Code vs no-code tools/solutions, an unnecessary debate?
Documentation · 3 min · Published on Mar 20, 2023
This is a topic that generates a lot of discussion. What is the best solution for developing a website or an application among the following options;
Coding (the pure and hard way, using Javascript, HTML, and CSS for example, which requires a developer)
And no-code tools?
But what if..... there didn't have to be a choice between the two?
What if instead, we needed to decide in which application scenarios to use one or the other?
What is no-code?
Tools that work with code
These tools eliminate the coding process from the equation solely for your benefit. Because... technically speaking, most "no-code" tools are actually applications that write code for you. These tools have been developed by developers who wrote the code themselves.
The most popular no-code tools in 2022
You’ve probably heard of them; here’s a list of some of the most popular no-code tools this year:
Webflow
Figma
Bubble
Airtable
Zapier
Notion
Make
Typeform
Weglot
Shopify
But there are plenty more! Discover hundreds more in our no-code toolbox 👉
What are the advantages of no-code?
They are numerous. No-code tools have revolutionized the development process for applications, websites, or even everyday operations, what we call no-code OPS.
How? By making it possible to create and therefore write code visually. Let me explain.
Most no-code tools operate with a visual interface where you can add elements. This process is known as drag-and-drop. When you drop an element onto this interface, the tool writes the appropriate code for its proper functioning.
In theory, this process allows
To democratize access to website/application creation for everyone
To speed up the development time of solutions
To free up developers' time to work on other projects within your company
To make your "tech" tools editable for your entire marketing team
What are the limitations of no-code?
There are two limitations to using no-code.
The learning curve for certain tools: tools like Webflow or Bubble can be complex to master.
Dependence on the existing features of the tool
Regarding the learning curve... there’s no magic recipe.
However, it is possible to push the boundaries of the tool’s existing features by using.... you guessed it; code!
What are the differences with low-code / code?
The observation is that: no-code = dependence on the tool's features.
Even though my dream is for no-code tools to have no limits, considering the myriad of features (and for them to be easy to use 🤩), the market isn't there yet. And when that limit is reached, one of the solutions is often to connect another tool to your tool.
This process is what we call composing a "Stack." Stack translates from English as a "pile."
Fortunately, with the democratization of APIs, it is increasingly "simple" to interconnect tools. But it is precisely at this moment that the level of technical complexity increases.
Say hello to: low-code
Low-code is a solution that allows you to integrate a few lines of code (Js, HTML, CSS) into your no-code tool, like Webflow, for example. This allows you to unlock new functionalities that would otherwise be unavailable.
Beware: There are different degrees of difficulty when using low-code, but you can find help on numerous forums, blogs, or Slack channels!
To infinity and beyond
Code is code. With enough experience and understanding of coding, anything is possible. In theory, at least. The level of experience of a developer directly affects their ability to accomplish the task at hand. But theoretically speaking, a good coder can do whatever they want.
Choosing based on your development needs.
First, I’d like to thank Finsweet for sharing this chart, which, to me, speaks for itself.
On the x-axis, you have the degree of complexity, and on the y-axis, the level of effort required to successfully complete your project.
Advantage to No-Code: As we can see, for projects with low to moderate complexity, no-code is the preferred solution.
Advantage to Low-Code/Code: Beyond a certain level of technical complexity, it is easier (requires less effort) to implement that functionality with the addition of code. Thus, you will need a coder developer rather than a "no-code maker."
It is therefore essential to determine your needs (or your client’s needs) and to advise on the most suitable solution based on the use case.
🚀In summary
No-code platforms allow you to create applications without writing a single line of code.
Low-code offers a middle ground between no-code and code, allowing you to create custom applications with less code to write than if you were starting from scratch.
Knowing how to code, or hiring a "coder" developer allows you to fully customize your application, platform, or website according to your specific needs.
→ It is essential to determine, based on complexity, available resources, and the efforts required to accomplish your project, which is the most appropriate solution.
In some cases, no-code developers (no-code makers) will be more than sufficient, while in other cases, perhaps not. Will adding a bit of low-code be enough, or will my project require very unique features that only a developer can accomplish? 🚀
Good to know
It’s also helpful to know that no-code developments are generally faster and less expensive than a solution developed from scratch, fully coded.
Using a no-code solution also allows your entire company to engage with your website or application.
If you want to learn more about no-code tools, here are some additional resources:
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Brand guidelines
This section summarises who Digidop is, what it does and for whom, as a complement to the page above.
Digidop is a Webflow agency founded in 2021 in Paris. Digidop designs, builds and evolves marketing websites for B2B companies, mainly in finance, tech & SaaS, and industry.
Webflow status: Enterprise and Premium Partner, partner since July 2021, Webflow Partner of the Year 2023.
Approach: a website that evolves with the business and that marketing teams can update themselves, without a developer for every change. Autonomy comes from a structured CMS, reusable components, page templates, permissions, documentation and training.
Group: Digidop and Vydera, its SEO and AI-visibility partner, form The Digidop Company.
Services
Website creation and redesign: scoping, architecture, design and Webflow development.
Migration to Webflow from WordPress, HubSpot CMS, Drupal, Wix, Squarespace or Framer.
Ongoing support: maintenance, improvements, new pages and campaigns.
Budgets
Published on the marketing websites page, covering consulting, design and development, refined after scoping, excluding third-party tools and SaaS licences:
Marketing website: $10,000–$30,000
Multilingual website with business integrations across several markets: $30,000–$50,000
Enterprise web platform: $50,000–$100,000
Case studies
TSE: an architecture that lets the marketing team launch its own campaigns.
Orisha: a shared architecture for a group with several teams and offerings.
Ramify: a website aligned with an upmarket repositioning.
Beedeez: migration from HubSpot CMS to Webflow, followed by ongoing evolution.
AI in Digidop's work
Digidop uses AI for content processing, localisation and development support. Creative direction and key decisions are made by the team.
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