To code or not to code? That is the question.
Entrepreneurs often wonder which approach will work best, but whether or not you should leverage no-code solutions for your product depends on your goals. When one of our partners asks which solution they should choose, our initial answer always derives from a thorough understanding of their needs and objectives.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this common dilemma, so we’ve compiled some pros and cons on both approaches to help you make an informed decision and advance your minimum viable product, or MVP (an early version of the product that meets the necessary requirements).
Considering no-code solutions
No-code solutions effectively democratize software development. Even for teams with limited technological expertise, these tools offer a simple way to create fully functional web and mobile applications.
And, no-code platforms offer a highly visual development approach. Creators can drag and drop content into templates—creating a website or application without the need for writing code and with immediately visible results. Here are a few examples of popular no-code development platforms, for both website and application development:
- https://bubble.io/: Responsive design for a consistent experience across different screens or devices.
- https://www.goodbarber.com/: A design-first no-code solution that emphasizes user experience and visual consistency.
- Microsoft Power Apps: Quick solution for building mobile and web apps without any technical experience.
- Thunkable: Create mobile apps with no template restrictions and drag-and-drop functionality.
- GlideApps: Automatically creates a first version of your app from your data input—then, you can tweak the design to best fit your vision.
When no-code is appropriate, and when it isn’t
No-code platforms are best if your application will have simple functionality, like a content-based app that consists mainly of text, images, or videos. But for a more full-featured app with advanced capabilities like location tracking, Bluetooth connectivity or push notifications, the above platforms are limited in their potential.
As out-of-the-box solutions, no-code options can be of incredible value for startups—saving valuable time, money, and resources. Their “plug-and-play” capabilities offer a quicker and easier way to expedite time to market, acting as a stepping stone towards a more permanent solution.
These (often) temporary platforms can help creators gauge the size and growth of their user base and download rate. Making the application available to the public allows your company to receive feedback from real-world users—an invaluable benefit, since it can help you refine your offering before investing further resources.
However, these solutions often come with limitations. As your product develops and changes, your chosen platform may not be capable of expanding with it. We often advise clients that, should they choose the no-code route, the software will eventually need to be rebuilt in order to scale for growth.
Privacy and security needs
Creating customized code can initially appear daunting—perhaps especially for startups. It’s a legitimate hesitation since starting entirely from scratch requires a heavier investment of resources up front.
But a custom-built app can pay off in the long run. Tailoring the platform to your specific needs and goals lays the foundation for a solution that will continue to be scalable as your user base and features expand.
Of particular concern for digital health developers, customized solutions can be instrumental towards ensuring health data privacy and adherence to guidelines such as HIPAA, PIPEDA, or GDPR compliance. Storing this data in a secure way is an essential part of creating an effective platform, and comprehensive protection may be difficult to achieve within a no-code solution.
Alternative hybrid model
Developed to accommodate multiple operating systems with a single codebase, hybrid apps are another great option. You might consider building a hybrid app if you’re looking for increased flexibility without the maintenance burden of two code bases. For example, React Native combines native development with a JavaScript library to build user interfaces for both iOS and Android, offering the best of both worlds through a cross-platform network.
How MindSea can help
It’s important to remember that creating your own solution from scratch is the best way to ensure long-term scalability for your solution—but each company has unique needs and considerations.
Building an app on a no-code platform is still a lot of work. You still need engaging UX and great design, well-defined product goals and clear requirements.
Whether you’re looking for development advice or are ready to partner with a team to bring your product to the next stage, MindSea has a team that can help. Our expert developers have extensive experience with code, no-code, and hybrid solutions.
Our unique blueprint process offers our clients the ability to envision their app in order to decide what technology or framework is right for their business.
