In the ever-evolving world of web development, there are constantly new website builders, tools and platforms that claim to make the process of building a website simple and fast. With such a large number of ‘no code’ services and tools on offer, why would you need to ever use a developer, let alone learn to code?
In this article, we’re going to explore the advantages and disadvantages of both development methods, and what might be the best option for your next project.
What is the no-code approach?
In a nutshell, no-code refers to a method of website development that allows users to create applications without having to write traditional code. Typically, this involves the use of visual interfaces and pre-built components.
One example of this is the platform WebFlow which allows you to build fairly advanced websites, without learning and writing complex code. It supports a visual drag-and-drop builder, with an advanced level of customisation options, all of which are just a few clicks away. It’s pretty powerful, and as a front-end developer, I was quite impressed at first. You can take full control of the look and feel of your site, getting into granular details with grid layouts, colours and fonts. There’s almost nothing you can’t change or tweak to your specifications.
What about traditional coding?
Traditional web development coding is the method of writing code using software languages such as PHP, Python, JavaScript, or C++. Along with using styling languages, such as CSS, you can build almost anything. You can write complex algorithms to create functional and efficient solutions for various purposes. It’s also infinitely scalable and can provide the basis for custom integrations with a variety of other platforms.
Are there any downsides to no-code platforms?
Whilst being the perfect solution for rapid development and quick prototyping, no-code solutions aren’t always the best approach. For starters, although they look quite simple and straightforward from the promotional videos, platforms such as WebFlow do have a significant learning curve for new users. Even less advanced platforms, such as Wix, require an investment of time spent familiarising yourself with the interface before building and publishing a website.
These no-code building platforms also keep you locked-in. You’re dependent on their stability and server performance, and there are always concerns about vendor lock-in and long-term availability. You can’t just pick up what you’ve built and take it elsewhere to be hosted on another server.
There’s a lot you can build, but these platforms will never offer the level of freedom and expansion that a traditional coding solution can offer. There will always be limits, and there will always be solutions that are just faster and more practical with custom code.
So what do we recommend?
Here at Novagram, we use a hybrid approach. We specialise in custom WordPress development and have built complex platforms such as InterSurgeon with this approach. But we also feel that usability is paramount and that a website owner should be as self-sufficient as possible, which is why we combine custom coding with website builders such as Elementor. This allows us to build parts of a website using the no-code approach, making them easily editable by our clients, while being contained in a custom-coded, pixel-perfect design. We believe that this approach allows our clients to have the best of both worlds; the functionality required, as well as ease of use. There are infinite possibilities with WordPress, and you can work with us to create your next website, or scale your existing one.
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