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Not a line of code: why no-code services are gaining popularity and how they help business

For a long time, developers were needed to launch any site or work with databases. Today, you can create technology products without programming skills: the so-called no-code services help in this.

The no-code or zero-code movement is one of the most popular trends in the world of technology and business. No-code services provide ready-made development tools and do not require writing code to create a site or mobile application.

More and more successful no-code projects are entering the global market, which receive financing from large investors. Over the past five years, at least two unicorns have appeared in this area: Airtable with an estimate of $1.1 billion and Notion with an estimate of $2 billion.

What is no-code?

No-code projects allow you to create IT products without knowledge of programming languages. These can be sites, database management systems, games, mobile applications.

One of the first no-code projects was the site designer WordPress. Then came Airtable, Webflow and Zapier. Today, these three services are used by many large companies and startups. Airtable helps create databases and replaces Excel and Google Tables. Webflow allows you to run sites based on ready-made templates, and Zapier - integrate various applications to automate workflows.

Why do I need no-code services?

No-code services have several main functions:
  • Automation of workflows. No-code services allow you to automate routine tasks and simplify work on projects. Previously, the integration of Gmail and Dropbox required programming skills. To add data from an external site to an Excel spreadsheet, you had to repeat the "copy" and "paste" actions dozens of times. At least basic HTML knowledge was needed to create a project management system or a simple website. Now all these tasks in a short time can be done by a person without programming skills.
  • Quick launch of new product or MVP. Thanks to no-code projects, entrepreneurs without a technical backstop can quickly create a minimally viable product (MVP) and test  hypotheses. At the same time, they do not need to spend time and money on developers.
  • Simplify tasks for developers. As a rule, no-code services provide users with ready-made templates. However, some projects allow you to refine existing templates or add your own. This is a convenient tool for developers: they can scale and develop the product, but not create it from scratch.
  • Development of tools for internal processes of the company. Using no-code services, you can create tools for a full-fledged company: a CRM system, a survey form, a project management board, and even a mobile application for employees.

Why is no-code so popular?

No-code services automate and facilitate routine work, and also allow people without programming skills to create technological products.

In addition, no-code projects are used by entrepreneurs who follow the Lean Startup philosophy. This is a product creation methodology that involves avoiding rigorous testing, rapid release, and ongoing project testing.

Of course, business still needs developers to launch complex products. But with the help of no-code services, a small team can first create and test a working version of the product, and then evaluate its potential and development prospects.

What is low-code?

When we talk about no-code services, we often hear the fashion concept of low-code associated with it. The difference is obvious: low-code projects still require certain programming skills.

I believe these approaches are for different users:
  • no-code - for people without technical knowledge and experience. Services help you create a new product based on ready-made templates
  • low-code - for developers. Services simplify work, but do not completely replace specialized specialists

What types of no-code services exist?

Depending on the scope of the no-code services can be divided into two large groups: 

Outside - projects that target external consumers. These are site designers, game development services and mobile applications, tools to run chat bots. In this category, I consider the solutions for podcast creation, as well as financial and insurance projects.

Internal - projects that offer solutions for organization of the workflow in the company. For example, project and database management systems and CRM systems.

It is possible that one day these services will help to create a business worth $1 billion without programming at all.
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