As digitalization has increased, a slew of novel inventions has emerged to streamline the workplace. Getting new and improved products out to clients has been tough, especially in the IT business, which has been under intense pressure due to extremely rapid market growth.
As a result, no-code platforms have emerged to help developers save time and effort and speed up their processes so they can remain competitive.
According to a survey by Gartner, the global market for no-code surged by 23% as a direct result of the pandemic; this is a considerable gain in just a single year. As shown in yet another investigation by Fact. By the end of 2022, it is predicted that half of all SMEs will use no-code or low-code solutions.
One group of IT experts sees no-code as a threat to developers, despite its widespread acceptance as a revolutionary stride into the future of IT. The amount of time spent on app development can be cut in half with no code, but it would be a stretch to argue it could do away with the need for human programmers altogether.
Let’s break down what no-code is, why it’s considered dangerous (and why that’s a myth), and why it can’t yet replace programmers.
What is No-Code?
Platforms built with a simple architecture of visual elements that may be picked to construct new apps and software are known as no-code or no-code software. Essentially, this is what a no-code platform is all about: a user interface that facilitates the creation of new applications without the need for any coding.
Anyone, regardless of their level of familiarity with programming languages, can use a no-code platform to rapidly develop and deploy their own unique software or application. The ability to build new tools without knowing how to code may be what has truly changed the IT industry. Think of the irony!
Why is No-Code Perceived as a Threat to Developers?
The common assumption that no-code is a “job-snatcher” among some development circles is founded on reality. While not correct, there are reasonable explanations for how this misconception could have arisen. To name a few:
The Job Threat:
With no-code platforms, even an “amateur” programmer may create apps and software at the same level as a “professional.” When organisations can get by by hiring an average coder for less, the expert is left with nowhere to turn.
Anyone Can Be a “Developer”
With no code, features can build fully-fledged applications with only visual components and rudimentary familiarity with such an interface. Since anyone can make an app these days, some have speculated that skilled programmers would become obsolete.
While the stated justifications appear compelling at first look, a closer examination reveals that the wider picture suggests otherwise. In reality, no code is currently not mature or effective enough to completely replace human programmers. Not in any foreseeable future. I’ll show you why.
Can No-Code Replace Developers?
To put it simply, no. The current state of no-code technology holds much promise for assisting individuals and businesses in the development of new apps, but modern app developers are both more skilled and more nimble than their predecessors.
According to a myth-busting study conducted by Nuxeo, 41% of respondents who work on apps for businesses prefer low-code app development for more than half of their apps.
As an example of how no-code is still in its infancy and not ready to replace developers, consider the following:
Creative Freedom
The fundamental idea behind no-code platforms is that anyone, regardless of their level of coding expertise, should be able to use their imagination and skills to create unique applications and software.
But the author is restricted to the features available within the platform itself. When a client needs custom features that a no-code platform can’t provide, a developer or code engineer can write the necessary code.
While no-code platforms make it possible for anyone to build an app, only a trained developer can make any necessary adjustments. Therefore, no-code systems cannot substitute for programmers.
Complexities
A second advantage that professional developers have over no-code systems is in dealing with complexity. Simple, well-defined applications can be made with no-code software.
First, we’ll use the development of an online storefront as an illustration. It is possible for a beginner or novice to set up an eCommerce store in a matter of days using no-code applications because eCommerce apps are generally straightforward and require the same functionalities (like payment gateway integration, wishlist creation functionality, shopper accounts, and newsletters).
You may find that no-code solutions fall short on projects that need consistent branding and personalized user experiences. Professional developer intervention is required when making brand-specific workflows, user interfaces, and user experiences.
Scope
A skilled developer’s touch is needed to make the necessary adjustments to the code when making something more complex or with unique customizations. Apps built with a no-code framework may also have difficulty connecting with preexisting systems (which professional developers can easily take care of).
Considering they are primarily useful for creating simple apps, the scope of no-code platforms is remarkably broad.
No-code platforms are helping businesses save a tonne of money on man-hours normally spent on things like a landing page and eCommerce website development, email marketing automation, and sign-up form creation.
Realizing the True Potential of No-Code
There is no denying that no-code is a game-changing innovation that was built for one reason: to help companies cut costs. Most consumers don’t realize that talented developers can unlock the full potential of no-code solutions, resulting in extraordinary products made in shockingly short amounts of time. Platforms that require no coding are a great starting point for developers with experience. In other words, the developer won’t have to spend time developing the framework for the programme from scratch. Developers can use this downtime for activities like brainstorming and critical analysis, which will ultimately result in a superior final product. By removing the tedium of routine coding, no-code platforms free up the imaginations of more traditional creators.
Wrapping Up
In reality, no-code platforms are more like helpful assistants that free up engineers to focus on higher-level, more cognitively demanding jobs. However, for those who aren’t familiar with coding, no-code platforms offer excellent options for rapidly developing a useful app to facilitate or streamline processes, In any case, such platforms contribute to a new standard of efficiency in the IT sector. However, these may and should be reframed from risks to developers to useful resources.
