Which no-code platform is the best? – An overview and selection criteria

In the first parts, I explained no-code and why no-code is also exciting for companies and innovations. Now it’s about the selection of no-code platforms. Depending on the definition, WordPress or Shopify also fall under no-code platforms. In the following, I will limit myself to platforms that are designed to implement your own ideas in simple applications from scratch and allow a high degree of flexibility. This was very important to me when making my selection, as I wanted to gain experience as to whether completely new and individual solutions can be implemented effectively.

Popular platforms

It should be noted that the popularity of no-code platforms can change over time. Here are a few popular platforms for inspiration. I have mainly researched on YouTube, where you can find countless videos that list and summarize the most popular platforms. For those who are lazy readers, I can recommend researching via YouTube.

Here are some of the most popular no-code platforms on the market:

• Bubble: A powerful no-code platform that can be used to create custom web applications. Ideal for users who want more flexibility and control over their apps.
• Webflow: A popular tool for web design and responsive website creation. With a drag-and-drop interface, it designs websites without the need for code. Custom code integration is also possible.
• Glide: A no-code app builder that allows users to create apps from tables and databases. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components, apps can be developed quickly and easily.
• Adalo: Enables the creation of responsive web and native mobile apps. The platform offers a drag-and-drop interface as well as ready-made components and various data integration options.
• AppSheet: Is now part of Google and enables users to connect apps with data from various sources. Particularly suitable for creating business applications that need to access data from different departments and systems.
• Airtable: Enables the creation of flexible databases with complex relationships between data. Popular for project management, content organization and team management.
• Zapier: An automation platform that allows users to connect apps and services to automate workflows. Offers a variety of integrations with different applications.
• Thunkable: A no-code platform that allows users to create mobile apps for Android and iOS. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, apps can be designed and developed without programming knowledge.

What do you need to consider when choosing a no-code platform for a project?

• Test version or demo version: An important criterion for me, as I want to experience the user-friendliness and functions first-hand before I am prepared to pay for the platform. Most platforms now offer trial options.
• Functionality and flexibility: Check whether the platform offers the functions you need for your project and is broadly positioned to be able to implement different projects. For companies in particular, it is often important that the platform is broadly positioned so that they can implement various projects, as a company usually wants/needs to limit itself to one or two platforms.
• User-friendliness: One of the main attractions of no-code platforms is their user-friendliness. Make sure the platform offers an intuitive user interface and a simple drag-and-drop function so that users can get started quickly. If an IT department is involved, it’s important to consider the layman’s view. Developers are used to complex development environments, but laypeople tend to be put off by this.
• Integrations: Check whether the platform offers integrations (APIs) with other applications and services that they will need. This is particularly important for the exchange of data, the automation of workflows or the connection of third-party providers.
• Scalability: Consider the scalability of the platform for the development of the project. If successful, the platform must enable scaling or allow a change to an individual solution.
• Data storage: Depending on the platform, data storage is part of the service offering. This can raise data protection issues, but can also cause problems if the application and its data are to be migrated. Some platforms allow API calls to external databases, which can be a possible solution.
• Intellectual property rights: As you do not write any code in no-code platforms and often use pre-existing modules, the intellectual property rights usually lie with the platforms. An exclusivity right to work results is usually not possible. It can be difficult to switch to an individual solution at a later date. There is a lock-in effect. The functions may have to be laboriously reprogrammed.
• Support and community: An active support community and customer service can be helpful. A large and active community speaks for the quality of the platform and increases the chance of external consultants.
• Security: Particularly important if you work with sensitive data. Check whether the platform takes appropriate security measures.
• Costs: Compare the costs of the various platforms in relation to the benefits. Some platforms have free entry plans, while others charge.
• Testimonials and reviews: Look for testimonials and reviews from other users to gain insight into pros and cons.

Ultimately, it depends a lot on what needs you want to cover with the no-code platform and how you want to use no-code within the organization. The requirements for prototypes are less stringent than for applications that are subsequently to be used productively and with customer data.

Choosing the right no-code platform can be challenging, but it’s important to take the time to do your research. With many great options available, you are sure to find the perfect platform to build your next application. In the next part, I’ll go into my personal experience.

Yves Gogniat

Yves Gogniat ist Experte für Informations- und Technologierecht mit den Schwerpunkten Datenschutz und IT-, Vertrags- und Gesellschaftsrecht. Er verfügt über ein breites Wissen in den Bereichen Blockchain-Technologie, Krypto-Währungen und hat seine Erfahrungen in verschiedenen Kanzleien sowie in der öffentlichen Verwaltung gesammelt.