Steve Jobs wasn't exactly right when he said in an interview in 1995 that everyone should learn to code.
Even if nowadays, more and more people have skills in computer development, it is no longer an essential condition for carrying out digital projects.
Indeed, in recent years, No Code tools have exploded in terms of use. They allow everyone to be able to realize their ideas without having knowledge in computer development. From individuals who want to optimize interactivity between their applications or home automation, to entrepreneurs who want to launch their website or application quickly and without computer code, No Code tools can meet all of these needs.
What is the No Code?
No Code tools are generally hosted on platforms that allow their users to quickly develop a website, an application or even algorithms, while freeing themselves from the usual lines of code. These tools are therefore particularly popular with non-developers, for the reasons we will see below.
Most of these tools are in the form of a graphical interface with drag-and-drop elements. Then, a system of connectors between elements makes it possible to create a mobile application or a website in record time, without development knowledge. Visualize the concept of LEGO, that's good you got it.
For example, where the standard development of an application can take an indefinite amount of time, an application created on a No Code tool can easily be completed in a few days.
These tools therefore make it possible to develop an idea easily and quickly, while minimizing development complexity. No Code tools are an excellent way to create a prototype based on an idea, without investing too much money, in order to confirm market research, the value of a tool,...
Some No Code tools:
- Webflow
- Bubble
- Airtable
- Glide
- Zapier
But be careful, it's not magic. It's still code.
Contrary to the popular belief that mastering No Code tools is fast, the learning curve is longer than what the platforms suggest. A novice will have to acquire a whole set of basics and knowledge, through training or other means.
Certainly there is no longer a need for Program, but the need to know how to organize a project, the logic between the different parts of the application or the fact of structuring and understanding data, remains essential.
The training box through articles or videos will therefore be necessary to make the best use of these No Code tools.
Warning: not to be confused with Low Code
When we talk about No Code, we also often hear about Low Code. Low Code tools have all the functionalities of No Code tools but with the possibility of inserting code to provide technical customization to your project.
The easier a No Code platform is to use, the more limited and locked out its functionalities will be. So-called “Low Code” tools are more permissive No Code platforms that offer the possibility for a developer to adapt a module or business logic, not provided for by the platform, to his business needs.
Where No Code is therefore accessible to all, Low Code will allow developers to insert their own code in order to meet their specific needs while minimizing the layer of complexity provided by custom development. As a result, the developer can support the other members of the project on certain parts.
So is it the end of development as we know it?
The answer is obviously no.
Indeed, despite all the advantages they have, No-Code tools have their own limitations. They are not as flexible as “traditional” development and become limited when the need becomes too complex. For example, although we find a whole inventory of prebuilt modules on the platforms, they are generally generic and do not necessarily allow for more complex or even unique customization.
Customized development is aimed at an audience other than the one targeted by the No Code and meets different needs. No Code answers certain problems that tailor-made development does not answer, and vice versa.
The addiction problems of these platforms
First, there is a monetary dependency. Most of these platforms offer their No Code tools through a subscription system, which can vary on average from 30 to 100 euros per month. Subscription that can quickly increase and therefore no longer be as profitable as in the past. What are you going to do if the budget allocated to your application climbs suddenly?
Secondly, technological dependence is omnipresent. Indeed, your projects will be hosted on these platforms. No common interface between competing platforms exists. What happens if the platform stops operating or the servers that host it also have a problem?
The security issues of No Code tools
In IT development, confidentiality and data security are among the most important issues.
The lack of knowledge of a non-developer, combined with the problem of accessing data on these platforms, prevents the optimization of the security level during development. We have no way of knowing how and by what tools these platforms are secured. If the platform suffers a data breach, it makes us vulnerable and puts the integrity of our data at risk.
These security issues are currently the biggest concern in this No Code movement.
However, you can reduce these risks by taking a few precautions:
- Do not store sensitive data on these tools (credit card number, confidential company data, etc.).
- Update your software regularly.
- Check who has access to the platform.
- Work with platforms that offer cloud services that are verified to international and ISO standards.
In conclusion
Here are point by point the various advantages as well as the disadvantages of No Code tools.
The advantages:
- Accessible to non-developers.
- Decreases the complexity of development.
- Perfect for launching the prototype of an idea, quickly and easily.
- Avoid losing money when starting a project.
Disadvantages:
- Not as flexible as custom development.
- Monetary and technological dependence on the platform.
- Security that may be insufficient or even poor on some tools.
No code remains a real revolution in the world of technology, which allows everyone to develop their business idea quickly and with little knowledge. These tools will allow you to quickly launch a prototype on the market in order to confirm its study. Some tools will still require training. It will also be necessary to take into account the lack of security on the platforms that offer these tools, in order to avoid making your data vulnerable. Subsequently, and depending on the difficulties you encounter due to the lack of flexibility or the cost of subscribing to these tools, it will then be interesting to turn to tailor-made development.
If this is your case, Nubios is your ideal partner in this transition towards technological and monetary independence. We model your business needs and support you throughout the development of your process. With our experience in custom development and consulting, our team of experts is there to adapt your business need for software tools.
