No Code: How to Build a Product Without Coding - 44 No Code Tools
I have been
exploring no-code solutions. From my research, it’s becoming a solid
alternative, growing more advanced every day.
Here’s what I’ve
learned. I hope you find it useful!
What is No Code?
In essence,
no-code platforms allow non-techies to create application software through
visual interfaces and configurations rather than traditional programming. Think
drag and drop instead of writing lines of code.
According to a
Forrester report, this industry is projected to reach $21.2 billion by 2022. So
yeah, it’s pretty significant.
Who is No Code
For?
No code is
designed for those of us without technical expertise, but I've seen some
developers use it too (though they often prefer low-code). It's also popular
among companies promoting "citizen development," where non-technical
staff build and deploy their own apps for internal use.
If you're unsure
whether no code can meet your needs, check out the features and templates of
the platforms listed below. This should give you a good idea. You can also
contact their support or, like I did a few months ago, seek help in the no-code
group on Indie Hackers — the community is very helpful.
No Code: Pros
and Cons
Pros
Makes building
online businesses accessible to everyone
No training
required
Cheaper than
hiring a developer
Faster
(arguably)
Lower risk,
especially for MVPs
Facilitates
collaboration between non-technical and technical founders
Cons
Each platform
has inherent limitations that can be challenging (sometimes impossible) to
overcome
Less
customizable
Not suitable for
highly complex projects (yet)
Potential
security risks
A Couple of No
Code Tips
Start with a
small pilot project to understand the platform and its limitations.
Be meticulous
with requirement gathering — even more than if you were coding. Ensure the
platform can handle your needs before committing.
Top No Code
Platforms and Tools
This is a
rapidly expanding market with many players, so it can be tough to keep track.
Here’s a curated list from my experience and various best-of lists.
Web App Builders
- Bubble.io:
Probably the most popular no-code tool for building web apps. It has a robust
template library that’s invaluable when starting out.
- Budibase: Users
can design and build SaaS applications and internal tools. It's a mix of
Airtable, Webflow, and Zapier.
- Ycode: A
full-stack visual no-code web app builder.
- Shopify: While
well-known, it’s essentially a no-code way to set up an e-commerce site.
- Retool: Quickly
build internal tools. I’ve used many Retool apps, and they work like a charm.
Mobile App
Builders
- Thunkable: A
drag-and-drop mobile app builder for native iOS, Android, and mobile web apps.
- Appy Pie: Create
and publish native apps for iOS and Android.
- Good Barber:
Build any type of mobile app without technical experience, boasting over 500
features.
- Glide: Create
apps from Google Sheets. It’s quick and free until you reach a higher volume.
- Lumavate: A
mobile app building platform designed for marketers.
Combo App
Builders
- AppGyver: Build
apps for all devices — mobile, desktop, browser, TV, and more.
- Appery.io:
Primarily for mobile apps but works for web apps too. It’s a no-code platform
with an option for developers to tweak the code.
- Betty Blocks:
Create web, mobile, and back-office applications.
- Stencyl:
Specifically for game development — iOS, Android, HTML5, Windows, and Mac.
Website Builders
- Webflow: A
versatile website builder that can also handle some app logic. It includes a
visual CMS.
- Squarespace:
Popular website builder with beautiful templates and numerous tools.
- Carrd: Tailored
to landing pages and one-page sites.
- Umso: Quick and
easy website builder designed for startups, best for landing pages and
one-pagers.
- Universe:
Minimalistic websites you can launch in minutes.
Data Management
- Airtable: A
spreadsheet-database hybrid for data management.
- Parabola:
Connects and automates data-related tasks and workflows.
- Knack: Build
online databases and apps without coding, then manage and analyze your data.
- Stackby: Similar
to Airtable, combining spreadsheets, tables, databases, and business APIs.
Automation
- Zapier:
Integrate different apps and automate processes.
- IFTTT: Use
conditional (if/then) statements to automate tasks. Simpler than Zapier, but
less robust.
- Automate.io:
Build simple bots to automate processes between multiple apps.
- Integromat:
Connect apps and automate workflows in a few clicks.
- Nintex: Nintex Process
management and workflow automation.
- Quixy: Build
internal apps and automate workflows with enterprise-grade applications.
Forms and
Surveys
- Typeform:
Collect information and send it to many other applications.
- JotForm: Easy-to-use
form builder for generating leads, distributing surveys, and collecting
payments.
- Outgrow: Simple
no-code tools for acquiring qualified leads through recommendations, quizzes,
chatbots, giveaways, calculators, and more.
- Involve.me: Build,
design, and integrate interactive content for acquiring, converting, and
retaining users, including lead pages, quizzes, payment pages, calculators,
surveys, etc.
Payment
Providers
- Stripe: Popular
payment service provider with easy integration into apps. Recently released a
no-code option.
- Payhere: Quickly
collect payments with no code.
- Buy Me A Coffee:
Great for creators to receive donations.
Analytics
- Obviously.ai: A
data science tool providing simple prediction experiences.
- Mixpanel:
Customizable and user-friendly product analytics tool.
Miscellaneous No
Code Tools
- Notion: An
all-in-one workspace for collaboration, task tracking, and more. Some indie
hackers even sell products created with Notion.
- Memberstack: Add
memberships, user accounts, and payments to websites.
- Mailchimp:
Popular email marketing tool with many no-code integrations.
- Voiceflow: Build
voice apps, a fast-growing market.
- Landbot: Simple
no-code chatbot builder.
- Userguiding:
Create user onboarding experiences with product tours, user guides, onboarding
checklists, and more.
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