There is no doubt that software has changed nearly every aspect of our everyday lives – whether you’re watching a show on Hulu, riding an Uber, or connecting with a friend over Zoom.
We basically have an app for everything and demand for software only continues to grow. Especially since the pandemic, we know that forced remote work has made us rely on software more than ever before.
When innovation meets democratization, they meet with accessibility, which is what software has allowed us to have.
Before we get into the future of “no code,” let’s look at how historically innovation has made technology more accessible to all.
Think about the first personal computer back in 1971, which was priced at $750. Today, that amounts to roughly $4,659. But, today anyone can purchase a computer for only a few hundred dollars and even slip it into their pockets. Technology has changed. It’s become easier to access and utilize for everyday tasks.
When we think about “no code,” we’re referring to non-coders ability to build their own websites, apps, and more. “No-code” business platforms allow people with no programming skills like those in sales, marketing, or HR to build their own software applications to meet their needs and wants.
So could “no-code” be the future of software? It kind of already is.
“No-code” isn’t new by any means, but the concept is just starting to gain more adoption and investor interest, including investments from some of the tech industry’s most prominent players. TechCrunch has even asserted that “‘No code’ will define the next generation of software.”
Think about how things were done the old way:
- Analysis: The marketing team explains to the IT/developer team what they need their software to do.
- Design: IT designs the concept and has its marketing department review.
- Implementation: IT builds the initial version of the application.
- Testing: IT and Marketing test initial version, provide feedback; IT makes adjustments.
- Release & Maintenance: HR rolls out the application to the entire team. If changes need to be made, the cycle starts again.
Now think about the “no-code” way:
- Analysis: Marketing (already knows how their processes work) lays out what they need their software to do.
- Design/Implementation: Marketing uses a visual programming interface to drag-and-drop pieces into place.
- Testing: Marketing can test the app immediately and make adjustments with just a few clicks.
- Release & Maintenance: Marketing rolls out the application to the entire team. If changes need to be made, the marketing team can make them immediately.
Now think about this, with no-code platforms, it’s not your knowledge of a coding language that’s going to make you an effective programmer; it’s knowledge of your specific field – whatever that may be. And, who better to build out your workflow into an application than you, the expert in your department?
Essentially, “no-code” platforms have streamlined the process for non-programmers to get the results they want by creating what they want, suiting their needs and requirements through flexibility and customization.
Each department can build the applications they need, all on one centralized platform. This results in less time wasted switching between platforms and copying information from one platform to another.
And, the result? Not only do workflows become more efficient but also collaboration becomes more seamless and takes a lot less effort.
