The pros and cons that make up no-code

As well as being simple to get to grips with, there are lots of options on the market for building fully-fledged apps and websites cheap (think the cost of a monthly iPhone contract for a top tier Squarespace plan).

But like any reality, no-code does have its caveats. And as you’re about to find out if you choose to read the rest of this post, some limitations counteract the positives.

What’s to love about no-code development

Let’s start with five big benefits of using no-code software.

1.  Shorter learning curve

To reap the benefits of no-code, you’ll need to learn various tools and techniques. And if you’re starting from scratch, don’t expect to learn everything in a couple of hours.

Having said that, learning the ins and outs of a no-code tool is a lot quicker than learning how to write code. Where learning code takes months or years, being confident to create with a no-code tool takes hours, days or weeks. Of course, this depends on your technical know-how and experience using similar tools — but still!

2.  Cost-saving

Hiring a single developer is expensive. And if your project is complex, the likelihood that you’ll need just one is very slim. On the other hand, no-code tools are free, or at least offer a free plan.

No-code solutions take away the overhead of hiring developers who will be on staff all the time. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to test an idea without raising any capital, no-code tools are a great shout! That being said, you’ll be doing most of the work yourself, so you’ll need to factor in your own time and effort when identifying if no-code is right for you.

3.  Community support

With the rise of no-code development, we’re seeing stronger; more helpful communities, too. Heck, there are even users branding themselves as no-code makers on Twitter! As well as this, platforms such as Makercode and Nucode host a wealth of tips and tricks. What’s more, tools such as Bubble.io have an Academy stacked with video courses, templates and how-to guides for no-code newbies.

This highlights my first point about mastering no-code tools in a matter of hours. It is do-able, and the content is out there.

4.  Better agility (and quick iteration)

 It takes no time at all to update a tool you control. Because you’re using a drag-and-drop interface and pre-built elements, making changes to your project is rapid!

Rather than compile your thoughts, explain them to a developer, wait for them to program the change, and then review it, you can do it instantly with no-code. What’s more, testing is generally automated, too. When you’re still validating an idea, this is one heck of a benefit!

5.  Increased productivity

Here’s one the IT staff will be thankful for! No-code tools enable non-technical makers to create things that once; always needed an IT whizz. Those days are long gone, and IT staff should face less internal pressure because of this. The result: a quicker project turnaround and teams collaborating. (Win, win!)

Hold tight: here are five limitations of no-code software

1.  Limited functionality

If you need to organise data, create content or connect APIs, no-code tools are your best friend. However, they aren’t so good if you need to:

●     Customise out-of-the-box functionality

●     Prioritise speed and scalability

●     Oversee a large amount of data

●     Work with complex calculations

●     Create robust native apps

This is why you see more no-code prototypes than you do products. Where mobile apps are concerned, no-code tools have a long way to go before making a unique MVP is possible.

2.  Speed and security

Platforms that ooze features left right and centre often have speed issues. For everything to work well together, these platforms run a large number of scrips behind closed doors. A lot like when you connect a group of services to automate a process.

And while we get it’s important to try things that don’t scale when you first start, if you decide to stay no-code, it can raise speed and scalability issues.

3.  Users need a understanding of their requirements

You’ll struggle to find two no-code platforms that are alike. Similarly, you’ll struggle to find a platform that for want of a better phrase, does a bit of everything. This might mean sacrificing a few nice-to-haves for something more basic.

What’s more, you’ll need to determine whether your requirements fit within the restraints of a particular tool. But even then, your requirements are likely to change over time, and the risk of these differing as the platform evolves is always there.

4.  You don’t own your source code

No-code tools are great. But chances are when your business grows, you’ll fancy a change and might consider moving away from no-code altogether. Not so fast — because unfortunately, you cannot transfer your MVP to another platform as you don’t own the source code. This is what’s known as a Vendor Lock-In.

You see, with all no-code platforms, your MVP is the intellectual property of your chosen platform, meaning you are effectively just “renting” it. So instead of transferring your project, you will need to start from scratch on your new platform. (Ouch!)

5.  Security issues arise from lack of control

Coding gives you complete control over your application and security. However, you sacrifice this when heading down the no-code path. Not only does this limit the build, but it can lead to several security risks, too.

For example, what if your chosen platform goes into liquidation? Or worse still, suffers an internal security breach and leaves your MVP vulnerable? As with most digital platforms, it’s a case of weighing up risk versus reward. 

No-code development remains the way forward

 So there you have it, the highs and lows of no-code development. Despite the concerns over speed, security and functionality, no-code development remains the way forward for non-technical makers to design, build and test until their heart’s content. Likewise, for any budding entrepreneur with their sights set on a startup.