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Web development has come a long way since the early days of the Internet. From HTML to CSS, JavaScript, and other languages, developers have had to learn complex code to build websites and web applications. However, with the rise of no-code technology, web development is becoming more accessible to non-technical users.
No-code development platforms, as the name suggests, are builder platforms that facilitate website development or web application development without requiring written code. In other words, programming without coding. They are designed to enable non-technical users, such as business analysts or citizen developers, to create and deploy websites or applications faster and easily without code complications.
The first no-code applications created are all-in-one programs like Excel, Word, and Photoshop, which came out to the public in the 1990s. They made it easy to accomplish specific tasks without the need for code. Later on in the 2000s, more specifically in the spring of 2003, no-code starts becoming mainstream with the launch of WordPress, which was a platform with pre-built themes that allowed one to get a basic site live for a short amount of time. With it started the rise of apps and plugins which extended the functionality of the platform.
One year after that, “no-code development platform” starts to pop up on Google Trends, followed almost immediately by the “low-code development platform” topic/search term.
As can be seen, initially after 2003 there was a rise in no-code platforms, which then got slightly decreased and continued with a slow and gradual rise, until recently during the pandemic when a sudden boom happened and is still strongly keeping up. According to a report from Zapier, 82% of no-code users started using no-code tools during the pandemic.
After 2003, several nowadays famous website builder platforms started launching, such as Squarespace in 2004, Shopify in 2006, Wix in 2006, Bubble in 2012, Webflow in 2013, etc.
No-code web development has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing demand for web development and the shortage of skilled programmers in the field. The spread of the pandemic and everything becoming remote also had an impact on the rise of no-code website builder platforms. Despite that, there are also some other reasons why no-code development is trending:
While there has been a worldwide boom since the advent of the pandemic, studies show that the leaders when it comes to low-code and no-code development platforms are the US and APJ (Asia, Pacific, and Japan) regions, whereas the LATAM (Latin America) and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) have adoption rates close to or lower than the global average.
Skepticism about adopting low/no-code development platforms in the EMEA region was also higher, with EMEA being the only region where “the benefits are not clear” answer was one of the top three reasons for not adopting low-code/no-code.
Being able to develop a website without having to write code comes with many benefits. Further on are a few of them:
No-code web development platforms offer pre-built templates that allow developers to create websites and applications faster than traditional coding. Even if you choose to build your site from scratch, the visual canvas and the drag-and-drop features of no-code platforms offer way faster development time than by writing code. No-code web development platforms are also less expensive than traditional web development. This is because they eliminate the need for hiring a developer, which can be expensive and often include website hosting and maintenance for that same price, as is the case with Webflow. And despite that, even if you choose to hire a no-code developer/designer to design your site instead of you, their prices are way cheaper than hiring a traditional developer.
Cloud-based technologies offer increased flexibility and scalability for businesses. Cloud computing enables users to access data and applications from anywhere, at any time, and on any device, which provides greater flexibility for remote work and reduces costs associated with physical office spaces. Additionally, cloud providers offer pay-as-you-go pricing models, making it cost-effective for businesses to scale their computing resources as needed to accommodate growth and fluctuations in demand.
Overall, the increased flexibility and scalability provided by cloud-based technologies can help businesses be more responsive to changing market conditions, improve productivity and collaboration, and reduce costs associated with traditional IT infrastructure.
No-code web development platforms offer real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to work on the same projects simultaneously. They also offer shared workspaces, integration with communication tools, and increased transparency, allowing team members to work together efficiently and effectively toward the same goal.
Since 2004 and onwards, when no-code platforms started becoming mainstream, a lot of different no-code platforms have emerged on the market. Be it website builder development platforms or web application development platforms, we will present you with some of the most popular examples of no-code tools below:
Webflow is a SaaS platform for website building and hosting that offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it a top choice for web designers who want to create customized websites without coding.
With over 3.5 million users globally and growing, it offers over 1,500 pre-designed templates with advanced features such as 3d animations and modern interactions, with the possibility of full template customization or even creating something unique from scratch, giving the users complete design freedom.
In addition to its design capabilities, Webflow also offers reliable and secure hosting for websites built on its platform. With its cloud-based hosting, Webflow ensures that websites are fast, scalable, and available to visitors at all times. Furthermore, Webflow's hosting includes features such as automatic backups, SSL encryption, and continuous monitoring, which help to keep websites safe and secure.
Bubble is a no-code platform that enables users to develop web applications without the need to code. Through its drag-and-drop interface, Bubble offers pre-built elements and workflows that can be customized to meet the users' needs.
This platform is ideal for creating SaaS platforms, marketplaces, and CRMs quickly and easily. With Bubble, users can build web applications without any coding experience.
Airtable is a no-code platform that empowers users to create custom databases and workflows without needing to know how to code. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and integration with other no-code tools make it a popular choice for individuals and teams who want to manage data and workflows efficiently and collaboratively.
With Airtable, users can focus on the content and functionality of their applications without getting bogged down by technical details. It's versatile enough to be used for anything from cattle tracking to filmmaking, allowing anyone to create and automate apps that perfectly fit their needs.
Wix is a popular no-code website builder platform that simplifies the process of creating professional-looking websites with customizable templates, drag-and-drop design tools, and diverse features and applications.
Users can quickly and easily build their own websites without needing coding or design skills. Whether it's for personal or business use, Wix offers an accessible and affordable solution for creating a website. Here you can check out a more in depth analysis and comparison between Wix and Webflow, its similarities and differences!
Zapier is a no-code automation tool that lets you connect your apps into automated workflows between different web applications without needing to write any code.
It connects over 5,000 web applications, including popular tools such as Gmail, Trello, Slack, and Dropbox. It enables users to create "Zaps" - automated workflows that trigger actions in one app based on events that occur in another app, thus helping you streamline your most important work.
The future of no-code web development is exciting, with enormous potential for increased adoption and innovation. No-code tools are already making it possible for people without extensive programming experience to create complex websites and applications, and we can expect this trend to continue. The rise of the no-code after the pandemic and also the outburst of different AI-integrated technologies will also have a substantial impact on the job market for the years to come!
Let’s dive a into some interesting future trends and thrilling expectations in the no-code industry:
Different studies are showing that the potential for increased adoption of no-code platforms is big. According to projections from Gartner, the usage of low-code or no-code technologies in new applications developed by organizations is expected to rise to 70% by 2025, which marks a significant increase from less than 25% reported in 2020.
Furthermore, according to a Zapier report, a majority of no-code users, around 85%, intend to increase their usage of no-code tools in the coming year. According to the survey, almost 90% of no-code users believe that their company's growth has accelerated as a result of implementing no-code solutions.
The growth can be seen also in the global market forecasts, which according to Statista the low code market is going to reach approximately 32 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 from 22.5 billion U.S. dollars valued in 2022.
To add to this, another GlobeNewswire assessment predicts that the global low-code development platform will generate a revenue of $187.0 billion by 2030, rising from $10.3 billion in 2019, and is expected to advance at a fast pace, 31.1% CAGR, during the forecast period (2020-2030).
The future of no-code looks promising also with advancements in machine learning, AI, and automation. Just recently, Vlad Magdalin the CEO of Webflow came out with a new announcement article about bringing the power of AI to Webflow, where the new capabilities of utilizing AI in assisting designers and developers to develop faster and more efficiently were presented.
Tasks like generating optimized SEO settings and image alt tags, making styling and content changes to many elements at once, creating new unique images on a text prompt, and translating content quickly in other languages, will all be possible in almost a blink of an eye.
Furthermore, it will be able to offer personalized assistance whenever needed, removing the need for the users to go through Webflow University guides, or YouTube videos, keeping them more focused and not distracting their workflow.
The impact on the job market remains to be seen, but with the increasing popularity of no-code platforms, there may be a reduced demand for traditional web developers. On the other hand, the rise of no-code technology is likely to create new opportunities and job titles in the job market for individuals who have skills in using no-code platforms.
No-code technology has also the potential to bring several benefits to businesses and individuals, including increased productivity, lower costs, greater accessibility, improved agility, and greater innovation. However, the impact on the job market is likely to be complex and multifaceted, and it is important to monitor its effects and ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to changes in the job market.
No-code web development is an emerging trend that is gaining popularity due to its accessibility to non-technical users. The flexibility and versatility across different industries and the reduced time and cost compared to traditional coding are major reasons developers and designers are turning to no-code/low-code development platforms. Though the rise of no-code platforms started gradually, since the pandemic tech boom, the climb is expected to keep up exponentially in the future, with an estimated growth rate of double or tipple to 2020 stats.
With these data in mind, the future of web development is likely to shift more towards low-code and no-code solutions. As such, it is essential for developers and designers to stay abreast of the latest developments in no-code/low-code platforms and embrace the opportunities they present.
Here at Wedoflow, we ensure our blog stays up-to-date with fresh articles covering various topics on web design and its related fields. So be sure to check us back frequently for the latest insights, we assure you it will be worthwhile.
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