We don’t hear about technophobia too often, but it’s just as real as every other acknowledged fear. And as you can already tell based on how cleverly coined the term is, technophobia is a strong dislike towards new technology. This particular phenomenon is more evidently displayed among older generations, immediately limiting the benefits one potentially earns should they have been a tad more savvy, inclined, or interested at least. Nevertheless, this anxiety type isn’t exclusive to the elderly. The fear of having to use computing devices and digital tools to gather data and complete work can be familiar to a lot of millennials and teens, too. As a result, productivity can be compromised and finishing specific tasks and duties can take much longer.
This is squarely what no-code platforms aim to get rid off—the avoidance of bravely facing impressive and complex, new technology.
No-code providers allow users to build their own web and native applications via a visual programming interface, completely refraining from having to write code. This means anyone with zero expert IT skills can whip up customized software by utilizing drag-and-drop tools versus having to learn traditional coding practices that take months on end to learn. Put simply, no-code platforms like bubble.io hasten the app development process in that a “citizen developer” bypasses so many back-and-forths traditional coding would’ve demanded. For example, a college student looking for side gigs can create an app that allows customers to schedule pet-sitting services for him and his friends to take care of.
In other words, no-code providers simplify data science, turning the exhaustive process of coding into a drag-and-drop project for the non-coder. This benefits not just the regular Joe, but also software developers because they no longer have to write code line by line to complete an application. Although the no-code movement has been utterly empowering for a few years now, it’s even more of a help today. In the face of current work setups where staff members are encouraged to work from home to help contain the virus, the need to build applications made to support internal communications is growing, too. Reliable platforms like bubble.io have seen rapid growth from several industries since lockdowns have been put in place.
Furthermore, both the academe and the medical industry are slowly but surely jumping on the no-code bandwagon, as well. Educators are now looking into developing tools that better support their remote learning classes, while health experts are expanding strategies and channels to accommodate more patients better.
But despite present figures, it would be unfair to pin the rise of No-Code to the pandemic alone. A recent study by Harvard Business Review implies that more than 50% of global business leaders see the need for their workforces to be more engaged with new technology. The same study also dictates that executives are pleased with the innovation, considering that more digital projects outside of their respective IT departments are being finished. All these lead to employee empowerment and more IT-independent organizations.
Reasonably so, the benefits of No-Code have been so widely embraced that the said industry is expected to hit more than $40 billion in the next five years. The numbers were right all along. In the almost saturated low-code sector, it was only a matter of time before mega-corporations like Google and Amazon launched their own no-code offerings, too. In fact, both Google’s Appsheet and Amazon’s Honeycomb are, indeed, robust contenders in the market.
And though the no-code platform is rich and extensive, entrepreneurs looking to turn to them should learn to manage their expectations. For example, both web and native apps built on Bubble can be dynamic, stellar-looking, and unique. Still, applications developed through no-code providers can be understandably limited.
Firstly, one has to remember that traditional coding births endless possibilities, whereas the no-code movement relies on predefined functionalities to get an app to work. Secondly, no-code vendors all have various regulations on further editing and maintenance, so business leaders must do their research to avoid provider lock-ins. There’s a high chance one will want to switch providers at some point, and that won’t be made possible if a vendor doesn’t allow that. Thirdly, business people have to be aware of the risks shadow IT carries. This means that all IT initiatives developed outside the primary IT infrastructure may not be part of the provider’s security coverage. Lastly, checking to see if legacy systems complement a provider’s technology is also integral to ensure long-lasting and functional apps.
Overall, No-Code isn’t made to replace traditional coding. It can’t! If anything, it merely democratizes the process of developing apps. All the scientific and technical backbone will still depend on coders and engineers.
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