No-code is the future of design. Methods of building applications and pages based on “drag and drop” allow you to save time - so much needed in running a business. They are flexible and versatile. But they also have their drawbacks. So let's take a look at the benefits and limitations of using no-code and low-code platforms in companies.
No-code and low-code - the future of application development?
Although brands differ from each other visually and in personality, there is a common point between them. Their applications, systems or websites work in a similar way. And it is for this reason that the idea was born to systematize these solutions and simplify their implementation - without writing code. Low-code and no-code tools were created. Thanks to them, with the help of blocks and the creation of interactions between them, the design and programming of the product is simpler than before. And also more effective.
See also: What is no-code design? What is worth knowing about him?
It is a response to modern needs that have increased in the age of the pandemic and online work. The future of low code and no-code platforms looks promising - both for companies and agencies. With their help we can create mobile applications, websites or complex business tools. And all of them are constantly developing, giving access to more and more extensive solutions and functionalities.
Advantages of low-code and no-code platforms
The most important advantage of low-code and no-code solutions is the focus on ideas, not technical knowledge. This results in more efficient and business-focused products. But what else is included in the benefits?
Speeding up the process of creating an application/page
This is especially important for companies that are just trying to enter the market. When using low-code, you don't have to think about which programming language to use, or what solutions can be implemented in a given case. It is also not necessary to check the operation of the code right after writing it - everything is visible immediately, in the same window.
The no-code agency therefore focuses more on the needs of the customer, which makes the final product more refined and simply better meets the goals that have been set before it.
Flexibility
Companies that decide to create a website or application using low code get access to a wide range of solutions. Ready-made templates are available, as well as the ability to modify them or create a product completely from scratch. It is also possible to implement any project, from webshop on Weblow through a business application for employee management.
Customization of solutions
With these solutions, you will create applications or a website that will 100% respond to the business needs of your company. It will also perfectly reflect her personality. Just look at the unusual animations or interactions between individual elements, which are simple to implement and give a “wow” effect. And best of all, the low-code approach works well for small businesses as well.
Weblow - as one of the leading solutions on the market low code - currently has over 3.5 million users - https://webflow.com/about
Security
More and more companies are using no-code platforms. And this makes these solutions more and more refined and sealed. While there is a myth that they may not provide enough security, it really depends on the platform. At Cary One we only bet on certain products: with secure servers and encryption such as Webflow.
They are simple to modify
Low and no-code technology is not only easy to implement, but also easy to modify. The lack of code makes the process of changes and the implementation of new elements faster and, in addition, error-free. The automatically generated code will always be correct.
Low-code/no-code platforms - do they have any disadvantages?
Of course, it's not that the no-code platform market is devoid of flaws. It is worth keeping them in mind when thinking about creating a product using this technology. The following can be distinguished:
- Small possibilities to build applications and pages with a higher level of sophistication
Not all complex solutions can be implemented within no-code platforms. Sometimes it is required to write code, for example for integration with other tools, and in other cases completely abandon the given functionality. Therefore, it is worth resorting to the help of an agency, by whose side there is always some professional programmer.
- Unable to export code
The use of no-code platforms makes us dependent on the provider and its services. Difficulties can arise when we want to copy the code - some utilities simply do not have such an option, or the code will need to be patched to work elsewhere.
- Limited number of integrations
Although you can create a lot with no-code platforms, you can't implement everything. It is worth noting at least a small amount of integration, which you have to enter manually with the help of code.
No-code platforms - summary
Although no-code solutions will not replace 100% of the work of a programmer, they can greatly simplify it. They equip employees with basic tasks, while giving a wide scope for creativity. At the same time, they bypass the problems that arise between the vision of the product and its final appearance. However, they are not perfect — they do not have the same precision as standard handwritten code.