No Code App Development is a Trap

My Story

Like many tech enthusiasts, I once had a brilliant idea for a mobile app. Back in 2023, I was aware of the complexities of mobile app development and was reluctant to learn a new programming language. Instead, I opted for a no code app development platform called Flutter Flow, one of the most popular platforms available. Despite my background in coding, I thought that using no code would save time and effort.

The Initial Steps

I began the development process diligently. I went through Flutter Flow's documentation, watched various YouTube tutorials, and created a wireframe using Balsamiq. At around 20 to 30% completion, things started going awry. I encountered limitations in Flutter Flow that thwarted my efforts to add custom features, which were supposed to be manageable through custom widgets. However, these widgets didn't work, leaving me stuck.

Realizing the Problems

I wasn't alone in my plight. A Reddit post from the Flutter Dev subreddit five months prior revealed similar issues faced by others. A lengthy comment on that post detailed similar frustrations, pointing out that Flutter Flow is only about 90% effective. When attempting to customize the final 10%, users often encountered insurmountable challenges. Custom widgets were difficult to integrate into Flutter Flow's code base, and hiring external developers didn't resolve the problems either. Ultimately, downloading the code base resulted in facing a tangled mess of poorly written code, making deployment to app stores nearly impossible.

Similar Issues with Other No Code Platforms

Flutter Flow isn't the only platform with these issues. Users of another well-known no code platform, Bubble, also reported problems, especially with customization and scalability. Research revealed that while Bubble and Flutter Flow promise full-stack no code solutions, they fall short in real-world applications due to limited customization options and scalability concerns.

The Trap of No Code Platforms

Lack of Coding Knowledge: Many no code clients don’t have a background in coding. They may reach the 90% completion mark only to find that they can't implement crucial custom features due to the platform's limitations.
Misleading Marketing: No code platforms often present themselves as capable of building fully customizable, production-ready apps, which is misleading. In reality, these platforms are best suited for creating simple MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) or proofs of concept.

Final Thoughts

While no code platforms like Flutter Flow and Bubble can quickly get you a prototype, they fall short when it comes to developing a fully-fledged, unique, and scalable app. Traditional coding methods, though more time-consuming and expensive, ensure higher quality and customization. If you want your app done right, consider hiring an experienced developer or learning the appropriate coding language.

Keywords

No Code Development
Flutter Flow
App Development
Custom Widgets
Code Base Issues
Bubble Platform
Customization Limits
Scalability Issues
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Traditional Coding

FAQ

Q: What is the main issue with no code platforms like Flutter Flow and Bubble?

A: The main issues are their limitations in customization and scalability, often resulting in incomplete or poorly functioning apps.

Q: Can no code platforms be used effectively for any app development?

A: Yes, they can be effective for developing simple MVPs or proofs of concept but are less suitable for complex, customizable apps.

Q: Why do no code platforms fail at the last 10% of development?

A: They inherently lack the flexibility to implement custom features, and the code generated is often subpar, making final refinements difficult.

Q: Is hiring a developer necessary if starting with no code platforms?

A: While you may start with no code platforms, you often need to hire a developer to fix issues or complete the project, potentially making it more time-consuming and expensive.

Q: Are marketing claims of no code platforms reliable?

A: No code platforms often overstate their capabilities, leading to unrealistic expectations about the ease and extent of what they can achieve.