As with low-code development platforms, it is meant to expedite application development,[1] but unlike low-code, no-code development involves no code writing. This is usually done by offering prebuilt templates for building apps.[2] In the 2010s, both of these types of platforms increased in popularity as companies dealt with a limited supply of competent software developers.[3]
No-code tools are often designed with line of business users in mind as opposed to traditional IT.
The potential benefits of using a NCDP include:
Agility - NCDPs typically provide some degree of templated user-interface and user experience functionality for common needs such as forms, workflows, and data display allowing creators to expedite parts of the app creation process.[5]
Richness - NCDPs which at one point were limited to more basic application functions increasingly provide a level of feature-richness and integrations that allows users to design, develop, and deploy apps that meet specific business needs.[6]
No-code platforms
No-code platforms allow users to build applications, automate workflows, and manage data without writing code. These platforms are designed for non-technical users and feature drag-and-drop interfaces, AI-assisted development, and human-centric design principles. They enable users to create functional applications quickly, making them ideal for prototypes, MVPs, business automation, and scalable digital solutions.
Key features of no-code platforms
Visual interface: Drag-and-drop builders allow users to create workflows and applications without programming knowledge.
Pre-built templates: Many no-code platforms offer industry-specific templates for quick deployment.
AI-powered logic: Almost all platforms leverage AI now to assist with automation, optimization, and business intelligence.
Integration capabilities: No-code tools connect various apps and services through APIs and connectors.
Scalability: While originally designed for small projects, some no-code solutions now support enterprise-scale automation and customization.
Shopstory: A no-code platform designed for automating performance marketing and ecommerce, offering hundreds of templates for product feed optimization, ad campaign management, and reporting – while also allowing users to create workflows from scratch.
n8n: Primarily no-code for workflow automation, but offers optional custom coding with JavaScript for advanced use cases.
Latenode: No-code backend builder that leverages AI-generated logic to simplify server-side tasks, with some flexibility for low-code customizations.
Glide: This platform transforms spreadsheet data into functional mobile apps for rapid prototyping or internal tool development.
Bildr, Softr, Relay.app: No-code tools with intuitive interfaces for building web and app solutions, with optional low-code flexibility for added functionality.
FlutterFlow, Firebase, WeWeb, Xano, Bubble, Backendless (no-code mode): Combine front-end and backend features to build responsive web and mobile apps, but allow low-code options such as APIs or scripting for more advanced scenarios.
Low-code platforms
While no-code solutions are designed for non-technical users, low-code platforms offer a blend of visual builders and custom coding.[7] They cater to developers who need flexibility for complex integrations, advanced business logic, and enterprise-grade scalability.[8] AI features help automate tasks, speed up development, and support decision-making, making low-code platforms more efficient and adaptable for different business needs.
Key features of low-code platforms
Low-code platforms combine visual development with coding flexibility, allowing users to add custom scripts for greater control. They integrate with legacy systems and APIs, enabling deeper automation and enterprise operations. Built for scalability, these platforms can handle large-scale business processes and complex workflows. With AI-powered features, they enhance automation, improve decision-making, and streamline development, making them more efficient and adaptable to business needs.
Examples of low-code platforms
Microsoft PowerApps: Integrates with Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure for quick business app creation and workflow automation.
Mendix: Supports large-scale projects with complex requirements using visual modeling and collaborative development.
OutSystems: Offers enterprise-level scalability by combining visual design with traditional coding for end-to-end application lifecycle management.
Appian: Automates business processes and includes AI features for intelligent workflow management.
UiPath: Focused on automation software, its low-code capabilities simplify complex tasks without extensive programming.
Workato: Provides advanced integrations and automations across systems for intricate workflow processes.
Salesforce Lightning: Part of the Salesforce platform, mixing no-code components with Apex code to build and automate CRM apps.
Backendless (low-code mode): Offers control over backend data and infrastructure alongside a visual development environment.
Pipedream: Combines pre-built actions with JavaScript blocks to create sophisticated workflows and integrations
Low-code vs no-code: pros and cons
No-code tools are simple to learn, require minimal setup, and allow users to launch projects quickly – making them accessible to anyone, regardless of technical expertise.[9] However, not all no-code platforms offer deep functionality or robust integrations. For example, while Zapier connects a wide range of apps, it may struggle with large-scale executions. In contrast, no-code platforms like Shopstory are designed for scalability in specific areas like ecommerce and marketing.
Low-code platforms, on the other hand, combine rapid development with greater flexibility. They can handle more complex workflows and larger systems, making them a strong choice for enterprise projects. However, they require some coding knowledge, can be more challenging to manage, and often come with higher costs for large-scale implementations.
Feature
No-code
Low-code
Ease of use
Beginner-friendly, requires no programming
Requires some coding knowledge
Speed
Very quick
Fast, but may require coding
Flexibility
Limited to platform constraints
Highly customizable
Scalability
Suitable for small, medium and large-scale projects, including some enterprise use cases.
Better suited for large-scale applications
Integration
Works well with popular web apps and APIs
Can integrate deeply with enterprise systems
Future of workflow automation
No-code platforms are reshaping software development by democratizing access to automation and application building. As AI-driven automation advances, no-code solutions are expected to handle more sophisticated workflows, reducing reliance on traditional coding. This shift fosters innovation across industries, making software creation more accessible to businesses and individuals alike.[10]
