What is no code? The pros and cons of no code for software development.
In our technology-driven world, the demand for software surpasses the supply of software developers and coders. It is where no code development platforms come to your rescue.
No code platforms are bound to stay. Google acquired AppSheet, which makes no cloud development accessible to the Google Cloud, inclining it as a potential in the mainstream software development solution
What is a no code?
A no code development platform is a tool that allows you to build software applications without coding. These are made for the people in mind who have zero expertise in coding. No code uses declarative programming. It means that unlike traditional software application platforms, where the coder used to instruct to give every instruction to get the desired output, it is the opposite here. Here, with the no code, the app creator gets to decide how the app will program.
With no code platform, the workforce is more inclined to become citizen developers. It is an alternative to the traditional role of making a software where users who don’t have a knack for coding can also build their applications from scratch.
How does it work?
It might be a bit perplexing how it functions-thee is no code! So, a no code platform is essentially a user interface builder, where you use visual models to substitute the complex coding. You easily manage your data and can compile web pages through the drag and drop option and review how it will function on different electronic devices.
How is low code different from no code?
Well, one is bound to intermix them. Low code platform is that where a developer will be needed to do certain tasks at some point. Low code platform is accessible to non-technical people as well. Codebots is an example of a low code platform where they have pre-built functionality that helps the users to build their application to a certain extent and later a developer or a coder can pitch in and customize it accordingly.
Benefits-
Versatile
It is a common mistaken belief that it is optimal for only simple apps. However, that is not the case. No code application platforms have that versatility, sophistication, and dynamism to support rich functionality to cater to business needs. Even an end-to-end enterprise application can be easily used through a no code platform.
Flexible
In traditional coding, if you need to change a feature or add one or substitute something, it cannot be done on a whim. The complication may arise whether the feature is compatible with your programming language. However, with no code, it will just take some hours and new logic will get implemented.
Saves time
Building apps become a quick and fun task in itself. As discussed earlier, it is done through a drop and drag interface with pre-built modules. Even debugging does not waste developing time as testing is done automated.
Pocket Friendly
It is a revolution in the entrepreneur world for the small businesses that are just making their hold might not have enough capital to fund for the IT staff and other requirements. No code helps you jump all these logistical problems.
Enhances productivity
The IT department is not overloaded with requests from other departments as apps are built faster and fewer people are involved. It affects smooth management and tasks are now completed in hours or days which used to take a lot of time.
Drawbacks.
Requirements
Keep in mind that these platforms will evolve and along with that, your requirements will also change with time. So, the no code platform must have the evolving capabilities to fit in with your demands. It can be possible that it can restrict in case it does not happen like that.
Security Issues
This is a risk that you would have to take- because you are vulnerable when you have no control over your application. You can run into security and reliability issues because you don’t know how your app is operating. There can be worse-case scenarios where your app can be blocked if the no code platform is liquidated or breaches internal security, leaving you in chaos.
Complication when you switch
If you decide to move away from your no code development platform, you might face several issues. You can run into the issue of vendor lock-in, which makes it difficult to switch or brings in costs if you are trying to it. Your maintenance of the app will rely on the original vendor.
Also, the source code can be switched or changed. The black box keeps you in ignorance as there is no clear documentation or clue how the code or what code is getting implemented. The entire implementation is concealed.
Some best no code app development platforms are Airtable, Ninetex Platform, AppSheet, Salesforce Platform, Microsoft Power Apps.
A pinch of unsolicited advice-
Make sure that you protect your business by keeping some best practice behaviors in mind to mitigate organizational risk. Before taking any software development vendor, consider their built-in security. You should be wary of privacy breach. Ask for security certification if you feel the requirement. Be agile on this part and make sure your security testing uses dynamic testing to mitigate risks.
