For the past few years, the software market has been shaken by a small revolution: no-code. This new development method allows for the creation of technological solutions more quickly, at a lower cost, and without programming skills. A true adversary of traditional software and SaaS, the democratization
What is no-code?
No-code represents an innovative new approach to software development. As its name suggests, it allows users to easily create and deploy solutions such as websites, mobile applications, video games, or chatbots without using coding systems. HTML, JavaScript, PHP… Forget all those complex technologies! With intuitive interfaces, users can assemble predefined elements and design digital solutions without any particular expertise. This method simplifies the creation of digital tools while speeding up project execution.
However, while no-code is ideal for simple projects that require quick setup, it is much less suitable for more advanced needs. Automation, AI, custom architecture… Some solutions require specific functionalities that often exceed what no-code offers.
The advantages of no-code development
To remain competitive, companies are in constant pursuit of innovation. They must react quickly, and the emergence of no-code has marked a decisive turning point in the world of technology. Now, companies can create their own software in-house without using significant human or financial resources. Here are the main advantages of no-code:
Accessibility: No-code opens the doors of software development to any user. Whether you are an entrepreneur, marketing manager, or project manager, you can create digital solutions without technical programming skills.
Ease of use: Easy to use, no-code platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Weebly offer simple editors that allow anyone to design tools in just a few clicks. You only need to drag and drop visual elements without worrying about the code.
Speed of deployment: With no-code tools, projects that once took weeks or even months can be created and deployed in just a few days. This ability to quickly launch solutions allows businesses to respond rapidly to market opportunities and outpace their competitors.
Reduced costs: By reducing the need for external resources and the necessity to hire specialized developers, no-code helps lower development costs.
The no-code method: too good to be true?
Yes, the no-code approach is accessible to everyone, and yes, it is low-cost. However, compared to a solution coded by a professional, it remains quite limited. In some essential areas for creating a high-quality digital tool, no-code has not yet reached the expected standards.
1- Functional limitations
No-code tools are designed to simplify development by making technical tasks accessible to non-developers. However, this simplicity often leads to functional limitations. If you need to develop more sophisticated features, integrated into a business workflow or using automation and AI algorithms, the options available in no-code will not be sufficient. For example, most no-code platforms do not offer:
- Big data modules and batch processing
- Machine learning algorithms
- Complex image processing
- Facial or object recognition
- Complex IoT interactions
- 3D calculations or building editors
- Advanced websocket management
- Specific authentication protocols
- Custom middleware
Furthermore, you may encounter issues when trying to scale the platform. Managing large amounts of data, increasing the number of users, or handling more transactions can lead to slowdowns or inadequate performance. Platforms designed with no-code are not optimized for managing large-scale projects.
2- Dependence on no-code vendors
By choosing a no-code solution, you become dependent on its provider. Several scenarios may arise that could put you in a bind:
- Your provider may decide overnight to increase its prices
- Your provider may change the subscription terms of its tool
- Your provider may experience a technical incident and lose your operational data
- If your provider’s server is down, your tools will be inaccessible
Your workflows are encoded in a proprietary system and cannot be separated. If you change tools, you won’t have access to the source code to replicate the no-code model exactly.
Worse yet, your provider could decide to shut down its services or may be forced to do so. In this case, you would find yourself stuck, without support, and forced to migrate your project to another solution. And this migration should not be taken lightly! It would incur additional costs and could potentially lead to significant data losses for the company.
3- Limited customization
Unlike custom development, no-code platforms limit control over the technical aspects of a project. If you want to place an element wherever you like or create a specific interaction between two modules, you’ll have to go through the predefined settings and customization options available on the platform. If your needs cannot be integrated through these options, you’ll either have to accept these limitations or explore external solutions.
The same goes for the aesthetic or visual aspect. No-code tools generally offer limited choices for design and user interface. If you aspire to create a unique user experience, these restrictions can quickly become frustrating. The templates provided sometimes lack flexibility, originality, and diversity. In the end, everyone ends up with similar tools! Creating a visual identity that reflects your brand thus becomes more complicated.
4- Security and privacy issues with no-code
The security of the data in your software, platform, or application is a crucial concern that should not be overlooked. But when you do not control the processes of storage, hosting, and archiving, how can you be sure of regulatory compliance? It is important to remember that when you create a no-code platform, you do not have control over the management of your customer data. This raises several concerns :
Data ownership:
By entrusting your customers’ data to third parties, ambiguities may arise regarding the ownership of this information. The terms of use of platforms often stipulate that the provider holds certain rights, which limits your ability to fully leverage your data. This can also deter potential users who are unsure where their information will end up.
Data security:
Breach incidents can have serious consequences for your business. Is your no-code provider hacked? Is there a vulnerability exposing system data? All these factors can impact your image and reputation. The technical limitations of no-code are concerning: lack of end-to-end encryption, inability to anonymize system logs, insufficient access traceability… GDPR compliance may be out of reach for you, and these weaknesses expose your business to potential GDPR fines of up to 4% of your revenue. Furthermore, it is impossible for your users to exercise their rights regarding the management of their personal data through your entity. They will have to turn to your provider, which may lead them to lose trust in your tool.Confidentiality of sensitive information:
Storing sensitive information on no-code platforms increases the risks related to confidentiality. Indeed, no-code providers systematically impose data hosting on their own servers, sometimes located outside of Europe. When data is stored abroad, regulatory discrepancies arise. French protection standards may not necessarily be respected in the provider’s legislation. Additionally, no-code promotes the chain duplication of data without real control through automatic replication mechanisms and systematic backups. This proliferation of information can lead to undeniable failures in the protection of your users’ data.
In the event of a malfunction, the business consequences are tangible: startups lose clients, others are excluded from tenders, and some companies are forced to adopt costly hybrid solutions to maintain an adequate level of security.
5- Integration challenges
In the era of digitalization, companies use a multitude of tools and specialized software to manage their operations (ERP, CRM, internal APIs, etc.). No-code platforms are not optimized to integrate with these existing systems. They do not support all data formats and cannot always communicate with other internal systems. If you are looking to gain a comprehensive view of your operations and centralize your data in a single interface, no-code is not always the right tool.
6- Hidden long-term costs of no-code
Although no-code solutions are often presented as less expensive upfront, they generally operate on a subscription model. As your project grows and you need to add more users, features, or capacity, subscription costs can accumulate. In the long run, this may become more expensive than a custom-developed solution, one already created in SaaS or hosted internally.
Additionally, no-code can lead to unforeseen maintenance costs. For example, if new integrations need to be implemented by the provider to keep the platform functional, you will likely need to invest in additional services. Some updates may require the installation of paid or billed plugins.
7- Lack of technical skills
Designing a no-code solution may seem simple, but that doesn’t mean there is no learning involved. Users still need to understand some basic technical concepts, such as automation or data management, to avoid long-term errors. As the platform becomes more complex, it can become harder to manage for non-technical users. You might then need developers or experts to solve issues or add advanced features, which goes against the initial purpose of no-code.
8- Lack of control over updates
Your provider can update their services at any time, introducing new features or modifying existing ones. If these updates do not align with your needs or cause malfunctions, you will be forced to adapt. You have no control over the timing or specifics of these updates. Some may lead to temporary service interruptions or incompatibilities with the features you have already configured. If your internal platform is essential to your daily operations, this will inevitably cause delays and productivity issues.
SaaS platform, the sustainable solution for your projects?
SaaS platforms are hosted on remote servers and accessible via the internet, allowing companies to manage and analyze large amounts of data without requiring local installation. Unlike no-code tools, which are limited in terms of features and customization, SaaS platforms offer flexibility and easy integration into existing environments. Additionally, their subscription model includes regular updates and technical support, ensuring constant access to powerful and up-to-date software. This ability to evolve and adapt to business needs makes them a more sustainable long-term solution.
