15 Factors to Analyse a No-Code Platform in 2024
27 Aug 2021
There has been a huge demand for custom applications within a few years and the upsurge will continue to rise. The reason behind this is the digital era is capturing modern businesses and creating a completely new landscape for the brands.
Moreover, the traditional method of software development has become obsolete and it is definitely an expensive method. As a result, companies are trying to opt for free app-making websites without coding.
It helps in designing enterprise-grade applications so that they can deliver the desired work of the clients on time. No-code platforms have brought a massive revolution in terms of building software applications as well as delivering them. Besides, it has also mended the gap between various IT works as well as businesses.
As a result, collaborative development became more prominent and rapid. Today, most companies have become quite responsive. Therefore, instead of choosing expensive in-house developers or third-party vendors, most of them are welcoming no-code platforms.
It is considered one of the fastest methods to move forward. However, it is necessary to keep certain things in mind regarding no code web development. Listed below some of the features that you need to check before choosing a no code platform.
What are your requirements from the business point of view?
Before looking into important factors in a no code platform, figure out your business requirements.
Timeline
First, figure out how much time do you have to build, design and launch your finished product or web application. Then, accordingly decide which type of platform, "no code" or "low code" would be more suitable for your project.
Usually no code platforms are more suitable for projects with shorter timeline or a closer project completion deadline. If you have more time and some technical support, then low code platforms can be a good option.
Budget
Secondly, estimate your budget and select a suitable low code/no code platform accordingly. Today in the market, there are so many platforms that provide low code/no code web development with different price ranges.
So, once your budget is decided, analyze different platforms according to your requirements and then select a platforms well suited for your budget. Also, pay keen attention on checking whether you don't have to pay any extra amount later on to use a feature.
Customization
Thirdly, go through your customization-related technical requirements. It will help you figure which kind of no code/low platform you require. At times ready-made components and templates on no-code platforms are not editable and thus, can't be customized.
Moreover, if you want to make changes by adding a custom code then definitely choose a low code platform and avoid no-code platforms as they don't provide the feature of custom coding.
However, there are some platforms which are both no code and low code like DrapCode, which provide you all the features of no code as well as the feature of custom coding.
Freedom
Fourthly, ask your self, in case you don't like the platform, do you want to enjoy the freedom of leaving it along with work done so far. If yes, then look for a low code or no code platform that has a feature of code export.
It allows you to export or download the front-end, back-end as well as database of your web application in the form code. After exporting the code, you can edit it and then deploy your app anywhere you want.
Also Read : 15 Best No Code Tools & Platforms of 2022
15 Important factors to consider to choose a no code development platform
There are hundreds of compelling reasons behind choosing the no-code option instead of the traditional software development process. Listed below are some of the reasons behind using the no-code methods that you can consider.
1) Give up on stalling to get started
In case you are looking to begin with all the side-hustle, enhance your tech skills or improve your process inside the existing business, then someone else is also trying to do the same. You can piggyback off their approach when it comes to your project. All you have to do is cut short the learning curve.
With codeless development, you can validate your ideas using limited time as well as resources. In case you are stuck and don’t know where to start, then you will have to think about propelling the progress simply by looking forward to those people who are building such things.
2) Proper usage of internal resources
It is important to understand that developing different applications, especially through external resources as well as development agencies is no doubt challenging. Moreover, it is also restrictive as well as limiting. While developing any applications through external agencies, you won’t have the access to any back-end applications that have been developed.
Due to this reason, designing the applications internally are important. But, the problem is businesses cannot develop the apps due to their costs. Besides, the necessity for skilled developers always remains high as well.
As a result, it is a good idea to invest in no-code development software. Anyone can learn using no code website builder as it is quite user-friendly. Not only it helps in the complete utilization of the existing resources but also helps in making the application's development easy.
3) Easy to customize and change
Compared to the older coding as well as development procedures, the no-code framework development provides users immense space for customization. Therefore, you can change things according to your needs and requirements. Furthermore, using no-code applications, you can instantly change anything without the fear of getting threats or bugs.
For businesses, this is quite useful; especially the ones that are mostly in flux and even reduce the backlogs. With this advantage, it becomes easy to translate to various app development so that they can make the necessary changes.
4) Minimum ownership cost
Cost is one of the most important reasons behind choosing the no-code or low code development platforms. App data is stored in the cloud to keep it secure; therefore, you won’t have to worry about spending a huge amount of money on the servers, building, or maintenance.
All you have to do is pay for the software application. It will affect the ownership cost and will eventually help in saving money.
5) Improved ROI as well as low risk
Finally, let’s not ignore the fact that the no-code development tool is quite cheap and will provide better returns on investments. Using a no-code app, you will be able to save overhead costs that are necessary for designing any traditional app.
Moreover, with better ROI, you are investing in no-code development that too at a lower risk. Even if your application fails, you will still be able to save a lump sum amount of money.
6) Hassle-free usage
One of the most important things that you must keep in mind is that the no code platforms are no doubt a hassle-free solution for all your web development problems. In case your organization struggles with using the platform efficiently, then it is best to opt for the no-code platform.
You will come across hundreds of hassle-free spreadsheet-inspired no-code platforms. Millions of people are there who use spreadsheets for managing data and it is definitely a good start to handle things efficiently.
Opting for the no-code platform, you will get the drag and drop facility that will help you to rebuild your application from scratch. Besides, with no coder app builder drag and drop interface will help you since you won’t have to worry about coding.
7) Check for the expense of using a no code app platform
You cannot disagree that designing and building an entire software is no doubt expensive as it brings a huge amount of costs. Moreover, to install any software or even develop it, you have to opt for hiring programmers as well as coders who have experience in this field. This is equally expensive compared to all the other resources.
Due to this reason, it is always a good idea to opt for the low code no code options since you will be able to avoid the huge expenses. No-code platforms are definitely one of the cost-effective solutions. It will help in lowering the pressure on the IT teams and will help in including all the digital innovations.
With various no-code options available these days, you won’t have to worry about the expenses since most of these run on low-cost monthly subscriptions. Therefore, you will be able to take your business on long-term contracts. Due to the affordable low code no-code platforms, businesses become strong enough to get positive ROI.
Must Read : No Code Tools: 10 Reasons to Build your Next Product Using No Code
8) Look for already pre-built templates
Ready-made templates are yet another one of the best things that you can choose to enhance your productivity. Suppose, you need a no-code platform to process automation, you will get hundreds of pre-built templates. These are quite essential since it becomes the beginning point of teams, especially if you are looking forward to designing applications.
With these templates, you can easily begin with designing apps and even run them without any hassle. Besides, with the ready-made templates, you can accelerate development and it is secure as well as reliable too.
All you have to do is install the templates and even get the freedom to customize them accordingly. No matter in which department you are, whether it is warehousing, HR, project management, you will always get data management designed templates. Due to this reason, no code app builder free is definitely a good option.
9) Look for report generation capabilities
It is vital to understand that the two businesses can never be alike. Besides, companies come with different needs that are vital to fulfilling. To make the best decisions, you have to create custom reports and it is a must-have feature.
You will come across hundreds of report generation capabilities that include grouping items, charts as well as pivot tables. You can easily save the reports and share them with various other users. With insightful reports, it will help your business to get better insights.
You can even view how your team is working and at the same time, you can work with the website builder app. Therefore, you can understand that report generation capabilities are always a good idea.
10) Third-party integrations are vital
Third-party integration is no doubt a no-code development platform and is definitely a deal-breaker. Integration results in adding a lot of value to your product, no matter whether it is a public-facing product or is an internal business tool. Hence, it is a good idea to opt for the no-code app platforms.
These are efficient enough as it supports third-party integrations since it adapts easily to the frequently changing landscape of different software solutions. Hundreds of support solutions are there that offer third-party integrations for the users to connect using a custom application to various automation tools. Thus, you can understand that the no-code framework is always a good idea.
11) Cloud distribution is important
Always opt for the no-code platforms that are completely cloud-based since you will be able to get everything online. Besides, it is pointless to opt for something that is not cloud-based these days. With cloud distribution, you will be able to get dual benefits.
Not only will you get added security, which is definitely of grave importance, especially for your business but also cloud distribution speeds up the procedures. Therefore, always look for the best no-code app builder. You will get thousands of innovative platforms that are cloud-based and you won’t have to buy any extra additional infrastructure.
Within a few days using the cloud deployment, you can develop applications within a few days. Moreover, you will be able to access the apps from anywhere. All you need is an active internet connection as well as a smartphone or laptop to use it. No code development these days comes with cloud deployment.
12) Never miss out on free trials
Although it wasn’t a necessity; however, it makes the entire process of choosing the no code web easy. Besides, it makes the process of choosing any platform easy. Using the free trial in place, you won’t have to worry about making an outright purchase. You get the advantage of features such as visual tools, UI accessibility, etc.
Besides, you can determine whether the platform delivers the problem-solving business needs. You can get many free trial options, where you will get features such as two applications, phone, chat, or email support, and other options.
13) Documentation is crucial
If you get robust educational materials as well as good support services that make it easy to succeed with no code development. Moreover, your team will be able to find out things without taking any assistance. Even if you face any issues, you can give a call to the expert.
Search for the platforms that provide extensive documentation options that are designed for helping teams to learn things according to their pace. While opting for this, you must also look at whether the vendor from whom you are opting for the documentation has an active forum. As a result, you will be able to use the low code solutions properly without any hassle.
14) Scalability in a no-code application platform
Before opting for the no-code platform for your organization as well as the apps, you must check whether it will help your business to grow. Not checking on this might force you to design another app before you know about it.
Hence, if you want a free app builder with no coding, you must search for enterprise solutions that are solely designed for solving different out-of-the-box problems. You must check for the features like the data positioning as well as security filter as it helps with quick scaling of the large data sets.
15) Vendor reputation
The no code development platform comes with the power of transforming your organization effectively without any issues. However, it is important to understand that you cannot just think of opting for the no-code route and think about everything working smoothly. Make sure that the vendor you are choosing for the no code framework has a good reputation.
You have to collaborate with the best vendor in the market. You will come across hundreds of vendors on whom you can research and find out what they are saying regarding every platform.
Hence, these are some of the features that you must look for when it comes to choosing the no-code platform for your business.
Also Read : Why no-code needs to be the next thing on your radar?
Some best no code platforms
1) Glide
Glide is free to use, not until you get a higher volume, but you can save a lot of money. If you are going to create an app and want to expand your business, Glide is the perfect way to make it possible.
Applications are powered by data and the most popular tool to manage data is using a spreadsheet. Glide uses spreadsheets as a medium to help you build applications. Using Glide, you can build apps in a short period. Just like the other platforms, there is no experience in coding needed.
They have different templates that will fit your taste. It features surprisingly advanced capabilities, and the built-in data editor was written very fast with smooth scrolling and new features for controlling access.
2) DrapCode
It is another best no-code platforms in the market. Being a low-code/no-code platform, it allows custom coding as well. As DrapCode has free version, it won't be wrong to call a free no code platform. Without writing any coding, you can now construct, shape, create, and launch your web apps hassle-free without coding. Its integrated no code database in the form of collections quickly allows you to add and move massive volumes of data from different sources and databases without coding.
Also, DrapCode's long list of third-party plugins allows users to integrate external services and expand their web applications’ functionalities without any coding. It has a set of professionally crafted and designed free responsive templates that can be customized to create and launch no code apps in just less than a day.
3) Stacker
Without the need for professionals, quickly design powerful software interfaces for your company's data with the use of Stacker. With customizability that scales with your organization, you'll have unrivalled access control over who may view and update your data.
Collaborate with coworkers, link numerous data sources, and share your apps with coworkers, customers, and partners with Stacker's, wonderful platform for beginners!
With unprecedented speed and ease, get enabling tools into the hands of your partners, teams, and consumers. To populate data into your app, connect with Airtable or Google Sheets. Stacker develops a functioning app for you based on your data.
4) Bubble
This no code tool allows you to build and design web and mobile applications without coding. This platform is hassle-free; it enables you to create an application without knowing anything at all about coding.
Bubble helps you to make anything such as a marketplace, social network, and CRM (Customer relationship management), all without traditional frameworks required.
You can self-host using Bubble on other platforms, or you can host your app with them.
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