Hey everyone! Today, I want to explore a hot topic in the tech world: the debate over no-code development. Recently, I watched a video by Coding with Dee titled “No Code App Development is a Trap.” The video raised some strong points, and I think it’s worth discussing whether no-code tools are truly useful or if they’re just setting us up for failure.
Why Listen to Me?
Before we get started, let me give you a bit of background about myself. I’ve been in the software development world since the late 1980s, which means I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. I’ve built everything from small applications for family-run businesses to massive systems for Fortune 100 companies and even government agencies. I’ve held roles like Chief Architect and CTO, and I’ve also started a few businesses of my own. This mix of technical and business experience has given me a balanced perspective on the value of no-code development, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you. Continued Below,,,
The History of No-Code Tools
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: no-code tools are not a new concept. They’ve been around in various forms for over 30 years! I remember back in the early 2000s, there was a speaker at a Java conference who predicted that one day we’d be building applications by connecting objects on a diagram, rather than writing lines of code. This prediction has pretty much come true.
One early example of a no-code platform was IEF (Information Engineering Facility), which allowed developers to create applications using diagrams and point-and-click interfaces. The platform generated code in languages like C and COBOL, which made it possible to build large-scale, enterprise-level applications without writing much code manually. However, the generated code wasn’t meant to be maintained by humans—it was pretty messy under the hood.
We also have tools like Business Objects, which has been around for over 25 years. This tool allows non-programmers to create complex SQL queries through a user-friendly interface. Other examples include Query By Example (QBE), IDS (Integrated Data Store), WordPress, and more recent tools like Zapier. These platforms have all contributed to the evolution of no-code, making it easier for people without coding skills to build functional applications.
Breaking Down the Video’s Main Points
Now, let’s talk about the video by Coding with Dee. The video focused on two specific platforms: Flutterflow and Bubble. The main argument was that no-code platforms can be a trap, especially for non-coders who might not understand the limitations of these tools until they’ve invested a lot of time into their project.
One of the video’s key points was that you can’t build truly unique, high-quality apps with no-code platforms because of the limited customization options. There’s also a concern that these platforms use misleading marketing to sell their products. For instance, Bubble claims to be “The world’s only full-stack, no-code platform,” which might lead some people to believe that it can handle any kind of app development without any coding knowledge.
Here’s where I have a slightly different perspective. As someone who has created marketing campaigns for my own businesses, I understand the need to highlight the strengths of a product. I also never take marketing claims at face value, and I believe it’s up to the buyer to do their homework—caveat emptor, as they say. This means that if you’re considering using a no-code platform, it’s your responsibility to evaluate whether it meets your specific needs.
No-Code Done Right: When It Works and When It Doesn’t
So, can no-code platforms deliver? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. No-code tools have been successful because they meet specific business needs. Sometimes, as software developers, we forget that code isn’t written for its own sake—it’s meant to solve a problem or provide value to a business.
Take WordPress, for example. WordPress powers nearly half a billion websites today. The code it generates isn’t particularly pretty or efficient, and it’s not easy to maintain manually. But it gets the job done for millions of small businesses and individuals who might not have a web presence otherwise. The key takeaway here is that WordPress is “good enough” to meet the business need, and that’s what really matters.
I once consulted for a major client who was building a new web-based application. The project had experienced significant scope creep and cost overruns. Another architect on the project wanted to make the application “better,” but his idea would have cost an additional $100,000. The business client rejected this idea because the application, as it was, already met their needs. This is a perfect example of how we need to focus on the actual business requirements rather than striving for perfection in the code.
If a business need can be met more quickly and cost-effectively with a no-code platform, then it should be seriously considered. Yes, there are limitations to what no-code platforms can do, especially when it comes to scalability and performance. But if those limitations aren’t likely to impact the project, then why not take advantage of the efficiency that no-code offers?
The Importance of Understanding Requirements
If you’re considering using a no-code platform, the first step is to thoroughly understand the requirements of the project. If you’re developing a new app, take the time to document what you need it to do. This will help you determine whether a no-code platform is a viable option.
If there are unknowns—such as how many users the app will need to support—try to estimate these as best as you can. If you think the app will need to handle a large number of concurrent users, then a traditional coding approach might be necessary. But if it’s unlikely that you’ll reach that level of usage, a no-code platform might be just what you need.
Designing with No-Code in Mind
Even if you decide to use a no-code platform, don’t skip the design phase. Spend time planning how the app will work and how it will meet the requirements. If you’re building something simple, the design process might be quick, but it’s still important. This upfront planning can save you a lot of time and headaches down the road.
Choose your platform carefully. Don’t rely solely on marketing materials or what other people say on social media. If you’re unfamiliar with a platform, take the time to test it out. Create a prototype and see if the platform can handle the most complex parts of your app. This way, you can avoid running into issues later on.
One common mistake with no-code tools is that people get lazy. The platform is supposed to be easy to use, so why bother with all this planning and testing? But this is a trap in itself. You should treat no-code like any other development approach: start with a proof of concept, and only invest significant time and effort once you’re confident the platform can deliver.
What Does Quality Really Mean?
Now let’s talk about quality. When developers use the word “quality,” they often mean well-written, efficient code. But in the context of software design, quality should be about whether the application meets the requirements. If it does, and the code isn’t perfect, that’s okay. What matters most is the business need.
I once worked on a project for a power company where the system of record was an Excel spreadsheet. Yes, you read that right—a simple Excel spreadsheet. Moving to a more traditional database and application wasn’t feasible due to federal regulations, so I had to find a way to integrate the spreadsheet into the new application. Was it scalable? Not at all. But did it work for them? Absolutely. This is an example of how “quality” isn’t always about the elegance of the code—it’s about meeting the business need.
Wrapping It All Up
So, is no-code really a trap? In my opinion, no. No-code has been around for decades, and it has proven to be a viable option for many businesses. The key is to use it in the right context and for the right reasons. Remember, it’s not just about the code—it’s about the results, the costs, and the overall business impact.
If you’re considering using a no-code platform, take the time to understand the requirements, choose the right tool, and plan your project carefully. No-code can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Thanks for sticking with me through this deep dive into no-code development! If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from it. And if you’re interested in learning more about no-code, stay tuned for more content—I’ve got plenty more to say on the topic!
