The no-code hype train and why it’s not stopping

No-code technologies are rapidly changing the way we approach software development, making it possible for people with little to no programming experience to create functional and useful websites and applications in a matter of days or weeks.

But what exactly is no-code, and why has it become such a big deal in recent years?

What the heck is no-code?

Exploring the possibilities of no-code development is a pretty exciting gig. At the heart of these technologies, individuals can build functional and useful websites and applications without any traditional programming skills. Imagine having a specific need that can be solved by a simple app and then being able to develop it on your own in just a matter of days or weeks. How cool is that?

As the line between imagination and execution continues to blur, the possibilities of what can be achieved with no-code development have rapidly expanded and are now almost endless. While pre-built components, akin to Lego building blocks, were once central to no-code tools, the industry has expanded to include powerful, industry-standard no-code development software like Webflow and Bubble. It is important to distinguish these tools from the variety of quick yet often limiting template-based commercial web builders such as Wix or Squarespace.

This is an exciting time for those who want to learn and grow in the field of no-code development. We are proud to be a part of this movement towards more accessible and inclusive technology.

Why is it so cool?

So far, you know that no-code’s shaking up the web and app development scene.

Let's leave coding to skilled dev teams who love to spend hours debugging, researching the freshest frameworks, and messing with thousands of lines of code. Working with a single no-code developer allows businesses to move ahead quickly, testing ideas at warp speed and tweaking them to deliver what customers really want.

While working on apps, we are constantly iterating and delivering MVPs and prototypes on a daily basis. The process has become shorter, more dynamic, and flexible, just like the market. In my personal opinion, this is the biggest game-changer - fewer required resources and a quicker time-to-market compared to the traditional development workflow. There's no need for VS Code, complex environments, backend logic, or localhost servers. No time is wasted - it's all about efficiency.

It's easy to be drawn to UI design, particularly when you have strong visual skills but lack the know-how to bring your projects to life. It's great to fill up your portfolio with static frames. But it's even more impressive to host your projects online and showcase fully functional products. Perhaps your photographer friend needs a portfolio website, or you want to refresh your mom's e-commerce business visually? These opportunities are not to be missed. Don't waste your time searching for a WordPress developer online. With no-code tools, you can do it on your own, and even better and faster. Being a one-man army is a great feeling.

Where’s the catch?

However, even with no-code, we sometimes encounter limitations and barriers that can be frustrating. They force us to be creative and find workarounds to achieve the desired result so despite the challenges, we usually succeed in building even more complex solutions.

The integration and extensibility of closed ecosystems like Webflow are also worth noting. When using it, you usually become fully dependent on its software, pricing, and rules. If you need to cooperate with a proper development team, it can be tricky to find common ground and combine their tech stack with no-code tools. Sometimes the no-code reality is too weird and too chaotic.

Last but not least, at a particular higher level, no-code does not mean having absolutely zero programming skills. While it might be sufficient at a beginner level, industry work still requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and fundamental JavaScript concepts. You need to have a deep understanding of how the Internet works and how a good website should be structured. Although the learning curve is much more reasonable than becoming a proper junior front-end developer,  keep in mind that it could still be a little bit challenging for some. Good news? There is a vast community of creators and educators booming online. Sit back, watch some YouTube tutorials, and you can be a proficient no-code developer. Tons of free knowledge is just out there.

What’s the future of no-code?

If you ask about my gut feeling, I don't believe the no-code movement will fade away. It's just too beneficial for the market. However, several aspects can be explored to provide a more detailed analysis of the current state of the no-code landscape.

One crucial factor is the rise of new platforms, likely driven by an increasing demand for no-code solutions and specialized tools to meet specific needs. Every year, we see a trend of emerging, useful tools that enhance the industry. It's not only about building software, as there are also third-party tools, scripts, extensions, plugins, Figma integrations, and design systems available. However, market consolidation can also be observed, with some platforms acquiring other solutions to create a more comprehensive and cohesive offering. For example, Wized was purchased by Finsweet recently.

If you believed that the escalating AI trend bypassed the no-code industry, you're greatly mistaken. Recently, every tool has been striving to incorporate AI technology to transform our daily work. Yes, Chat GPT has succeeded and strongly influenced how I work. I use it to draft JS scripts, debug them, and work on more complex components. Shortly after, tools like Framer AI, Relume AI, Dora AI, Wix AI, code copilots, AI alt-text generators, and copy creators appeared on the market. The range of AI-based tools has expanded significantly. Not every idea may be effective, but I believe our work will eventually be transformed entirely. I may not be the biggest fan of AI, and I've never been keen on sci-fi movies. However, watching AI generate a ready-to-use block of code sometimes feels like being part of the Star Trek universe.

Why is no-code essential for aspiring techies?

So, to wrap it up and make it easy to digest, the future is very promising, fellow (wanna-be) no-coders. Tons of benefits make it a super sexy topic on the market. I mean — lower costs for both businesses and people trying to get into the industry as devs, faster MVP launches, fewer tools to learn and fewer people to cope with. It’s constantly growing and allowing people to create quicker, better, and more advanced products. I’m super hyped doing it right now, and you should be as well, whether you’re a newbie, a Webflow Certified Expert, have taken some baby steps, or just watching the trend.