Web Application Without Code – Is This the Future of Web App Development?

In July 2020, research groups from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Intel were working on a new automatic programming system – an analog of machine logic code (MISIM). This automated mechanism is designed to study the tasks of various components of a software product. The new system examines the structure of code and analyzes its syntactic differences, comparing it with code from programs with similar properties.

Simply put, this system will recognize the tasks of a simple algorithm created by a programmer and suggest other suitable code options that, despite semantic similarities, have higher performance. This will bring automatic web application development one step closer to reality.

Currently, this project is in the refinement stage. However, the developers have already completed the research phase and moved on to creating demo models. They need to develop the concept of a mechanism that offers recommendations for the source code of the web application being developed. Modern computers cannot always determine the degree of similarity between different software fragments by analyzing the source code.

The new system will recognize similar components even if their algorithms and data structures differ. The developers aim to create a system that solves a wide range of tasks, from recommendations during algorithm creation to automatic error correction.

The idea of computers self-programming has been in the air for a long time. Moreover, the recent pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of web development and mobile platforms with “low” code. Many companies faced new challenges. Almost all staff were moved to remote work. This meant that IT department employees, despite time constraints, had to quickly find new digital solutions to connect with their customers. The difficulties forced them to find new paths.

The emergence of software, web applications “without code,” and amateur programmers (without specialized education) really makes one think about future prospects and development options. But what does development without code actually mean? And how is it different from “low-code” development platforms? What applications can be created without code, and how will this digital breakthrough affect the future of web application development?

Let’s dive into the world without code and better understand this issue.

What is a Web Application Without Code?

No digital platform allows you to develop a web application without writing at least one line of code. They operate on pre-written code. The code lays the foundation for visual elements that are subsequently used to develop the web application.

No-code software platforms are not new. Tools like Dreamweaver, two decades ago, enabled website development using simple drag-and-drop tools. Therefore, no-code still implies coding, but not for the person creating the application.

Typically, web development platforms do not offer a user interface builder that allows dragging and dropping web pages in one motion, applying visual modeling for data handling, reusing components from old web applications to create new ones, and integrating with most web services in the information technology landscape.

Low-Code Web Development Platform vs. No-Code Program

The terms “low-code” and no-code are often mistakenly confused and used interchangeably. Although their functions are similar, they are not the same.

No-code web application development is designed for people with no programming background. They use declarative coding and think mainly about the purpose and functions of the future web application, rather than the methods to achieve those goals. In a traditional software application, code tells the system how to implement desired functions. In a no-code development version, it allows the user to think solely about the action of the web application being created. The program does everything else for you.

Low-code software development platforms are also used by people without programming skills. However, at a certain point, they still need to turn to a professional. Low-code platforms typically include pre-built features that allow users to develop the web applications they need. But this only goes so far. At the final stage, the services of a professional programmer are required to complete the assembly. Programmers know how to tell the system how individual application components should work.

What Web Applications Can Be Developed Without Code?

No-code development platform tools allow you to create back-office, web applications, and mobile applications. There are several prime examples of fully functional applications that can be developed using no-code platforms: CMS-based websites using Webflow, e-commerce stores with Shopify, Facebook Messenger bots for stores based on Octane AI, web applications using Bubble, and much more.

However, the rigid templates offered on no-code platforms limit the creator’s possibilities.

Templates and individual components allow solving a certain basic set of use cases. As soon as you need to deviate slightly from the usual model and develop a small custom web application by changing a specific business logic component essential to the application, the user inevitably hits a dead end.

These scenarios force users to find expensive and complex workarounds that could likely be avoided easily. Finally, after the web application starts working within the constraints of a no-code builder, all that remains is software running on a predetermined algorithm. This option may end up costing more than hiring a professional programmer for development help.

How Could This Lead to a Digital Revolution?

At first glance, it might seem that no-code and low-code platforms, when properly implemented, are too good to be true. The speed of creating a new web application along with the cost savings of forgoing professional services seems like an ideal digital solution for small businesses and startups.

Although a basic website can be easily created using no-code tools, developing large enterprise-level web applications with high requirements is something that requires the help of professional programmers. What seems cost-effective and beneficial in the short term can later turn out to be much more expensive. The owner of a created web application will have to consider the total cost. This is what determines the crucial factor for development success.

As requirements increase, the need to bring a professional programmer onto the team becomes more apparent. For example, even if a person knows exactly what their dream house should look like and has all the building materials ready before construction begins, they still need an architect. Only a professional can draw up a plan and explain why building a glass wall on the east side of the house is a bad idea.

What Does No-Code Mean for Data Security in a Web Application?

Not knowing your code from the inside, not understanding the complex of basic web technologies used in the application creation process, and lacking control over the company that provided the no-code platform – all of this can pose a risk to data security. The path of developing web applications using no-code formats always involves a threat to the security and reliability of the application being created.

Finally, using a no-code platform often means that the company does not own its own source code. If a decision is made to move away from the no-code program, issues like vendor lock-in arise. The enterprise or client who previously used the services of certain programmers will not be able to switch providers or will be forced to invest a large sum of money to solve the problem.

Conclusions. Is the Future Really Like This? Most Likely, No.

Web development as we know it will not disappear overnight. This means that in the near future, software development based on unique code will still be relevant. But how will web application development on no-code platforms continue to evolve, and where will it lead in the future? Experts share their opinions.

According to Amit Zavery, Vice President and Head of Google Cloud Platform, “Large multi-component applications are actually big and complex. No abstraction can replace the importance of understanding how an application works at the level of each line of code. If I’m developing a very complex e-commerce website, or developing Uber or Airbnb ... you can’t create something like that with a set of basic tools. It doesn’t matter if it’s no-code or a low-code platform. This will be done by a professional developer who can use professional tools.”