Will no code replace developers ?

Have you ever pondered what the future holds for app/software development, especially for business owners with zero technical knowledge? 

No code has helped thousands of business startups set up an internal application without the need for a code. They've found out that many non-IT managers can do various developments using no code tools without burdening IT engineers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has quickened digital transformation, and people demand tons of software that the current resources prepared cannot address. 

The road sure will be rough. However, eventually, we will reach a balance where all three programs will co-exist in a hybrid model.

So the million-dollar question is: Is this the doom of traditional software coding development? Or Will no code replace developers?

Who is a Coder?

The "creative minds behind software applications" are believed to be developers.

Some IT developers concentrate on particular programs and applications. They can likewise specialize in creating networks, channels and underlying systems that work as a power to other programs.

Therefore, IT developers come into two separate categories: applications software developers and systems software developers.

An application software developer designs computer applications that may involve word processors and mobile gaming applications. For several instances, they create customized software to satisfy the demands of a specific client. For some clients, they work on products provided to meet the demands of the general public.

A systems software developer, contrarily, improves software used on a system. They also conduct studies, design software, and install and operate new software features.

Coders work strictly alongside web and software developers to write and generate code for brand-new mobile apps and computer programs. In some instances, programmers may relate to web designers, designing a new software program's visual, experience, and functionality. 

Coming up with codes often entails a bunch of trials and errors. Fortunately, coders have solid critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to decipher complicated problems.

Coders also devise and install updates for subsisting software programs. An update may involve a bug fix or functionality enhancements for better user experience. These updates may take up to a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the update.

Daily, computer coders may support troubleshooting sections of a website and computer program that are not functioning well. Usually, troubles occur from an error within the code, and a coder finds and fixes the mistake immediately.

Developers and coders have a well-established skill to inspect complex programming languages as compared to non-IT people. 

After discussing who is a coder, let’s understand what exactly is no code development.

No Code Development & What it Does?

No code is a new way of software development that requires no programming abilities to create an application instantly. Even if someone doesn’t know any programming language to design software applications or websites, he/she can create apps using no code. From the business point-of-view also, no code allows startups to focus on understanding an application's business needs, not technical ones.

On the contrary, some IT people say that no code, for some idea, is a misnomer. Because actually, there is lots of coding involved, but it happens behind the scenes, almost invisible to its users. 

All software, including programming languages, runs at different complexity levels. Even the most basic.docx file format has a series of commands that tell your computer to print the contents.

All work is done automatically at the backend. Thus all coding complexity gets disguised and users only have to create web apps by dragging and dropping different elements.

Like the low code development, no code uses a visual integrated development environment. A software suite that combines the essential tools needed to write and test software. 

They often use a model-driven development approach, which utilizes a software model to plan out how the software system should run before the coding starts. 

No code separates programming languages and syntax from logic, favoring a visual approach to software development for quick delivery.

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

Will No Code Steal the Jobs from Coders?

COVID-19 pandemic has meddled with businesses and their progression, thus challenging businesses' core operations. Firms seeking to generate applications to improve their processes and customer service rely on no code platforms due to their incapacity to hire skilled IT people such as coders, programmers, and software developers to create applications, especially startups and small businesses.

This pandemic has begun a chain of cause-and-effect on the workforce where millions of workers are now working remotely to follow safety protocols. 

Concepts and tools used by IT developers can't meet demand. Fortunately, no code tools and platforms came to the rescue, but this is not a game of one replacing the other. 

With few coders and programmers to work with, many companies, including larger enterprises, have struggled to complete projects on their deadlines. 

Again, the problem urged businesses to embrace these convenient plug-and-play platforms that help coders and other employees speed up their workloads.

Additionally, companies use artificial intelligence or AI to create software to stay relevant in this competitive landscape, which again brings in the urgency of democratizing application development, where non-technical folks can pool in to build applications. 

Democratizing application development enables the core technical group to work on more critical projects to improve companies' bottom line. 

With the emergence of no code came the term 'citizen developer,' where anyone can design a software application for business purposes by only using no code platforms.

Many firms, especially healthcare providers, began generating apps that offered their services during this crisis. No code platforms with their abilities can be a beneficial tool for situations where developers need to enhance their apps continuously.

No Code is an Asset in App Development

One of the most compelling reasons why businesses pick no code platforms for app development is to compensate for the absence of in-house IT talents and internal resources and costs linked with both. 

Companies without internal IT developers have the tendency to outsource, which is too expensive to manage.

Companies can use no code platforms to allow enterprise users and citizen developers to quickly construct business apps depending on their needs without additional resources. Any user and citizen developer with adequate knowledge of IT skills can design applications.

Business demands are regularly fluctuating, making it challenging for developers to make those changes quickly through hand-coding. Fortunately, with no code platforms, creating changes within applications, or even improving their functionalities, is significantly simpler than traditional development. 

Therefore, no code helps firms reduce loads of software and allow speedy time-to-market by a smooth-running development process. Users can immediately create changes, design a better experience, and monitor effectiveness while being automated.

The most significant benefit of no code is building business applications within a few hours. This benefit dramatically reduces the development time as opposed to traditional coding. 

In traditional coding, coders manually write or hand-code every single code. With no code platforms, citizen developers use an automatic drag-and-drop innovation for designing and customizing business applications.

Reduced time consumed for developing codes is a cost-efficient replacement for outsourcing. It also allows firms to lessen the load on their IT talents and keep pace with the demands for digital change.

Companies' business users and citizen developers can quickly build and customize applications using a no code platform. Consequently, internal IT developers can solve other essential business obstacles than struggling with application development challenges. 

Furthermore, no code platforms support skill gaps and lower the company's risk of severe failure, resulting in higher investment returns

Must Read : How Web Designers are Turning Into Developers Using No Code

Will No Code Replace Developers?

Somehow Yes:

No code allows non-tech-savvy people to create apps in just a matter of hours and generates low cost.

For some, no code can also play a fundamental role in aiding business people to get started. Especially those with transcendental ideas for application-based companies.

Business startups usually find themselves in a dilemma when they first begin. These startup businesses need to demonstrate that there is a market for the product they will be offering. With this, they will need a prototype before they knock on investors' doors. 

However, coming up with a product entails money, especially if the owner doesn’t have the skills to do it themselves.

No code development aids the business owner in addressing this drawback. With the help of no code, startups can build a prototype of their product without hiring IT developers. It does not cost a lot of money nor use complicated coding language.

No code empowers startups to design a minimum viable product (MVP) at an affordable rate within a shorter period. Startups will also have more versatility to improve and modify the product in response to their feedback. Also, avoid making costly investments in building an app that may not be what users are looking for.

Somehow No:

No coding is undoubtedly the future of coding, but realistically, it won't replace manual coding. No code platforms are just tools created by coders as well. High demand for apps and software would always require coders. No code is like a helping hand to coders.

No code can facilitate the conception of new apps. Thus, allowing people to get started on their app-based businesses faster and more cost-effectively. However, there are limitations to what it can do.

Many no coding systems can offer high-calibre customization and full support to scale your app as business grows. However, this support can be extended to an extent.

Moreover, no doubt no code is an excellent option for building an MVP. But it shouldn't be the basis for founders establishing their businesses. The majority of software apps built with no code innovation, particularly web-based apps, are controlled largely 'backstage’. And IT specialists refer to it as the backend module which is not visible during the process. So make sure your no code platform gives you the option of viewing code and the option of code export as well. One such platform is DrapCode.

If no code platforms eventually go down some day, they will also take down the businesses built using them. Unless, they provide the feature of code export so that they can independently manage their apps.

Also, yes, no code is simple to use, but they don't usually leave extra space for unique customization. So, how will businesses, especially startups, distinguish their apps from the ones made by non-developers using pre-built templates? This could be a challenge as we advance.

Finally, is the cost. No code platforms might be cost-effective in comparison to a team of developers. However, startups may encounter an obstacle in obtaining these platforms and building apps of their own.

Conclusion

No code is indeed the future of software development. As the world of technology continues to transcend, more apps will be created by citizen developers using no code platforms. Eventually, no code will provide the necessary governance for the expansion across the business functions.

Businesses should seek a platform that resolves their critical business dilemmas. It should blend with external peddlers and data sources, and can balance to meet distinct challenges shortly. 

Imagine programming as a giant pie. Indeed, some of the slices that belong to developers now belong to other people. Only, the pie is getting larger and larger as the world of software expands.

No code helps address that enormous pie. The platforms may serve as an advanced tool for users learning about coding. Also, give programmers some equal problem-solving tools every day.

No code platforms will never substitute traditional coding development completely. There will be a constant need for skilled and experienced IT developers to extend more complicated applications than through no code.

But, for some businesses that require quick solutions. Those who want to create an app for video streaming, blogs, etc. no code platforms could be of great help.

Sequentially, the approach of more straightforward tools doesn't hinder using traditional code solely. We understand that it only gives more business people a good starting point, somewhere they can test the waters.

No code also means less burden for even skilled developers. Therefore, skilled IT developers can use it to make work easier and create authentic products; and all without needing to attend boot camp.

So will no code replace developers? Well, the answer actually depends on you and the kind of app/website you want to create.

Also Read : Top 10 No Code Communities to Follow in 2022