Six no-code & low-code platforms to build apps in 2021

Business owners in the prevailing times know well that the sole saviour of today’s times is technology. Any business that aims to grow has to be technologically sound enough with their own apps and websites to optimize its outreach.

Does that mean you need to invest money in hiring a resource or learning to code? That is passé, for now is the era of no-code and low-code platforms. Anyone can build an app, website, or chatbot in easy DIY steps.

Read more: {Zoom In: No-Code} ‘No-code development ticks all the critical boxes – low cost, low complexity, and high-speed solutions’

Though some still doubt the might of no-code or low-code, the fact remains that such platforms have brought about a digital revolution in the recent past. According to Gartner, by 2024, no-code/low-code app development will account for over 65% of app development activity. In fact, by then, 75% of large enterprises are projected to be using at least four low-code development tools for IT app development as well as citizen development initiatives.

Here is a list of a few such no-code and low-code platforms that can help small Indian home grown businesses scale new heights.

Appy Pie

This Noida-headquartered multinational no-code platform is among the leading cloud-based app builders. Loaded with a wide host of features and drag-and-drop mechanisms for app building, Appy Pie functions on a subscription-based model, suiting the needs of different businesses.

Its app-making capabilities are evident from the fact that last year it acquired AppMakr, which at one point represented 10% of all apps in the iTunes App Store.

It offers dedicated app builders for different business purposes, such as restaurant, shopping, on demand delivery, etc. Another advanced no-code offering from the house is Appy Pie Connect, which integrates multiple apps to automate the business workflow.

GeneXus

GeneXus is a Low-code development platform powered by AI. With more than 30 years of experience in creating code generators, the platform captures user needs and generates applications for present as well as future technologies, without the need of learning each new technology.

Users can use their mobile app development platform Mobile Generator to create native mobile applications for Android and iOS and integrate them to their business. Their Web Applications Generator helps create Java and .Net applications.

In addition, though no longer updated, their legacy RPG, Cobol, and Visual Fox code generators have stood the test of time.

IBM

The multinational technology company offers cloud based no-code native development services on the idea of ‘build once, iterate rapidly, and deploy anywhere’. Built for continuous innovation, cloud native applications from the house of IBM offer faster market outreach, cost reduction, higher scalability, and simpler management.

Open and portable applications that could be deployed on any cloud can be optimized for superior customer experience and introducing new methodologies for workforce. Besides, with IBM Cloud Satellite, users can extend the IBM Cloud to deploy and run apps consistently across on-premise, edge computing, and public cloud environments.

Carrd

Established in 2016, Carrd was initially intended to be a way for non-experts to set up websites sans a need for coding knowledge. However, the initial use-case extended from small businesses to niche communities allowing them to organize their ideas and intentions online without formal coding background.

Users can use it to build one-page sites for pretty much anything, whether it’s a personal profile, a landing page to capture emails, or something a bit more elaborate. Users can also publish sites to any custom domains with full SSL support via Let’s Encrypt. It has a bunch of customizing options such as adding contact and sign-up, adding optional Google Analytics tracking ID, or embedding custom code and widgets from third-party services like Stripe, PayPal, Gumroad, Typeform, and more.

Salesforce

Widely considered a proficient customer relationship management solution for businesses, Salesforce boasts of being the fastest low-code path from idea to app. Powered by new APIs and mobile services by Salesforce, the platform allows businesses to create custom actions and dream up new partner apps.

Salesforce is an integrated CRM platform giving different departments like marketing, sales, or services a shared view of every customer. A community of over 10 million innovators, disruptors, and community shapers, Salesforce assures customized interaction and services to each customer.

Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a suitable low-code platform for digital transformation of relatively larger businesses. Designed to drive a business’s digital transformation, it allows one to create custom applications without any coding experience or IT expertise.

Collect all data, fill a form, and let Zoho Creator do the rest. Another offering by the low-code platform is Creator 5, which lets startups build customized mobile apps with the help of ready templates, ensuring a faster turnaround time.