There are several no-code alternatives, such as MS Power Apps, Bubble, or Airtable, to name only a few. And there is no doubt that no-code development offers a wide range of benefits for a business. The advantages are apparent – rich functionality, the ability to turn projects around in a fraction of the time it would take if built using traditional options, and a bridge to the communication gap using a platform that promotes transparency and cross-team collaboration. All team members can be a part of the app development process, regardless of experience, which can save time and money. And since they offer flexibility, you can start building immediately.
However, there are disadvantages to consider when developing with these platforms. And these drawbacks are like out-of-the-box products – which are their limitations. When using these platforms, you must first determine whether your application will even fit within the constraints of the tool you have selected. This decision requires starting with planning to see if the requirements of your application even fits the platform or forces your requirements to work around the platform.
There is also the risk that you will outgrow your tools and get stuck. You can’t move up to add customizations. No-code development platforms usually provide templates and components that can be personalized to meet your business processes. However, as soon as you encounter that inevitable moment when you need to add to your application, you suddenly don’t have the building blocks to implement the growth requirements.
Security issues also arise from a lack of control. No-code platforms do not necessarily force the idea to think about security first or observe security best practices. If you deal with sensitive data, these platforms only offer limited control.
Additionally, applications developed with these platforms integrate poorly or not-at-all with other systems. And forget saving any data that is collected by other applications. But also, notably, no-code may not support the development of mobile apps or tablets.
However, it’s not all bad news; low-code development platforms are a great idea in some situations. One example is if you need to create a functioning proof of concept. They would also work well for creating an internal-based application that a limited number of individuals use. And while integrations and growth are limited, they are good when considering an application for a singular purpose.
There are many options to consider when developing a software application; all come with unique, positive possibilities and downsides. The same is true for no-code app development platforms. While these newer platforms may seem like a good option for companies that want to develop their applications, some drawbacks need serious consideration before starting.
We can help you discover what is right for your business. Contact Becky Faith at 502.465.5104 for more details on how we can help. And look for our second upcoming article in this series that discusses Low-Code options, which are better if you want more control over application workflows.
