In response to our No-Code in 2020 and Beyond webinar, we received a boat-load of awesome questions. In this article, we’ll answer the more technical questions surrounding no-code. Click here for Part 1, in which we answer your questions about applying no-code application development within your organization.
1. What coding languages will it be possible to code in through Betty Blocks?
No-code is here to remove the limitations of traditional coding, but it’s still possible to use coding alongside no-code. Betty Blocks has an escape hatch to enable the use of traditional coding languages, such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React, and Typescript.
And remember: once a block has been customized, it will be available in your toolbox to use again at the click of a mouse!
2. Who will be the "coder" with no-code?
When it comes to coding, our Betty Blocks developers have already done the heavy lifting for you. Essentially, this means we’re the coders and we’ve provided you with the tools to enable citizen development. Of course, this certainly doesn’t remove the need for IT — far from it. It means IT can spend less time on debugging and simply keeping the lights on, and more time on new challenges. IT is necessary to provide a secure environment in which citizen development can thrive. Because Betty Blocks has an escape hatch, it also means coding can still be used to customize blocks, if you so wish.
3. Do you have what it takes it be a no-code developer? (See below video).
4. How can we develop software?
By using a no-code platform, of course! We would recommend really honing in on your goals; why do you need the software? What function will it have in the business? Who will take responsibility for the development and implementation of a new application? No-code allows those who aren’t professional programmers to develop applications. But it’s crucial that we first outline exactly what we need from the application.
5. What will replace software development in the future and what type of training should students prepare to study?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that, by 2020, 1 million US programming jobs could go unfilled. We believe this is just one reason why no-code will dominate the future of software development.
As for study advice, it depends on what the student’s specific goals are. In general, no-code will allow us all to focus on creating solutions and providing value. This means skills like communication, project management, and analytical thinking, will become even more crucial.
Think about when the first version of Excel was released. People practically needed a degree in mathematics to use it. How much time and effort was spent on actually using the software, rather than working on business solutions? As soon as Excel became easy to use, we could focus on solutions again.
6. How does no or low-code compare to current native/hybrid development practices (eg. front-end/user experience)?
No-code exists to provide the best user experience possible, whilst still retaining the capabilities of traditional coding. These days, in fact, the capabilities of no-code application development are practically the same as with native application development.
The main comparison is that no-code enables citizen development. This means you don’t have to be a professional programmer, unlike with other methods, to develop an application. Like traditional coding, no-code platforms enable the development of enterprise-grade applications, but in a fraction of the time.
7. How will current trends of ML, AR, IoT, and Blockchain integrate successfully with no-code systems?
APIs make it possible to connect no-code applications to most other technologies. For example, it’s already possible to use a no-code platform to develop applications that incorporate Blockchain technology — though this isn’t yet done on a large scale. Similarly, no-code applications can be connected to web services and software within the Internet of Things (IoT) realm.
The value of Machine Learning (ML) and Augmented Reality (AR) is growing constantly. As this technology becomes more wide-spread, so too will the necessity for it to integrate with no-code applications. There’s no doubt the demand will lead to seamless integration capabilities.
8. How do you ensure no-code data and systems security?
Our platform was the first no-code platform ever to attain ISO 27001 certification, an achievement that exemplifies our commitment to security. Because the platform is 100% cloud-based, updates are fully automated, ensuring you’re always up to date. Betty Blocks has also been named a Visionary in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms 2019.
