What is no-code? As digital transformation (DX) becomes the number one priority for businesses in terms of technology investment, new ways such as this to drive DX initiatives play key roles in modern strategies.
One such method for driving transformation initiatives is low-code—and no-code—technology.
Low- and no-code platforms can be used to develop software applications for virtually any purpose.
Whether it’s a customer-facing app for an ecommerce site or an internal app to monitor supply chain components in real-time, the possibilities are varied and extensive in scope.
Watch the video to get a brief understanding of what no-code is and what no-code platforms can do, and read on to receive a more in-depth view of how it can be leveraged, as well as its benefits and its relevance to SMBs today.
What Is No-Code?
No-code development refers to technologies that can be used to create software applications without the need to code.
Users instead develop apps through a graphical interface and drag-and-drop approach, meaning that the barrier to entry for app development is lowered and, effectively, anyone can create them.
No-code can be seen as an extension of low-code platforms and endeavor to establish a method for software development where stakeholders can be as invested in their creation as developers.
It is, in effect, an attempt to democratize the process of application creation and streamline the entire process in order to appeal to businesses outside the traditional customers pursuing custom software solutions—typically enterprise or medium-sized businesses.
No-Code vs. Low-Code
You may have already heard of low-code, which is similar to no-code as a visual-based platform, but requires the use of coding in development projects.
No-code, as its name suggests, requires no coding experience whatsoever.
While this is beneficial in terms of lowering the entry barrier to app development, it has some notable drawbacks, mostly with regards to the complexity of the software that can be created.
Low-code platforms are more open and allow for manual coding and scripting, giving developers a middle-ground that allows for greater customization while maintaining a speed of delivery which is far quicker than traditional application development projects.
Related Post: Infographic: Low-Code vs. Traditional App Development
Drawbacks of No-Code
As we’ve just noted, no-code provides flexibility and availability for organizations looking to adopt custom apps in their operations at the expense of customization.
In short, no-code is typically used to develop simple applications that perform a distinct (and often singular) function.
This is because no-code applications have few system integration capabilities, almost always must be hosted on the public cloud, and their scalability is limited.
In addition to this, no-code apps are often created outside of traditional software development cycles, meaning they often exist in isolation.
This means there should be considerations as to how no-code is used, as they are hampered by a lack of integration, lack of data governance capability, and in some cases security vulnerabilities and gaps in compliance.
Benefits of No-Code
While there are notable drawbacks to using no-code platforms, this is less an issue about what no-code apps can offer and more about what is appropriate for a particular use case.
For organizations that need a simple application quickly, no-code would be an appropriate technology to use.
For companies that need a more complex customer-facing mobile app, low-code would be preferable.
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of no-code development.
Ease-of-use
No-code’s biggest advantage in the software development space is undoubtedly it’s ease-of-use and the ability for people with no coding experience to be able create applications.
This broadens its appeal, particularly among SMBs that might be reluctant to invest heavily in a traditional development process.
As a result, those previously hesitant in custom app development but needing it can utilize a no-code platform and simply do it themselves.
This provides numerous opportunities from a business operations standpoint and allows them to streamline their workflows and processes in a way that was not possible before.
It also of course means that it’s not necessary to hire an internal or external member of staff to oversee the project, provided the company has the bandwidth to use its existing staff in a no-code development cycle.
Development Time
Software development has historically been a notoriously long process for businesses to embark on.
The advantage of no-code platforms is that their delivery time is much reduced by comparison.
A traditional approach to app development can take upwards of six months, often go on much longer than a year, and potentially even longer depending on its evolution and the project’s feedback loop and maintenance requirements.
No-code development, however, can be conducted in a fraction of the time, making it a very appealing option to organizations or stakeholders that need an app now and don’t have the time to wait.
72% of users develop apps with low- or no-code application in three months or fewer.
More Stakeholder Investment
The other aspect of no-code development that should not be ignored is the impact of stakeholder investment in custom app projects.
In a typical DevOps cycle, it’s not uncommon for there to be a disconnect between the developers creating the software and the stakeholders who will end up using it.
This isn’t anything new, and developers will do everything they can to ensure the final product meets the needs of its stakeholders, but when the stakeholders are working directly on the application through a no-code platform, they are able to have a bigger input.
The concept of the “citizen developer” (an atypical software developer, usually someone with little or no coding experience) having a greater role in the development of applications means that their direct input regarding their needs can provide the basis for a successful piece of software.
In addition, there’s the benefit of reduced development cycle times, as the stakeholder is directly responsible for the app’s creation.
70% of low code users who had no experience at all before using low code platforms learned low code in 1 month or less.
Reduced Costs
The key advantage of no-code development is perhaps the least surprising—it costs significantly less than hiring an internal software developer to create the application.
For businesses that have until now deferred their custom software ideas because of prohibitive costs, no-code opens up a lot of doors.
When you further consider that IT professionals are in high demand and short supply, there’s even more reason for organizations to consider investing in no-code.
Bottom Line
No-code platforms are used to develop custom applications and require no coding experience from users.
Unlike low-code platforms, which require some experience, practically anyone can make a no-code app. The downside is that they are limited in what they can do, usually operating with the designated framework of the platform creators.
No-code applications are best used for simple and specific use cases within the workflow operations of a business, as opposed to a more complex solution, for which low-code or traditional development would be favored.
Low-code and no-code web and mobile app development platforms are helping SMBs reduce costs, improve efficiency, and further the capabilities of their businesses by utilizing digital transformation techniques.
Reach out to our specialists and discover how Impact can help with your no-code needs today.
Video transcript:
Hi, I’m Buzz the Bee. Welcome back to Buzzwords, the series dedicated to breaking down the IT industry’s latest trends. Today we’ll be covering “no-code.” What is no-code? It’s shorthand for platforms that let you build apps and websites by inserting pre-programmed elements. It’s an even simpler version of low-code, which only requires a little programming. Because that coding is already done, you don’t have to write any of it yourself.
That’s why it’s called no-code. Using no-code platforms is much faster than traditional coding and it doesn’t require an expensive expert programmer. Plus, they’re easily scalable because you can edit apps yourself to match the size of your business. But if you need your app to have a specific look or functionality, you might not be able to get it. Without a designer or programmer on hand, user functionality isn’t always intuitive, and not every platform has cybersecurity included.
If you’re looking to marry the simplicity of no-code with experience and design and cybersecurity, Impact’s holistic business offerings can help you get exactly the customized product you want while keeping the speed and editability of using a no-code platform. Well that’s the buzz on no-code. Learn more by going to ImpactMyBiz.com/Buzzwords and tuning in to the next video. Bee you later!