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The Evolution of No-Code Technology: From Low-Code Platforms to a Future without Code

March 2023
The Evolution of No-Code Technology: From Low-Code Platforms to a Future without Code

No-code technology has been rapidly evolving in recent years, disrupting the traditional approach to software development. With no-code platforms, businesses and individuals can create applications and automate workflows without the need for extensive programming knowledge. This has opened a world of opportunities for people who want to turn their ideas into reality and businesses that want to stay competitive in the digital age. In this blog post, we'll explore the evolution of no-code technology, from low-code platforms to a future without code.  

What is no-code?

No code can be summed up as programming without coding. No-code software development enables anyone to create digital applications without writing a single line of code. It implies using tools with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface to create a one-of-a-kind solution to a problem. The results can take various forms, including the development of mobile, voice, and e-commerce applications and websites, as well as the no-code automation of any number of operations or processes.

No-code platforms have the potential to democratize software development by making it accessible to a wider range of people. This can help to address the skills gap in the tech industry and create new opportunities for individuals who may not have had the chance to participate in the digital economy. As no-code platforms continue to become more intuitive and powerful, it will become even easier for anyone to create complex applications without the need for extensive programming knowledge.

The difference between no-code and low-code

No-code and low-code platforms are both designed to enable individuals and businesses to create software applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. However, there are some key differences between the two.

It's challenging to discuss no-code without mentioning a related term: low-code. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are several significant distinctions between no-code and low-code. In contrast, low-code technology refers to apps that can perform most fundamental functions without the usage of code.

Low and No Code cheat sheet

History of no-code technology

Let’s look at the history of no-code, from its humble origins in spreadsheets to the no-code platforms that are altering the way people of all technical levels operate. Discover how no-code evolved over the past 35+ years to become a significant digital movement in automation and digitalization.  

One of the earliest examples of no-code technology can be found in the development of spreadsheet software in the 1980s, such as Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3. These applications enabled users to perform complex calculations and data analysis without any programming knowledge, using a simple interface that allowed them to enter formulas and functions using a visual interface.

In the 1990s, the rise of web-based applications and the internet led to the development of a new generation of no-code tools, such as website builders and content management systems (CMS). These tools enabled users to create and manage websites without any coding knowledge, using templates and drag-and-drop interfaces to design and customize the look and feel of their site.

Over the past decade, the rise of cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) has led to the development of a new generation of no-code platforms that enable users to create complex software applications and workflows without any programming knowledge. These platforms use visual interfaces and pre-built modules to enable users to design and build applications quickly and easily.

Today, no-code technology is increasingly popular and is used by individuals and businesses of all sizes to create everything from simple websites and mobile apps to complex enterprise applications and workflows. The ease and accessibility of no-code technology have made it possible for anyone to create software applications and automate workflows, democratizing the world of software development and unlocking new possibilities for innovation and creativity.

Top 5 no-code platforms in 2023

Here are some of the best no-code platforms available:

  1. Airtable: With Airtable, you can easily create and manage databases in the cloud without any coding knowledge. It boasts a flexible and customizable interface that simplifies data organization and enhances collaboration with others.
  1. Bubble Building web and mobile apps without any coding experience is possible with Bubble's no-code platform. A user-friendly drag-and-drop interface enables you to design your app's appearance and functionality to your liking.
  1. Zapier Zapier is an automation tool that doesn't require coding, allowing you to connect different apps and services effortlessly. With an extensive selection of integrations, Zapier streamlines repetitive tasks and workflows, making it easy for you to focus on what matters most.
  1. Webflow: With Webflow, creating responsive websites is simple and code-free. A drag-and-drop interface, together with a variety of templates and components, makes it effortless to design and launch a website promptly.
  1. Glide: Glide's no-code platform makes creating mobile apps from Google Sheets a breeze, without any coding expertise required. You can customize your app by selecting from numerous templates and customization options, ensuring a professional-looking app every time.
Low and No Code Map 2023

Is no-code the future?

No-code is rapidly gaining popularity as more businesses and individuals realize the benefits of this approach to software development. No-code platforms have the potential to democratize software development by making it accessible to anyone. This approach can help to bridge the skills gap in the tech industry and enable more people to participate in the digital economy. With the rise of automation and the need for businesses to stay agile and responsive, no-code is likely to be the future of software development.

In conclusion, the evolution of no-code technology represents a significant shift in the way businesses and individuals approach software development. No-code platforms have the potential to democratize software development, reduce the skills gap in the tech industry, and accelerate the trend towards automation. As no-code platforms continue to become more powerful and intuitive, this technology will play a vital role in the future of software development.

Would you like to learn how Makeitfuture uses no-code in automation? Hit that contact button and talk to our experts today!

The Evolution of No-Code Technology: From Low-Code Platforms to a Future without Code

The Evolution of No-Code Technology: From Low-Code Platforms to a Future without Code

Cloud Integration, iPaaS, SaaS, BPA… Ough, hard to keep track of all these terms. They are currently used frequently (and increasingly) in the context of automation, and it is sometimes difficult to make a clear distinction and distinction. We have already written blog posts on the terms iPaaS, SaaS and BPA, but we’ll take them up again here to make the difference.

But let’s start with cloud integration, because that’s the central umbrella term in which we embed all the other technologies in this blog post.

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What does Cloud Integration mean?

What does Cloud Integration mean?

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  • Is available in real time
  • Can be accessed from almost anywhere
  • Reduce potential sources of error by entering the same data multiple times
  • Require less installation and maintenance
  • Can optimize business processes

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To illustrate these advantages, an example is suitable that we know well from our everyday work as an automation agency:

The central data to be used here is the data of a major customer. This can be the simplest information, such as the address. This address is required in numerous but completely different processes in the company: on the one hand, for correct invoicing in accounting. On the other hand, in the CRM system, where all the data of the large customer is also stored. But the address is also important in sales, for example, when employees go to the sales meeting on site.

Now the customer announces that the address of the company has changed after a move. This information will reach you by e-mail. There are now two options:

01. The e-mail is forwarded to all affected departments, accounting, sales, customer service, marketing… All persons open their corresponding program, CRM, accounting software, marketing tools (such as newsletter marketing) and change the data already stored there of the customer. This means that in multiple applications, different people do exactly the same thing: change one address.

02. But there is also an alternative: By connecting your applications, thus by integrizing them, the customer’s e-mail, or rather the information it contains about the address change, is automatically passed on to all affected applications: CRM, accounting, marketing, ERP. This does not require any clicks, because the cloud integration detects a trigger, i.e. address change, and thus automatically starts the process.

What sounds unimpressive in a single process becomes more effective when such a process occurs several times a day or weekly. Because there is a lot of data that is available in different applications and should always be correct. If these applications are cloud applications they are suitable for cloud integration.

But cloud integration doesn’t just happen. There are now a variety of applications that enable and implement this. Such tools usually allow us to link the relevant cloud applications on a central platform and define clear rules on when, how, where, how much data should be passed on and what happens to them.

IPaaS, SaaS, BPA, ABC – who can still see through it?

To realize cloud integration, there are various applications and technologies that are sometimes used interchangeably.

We have made a first distinction between iPaaS and BPA here.

We explain the term SaaS in more detail here.

Here the short version, again:
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Cloud integration cannot be done without SaaS, iPaaS and BPA

Cloud integration is rather an umbrella term that includes numerous technologies, such as SaaS, iPaaS and BPA, and this is also absolutely necessary. Cloud integration is a concept that is made possible by appropriate technologies.

However, all terms share the commonality that they are cloud-based and thus offer enormous potential for growth and scaling. In addition, they are often cheaper to implement and maintain because changed requirements are easy to implement.

As an independent automation agency, we implement cloud integration according to your requirements. We use a variety of SaaS tools and iPaas (strictly speaking BPA) software. Together we find individual solutions that are flexible and scalable.

Arrange a free cloud integration consultation now

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We advise you independently and offer our expertise.
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Automation consulting. Automate. Improve. Succeed.

We advise you independently and offer our expertise.