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Low Code No-Code Movement - A Complete Guide (2024)
For a long time, the only way to build web applications was to hire a trained software developer to bring your project to life. Today, anyone with little to no coding experience can build powerful websites, apps, and software at a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional developer using platforms like Blaze. The platforms that enable everyday people, or citizen developers, to quickly create these solutions are called "no-code" tools.
The ever-growing adoption of no-code platforms has given rise to what is known as the no-code movement. Gartner research has predicted that by 2025, “70% of all applications will be developed with no to low-code tech.” There is no denying the no-code movement's staying power, and this article is your brand’s guide to making the most of it.
In this blog, we'll cover:
- What no-code development is
- The difference between no-code and low-code development tools
- The benefits of no-code tools and software for your business
- What the no-code movement is
- The future of the no-code movement
- How to get started with no-code development
What is no-code development?
No-code software development makes it easy to create applications, websites, and tools from scratch. Using no-code development tools, team members familiar with your business goals can develop applications without any programming experience.
With no-code tools, citizen developers can accomplish more in less time, resulting in higher company productivity, improved efficiency, and brand growth.
No-code tools usually feature a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop capabilities, allowing users to see their work come to life in real-time.
No-code has many valuable applications. Outside of building websites, you can leverage no-code frameworks and tools to create mobile apps, web apps, plugins, workflows, customer onboarding processes, inventory and project management solutions, and more. The only limit to no-code is your imagination!
What’s the difference between no-code and low-code?
People sometimes use the terms ‘no-code’ and ‘low-code’ interchangeably, but they are not the same.
No-code apps and tools provide an easy-to-use technical solution for non-developers. These platforms offer WYSIWYG or drag-and-drop interfaces for designing products. They also simplify development, particularly in closed systems that don't allow custom code. However, some downsides of no-code tools include limited scalability, security concerns, and lack of code ownership.
On the other hand, low-code platforms allow developers to add their own code and quickly deploy digital solutions for their clients. The biggest difference between no-code and low-code is that low-code enables users to add or modify existing code. However, low-code tools also have their limitations, including a lack of customization options and vendor lock-in.
What are the benefits of no-code?
By leveraging no-code tools, users can create custom business solutions using fewer resources while retaining full control over the creative process. Here are a few more ways no-code tools can benefit your business.
Get your product to market faster
Even though no-code apps and tools involve a slight learning curve, they require less time to master than an entire programming language. Most no-code solutions offer in-depth tutorials, helpful instructions, and some form of customer support so that you can master the tool in no time.
A shorter development cycle means faster time to market. How? Because the traditional development process involves multiple stages, from the initial ideation and design phases to coding, testing, and deployment. By reducing the time it takes to complete each phase, businesses can get their products to market in no time. Enterprise-level organizations, in particular, can achieve a year's worth of work in just a few months—or even a few weeks.
And in some cases, you can turn your idea into a working app in just a few minutes. No, really, here's how.
Eliminate barriers to entry
No-code tools make it easy for anyone with a software or application idea to develop and launch their product, regardless of their technical background. By providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface, no-code platforms allow people to create comprehensive software solutions without needing to learn a single line of code.
Reduce startup fees and maintenance
Developing complex software requires expert knowledge. For example, it costs a business anywhere from $12,000 to $150,000 to create and launch a fully customized website. On top of that, website maintenance can cost up to $60,000 per year, based on the package and level of service.
Startups and enterprises can reduce startup costs, ongoing maintenance, and overhead with no-code platforms. Additionally, some no-code solutions offer free versions or, at minimum, free trials so that you can find the right tool for your business.
Control the development process end-to-end
In traditional development, programmers create an application, website, or tool and deliver it to the client. If an organization does not have a team member to support it, an outside hire will need to learn it. Even after the development team describes how the tool works, your new hire may not have the same level of technical knowledge as the development team.
An inadequate understanding of the tool can result in costly mistakes. This can cause delays, and the development team may have to go back and fix their errors, costing your company even more money in the long run.
However, with no-code tools, the user is in full control of the development process from start to finish. And no one will be able to maintain or update it better than the person who designed it. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, many no-code solutions offer IT support to help users troubleshoot issues or guide them to achieve their desired outcome.
What is the no-code movement?
The no-code movement is rooted in the belief that technology should support and facilitate creation, not hinder it.
Where previously only programmers could create and launch web applications, no-code platforms and tools provide everything users need to create and customize web applications without writing a single line of code. Additionally, the abundance of online tutorials makes it easier for anyone to learn how to use these tools to create their own web applications.
This movement also helps IT teams be more productive by relieving the pressure to quickly deliver basic applications. Because the business can self-serve, the IT team can focus on more complex tasks instead. By allowing the business to self-serve, IT teams are more productive and get the chance to work on more advanced projects. Regardless of business size, it's a win-win situation.
The speed of app development shown by the no-code movement means it’s easier to automate business processes and quickly achieve digital innovation. The simplified development process also enables you to rapidly deploy updates in real-time, allowing your team to respond quickly to customer feedback and continuously improve the user experience.
What is the future of the no-code movement?
No-code platforms have revolutionized software development by eliminating the barrier to entry for people without programming knowledge. People without coding expertise can now develop customized applications thanks to no-code platforms.
In fact, as data from Low-Code Application Development Trends survey shows, "70% of their users learned low-code in 1 month or less, and 73% of users were developing apps within 3 months or less." Additionally, by 2024, "80% of non-IT professionals will develop IT products and services, with over 65% using low-code/no-code tools." It's clear that the future of no-code is bright.
How to get started with no-code development
Interested in getting started with no-code development? Here are some steps you can take to bring your vision to life.
Brainstorm your product idea
New product development always begins with converting an idea into a workable product. Are you trying to develop a simple website or web page? A web app? A workflow? Or an onboarding system for your clients? The kind of solution you want to build will determine what sort of no-code tool or builder you use.
Want more information on how to develop a web application from start to finish? Check out our guide to creating a no-code web app from scratch here!
Research different no-code platforms
No-code platforms come in many shapes and sizes, and each has its own features and capabilities. Take some time to research various platforms, pick your top three, then choose one that best meets your business needs and goals. With the right platform, developing and deploying your no-code application will be a breeze.
Decide on your no-code builder
Many no-code platforms provide free trials or demos that you can use to get started. Sign up for the no-code platform that's right for you and start familiarizing yourself with its features and tools! Don't know where to begin? Blaze offers a free demo of our no-code builder that makes creating custom software for your organization easy and lightning-fast! Take a tour of our platform today!
Start building your product
Once you've created your account, it’s time to build your no-code application. A number of no-code platforms provide ready-made templates and simple drag-and-drop functionality to streamline the design process!
Integrate your apps
Integrating your apps into your no-code product will speed up your workflows and systems and make it easier for your teams to collaborate across departments. You can also import existing customer and client information from another app, eliminating the time-consuming and cumbersome task of manually copying and pasting the information.
Test and iterate your product
As you build your product, test it out to make sure it’s functioning as intended. If you find any issues or bugs, your platform's tools and support desk can help you fix them.
Launch and maintain your product
Once your product is complete and tested, you can launch it and use it to grow your business. Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance and updates to keep your application running like a well-oiled machine. Platforms like Blaze also offer implementation and support services to help you have a turnkey solution in keeping your application in top shape.
Bottom Line on Low Code No Code
At Blaze, we believe no-code extends beyond just creating powerfully simple digital solutions. It's not enough to simplify how people create - we want to help you become the superheroes of your team. Blaze helps you solve your team's biggest problems and improve productivity.
Blaze is the fast-growing no-code platform revolutionizing how teams build web apps and tools. Blaze's no-code builder allows you to easily integrate with your organization's existing applications, collect data, create forms, and automate tasks and processes, so you can focus on your brand's next big idea.
