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No code: How to build a product with no code required (44 no code tools)

I've worked in tech for a while now, but I'm a muggle — I don't have that wizardry they call coding. Honestly, I often feel hampered by that fact.

So, I've been digging into no code. From what I've found, it has become a viable option, and it's getting more advanced every day.

Here's what I've gathered. Hope it's helpful!

What does no code mean?

In short, it's a way for non-technical people to "create application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional computer programming." Essentially, you drag and drop instead of coding.

And according to a Forrester report, the industry will grow to $21.2 billion by 2022. So yeah, it's kind of a big deal.

Who is no code for?

No code is for the muggles among us, but I've actually come across some developers who use it (though they're more likely to use low-code). It's also being used widely by companies that hope to inspire "citizen development", which is when business roles (and others) develop and deploy their own apps for internal use.

If you're unsure of whether no code can handle what you're trying to build, check out the features and templates of relevant platforms (there are plenty in the list below) — this should give you a good indication. You can also reach out to their support. Or you can do what I did a few months back and ask for help in the no code group on IH — people were super helpful.

In the meantime, maybe a good old fashioned list of pros and cons will help you decide.

No code pros and cons

Pros

  • Makes building online businesses more accessible to the rest of us
  • No training required
  • Cheaper than hiring a developer
  • Faster (arguably)
  • Less risk — particularly for MVPs
  • Easier collaboration between non-technical founders and technical founders

Cons

  • There will be inherent limitations with every platform — these can be difficult (sometimes impossible) to get around
  • Less customizable
  • Not ideal for overly complex projects (yet)
  • There can be security risks

A couple of no code tips

  • Start with a pilot project with a limited scope so that you can gain an understanding for the platform and its limitations.
  • Be thorough with requirement gathering — even more so than if you were coding. You need to know the platform can handle it before you invest in it.

Top no code platforms and tools

This is a rapidly growing market and there are lots of players, so it can be tough to get a handle on what's what. To get you started, I curated a list from my own experience along with a bunch of best-of lists.

Web app builders

  • Bubble.io: Probably the most popular nocode tool for building web apps. It has a super solid template library that'll be invaluable when you're starting out.
  • Budibase: Allows users to design and build Saas applications and internal tools. It's a mix of Airtable, Webflow, and Zapier
  • Ycode: A full-stack visual no code web app builder
  • Shopify: This one is such a household name that it doesn't really seem like no code. But it's a fast way to set up an e-commerce website without code, so there ya go.
  • Retool: Build internal tools super quickly. I've never built a retool app, but I've used plenty and they work like a charm.

Mobile app builders

  • Thunkable: A drag-and-drop mobile app builder. In the end, you'll create native iOS, Android, and mobile web apps.
  • Appy Pie: Create native apps for iOS and Android, and publish them too.
  • Good Barber: Build any type of mobile app without any technical experience. Boasts over 500 features.
  • Glide: Build apps from Google Sheets. It's quick and free (until you get to a higher volume).
  • Lumavate: A mobile app building platform specifically designed for marketers.

Combo app builders

  • AppGyver: Build apps that work on all devices — mobile, desktop, browser, TV, and more.
  • Appery.io: Primarily for mobile apps but works for web apps too. It's a no code platform, but developers are able to tweak the code as they see fit.
  • Betty Blocks: Create web, mobile, and back office applications with this privately owned company.
  • Stencyl: This one is specifically for games — iOS, Android, HTML5, Windows, and Mac.

Website builders

  • Webflow: A popular and versatile website builder that can also handle some app logic. And they have a visual CMS too.
  • Squarespace: Another popular website builder with beautiful templates, and a number of useful tools.
  • Carrd: A website builder that is tailored to landing pages and one-page sites.
  • Umso: A quick and easy website builder designed for startups. Best for landing pages and one-pagers.
  • Universe: Fast, minimalistic websites. You can launch a website in minutes.

Data management

  • Airtable: A popular spreadsheet-database hybrid for data management.
  • Parabola: Connects and automates data-related tasks and workflows.
  • Knack: Build online databases and apps without coding. Then manage and analyze your data.
  • Stackby: Similar to Airtable, this brings the power of spreadsheets, tables, databases, and business APIs into one place.

Automation

  • Zapier: A popular platform that allows users to integrate different apps and automate processes.
  • IFTTT: Allows you to use conditional (if/then) statements in order to automate tasks. Simpler than Zapier, but less robust.
  • Automate.io: Build simple bots to automate processes between multiple apps.
  • Integromat: Connects apps and automates workflows in a few clicks.
  • Nintex: Process management and workflow automation.
  • Quixy: Build internal apps and automate workflows with enterprise-grade applications.

Forms and surveys

  • Typeform: A popular tool that allows you to collect information and send it to many other applications.
  • JotForm: Easy-to-use form builder for generating leads, distributing surveys, and collecting payments.
  • Outgrow: Simple no code tools that help you acquire qualified leads — recommendations, quizzes, chatbots, giveaways, calculators, and more.
  • Involve.me: Allows you to build, design, and integrate interactive content for acquiring, converting, and retaining. Includes lead pages, quizzes, payment pages, calculators, surveys, and so on.

Payment providers

  • Stripe: Hugely popular payment service provider, and it integrates easily into apps. Technically low code, but they recently released a no code option.
  • Payhere: A way to collect payments quickly, with no code at all.
  • Buy Me A Coffee: A great way to get donations as a creator.

Analytics

  • Obviously.ai: A data science tool that provides a simple prediction experience.
  • Mixpanel: Customizable and easy-to-use product analytics tool.

Misc no code tools

  • Notion: An all-in-one workplace where you can collaborate, track tasks, and do… well, just about anything. And that includes building products — I've seen indie hackers sell products created with notion alone.
  • Memberstack: Allows you to add memberships, user accounts, and payments to websites.
  • Mailchimp: A popular email marketing tool with lots of nocode integrations.
  • Voiceflow: Allows you to build voice apps, which is a fast-growing market.
  • Landbot: A simple no code chatbot builder.
  • Userguiding: A tool for creating user onboarding experiences — product tours, user guides, onboarding checklists, and more.

Happy (no)coding 🚀

  1. 1

    Great article @IndieJames. Thanks for sharing!

  2. 2

    Thanks for sharing this list!

    You can add one more tool to this list: Fuzen.io

    Fuzen is a no-code platform specially designed to build web-based saas apps

  3. 3

    What do you think about Wordpress? It could be considerated as a no-code tool?

  4. 3

    Thanks for putting this together James! We discovered some new NoCode products via this list! I want to try out Budibase!

    We were also inspired to turn this into a Stack on our own NoCode tool LaunchStash. Here is the stack https://mylaunchstash.com/stack/no-code-app-mobile-web-platforms

  5. 2

    No code is such an exciting field. It's an incredible way to bridge the gap for non-technical folks like us to bring our ideas to life. It's amazing how this field is growing, and it's opening up endless possibilities for innovation.

  6. 2

    There are also a few other tools for creating sites with notion, like super.so and feather.io.

  7. 2

    Excellent list of resources, @IndieJames! I have "the wizardry they call coding," but my recent discovery of no-code tools has reignited my passion for creativity. I can quickly bring ideas to life and get valuable feedback from potential users...

  8. 2

    Good list.
    Now, Framer and EditorX have joined the competition of no-code web builders.

  9. 2

    This post is awesome, thank you very much for sharing this!
    There's a no-code videochat player pretty customizable: https://lite.markee.io if you want to add to your list too!

  10. 2

    Thank you so much for these. You can check this tool as well.. Check this out.

    https://www.nocodejournal.com/posts/your-tool-genially

    and other tools posted at their site. It's informative. 😊

  11. 2

    Thanks for doing this. Really great post!
    I would definitely add pricewell.io into payments category!
    The easiest, fastest and reliable tool that I've used to integrate stripe payments into a website. Totally codeless and super effective!

    1. 2

      Nice, thanks for the tip! 💪

  12. 2

    Thanks for the great rundown of nocode tools! I think Nocode could be especially interesting for building out quick prototypes and testing MVPs. Looking forward to see what the future brings :).

    1. 1

      Are you of the opinion that in the future no-code will be used for supporting an existing product/service/tool or will be the main source of developing? I'd be really interested in hearing your opinion on that.

      1. 1

        I think it'll first become more popular for rapid prototyping and supporting existing products.

        Maybe at some point it will be an alternative as main source of developing but I don't think it'll replace code as high level programming languages like Rails are already kind of closing in to a sweet spot between precision and effort.

        I see it as a spectrum kind of:

        [Low level assembly - C - Rust/Go - Java - Python/Ruby/PHP - ? - Nocode]

        I think what will emerge between Python/Ruby/PHP and Nocode will be interesting!

  13. 2

    Very cool list James!

    Feel free to dig into https://www.toolmeup.io/make-your-own-tool-stack to find more tools to recommend!

    On web-app, you need had Softr.io that is brilliant! (what I used for toolmeup.io).
    Gyana is a pretty cool analytical tool.

    You also need to add FlutterFlow for mobile-apps. Really easy to use and the team is shipping new features & product upgrades very fast!

    AppGyver should really be considered, I am launching a mobile & web app at the end of August with it!

    Feel free to reach out if you have a question!

    1. 1

      Nice, thanks for weighing in and good luck with your launch! 🚀

  14. 1

    "Unlocking the potential of no-code development. Discover 44 essential no-code tools. A must-read for aspiring product creators."

  15. 1

    This list is on another level, will definitely check them out 👍

  16. 1

    For an integrated solution that combines data management, automation and forms I think ApptiveGrid (not allowed to post links yet) would be a good addition.

  17. 1

    Universe is a stylish one, great. I was excited about GUS (AI site builder) but it's unpolished yet

  18. 1

    This was such a valuable post for me to read, thanks for putting this together!

  19. 1

    Excellent list of ideas!

  20. 1

    Great resources listed James, we created a referral program using no code! However, the problem with these no code tools is as a project grows, no code solutions might struggle to handle increased complexity and user loads. They might not be able to scale as effectively as custom-coded solutions.

  21. 1

    Great post! I'm looking to build a smart ai chatbot with a large frame that both scrapes the internet for it's answers as well as crunching the data from my website and a few others that has the data both past and present. The use would be an embed on my websites and a mobile app or just the mobile version of the websites. Do you have any recommendations for which tools to use. Which AI do you recommend for this as well, ie openai, Claude2 etc. Thanks so much. PS if anyone wishes to help build this I'd be awesome!

  22. 1

    Now this is an amazing list

  23. 1

    No code, no problem! With a whopping 44 no code tools at your disposal, building a product has never been easier. Embrace the power of simplicity and efficiency as you create without the need for coding expertise. Say goodbye to barriers and hello to innovation with the limitless possibilities of no code development.

  24. 1

    Thank you very much for this incredible list of no code tools!

  25. 1

    No code apps are the future

  26. 1

    This is really very helpful, thanks for sharing.

  27. 1

    This is so helpful for someone who can't write code. Pleasantly surprised

  28. 1

    One tool that I absolutely love for website building that I am missing here is plasmic[dot]app.

    It allows you to export your project code to your favourite JS framework. The documentation is very nice and you can create a landing page in minutes!

  29. 1

    Thank you for the share! It's really usefull, I want to build an app/website where clients get to see dashboards. How can I build it in order to validade the idea? does anyone has a clue?

  30. 1

    Thanks for sharing these useful resources!

  31. 1

    Very helpful and encouraging for a no-code pro like me! Nonetheless very encouraging. I'm curious to know what did you build, and whether you were successful selling it afterward?

  32. 1

    I would like to add that a great hack while using no-code is starting from a no-code template to build a fast MVP, learn and experiment with no-code. 10/10 list, thanks! 🙌

  33. 1

    Hi James, this is a great breakdown of tools, I didn't know a lot of them. I'm currently working on a platform around the payment area, trying to help no-code users set up pricing cards and checkouts as simply as possible. Since you seem to have deep knowledge of the tools available, I would love it if you could take a look.

    I can't post links yet, so, if you're interested drop me an email

  34. 1

    I've used Airtable, Make to automate my real estate business. But I've quite struggle with airtable formula(s), that why I've build a chrome extension powered by AI (Trained & fine tune model)

  35. 1

    Quite informative on the landscape. Thanks for the post.

    • I would also like to add Softr to the list. It can be used to build landing pages, market places, internal info products, and job boards etc. I found it extremely easy to use and powerful.
  36. 1

    Wow! Been looking all over the place to learn about different tools. This post wrapped everything up for me! Thanks a lot!

  37. 1

    Gold mine, need to add flutterflow too in mob/web dev

  38. 1

    This is a great list! I'd like to add ClickStack to the list!

  39. 1

    I'm not really sure why FlutterFlow has not made it to this amazing list.

  40. 1

    Thank you so much for the article! I found some useful websites I did not hear of before. Gotta try it.

  41. 1

    Great list! have you tried out Noodl?

  42. 1

    Great list here. I was trying to put something like this together. There should be a simple site where you can say what your bootstrap needs, I,e user sign up, subscription. Etc and it calculates the expected costs.

  43. 1

    Great article! Thank you for your work!

  44. 1

    For mobile app builder, you can add Twinr as well. I am building Twinr and launching it on producthunt in 3 days. You can visit here: https://www.producthunt.com/products/twinr-app-builder

    Twinr profile: https://bento.me/twinr-app-builder

  45. 1

    Jotform solved problem for me. I tried Typeform but the 'one questions at a time' execution didn't feel right for only a few questions.

  46. 1

    Awesome list thank you for this great work.

  47. 1

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  48. 1

    Any tips for no-code frontend development that can connect to a Django API?

    I'm a data scientist by training with enough web dev skills to make me an alright backend developer, but my frontend skills aren't great so if there's a no-code tool that could help me 'fill the gap' to making a fullstack web app it would be super helpful to know!

  49. 1

    Build any backend (API, integration, automations) in low-code
    https://linx.software

  50. 1

    Great tips! And ditto on the low code tools. I built https://jem.social on FlutterFlow. An app that could have taken 5-6 months with a dev team took 2 months.

  51. 1

    BRYTER.com is another great option that was not mentioned. It's especially targeted at those in the legal/compliance/regulatory/risk management professions. Some of the tools that its customers (such as McDonald's, Deloitte, Telefonica, ING, Baker McKenzie, PwC, Ashurst and more) have build, include:

    • COVID-19 Return-to-Work Navigator
    • ESG Investment Check
    • Data Breach Assistant
    • STS Securitization Checker
    • IBOR Transition Platform
    • Virtual Legal Assistant
  52. 1

    This comment was deleted a month ago.

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