DEVOPSdigest

The no-code approach to software development has blossomed over the past few years. It is not surprising: this model gives non-developers and people with limited development knowledge the opportunity to create solutions specific to the needs and wants of their teams. Another well-known advantage of the no-code solutions is, of course, their cost-effectiveness. With the economy in a state of never-ending ups and downs, the higher cost and time associated with developing and purchasing custom solutions will likely be a driving factor for the years to come.

A decade ago, the no-code movement was only on the horizon. Discovering the potential, I went all in on this uncharted technology path. I was inspired by the vast possibilities it presented for those without traditional programming skills.

How Did We Get Here?

For many, the journey to the no-code approach started with the realization that companies of all sizes weren't meeting their needs with traditional off-the-shelf software products. The software took them 80% of the way, but it wasn't quite the solution they needed. As a consultant, I saw people coming to me to either build their own custom solutions or try and customize the software they had bought previously. This scenario kept repeating itself. As time passed, it became clear that custom development is not sustainable in the long run. Not only is it expensive, but it is also hard to maintain and scale over time.

When a company decides to embark on a journey of custom software development, it must realize that there will be high upfront costs and investments associated with its future upkeep. These aren't just financial resources. There is a need for an internal development team that can do in-house maintenance, updates, and tweaks as the need arises.

Seeing this happening repeatedly, engineers and consultants started to think of a way to simplify the development process. That is how I see the mission of the no-code movement: to empower users to build affordable custom applications that truly address their needs.

Jumping on the Opportunity

What's excellent about no-code is that you can build a platform that won't require your customers to be development professionals — but will allow customization. That's the best approach: create a blank canvas for people, and they will take it from there. Whether it's surveys, invoices, employee records, or something completely different, developers have the tools to make it visually appealing to your customers, making it more intuitive for them.

I also want to break the myth that no code doesn't allow effective data management. It is possible to create a no-code platform that will empower users to perform complex mathematical operations seamlessly and to support managing interrelated data. This means users' applications will be more robust than their competitors and produce more meaningful insights.

Security Concerns

As a developer, I am passionate about evolving tech and our industry's challenges. I am also highly aware of people's concerns over the security of many no-code solutions. Security is a critical component of any software; no-code solutions are no exception.

One-off custom software builds do not typically undergo the same rigorous security testing as widely used commercial software due to the high cost and time involved. This leaves them vulnerable to security breaches.

Any responsible developer or vendor must adhere to security requirements, provide continual updates, and have experts on staff. Any no-code platform must prioritize security and have a comprehensive plan to protect user data. This is how it should look:

■ Infrastructure and Encryption: Using state-of-the-art infrastructure and encryption to safeguard user data.

■ Compliance: Depending on the industry, the platform may need to comply with global data protection standards, like GDPR for European users or HIPAA for the medical industry.

■ Certifications: Undergoing regular audits and being transparent with customers is necessary.

Now What?

By now, the no-code movement has become a force to be reckoned with. It revolutionized and democratized the development process, as no-code platforms enable people without code-writing expertise to create the applications they need to succeed. It gives them control and helps reduce costs and increase efficiency.

No-code isn't for everyone, and that is okay. Building a highly specialized and complex solution takes time and testing. Truly harnessing the advanced capabilities of no-code solutions can take time and training. Investing the time in your business to build precisely what you need upfront will save you tenfold on the back end.

Remember, not all platforms are created equal. Recognizing a company's needs and choosing what is best to meet those needs is probably the most essential requirement for a successful tech project. But for many, no-code is the way.

As we move forward, we will likely see increased sophistication of these solutions, which will further blur the lines between technical and non-technical specialists. I am as excited to see this transformation as I was when I embarked on this journey years ago.