No-code development platform

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Flowchart interface for Betty Blocks, a no-code platform Betty Blocks platform.png
Flowchart interface for Betty Blocks, a no-code platform

No-code development platforms (NCDPs) allow creating application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional computer programming based on writing code.

Contents

As with low-code development platforms, it is meant to expedite application development, [1] but unlike low-code, no-code development involves no code writing. This is usually done by offering prebuilt templates for building apps. [2] In the 2010s, both of these types of platforms increased in popularity as companies dealt with a limited supply of competent software developers. [3]

No-code development is closely related to visual programming languages. [4]

Use

No-code tools are often designed with line of business users in mind as opposed to traditional IT.

The potential benefits of using a NCDP include:

No-code platforms

No-code platforms allow users to build applications, automate workflows, and manage data without writing code. These platforms are designed for non-technical users and feature drag-and-drop interfaces, AI-assisted development, and human-centric design principles. They enable users to create functional applications quickly, making them ideal for prototypes, MVPs, business automation, and scalable digital solutions.

Key features of no-code platforms

Examples of no-code platforms

Low-code platforms

While no-code solutions are designed for non-technical users, low-code platforms offer a blend of visual builders and custom coding. [7] They cater to developers who need flexibility for complex integrations, advanced business logic, and enterprise-grade scalability. [8] AI features help automate tasks, speed up development, and support decision-making, making low-code platforms more efficient and adaptable for different business needs.

Key features of low-code platforms

Low-code platforms combine visual development with coding flexibility, allowing users to add custom scripts for greater control. They integrate with legacy systems and APIs, enabling deeper automation and enterprise operations. Built for scalability, these platforms can handle large-scale business processes and complex workflows. With AI-powered features, they enhance automation, improve decision-making, and streamline development, making them more efficient and adaptable to business needs.

Examples of low-code platforms

Low-code vs no-code: pros and cons

No-code tools are simple to learn, require minimal setup, and allow users to launch projects quickly – making them accessible to anyone, regardless of technical expertise. [9] However, not all no-code platforms offer deep functionality or robust integrations. For example, while Zapier connects a wide range of apps, it may struggle with large-scale executions. In contrast, no-code platforms like Shopstory are designed for scalability in specific areas like ecommerce and marketing.

Low-code platforms, on the other hand, combine rapid development with greater flexibility. They can handle more complex workflows and larger systems, making them a strong choice for enterprise projects. However, they require some coding knowledge, can be more challenging to manage, and often come with higher costs for large-scale implementations.

FeatureNo-codeLow-code
Ease of useBeginner-friendly, requires no programmingRequires some coding knowledge
SpeedVery quickFast, but may require coding
FlexibilityLimited to platform constraintsHighly customizable
ScalabilitySuitable for small, medium and large-scale projects, including some enterprise use cases.Better suited for large-scale applications
IntegrationWorks well with popular web apps and APIsCan integrate deeply with enterprise systems

Future of workflow automation

No-code platforms are reshaping software development by democratizing access to automation and application building. As AI-driven automation advances, no-code solutions are expected to handle more sophisticated workflows, reducing reliance on traditional coding. This shift fosters innovation across industries, making software creation more accessible to businesses and individuals alike. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. ↑ Miller, Austin. "Low Code vs No Code Explained". BMC Blogs. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  2. ↑ "Best No-Code Development Platforms". G2.
  3. ↑ Rouse, Margaret. "low-code/no-code development platform (LCNC platform)". techtarget.com. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  4. ↑ "Programming Without Code: The Rise of No-Code Software Development". IEEE. 11 March 2020.
  5. ↑ Harris, Richard. "Low code and no code app development benefits". App Developer Magazine. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  6. ↑ Shrivastava, Anubhuti. "How Zero-Code Platforms Are Becoming A Boon For Enterprises". Trend in Tech. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  7. ↑ Guthardt, Till; Kosiol, Jens; Hohlfeld, Oliver (2024-10-31). "Low-code vs. the developer: An empirical study on the developer experience and efficiency of a no-code platform". Proceedings of the ACM/IEEE 27th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems. MODELS Companion '24. New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery: 856–865. doi:10.1145/3652620.3688332. ISBN   979-8-4007-0622-6.
  8. ↑ Waqas, Muhammad; Ali, Zohaib; Sánchez-Gordón, Mary; Kristiansen, Monica (2024), Mejía, Jezreel; Muñoz, Mirna; Rocha, Alvaro; Hernández Pérez, Yasmin (eds.), "Using LowCode and NoCode Tools in DevOps: A Multivocal Literature Review", New Perspectives in Software Engineering, Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, pp. 71–87, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-50590-4_5#citeas, ISBN   978-3-031-50590-4 , retrieved 2025-01-29
  9. ↑ Yashar, Mansoori; Maria, Kandaurova; Adrian, Bumann. "'Everyone' Can Be an Entrepreneur: The Rise of Low-Code/No-Code Entrepreneurship". SSRN   4815570.
  10. ↑ Björkholm, Mika; Petranen, Aleksi (January 2025). "Technology Report: Automated Code Generation & AI Tools on Low-Code/No-Code". ResearchGate.
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