Debunking the No-code Myths
The importance of leveraging software to stay competitive in the market and notably the benefits of no-code platforms are important to understand. There are however a number of mis-perceptions and concerns (myths) about no-code platforms, some of the most common of which are outlined below. It is important to recognise these concerns and to understand why they are mis-placed so as to ensure that the opportunities presented by no-code solutions can be embraced.
MYTH #1 – NO-CODE IS ONLY FOR BASIC USE CASES
No-code platforms can lower the cost of building apps and enable experimentation and the exploration of new ideas by building apps and their underlying ‘plumbing’ to test viability and business value quickly. No-code platforms can be used to deliver business mission-critical solutions in isolation, or in some cases, Software developers may still be involved (see Myth #4) to handle more sophisticated requirements. Importantly though, in recent years no-code platforms (such as GLU.Ware) are being used to bring complex Enterprise level Use Cases to life without any software developers being involved.
Myth #2 – NO-CODE IS JUST ANOTHER HYPE
The concept of using visual tools for software development, known as visual CASE (computer aided software engineering) tools, has been around since the 1970s, but early attempts were complex and required specialised knowledge. As a result, business users turned to homegrown tools like spreadsheets or databases, which were easier to build but had performance and security issues. It wasn’t until the mid-2000s, with advancements in cloud computing and software platforms, that the idea of no-code development began to address the historical challenges of software engineering in a way that is enterprise-ready. While the concept of no-code has been around for decades, its simplicity, ease of use, and ability to address enterprise needs has become widely recognised in recent years.
MYTH #3 – THERES NO REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW-CODE AND NO-CODE
Low-code and no-code are not the same thing. They both use visual abstractions to simplify software development, but they are designed for different users and offer different benefits. Low-code platforms aim to reduce the amount of code that needs to be written by more junior developers, but still require knowledge of proper application design and architecture, as well as some lightweight coding knowledge. No-code platforms such as GLU.Ware, on the other hand, are intended for non-developers and aim to fully remove the need for coding.
MYTH #4 – NO-CODE PROJECTS CAN’T BE COMBINED WITH TRADITIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
No-code built solutions – both Business Apps and the underlying integration architecture (such as where GLU.Ware is used) can be used for a wide range of software solutions, including mission-critical ones. It is also possible to incorporate traditional software development elements into no-code projects by forming teams that include both no-code creators and software developers. These teams can collaborate efficiently and deliver enterprise-grade applications using no-code.
MYTH #5 – NO-CODE IS GOING TO PUT SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS OUT OF WORK
The idea that no-code development will replace software developers is false. There will always be a need for software developers to work with no-code teams, as software development languages and frameworks continue to evolve and push the boundaries of innovation. No-code tools are typically built on standardised components that were first developed and tested by software developers before being offered as pre-built components for no-code development. Therefore, software developers will continue to play an important role in the development of new digital apps and services.
MYTH #6 – NO-CODE WILL GET OUT OF CONTROL
The notion that no-code platforms are inherently insecure and unreliable is not true. While it is understandable for IT to worry about non-compliant and unreliable apps, modern no-code platforms offer governance and reporting capabilities to ensure proper use. In GLU.Ware, maker-checker controls, workflows and audit trails are just some of the capabilities available to ensure users follow appropriate software ‘development’ (i.e. configuration) practices. By implementing controls and governance, no-code platforms encourage the use of a standard platform that can be consistently governed.
MYTH #7 – NO-CODE PROJECTS FOLLOW THE SAME APPROACH AS TRADITIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
The development practices for no-code platforms should be tailored to take advantage of their unique strengths, rather than simply treating them like traditional development methods. No-code platforms intentionally abstract many details, which means that a different set of skills and backgrounds will be needed for a no-code team. GLU’s no-code methodology is principled on the ability to empower non-developers with the means of creating APIs and Integration components at speed (see the GLU ‘V-model of testing’), which in turn underpins an ability to Innovate at Speed.
Content is based on GLU’s Team experience and interpretation of the summary in Chapter 2 of The No-Code-Playbook – Published 2022 – ISBN 979-8-218-06204-0