Backendless recently developed a UI builder that turns their low-code platform into a no-code tool.
You can learn more about UI builder here: https://backendless.com/ui-builder-no-code-visual-app-development/
They added their codeless engine 1+ year ago: https://backendless.com/docs/codeless/
I like them a lot for two reasons:
I find it especially important since Bubble Apps are insanely slow in European countries. Backendless has an European Server, and everything in their app runs smoothly for me.
However, you won't save time in Backendless. Sure, it's no code, but it's a programming language. It works in the same way.
There are loops, data objects and model, data retrieval, file upload APIs etc. After 2 weeks of study I just built a calculator and a simple data retrieval app, just like I would with JS for example.
So yes, flexible as hell, but not really fast to work with since you have to handle error retrieval, troubleshooting, bug analysis etc
While RE: Bubble I love their extreme ease of use (I can build what I learned in 1 week on Bubble in 20 minutes, including the learning process), but:
They're pricey. A lot. To have the dedicated server is 100$ per month, and it won't even perform that good. Bubble itself can't manage a simple plugin directory without taking 10s to load (and my connection is fast, above 100mb/s)
Their platform is so, so slow. That's the most painful point for me. I've monitored them for years now but I never got myself into it because I can't see it as a viable option due to their slow loading times.
Every time I build even the simplest workflows it takes FOREVER to load and execute. An app built like that would have zero users in developed countries, where we're used to loading times below 3s.
I can go past the UI designer, which is not responsive at all, by building the site and SEO structures with WP/Webflow and the app with Bubble, but I can't go past those loading times...
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Which one are you using right now? Any competitor that's a mix of the two? I was considering Wappler and AppGyver but their docs are limited.
Can't wait to hear your feedback, and thank you in advance!
I see this pos Fred back 2 years. Is bubble slow till date?
Absolutely agree with you that Bubble is slow when you need to perform operations with a lot of data.
There's one more tool that you might not heard about - Budibase. Personally, I feel that Budibase could allow Bubble-like fast and easy development with ability to extend the app with your own code and, most importantly, self-host the app. However, they are still in early stage and they claim it is not production-ready yet.
You can try public beta if it sounds interesting to you: https://www.budibase.com/