Anyone who has ever worked in an IT department knows how easy it is to become overwhelmed due to a lot of backlogs. With so many requests coming in daily and the demand for software rising, it’s apparent that the demand for software has exceeded the number of available coders.
While coding is a useful skill, the need for coders has declined in the past few years after no-code app development has been introduced. This alternative to traditional software development is getting a lot of attention. If you aren’t familiar with this trend, it’s time to change that.
What Is No-Code Development?
As the name would suggest, a no-code development platform is a tool that allows people to create software applications without writing a single line of code. This platform uses a visual development environment and simple techniques such as drag-and-drop process to create applications.
Some people confuse no-code with low-code platforms, but there is a key difference between the two. Low code platforms need code to finish certain components of the app, while no-code allows the app developer to do everything alone.
This is because no-code doesn’t require the developer to determine how an app does something, but it defines what the app does.
How No-Code Development Works
A common misconception is that no-code development platforms can only be used to create simple apps. However, thanks to rapidly evolving technological advancements, anyone can use these platforms to create highly sophisticated apps that are rich in features and functionality.
A no-code app maker uses these key features to allow users to create apps with ease:
- User interface builder. This allows you to use the aforementioned drag-and-drop functionality to create every page of your website. This interface will also allow you to instantly see how your app will look on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Visual modeling. Once again, the drag-and-drop interface replaces complex coding to allow easy visual modeling. Arrange the components of your app to look exactly how you envisioned.
- Reusability. Certain parts of old applications can be used in new ones to cut down on the time you’re spending on developing your app.
- Integrations. Most no-code development platforms allow easy integrations with various web services that will provide your app with more modern possibilities.
The Benefits of No-Code Development
At times, no-code app development seems like it’s too good to be true thanks to all of the benefits it offers. Here are some of the reasons why everyone should be excited about no-code development.
It Makes the Job of IT Workers Much Easier
Some IT professionals fear that their jobs are at risk, but no-code development doesn’t diminish the role of programmers at all. IT professionals should actually be excited about this type of development because it allows them to work on more complex projects without having to deal with backlogs.
As no-code development can reduce IT backlog by 34%, IT experts will have more time to pursue projects they’re passionate about and focus on hardcore innovation more than ever before.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that no-code development still requires experts with programming knowledge to provide support, governance, and security.
It Allows the Business to Become More Self-Sufficient
Every business owner knows that they can’t succeed without a good app. Before no-code app development, businesses had to be put on long waiting lists to get an app developed. Luckily, this is a thing of the past, since businesses can start creating their own solutions with an app builder.
Once again, this reduces IT backlog but it offers another interesting benefit for organizations that opt for a no-code app development strategy. The entire workforce can band together to create an app that improves its processes, increases productivity, and reduces inefficiency.
You Can Create Better, High-Quality Applications
The best applications can be created when the IT department works in collaboration with citizen developers, as that leads to high-quality applications with great business value. When there is a good alignment of business and IT, going from a prototype app to an end-product is much quicker.
The process of doing secure testing also allows IT departments to test minimum variable products before they’re taken to widespread products. In the end, your business will have an application that was created effortlessly but still has great functionality.
Debugging is Brought Down to a Minimum
Currently, most IT specialists are preoccupied with various debugging tasks. This includes fixing security threats, maintaining apps, and applying software updates. No matter if they’re re-writing their own code or code written by a third-party developer, debugging is a big part of their daily routine.
With a no-code development, all of these problems are cut down to a minimum. Since a no-code platform operates from the cloud, tasks such as updates are automatic. Once again, this frees up the time IT specialists need to work on more important projects.
The Risk of Shadow IT is Diminished
If you don’t monitor development activity outside of IT departments, there is a great risk of shadow IT, as threats to the organization can occur. For instance, a regular employee might store sensitive company data on their own cloud account, which is a big security risk.
Most no-code platforms are supported by Central IT and run safely from the cloud, which means that high data security is ensured. Citizen developers can work on apps safely from their own web browsers and IT won’t have to worry about cleaning up any messes caused by security breaches.
The Cons of No-Code Development
While no-code development has many advantages, there are also a few downsides you need to be aware of before you dive into the world of creating your own app.
- Rigid templates. An application requires various features, and code development platforms don’t come with templates and components that can be configured to meet your needs. Sometimes, you will be forced to create something that the platform allows you to build even though it wasn’t your first choice.
- Lack of control. When you choose the no-code path, you need to accept that you won’t have as much control over your application. If the company that provided you with the no-code platform suffers an internal security breach or gets acquired or liquidated, the app will be at risk.
- Not being able to move from the platform. Problems can arise if you want to switch from one code development platform to another because you don’t own your source code. You will most likely run into vendor lock-in and won’t have any access to your source code.
Final Thoughts
It’s not hard to figure out why no-code app development is so popular, as creating your own app has never been simpler. Just a few years ago, the idea that someone could create an app with no coding knowledge seemed ridiculous, but now it’s a wonderful reality.
For the first time ever, as long as you know how to build an app with no coding, you can have your own app. Even though this type of app development comes with a few flaws, the benefits make it easy to overlook all of its downsides.
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’s disclosure policy.
