No Code Trend

What is the “No Code Movement”?

Previously, in order to build an app, website, or system, founders needed a full team of software engineers, programmers, and web developers.

But with “no code” options, those teams are no longer necessary.

“No code” templates make building a product easier and faster than having someone build it from scratch.

It’s a cheaper alternative that doesn’t require a suite of tech experts to get the job done. The templates also make it easy to change, update, or add web or application features on demand.

However, the greatest advantage to “no code” is that it opens up markets that were previously too small to justify the hundreds of millions of dollars needed to create new technology.

For example, an Uber Eats for Indian food (in the United States) may not be a $100 billion, or even a $10 billion market. But “no code” solutions keep development costs close to zero… meaning the market opportunity may still be worth it.

There are plenty of examples of popular “no code” tools out there built by some of the world’s biggest companies.

• Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) have created the Lightning App Builder and AppMaker, respectively.
• Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has two “no code” programs: PowerApps and Flow.
• And in June 2020, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) released HoneyCode.

These programs allow anyone to design and create applications and systems simply by assembling modules and following templates.

But the “no code” reach has expanded beyond just the established tech behemoths. Now, there are more template options out there than ever before.

Some of my favorites include AirTable, WebFlow, and Bubble. There are also resources out there like Zeroqode, NoCode, and MakerPad, which provide templates to build apps for people with zero coding knowledge.

These platforms can all produce high quality websites and applications in just a few clicks. A famous example is “notrealtwitter.com,” a Twitter clone that was created in four days with “no code” platform AirDev.

What are the drawbacks of “no code” templates?

While there are plenty of advantages to using “no code” templates, there are obvious drawbacks as well.

Companies using “no code” options must rely on a third party for application design. This brings with it inherent risks related to data concerns, reliability, and a lack of independence.

Additionally, there are more constraints on how founders can design their websites using “no code” templates. These templates don’t allow for as much creativity, because they don’t require teams of engineers and product managers to brainstorm and implement features.

However, this drawback will inevitably get better as no code platforms develop further.

And considering how much the “No Code Movement” is changing the startup landscape, I’d say the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Which brings me to my last point…

What does it mean for the future of startups?

The “No Code Movement” is democratizing startups and changing the stereotypical assumption of who can be a founder.

Because with “no code” options, anyone can start a company. Instead of spending money on large tech and engineering teams, founders can now focus on taking care of other important aspects of their business and making money.

And when founders save that much money, they can potentially funnel greater returns right into their investors’ pockets.

In short, we’re about to see the number of startups increase exponentially. And as “no code” options become even more sophisticated, we’ll see even more high-quality and potentially lucrative startups choose to take this route than ever before… some of whom will raise their entire capital from angel investors and completely forgo venture capital.

That’s a win-win for everyone… founders and investors alike.

Have a great day, and stay tuned…