry is changing rapidly. As technology becomes more sophisticated, businesses are looking for ways to automate their processes and make them more efficient.
No code platforms can help companies achieve this goal by providing a powerful toolkit for building custom applications. These platforms are easy to use and allow companies to build customized apps without writing any code.
Consequently, these app development platforms are quite realistic and practical for a wide array of purposes and intents.
The option becomes even more realistic if you have a fairly simpler need, like an internal business application or a customer-facing ecommerce portal.
The reality is that most new businesses don’t need full-blown CRM and marketing automation platforms. What they really need are tools to help them with the basics of customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation.
For example, if you’re launching a new business, you might only need to manage a few dozen customers. With that volume, it’s not worth investing in a large-scale solution like Salesforce or NetSuite yet. Instead, you can use a no code platform to get up and running quickly with basic CRM functionality like contact management and email marketing.
The good news is that there are many no code platforms available today that allow you to add CRM features to your app — without having to pay thousands of dollars upfront. You can even find free software options if you’re on a tight budget.
Tips and tricks to get the most out of no code platforms
When it comes to app development, the world is your oyster. There are many options available for you to choose from, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Even though many of these platforms are similar in terms of coding language and functionality, it’s important for you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each platform before making a decision on which one to use.
No code app development can come with its own set of caveats. Let’s understand some finer details to figure out certain tips and tricks to get the most out of creating an app on a no code platform.
Use a mockup tool
No code app development platforms typically offer a wide range of templates and mockups that can help you quickly create dynamic wireframes. These tools can save time and energy by allowing you to work with the existing user interface without having to start from scratch.
Experiment with different styles
No code app development platforms allow you to customize your websites in many ways. This makes it easy to play around with different styles until you find one that works best for your brand’s needs.
Learn from others’ mistakes
There are many examples of successful apps that were created using no code platforms, so take some time to look through them and see what others did well and where they made mistakes that could be avoided in your own app.
Start with a good idea
If you have an idea for an app, start by validating it with users. Ask them what they want from an app and what problems they’re trying to solve with it. If your idea doesn’t resonate with them, it will be difficult to find investors or build a successful company around it.
Find developers who are willing to work with no code platforms
Most developers who specialize in no code apps will have a few open positions available on their websites or LinkedIn pages. You’ll need someone who can help you manage the project while still being hands-on enough to build the app itself.
Consider your goals
Before you choose a no code app development platform, take the time to evaluate your business needs. This will help you determine which platform is best suited for your project. For example, if you’re looking for a solution that allows full design control, then an open-source platform may not be right for you. However, if you want to create an app quickly without having to learn how to code, then an open-source platform might be the way to go.
Choose a platform that fits your budget
There are many no code app development platforms available on the market today. However, some of these can be costly depending on what features they offer as well as how much customization is required within them before they can be used by businesses or individuals alike.
In conclusion
No code platforms are certainly great for business owners who cannot be bothered with learning to code or investing heavily in app development teams.
The world of building applications is changing. We are moving away from the old way of writing code, where you would have to write lots of code to get things done.
Now, anyone can use no code platforms to build apps quickly and easily.
No code platforms are designed to simplify the process of building applications so that anyone can create an app without any coding experience. This means that businesses, marketers, designers, and even non-technical people can create apps without spending hours learning how to code.
These tools make it possible for anyone to build an app without having any technical skills or coding experience. They allow anyone to create powerful apps with minimum effort, meaning that they can be used by SMBs and large companies alike.
All in all, if you follow a few simple steps then you too would be able to materialize your app idea.
- Get familiar with your no code app development platform. See what tools it has and what are its capabilities. Explore before you start creating.
- Make sure you have your “needs” and “wants” pinned down. Having a list of features and functions your app requires beforehand always helps.
- Set up your project directory structure. Assort and organize all files, assets, and content you will need including all media.
- Start small. Nobody creates a breakthrough complex app on their first day. Though no code app platforms do indeed reduce the time from weeks and months to mere hours, you still have to learn them for the first few hours.
- Be patient with yourself, and know that this is a learning process for everyone!
