So, what is no-code?
No-code allows both programmers and non-programmers to create apps through graphical user interfaces, instead of traditional computer programming.
Traditionally, a professional hand-coder with years of knowledge and experience in coding, would build the application for you by writing the code themselves.
Now, no-code platforms aim to help users who understand the logic behind the app they want to create, but don’t have the necessary knowledge or training in coding languages to build it in the traditional way.
It’s an innovative solution that seems too good to be true, right? So, just how and why will no-code be the future of coding?
Firstly, how does no-code work?
In traditional software development, programmers would write lines of code to create the functionality and behaviour that was desired in an application.
Writing this code could often be a complex and time-consuming task, which required programmers to have in-depth knowledge of multiple coding languages. Programmers would also need their own development environments, deployment processes and testing protocols.
No-code platforms streamline that entire process and condense all those tasks behind the scenes. Instead, no-code platforms give users visual tools that they can easily operate to quickly build the application they want. There’s no need for the user to write any of the code.
But how do you build an app without the code?
If you’re wondering how it’s possible to build applications without code, don’t worry. We’ll explain.
When building an application on a no-code platform, you are still technically building with code. You, the user, simply don’t have to write the code yourself.
No-code platforms are essentially user interface builders, which remove the complexity of programming. You can use drag and drop elements to quickly build your webpage or application.
No-code applications aren’t just designed for small apps, either. In an age where technology is developing all the time, no-code platforms have already been designed to support the high-functionality needed in many apps today.
How can a no-code application help my business?
Let’s consider data entry, as an example. This is a process that can be tricky for any business to get right.
We’re all human and we all make errors. Especially when it comes to manual data entry.
Programs like Excel, commonly used as a tool to store data, can be great. But they’re also extremely fragile. Whilst it’s a brilliant tool for spreadsheets, it’s also a poor choice for storing important records. It can be fiddly, complicated, and easy to cause errors.
In fact, this exact problem has appeared in the headlines in recent weeks surrounding the NHS Test and Trace system.
The poorly thought-out use of Excel’s software cause almost 16,000 coronavirus cases to go unreported in England.
Using a no-code platform would have been one of many solutions to prevent this alarming error. Using no-code, you can quickly develop a cloud-based application to store and access your data. As long as your requirements fit within the functionality of the system you chose, the no-code platform is a great solution to tackle human error.
Automated data entry will also speed up the overall efficiency of your team, making more time for your business to be productive.
Will no-code replace traditional coding?
No, it won't.
As brilliant as no-code platforms are, they won’t replace the role of traditional hand-coding. These platforms need to be built by traditional programming.
No-code will never completely replace hand coding, because that’s not what it’s intended for.
They are designed to give users a platform to create applications on. This gives trained developers extra time to focus on other tasks that need their attention.
What’s the difference between low code and no-code?
As the name suggests, no-code and low code programming are differentiated by the amount of code used in its platform. No-code is a completely code-free platform for users so they can create applications without needing to write a single line of code. Hence, no-code.
It’s common to hear people use no-code and low-code interchangeably, but that’s not correct. Here are some key differences.
No-code
- For people who have little or no coding knowledge.
- You tell the system what you want, and then build it.
- The app creator defines what the app does, rather than how it does it.
Low code
- Also for people who have little or no coding knowledge, but a developer will be required to finish certain elements.
- App creators tell the platform how they want to use the components.
Low code and no-code platforms will allow office administrators, small business owners, and people who are not software developers to build their own applications.
The rise of low and no-code platforms is largely due to a shortage of skilled software developers in the industry and the demand to improve the delivery time for projects.
Is no-code the future of coding?
No-code platforms will shorten the gap between professional programmers and non-programmers, will maximise productivity in the workplace, and reduce the time needed to go from idea to a fully working app.
No-code platforms are the perfect solution for MVP / POC products. It's important to note that the more customised solution your project needs, then the more custom development will be required.
Choosing the right software solution for your business
If you’re looking for a digital agency to help set up your no-code project,or an agency to build a customised web solution, then get in touch.
We use both no-code solutions and bespoke development solutions to design projects to help your business grow.
Visit our design studio in Basingstoke, Hampshire or give us a call or email. We’d love to hear from you.