What Is No-Code Development and How Your Business Can Benefit from It

Overview

Low-Code vs. No-Code

Benefits

Real-World Examples

Best Platforms

Challenges

Reliable Provider

Cooperation Models

Businesses typically deploy their IT projects with a 3-12 months delay, and their need for programmers will only grow. But will low code or no code software development fill this gap? Let’s explore the capabilities of no-code platforms and check how you can start using them.  

Understanding the Low-Code/No-Code Development  

First, let’s define what “no” and “low” coding mean.

Defining No-Code Development

No-code development is programming without coding. It allows non-technical users to create applications and websites. Such “citizen developers” use drag-and-drop elements and templates without writing codes. In other words, anyone can program on a no code app development platform.  

The evolution of the no-code concept started from the RAD (Rapid Application Development) platforms in the early 2000s. In 2011, Forrester (one of the top research firms) introduced the term “low-code” in its report. It referred to the platforms that prioritized ease of development. 

The “no-code development” notion appeared next as new tools needed less manual coding. In 2020, the global market size of no-code tools reached $12.17 billion. The same year, Gartner reported that around 25% of business apps were built with no-code software. By 2025, this number might reach 70%.

Low-Code Development Explained

Often, the “no-code” and “low-code” terms are used together (with a slash) or interchangeably. That’s because they describe the same idea of less manual programming. However, low-code tools require coding skills from their users since such instruments allow for more complex app functionality. 

So, the target audience of low-code platforms is semi-technical specialists and software engineers who want to streamline the development process. The market of low code development platforms equaled $22.5 billion in 2022. By 2024, it’s predicted to reach approximately $32 billion. 

Statistics on No Code App Development 

Below are a few stats about low-code no-code development.

• Forrester reports that in 2019, the revenue of low-code/no-code software totaled $10.3 billion. By 2030, this number is expected to hit $187 billion, which will be the 18-time increase.
• McKinsey states that no code/low code software can decrease the development time by 90%. The perspective of doing the job 10 times faster is revolutionary. 
• Gartner expects that by 2024, “business technologists” or non-tech professionals will create 80% of tech products. It also forecasts that 65% of all apps will be delivered with no-code tools. 
• KPMG discovers that around 60% of managers consider low-code development critical for their businesses. And this number will only grow. 

Low-Code vs. No-Code Development 

At this point, framing the key features of no-code and low-code tools will be great. And the table below will help you assess if the no-code solution will work for you.

Pros and Cons of Low-Code/No-Code Software Development 

It’s time to learn more about each software development approach, consider hiring a no-code engineer, and check offshore destinations. Let’s see what advantages and issues they might bring. 

Benefits of No-Code Development 

• Speed of development and deployment. Since low code no code development offers pre-built elements that you can drag and drop, app building becomes much faster. 
• Accessibility to non-technical users. A no-code developer doesn’t have to be tech-savvy. This allows you to engage non-technicians in building apps. 
• Cost-effectiveness, especially for small businesses. No-code experts don’t need extensive programming skills to use low-code tools. So, their remuneration will be lower than that of a traditional developer. 
• Flexibility in making quick changes. As a no-code platform is a set of pre-designed elements, changing them is quick. You don’t have to follow the complex procedure of updating a traditionally developed app.

Disadvantages of No-Code Development

• Limited customization and scalability. The other side of fast no code mobile app development and building web apps is that your app may lack customization. Moreover, it may not handle the load once the number of your app’s users grows.  
• Potential issues with data security and integration. No-code tools usually ensure software updates and security controls. However, non-tech developers can create poor application logic, resulting in vulnerabilities. Also, no-code tools may require some coding for integration with third-party apps. 
• Dependence on the platform provider. Not every no-code platform allows extracting the code once you cancel your subscription. So, to some extent, platform users face vendor lock-in and find ways to mitigate the risks. 

Pros of Low-Code Development

• Greater flexibility and customization than no-code. Low-code tools allow for extending the functionality of your app with manually written codes. So, they allow for tailoring pre-designed functions to your business requirements. 
• Faster development time compared to traditional coding. Since low-code software is a combination of drag-and-drop elements and traditional programming, the development process goes faster.  
• Allows for more complex applications. Software developers can upgrade predefined elements to build solutions with more complex logic and architecture. This will make your app packed with features.   

Cons of Low-Code Development

• Requires minimal coding skills. Citizen developers won’t be able to leverage the coding-required opportunities. So, you’ll need to hire an engineer with a programming background. 
• May still involve limitations in terms of complexity and integration. Even though low-code platforms allow for extensions, they still may lack the solution you need. So, if you plan customization, check if it’s realizable with your tool. 
• Potential issues with long-term maintenance. When using low-code software, non-tech developers lack proper communication with the supplier. This welcomes inconsistencies, while large code volumes make version control, automated testing, and separation of concerns challenging. 

Benefits of No-Code Development Platforms for Businesses

How can no code app development platforms boost your business? Let’s check what’s in it for you.

• You can deploy your product faster. No-code software will democratize your app development as non-tech can join this process. However, a no code developer will shorten your development cycle and do the rapid prototyping and testing. 

Forreser’s research states that no-code tools deliver products up to 10x faster than traditional development platforms. On average, companies using no-code tools reduce the development time by 60%.

• You can cut costs. No-code software development doesn’t require taking an entire dev team on board. For instance, your business analyst and product owner can hire one no-code app developer to finish the project on time.

The Statista report shows companies using low-code tools to create customer-facing apps have around 58% revenue increase. 80% of organizations believe low coding can free high-paid programmers for more demanding projects, which will help them save. 

• You can update your app quickly. Your business technologist or a no code app developer doesn’t have to code. So, when, for instance, your customer needs change, and you have to add new functions, the update can be quick. 

Statista proves that firms that switched from traditional to no-code development deploy solutions 56% faster. This is also true for delivering updates and changes. 

The report from UserGuiding asked over 500 SaaS and Product professionals about no-code software. 85% of respondents said it added value to their work, and 96% of non-users were willing to try such development in the future. 

The participants also named Zapier, Bubble, MailChimp, WordPress, Adalo, and Wix the most beneficial no-code tools. 

Real-World Examples of Using No-Code Tools

You’ll find hundreds of no-code development solutions for various purposes. Below are just a few cases of how Mendix helped its users.  

Digitalization of Rotterdam 

The second-largest city in the Netherlands, struggled to digitize its public and corporate services. In 2018, Rotterdam’s municipality decided to engage citizen developers to build applications on low-code portals. 

The parking reservation app, subsidies management, and a COVID-response counter are among the 100,000+ low-code apps delivered. The average delivery time for an app was 8-12 weeks. 

Collin Crowdfund Solution 

Two bankers were looking for an effective instrument that would connect entrepreneurs looking for funding with investors. After just 5 months of development, Collin Crowdfund built a lending platform using a low-code tool. 

The platform embraces multiple tasks, from approving entities to banking transactions. And since its launch, investors have loaned over €235 million. 

PHV Europe Automation 

Tommy Hilfiger’s and Calvin Klein’s parent company needed to get away from managing internal processes manually. So PHV Europe decided to implement applications for managing employees, handling returns, budget monitoring, etc. 

With the no code low code development tools, the company managed to tailor their new apps also to SAP requirements. This way, PHV Europe goes in line with its business strategy and saves on labor costs.  

Comparative Analysis of the Best No Code Development Platforms 

We’ve created a list of 10 low-code/no-code development tools to help you choose which one may fit you best. These platforms are split into 5 categories, with a brief description for each. You’ll also see the comparison of the top 5 instruments in the table below. 

Websites

• Webflow

If you want to build an online store or a website, try Webflow. It works without coding but allows editing the CSS and adding HTML and JavaScript. 

• Framer

This website builder allows you to import designs from Figma and add attention-capturing effects. Leverage the built-in CMS, maintenance tools, and SEO optimization. 

Web Applications 

• Bubble

This full-stack no code web application development platform will level up your web app’s design, logic, and data storage. The version control will ensure effective collaboration for small and large teams.

• Softr

With Softr, you can create content calendars, CRMs, project management instruments, trackers, client portals, and more. Ready-to-use tables, charts, lists, forms, etc., are only a few building blocks to use.

Mobile Apps

• Draftbit

Once you need a tool for iOS or no code Android app development, it’s Draftbit. Blocks, Buts, and Examples will help you start, while advanced features and custom code will allow you to add uniqueness to your native mobile application. 

• FlutterFlow

Clean code, catchy UI, and fast deployment to the web or app stores are vital features of the FlutterFlow mobile app development no code tool. 80+ widgets and 170+ pre-designed components are right at your fingertips to build responsive apps.

Internal Tools

• Stacker

You’ll need minutes to organize the data for your team with forms, buttons, tables, and login options in Stacker. Use flexible widgets to customize your business app. 

• JetAdmin

It offers 50+ UI components to get the functionality you need. Permissions will let you control your data once you need to share it with team members or customers. 

Workflow Automation

• Airtable

Customize workflows for your marketing, product, operations, finance, and HR teams with Aitrable. Connect your existing tools, like Slack, Google Drive, Jira, etc., in one place and let your efficiency grow. 

• Ragic

Ragic will structure your business data so your team can find needed information within seconds. This tool will help you create a CMS and ERP with an Excel-like interface.  

Top 5 No-Code Tools

Now, let’s compare the top 5 instruments from the above list across five criteria. 

As the table shows, you can find plenty of decent no-code tools to streamline your development process. However, often, companies need more customized solutions to cover their business needs. If you need custom development services, Mobilunity will find the right tech expert to help you.

Common Challenges of Low-Code/No-Code App Development and Solutions

Though no-code mobile app development or no code web development is cost-effective and fast, you need to know about the drawbacks. 

• Constrained scalability. Often, low-code tools vendors focus on non-tech developers and limit the number of functions. That’s why many low-code solutions work only for small and non-critical business apps. Consequently, they can’t survive a high load.

Solution. The scaling abilities of low-code tools vary. They can be aimed at business developers or professional programmers. So, carefully read the documentation and evaluation guide before subscribing.

• Dependence on vendors. One of the main concerns about using low-code platforms is the anxiety of becoming dependent on a vendor. Though now unsubscription rarely means losing access to your app, there still are risks. 

Solution. Gartner recommends considering the licensing model for the next 3-5 years. Also, you’d better store databases on other resources and build customizations in cloud platforms.   

• Limited customization. Ready-to-use templates and offered functionality of low-code platforms don’t make your app unique. So, many business owners worry about this lack of flexibility and doubt if low-code tools will help them create an outstanding product. 

Solution. You can hire a no code application developer with tech expertise to ensure versatility and a unique user experience. Also, a professional will help you expand your app’s integration opportunities. 

Why Mobilunity 

When searching for a no code development agency, it’s vital to ensure you’ll work with professionals. Below are three reasons to partner with Mobilunity and find offshore development team. 

• 13 years of work. We’ve been in the IT market for over a decade and have founded tens of developers and 40+ dedicated teams. Our recruiting has been polished with years of practice. 200+ people work in Mobilunity to make your hiring and cooperation with tech experts easy. 
• Worldwide presence. Clients from 20+ countries have trusted us to build their IT teams or find tech consultants. These include Switzerland, Germany, Israel, Japan, the US, etc. However, our recruiters can work in any country — LATAM, Western or Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, etc.
• Relevant portfolios. Mobilunity has found IT specialists for various industries. These are  E-commerce, SaaS, and MarTech companies, agencies, marketplaces, financial services firms, and others. Our case studies show how we managed the challenges our team faced.

Our Cooperation Models

We intend to stay flexible when meeting our clients’ needs. This means you can select the cooperation format that fits your project and budget.  

Hire a Dedicated Team of No Code Application Development Experts

Hiring dedicated teams usually fits mid-size and large projects with a timeline of over 6 months. Still, whether you need a small squad of 2 or a large team of 10 no-code experts full-time, this format is for you. Even if you need only one no-code developer for 40 hours a week, try this option.

You get functional control over your dev team while our managers handle related back-office issues. You set tasks and manage your team, and we transfer payrolls, arrange the working space, and equip your no-code developers. You get a monthly invoice and pay a fixed fee. 

Contract Part-Time No Code Low Code Development Consultants 

Once you only start product development or need no-code consultancy, part-time cooperation will fit you best. Small, new, or short-term projects usually require engaging a no code engineer or a supervisor for a few hours a day. This option is helpful if you need several experts to support your in-house team at high-load periods.

Part-time cooperation assumes we agree on the hourly rate(s) of the professional(s) you hire and their approximate engagement. So you pay as you go without long-term commitments. Also, you get consultancy and extra pairs of no-code hands whenever you need them. 

Need a No Code Engineer? Let Us Hire This Expert for You!

All salaries and prices mentioned within the article are approximate NET numbers based on the research done by our in-house Recruitment Team. Please use these numbers as a guide for comparison purposes only and feel free to use the contact form to inquire on the specific cost of the talent according to your vacancy requirements and chosen model of engagement.

Written by

Anastasia Stefanuk

Anastasia Stefanuk, a renowned content writer specializing in outsourcing and outstaffing developers, has made significant contributions to Mobilunity.com, a leading IT outsourcing company. With her profound knowledge in the field, Anastasia creates informative content that serves as a valuable resource for businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions for their development needs.