A comprehensive guide to low-code and no-code

Both of these technologies are already well-known in the design and development industry. While preparing to write this article, we decided that we would like to give you the most comprehensive guide, full of valuable insights and knowledge. We are going to share with you our expertise and give you some advice on how to start your journey with no-code and low-code. However, if you are already familiar with these two – no worries, we will jump into some more advanced terminology as well. The best of both worlds in one article. Buckle up, and let’s get started.

No-code – what is it?

To start nicely, we have to establish what no-code means. And it means exactly what it says. But, to get specific – it is a software development approach that practically doesn’t require any programming skills to quickly build an app, website or module that links to any existing system. So, this technology enables the building of fully operational apps and websites for someone who knows the basics of good design but lacks programming experience. Of course, it doesn’t mean programming skills are no longer needed to build those platforms. That’s because no-code doesn’t offer the same things programmers can offer when creating an app using code. But we will cover that further in the article. Now, let’s get the basics.

No-code platforms – short introduction

Now that we have defined no-code, the next step in learning about this solution is to explore the platforms that will help you create exceptional digital experiences without programming knowledge. And what is the best part of it? People who design these tools don’t expect users to have any coding knowledge, so don’t worry. Now, let’s dive into the actual platforms, shall we?

Webflow

What would this list be if we omitted Webflow from it? It's the most popular and probably the best no-code platform out there. This platform allows you to create whatever website you can think of without a single line of code. Even if you need help with your website design, you can choose from various templates to help you get started. Also, using templates doesn't mean sticking with something someone else already created. Everything on Webflow is fully customisable. What is more, Webflow decided to leave the door open for those with some coding experience and let them peak at the code behind the design.

Bravo

So, we already covered a tool that helps you build a website, but what about an app? That is precisely what Bravo does. It is one of the most popular no-code app builders among the designers. And why is that? Well, mainly because it allows you to convert Figma designs into native apps for iOS and Android. Also, right before the launch of your app, you can test it using Bravo's tools and share the results with your co-workers to establish whether or not your app needs any improvements.

Framer

Framer is the second-biggest tool on the market right now. It is the competition to Webflow and, as they say, "an alternative." Overall, it is an all-in-one, no-code web builder that combines design and development in a single platform, allowing you to start from scratch or even import Figma projects. As Framer states, the most significant difference between their tool and Webflow is that Framer requires zero HTML/CSS skills. At the same time, Webflow relies more on this knowledge and often requires rebuilding designs created with other tools.

Wized

This tool integrates with Webflow for front-end design and supports connections to various data sources like Airtable, Firebase, and Supabase for back-end management. Wized simplifies the development of complex web apps by offering features such as API integrations, user authentication, gated content, and payments with Stripe. It's designed for designers, entrepreneurs, and developers who want to build interactive, data-driven web applications quickly and efficiently, leveraging its visual interface and automation tools.

Webflow vs. Framer – pros and cons

As with everything in this world, every solution, even the greatest, has pros and cons compared to other solutions. Now, we will show you what is good and what can be improved in each tool.

Webflow – pros

• Design Flexibility: Webflow offers highly customisable design capabilities, giving users full control over every element of a website without needing to rely on code.
• Built-in CMS: Webflow has a robust content management system, ideal for creating dynamic content like blogs or product pages. This makes it a strong choice for websites that need frequent updates.
• No-Code Approach: This approach allows non-developers to create responsive websites visually, though some technical knowledge helps maximise its potential.
• Hosting & SEO Tools: Webflow provides fast, reliable hosting and integrated SEO features like meta tags, alt text, and clean code to improve search engine ranking.
• E-commerce Capabilities: Webflow offers built-in e-commerce features, allowing for easy product catalogue management, shopping cart setup, and payment integration.
• Community & Learning Resources: Webflow University offers comprehensive tutorials and resources for beginners and experts alike, making the learning curve easier to manage.

Webflow – cons

• Complexity for Beginners: Despite being no-code, Webflow has a steep learning curve due to its extensive design and customisation options, which can overwhelm non-designers.
• Limited Plugins/Third-Party Integrations: Compared to platforms like WordPress, Webflow lacks a large ecosystem of plugins, making certain functionalities (e.g., specific marketing tools) harder to implement.
• Pricing: Webflow’s pricing is higher than some competitors, especially for e-commerce and advanced site features, which might not suit small projects with limited budgets.
• No Native App Development: Webflow is focused entirely on websites, so if you need a mobile app or progressive web app, you’ll need additional tools or platforms.

Framer - pros

• Speed and Simplicity: Framer is known for its ease of use, allowing for fast prototyping and simple website creation with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, especially for landing pages.
• Design and Animation Capabilities: Framer is a powerful tool for designers focused on interaction and animation-heavy websites. It offers smooth transitions and standout interactions.
• Code Export Flexibility: Framer allows for the export of clean React code, which can be valuable for developers looking to build production-ready websites or applications.
• Collaborative Features: Framer integrates well with design and development teams, offering collaborative features that help in real-time design feedback and iterations.
• Great for Prototyping: With its advanced prototyping features, Framer enables designers to create interactive prototypes that can mimic the final website experience, useful for client approvals or user testing.

Framer – cons

• Less Robust CMS: Framer is not as strong as Webflow when it comes to content management, so websites with heavy dynamic content needs (like blogs or product catalogues) might find Framer limiting.
• Limited E-commerce Features: While Framer allows for basic website building, it lacks the depth of e-commerce functionalities that Webflow provides, making it less suitable for online stores.
• Fewer Built-in SEO Tools: Compared to Webflow, Framer’s SEO optimisation options are less extensive, which can be a downside for websites relying heavily on organic traffic.
• Smaller Community & Ecosystem: Framer’s user base and third-party ecosystem are smaller compared to Webflow’s, meaning fewer resources, templates, and community support are available.

Webflow is ideal for businesses or individuals who need advanced design, content management, and e-commerce features but are willing to invest time in learning the platform.

Framer shines for fast, animation-driven websites or prototypes. It offers simplicity and a design focus but is limited to e-commerce and CMS features.

Integration capabilities of no-code solutions

The no-code solutions allow you to create a website or an app from scratch without using a single line of code, right? However, that is not all that they can offer. Let's take a look at the integration capabilities of no-code and discover how to make our lives even easier:

• Database management: Ragic (a no-code data management tool) provides a wide range of features for working with data and automating tasks and processes. It also integrates with payment services such as Stripe, customer support apps like Zendesk, and integration tools like Zapier. This allows for seamless connections with data sources and enables the use of that data to drive action.
• Data analytics: No-code tools can help you visualise data in many ways. Vev offers a chart element that you can drag and drop onto the canvas to generate lively, animated, and interactive data visualisations. It also has the functionality to import data visualisations created with Flourish.

Low-code – what is it?

To keep things clear, let's first break down what low-code means. While no-code allows users to build apps without coding, low-code is a software development approach combining visual tools with basic programming skills to create powerful applications. It significantly reduces the amount of hand-coding required, making it faster and easier to build complex systems or integrate with existing solutions. The key difference from no-code is that low-code allows more flexibility for developers who need more control over the app's features and functionalities. Although it simplifies the development process, low-code still requires some technical knowledge, which makes it an excellent option for developers looking to accelerate their workflow.

Low-code platforms – short introduction

Now that we've got a clear understanding of low-code, let's explore the platforms that can help you build more sophisticated apps or systems, even if you're not a professional coder. These platforms allow you to leverage the simplicity of drag-and-drop interfaces while leaving room for programming when you need more control.

Mendix

Mendix is one of the most renowned low-code platforms available. It provides a comprehensive environment for building enterprise-grade apps. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to create applications quickly. Still, it also supports custom coding when needed, making it ideal for business users and developers. Mendix offers excellent integration options with databases, APIs, and third-party services to build scalable applications that align with your business needs.

OutSystems

OutSystems is another leading low-code platform that helps developers create web and mobile applications faster than traditional coding. It's especially known for its high scalability and robust integration capabilities. OutSystems allows you to drag and drop UI components and logic elements. Still, you can dive into the code to fine-tune or add more complex functionality if needed. It's designed for rapid development, which makes it a great option for businesses that need to innovate fast.

Appian

Appian focuses on simplifying business process management through low-code development. It allows users to create powerful enterprise apps while integrating seamlessly with existing systems and data sources. Appian's visual development tools reduce app creation's complexity and support more advanced coding when customisation is required. Like Mendix and OutSystems, Appian is designed for developers who want to streamline app development without compromising customisation or scalability.

Integration capabilities of low-code solutions

As with no-code, low-code platforms offer a broad range of integration possibilities but with more flexibility for developers. Let's explore some key integration capabilities that make low-code stand out:

• API Integration: Many low-code platforms, such as OutSystems and Mendix, provide built-in support for REST and SOAP APIs, making it easier to connect your application to external systems, cloud services, and databases. This ensures your app can easily communicate with other tools and services.
• Cloud Deployment: With low-code, you can deploy applications on various cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. This flexibility allows businesses to scale their solutions efficiently and ensure high availability and performance.
• Advanced Data Handling: Low-code tools are equipped with robust data management options. For example, Appian lets you integrate complex workflows with multiple data sources, including cloud databases, legacy systems, and CRM tools, to streamline business processes.

How to start your journey with no-code or low-code

Suppose all of this knowledge got you thinking about starting your own journey with either no-code or low-code technology. In that case, we will make it easier for you and give you a couple of tips on how to start such a career.

First, choose which of these two you want to learn about. If you do not have any programming knowledge and do not want to learn about it – select no-code. However, if you know the basics and how to write simple lines of code, you can go with low-code.

Now that you have chosen, it is time to learn the basics – how to build an app or a website, develop it, and more – all of which you can do using no-code or low-code platform resources. For example, Webflow University will teach you how to use their tools to become a no-code developer. Next, once you get familiar with the tool you chose, it is time to gain some experience. Creating as many websites and apps as possible is the best way. In the beginning, you can even take an existing app or website and try to build it all by yourself.

Finally, as an upcoming no-code or low-code developer, remember that in this industry, things tend to change rapidly – new updates, tools, integrations, etc.- and that staying up-to-date with all of them is crucial.

Summary

The no-code and low-code tools are powerful and continually improving, revolutionising both design and development. If you're already familiar with design but lack the development skills to bring your projects to life, now is your chance. While it may not be simple at first, remember that practice makes perfect. Focus on mastering the basics of these technologies, and stay updated with the latest industry news, updates, and new tools on the market.

Also, if you would like to learn about our approach to low-code, visit our services page where we describe it in detail.