I know I’m not the only one who’s had an awesome idea that would change the world… if only I were a programmer who could actually build the thing!
For the longest time, if you wanted to create something awesome, you had no choice but to learn coding languages and master the art of programming. Though this didn’t always involve going to university (college for my American readers), you’d definitely need to put in some serious time to become halfway decent.
Well, that’s not the case anymore! No, you see, some wonderful folks in Silicon Valley (or wherever these geniuses live) have come up with something called “no-code” apps. And I’m pleased to tell you that they do exactly what they say on the tin. Let’s break these bad boys down a bit more, so you can decide for yourself if they’re right for you.
What are no-code app builders?
No-code app builders are tools that allow you to create mobile and web apps without needing to know how to code. This means you won’t have to spend years learning computer programming in order to make something cool – you can just drag and drop different elements to build your app.
No-code app builders are a great way for people who have an idea for an app but don’t have the technical skills to bring that idea to life.
How do no-code app builders work?
No-code app builders work by providing you with a visual interface where you can add different elements to your app, such as buttons, text, images, and more. You can customize these elements by changing their color, size, and other properties.
Once you’ve added all of the elements you want to your app, you can then connect them to create the functionality of your app. For example, you might create a button that, when clicked, takes the user to a new screen, plays a sound, or whatever. The possibilities are endless.
In the background (nothing you need to worry about, of course), tiny little programming elves (word up, Santa!) get to work turning all of this into code the computer can read. Okay, not quite – but you get the idea!
Why are no-code app builders useful?
Well, aside from the fact that any old Adam (or Eve) can now make their own app, no-code app builders provide a much faster and more cost-effective way of getting something viable out into the world.
Since you don’t need to hire developers or spend time manually coding your app, you can launch faster and start getting feedback from users right away. This way, you can iterate quickly and make any necessary adjustments before investing heavily in the project.
Who should use no-code app builders?
Anyone with an idea for an app should give no-code app builders a try. Whether you’re a hobbyist, entrepreneur, or simply want to make something cool without learning how to code, these tools can save you time and money while helping you create something unique.
Age is also no barrier, as many no-code app builders are designed to be used by people of all ages and skill levels. In fact, MIT’s App Inventor and Scratch software (the tools we’ll be using extensively on this site) are aimed at children and teenagers, so you don’t even need to be an adult to start working on your app.
Can you only build mobile apps with app builders?
Not at all! In fact, most no-code app builders allow you to create apps for both mobile and web platforms. This means you can take your idea and make it available on the web, iOS, Android, and more.
With Scratch, you can even create games and other interactive experiences.
The 5 most used no-code app builders
There are many different no-code app builders available, but some of the most popular ones include (in no particular order):
- Appy Pie: Appy Pie is a powerful no-code app builder that allows you to create mobile and web apps for both Android and iOS. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface and offers a wide range of features and customization options.
- Bubble: Bubble is another popular no-code app builder that allows you to create web apps quickly and easily. It has a visual interface that makes it easy to build and customize your app, and it offers a wide range of features and integrations.
- Thunkable: Thunkable is a no-code app builder that allows you to create mobile apps for both Android and iOS. It has a simple interface and offers a wide range of customization options, as well as integrations with other tools and services.
- App Inventor: App Inventor is a no-code app builder developed by MIT. It has a visual interface and is designed to be used by people of all ages. It offers a wide range of features and integrations and makes it easy to create mobile apps without needing to write any code.
- Scratch: Not so much an app builder, Scratch is a programming language that lets users create games, interactive movies, and more. As it’s another one of MIT’s creations, the user interface is similar to App Inventor and continues on with the easy, child-friendly theme.
As App Inventor and Scratch are completely free to use (like, seriously, free-free), these are the two no-code app builders I’ll primarily be focusing on on this site. But if you’re looking for something else, be sure to check out the other app builders listed above. They might just be the perfect fit for your project.
I hope this article has shed some light on what no-code app builders are and why they’re so useful. So what on earth are you waiting for? Start creating your amazing app today! Good luck and have fun! 🙂