Small businesses that want custom software would need to pay a nearby IT company for software development and that can be a deterrent. However, the current trend is towards no-code app development with Forrester estimating that this platform will grow to $ 21 billion and more by 2022. Is it possible to develop apps? Can you, a non-IT person, develop an app? It is possible with no code development.
No-code application development
The traditional way software developers work is to write hundreds of lines of code that tell the software what to do based on inputs. These days there are no-code app development platforms that do all of that in the background. You simply use visual tools what you want the app to do and the app does it, writing code in the background. You simply drag and drop certain elements using the no-code tool. Many mobile app development companies these days offer no-code app development as a low-cost solution. You can do it on your own too. Some of the platforms are Kissflow, Judy, AppMakr, AppSheet, Zoho, and Open As App. Try them out.
Caveats
Before you proceed with no-code app development it is advisable to download and try out the platforms. This is because each platform has its own advantages and also limitations. You will have to work within the limitations of the platform and you can get your app to do so only so much. If you want complex functionality beyond the app’s capability then it is better to get in touch with a nearby IT company. That said you follow a path to develop your app using the platform of your choice. Most such platforms usually offer templates and you are restricted to working within such templates whereas a genuine mobile app development company can write code and develop any type of app.
Build the user interface
Give the app a name and get started. The platform may offer the facility to develop apps in different categories. Pick the category that suits you and the platform on which the app will work such as Android or iOS. Since the user interface will be the first point of reference it is a good idea to start by using the platform to create the user interface. Select a color scheme and set up the app design and pick buttons for various functions. Some platforms offer a variety of choices in color themes, choice of fonts, and customization.
The data and functionality process step
You have built an interface but clicking on icons should result in a function. The next step is to use visual modeling to manage data and functions. You select functions from drop-down lists and assign them to various icons or features in your user interface. You can create customer-facing apps that work in a browser, for instance, and a backend for employees to interact with customers through the app. Here again, the platform makes it easy for you. You simply pick from a list of options such as education, gaming, or events. There is plenty to do here such as inviting users to register, to post comments, to take advantage of coupons, to call you, and so on.
Integrate with other web services
You may wish to integrate externals into your apps such as Twitter and Facebook. You can do this too provided the platform has this facility.
Test and deploy
The final stage is to test the app. Once you have used the platform to finalize the app you load it on your device and take it for a test drive. Let your friends use it too and check all features and functions to make sure they work on all devices. You can then think of releasing the app to the public directly through your website or through Playstore or App Store. Please note that these two have stringent requirements that must be satisfied in order to avoid rejection.
If you find the platforms offering no-code app development then you may wish to engage a mobile app development company. You pay but you get precisely what you want by way of looks and functions as well as security. The right mobile app developers may use no-code development to reduce the cost for you if your needs are not complex. Anyway, no-code development can be fun and it is worth a try. You will need to practice until you get it right. Just pick the right platform and get started. IT companies do charge heavily for app development and by using no-code platforms you can save a lot and launch your startup or small business app. It is the future so you might as well get used to it and be in command.
