Building your Web App using Code vs. No-Code

Jun 30, 2021

What is the first image that comes to mind when you think of a web application developer? It’s a serious-looking nerdy guy, sitting with a hunchback and coding restlessly with unbelievable typing speed.

Well, it is a big misconception that application building is only the work of a software engineer or someone who knows coding and web development.

Let’s mash these myths and broaden our knowledge of the procedures to make new and exciting apps.

With advancement of technology, you don’t need a developer or a coder to build apps and websites. You can do it using the no code technology.

But when it comes to no code vs code which one is better? So, let’s first understand the methodology of how exactly a web application is made by using both the mediums.

Building apps with code

Let’s peep into the basics and understand the age-old method of building apps with code. Don’t worry we’ll try to keep it as interesting as possible!

1. Intellection or idea process

This stage is very important because this is when you plan a prototype and make a blueprint for your idea. Therefore, this stage becomes crucial in terms of the creation of the outcome. You can also go old school and use a pen and paper to plan and create a blueprint.

Also, keep in mind that this is where you’ve to be most creative. So, spend a good amount of time on each and every detail. Do a thorough research, literature review and then proceed forward to the next step or stage.

2. Design your database

This is where the coding begins.

A database is simply a collection of data. It’s like a storehouse of all your data and information. Therefore, you just have to create a place to store all the information of all the clients and customers. However, there are a few points to take into consideration when doing it. And one of the most important is to focus especially on the security of your client. So that any of their data won’t get misused or accessible to any other person. Moreover, ensure the storing capacity as per your or your client’s future needs.

3. Developing the frontend

Frontend is the place visible to the person using an application. Therefore, this is where the work of a developer becomes creative. For example, the screen visible to the user when logged in and logged out are different. Hence coding these details is making the frontend visible to the user.

4. Building the backend

The backend is as predictable from the word as the background code. Also, this is the most complex and challenging part of web building. Here a person will code the databases, servers, and everything the user can’t see within a web application. Therefore, it is the backbone of your system, and hence, needs to be carefully curated.

5. Hosting your website

Hosting involves running your web app on a particular server. Therefore, you buy your domain and make your application reachable to the target audience.

And voila! There is an application created. In this segment we tried to explain the complete process as simply as possible. We put the technical terms and exact deep-rooted profound procedure in the back seat to show light to better and easy understanding of a very complicated arrangement.

Building apps with no code

Now let's check the process involved in building apps with no code or low code platforms!

1.Picking the right No code Platform

Once you have decided what app you want to develop, choose the suitable website catering to your needs. For example apps like job boards and directories; For an efficient e-commerce website, you can go to Shopify. DrapCode, Bubble, Adalo, Glide, AppSheet, Softr etc. for custom Apps. Hence, this is a decision that totally lies as per how you want to customise your application.

2. Choose the template

The biggest pro and somehow also the con is choosing the template of how the website will look like. You get a variety of options for choosing how your website can appear. Also, many websites offer different kinds of templates with plenty of alternatives. So, doing your ‘homework’ and exploring all possibilities is an important task.

3. Create the database

Just like the conventional method, a database is a really crucial part of web designing. But instead of complex codes, you can use basic excel spreadsheets to culminate your data. They are easy to make, edit or delete any particular data. All the backend coding is taken care of by the no code development platform that you are using.

4. Register domain

To make your web application accessible for your clients, one needs to register the domain. And for that, you first have to choose a name for your website. Also, make sure it’s unique and not registered already and then buy the domain. You can select a logo over here as well for your convenience.

5. Launch

A few websites provide you with a user base by launching your product across various startup directories, PR agencies and more. For example, Product Hunt is the site that tends to drive thousands of visitors in a day to its sites and is a key part of most launch strategies. You can attract many customers by launching your website the right way with the correct tools.

This is the total procedure of building a web application using no code. It is as easy and convenient as it sounds.

Now move further to understand what you gain by designing your web apps using no code.

Also Read : How is a Traditional Development Different from a No Code Development?

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

After reading the previous sections you must already be a fan of no coding so let us give you a list to be happier about it.

It is budget-friendly by reducing the number of people needed for web development.
As the process is so simple, it is less time-consuming.
Empowering non-technical founders by making them more capable.
Making IT accessible to all regardless of technological skills.
Easy iteration of your product very fast.

Disadvantages

We all know that coding has been developed, tested and been the reason for web applications coming into being! Competing against the winner is not easy and one is bound to have some loopholes. These might be a few things that can go wrong by dedicating all your confidence in no code.

It doesn’t solve all problems that code could.
A person is dependent on the platform providing no code development.
Only limited functionalities are available.
Not every website providing free service can be trusted with your sensitive data.

Not that we have been warned, let’s focus on the positives next.

It is already very evident that no code is rocking with the general public. And it’s because no code is simple to understand, learn and apply. Although it’s fairly new to the market, it has managed to make a strong foundation.

Therefore, in the near future with technological advancement, we might be able to create almost anything with no code.

Also Read : 15 Reasons to Switch to No Code Development in 2021

Conclusion

There’s no need to get into the nuts and bolts of developing a web application when it can be made easy with no code. Therefore, when it comes to no code vs code, obviously no code is better!

Take the example of driving a car. The main function is to travel from a location to an allocated destination. You can move around from place to place without the knowledge of the engine, chassis or any other automotive parts. If you don’t know how to drive, you are immediately dependent on someone. But someday in the future, you might have automatic cars to drive themselves.

That’s the same thing with no code. It is not here to replace developers but eliminate fear in the minds of non-coder.

When you’re creative, persistent and have a game-changing idea; no obstacle can be too much to handle.