What is a no-code platform, and can it replace classic development?

The demand for modern IT solutions is growing daily, but companies still face a challenge: there is a shortage of developers, hiring personnel is expensive, and products need to be launched quickly. In this situation, no-code platforms come to the rescue—tools that allow you to create applications for businesses without programming.

According to research, 60% of user applications are now created outside the IT department. Of these, 30% are created by employees with limited or no technical skills. A whopping 96% of teams that do not use no-code tools plan to do so in the future.

But can no-code really completely replace traditional development? Let's take a look at where the capabilities of visual builders end and the need for code begins.

What is no-code, and how does it work

No-code (or zero-code) is a technology that allows you to create websites, applications, chatbots, online platforms, automated business services, and other solutions without programming. Simply put, it is development without code.

The key elements of no-code tools are ready-made interface templates, component libraries, data management systems, automation tools, and various integrations with other business platforms and services. Together, they allow you to create a wide variety of products—from simple landing pages to corporate CRM systems—without involving programmers.

The main idea behind no-code technology

Any digital product consists of code. For example, when we see the home page of an application on a computer or smartphone screen, behind every element, logo, button, and even text, there are hundreds of lines of code.

In other words, classic programming involves creating each of these elements from scratch. The developer must know programming languages in order to design the system architecture, write the logic for each component, and configure interactions. This lengthy and complex process requires specialized knowledge and skills.

No-code tools, on the other hand, offer a new approach to complex tasks. The developer does not need to write code.

What's more, anyone can be a developer. Users of no-code platforms work as arrangers, using ready-made elements. Of course, code still powers the software. But it is written and available in a “semi-assembled” form. Users do not need to know which programming language is used or how everything works.

No-code technology is based on working with visual tools, so-called drag-and-drop editors.

The developer, who may now be a non-technical specialist, “assembles” the application like a Lego constructor—selecting elements, arranging them in the desired order, configuring the interaction logic through visual diagrams, and connecting ready-made integrations with external services. Here's how it might look using the Tracy no-code platform as an example:

Who is no-code development suitable for?

No-code tools are not universal, but they are ideal for certain categories of users and tasks:

1. Entrepreneurs and startups can quickly test their ideas. According to research by CB Insights, 42% of startups fail because there is simply no demand for their products or services. To avoid this, you can test your ideas on real users with minimal investment and risk. Creating an MVP (minimum viable product) without code for such testing can take just a few days.
2. Small companies that do not have their own IT department can design the necessary digital solutions themselves, even with a limited budget, relying solely on internal resources.
3. Individual departments within organizations can implement tools to automate internal business processes, from accounting systems to project management platforms. HR, marketing, sales, and operations teams can operate more independently. What's more, according to Gartner, 70% of new applications developed within corporations will use low-code or no-code technologies.
4. Marketing teams can use no-code to simplify the development of landing pages, optimize the collection and processing of advertising reports, create analytics systems, and automate customer communications.
5. IT departments can focus on strategic tasks by delegating software development or other requests from business teams to no-code solutions, for example, for production. This allows internal departments to implement their initiatives independently, without waiting for development resources.

A McKinsey study showed that companies that use low-code or no-code tools are 33% more innovative than their competitors.

What is the difference between no-code, low-code, and classic development?

Understanding the differences between full-fledged development, low-code, and zero-code allows you to correctly calculate your budget, as well as estimate the project implementation time and your capabilities:

1. Classic development is the traditional approach. Programmers write code from scratch using a chosen programming language. This method provides maximum flexibility but requires significant time and financial investment. The key element is the involvement of highly qualified specialists.
2. Low-code occupies an intermediate position between classic development and no-code. The term itself means “little code”. Low-code also allows you to create applications and automate processes, primarily through visual blocks and ready-made components. Typically, such platforms offer a wide range of integrations with cloud services, artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning systems, and more.
3. No-code takes the most radical approach to simplifying development—completely abandoning code in favor of visual modeling. Users work exclusively with ready-made blocks. The platform takes care of all the technical complexity: code generation, performance optimization, cybersecurity, and compatibility with different devices. If the required feature is not provided by the platform or goes beyond standard use cases, there is nothing you can do about it.

In other words, no-code services are limited to ready-made solutions, while low-code provides IT teams with a certain level of freedom to add their own code.

To draw an analogy, no-code is like ready-made frozen meals from the supermarket: fast, convenient, tasty, but you are limited to what the manufacturer offers. Low-code is like semifinished products and ready-made sauces: you can add your own ingredients, change the spices, but the base is already there. Classic development is like cooking from scratch, from choosing ingredients to creating your own recipes.

No-code vs. classic development: which to choose?

Here are three questions to help you make an informed choice.

What tasks need to be solved?

No-code is ideal if you plan to create:

1. MVP, i.e., a minimum viable product. With its help, businesses can test hypotheses quickly and at minimal cost.
2. Landing pages. They can be created in a few hours at most, which means you can launch advertising campaigns, marketing activities, and more on your own.
3. Internal automation tools. Accounting systems, service booking, simple CRM for small businesses, data collection forms, and much more, without involving developers.

No-code automation in transportation and logistics is quite common. For example, the American company Arrive Logistics implemented a no-code platform for more efficient data and analytics. This saved the company 450 working hours per month, which were previously spent on manual analysis, and brought in $500 million in profit in the first month.

Classic development becomes necessary when a project requires complex multi-level systems with a unique architecture:

1. Products with specific algorithms or complex logic.
2. Particularly critical performance and security requirements.
3. Solutions that require deep integration with legacy systems.
4. Innovative products with functionality not available in off-the-shelf tools.

In all of these cases, a customized approach is required not only for implementation but also for early-stage system planning.

Who will be the user?

No-code is a good option for entrepreneurs and startups in the early stages of development, when speed of launch is more important than technical perfection. No-code is also ideal for teams with limited budgets or resources.

With no-code development:

1. Small organizations without technical specialists independently create and maintain the tools they need.
2. Departments in medium-sized companies—marketing, HR, sales—implement applications without involving corporate IT.
3. Educational institutions and non-profit organizations gain access to professional tools at an affordable price.

Classic development remains relevant primarily for large corporations. After all, we are talking about complex processes and a different level of security and confidentiality requirements. The same can be said about technology companies for which software products are their main asset. It is quite obvious that they cannot limit themselves to ready-made solutions.

How flexible should a solution be?

No-code offers limited customization within the capabilities of a specific platform. The set of available features and configurations is clearly defined and predictable. And for most typical business scenarios, this flexibility is sufficient. However, there is a risk of hitting a ceiling if your system and needs outgrow the no-code platform.

Meanwhile, classic development guarantees unlimited possibilities for system modification and complete control over its architecture. However, the complexity and cost of changes are directly proportional to their scale. Even minor adaptations can require significant financial investment and a lot of time. This is especially true for complex systems with a large code base.

Comparison table: no-code vs. low-code vs. classic development

Function / Parameter	No-code	Low-code	Traditional Development
Launch Speed	Very High	High	Low
Customization Flexibility	Medium	Medium	High
Need for Developers	None	Minimal	Full
Initial Cost	Low	Medium	High
Scalability	Limited	Medium	High
Integration Support	Pre-built connectors	API and pre-built connectors	Unlimited

Advantages of no-code platforms

No-code services cannot handle every request, at least not yet. However, there are a number of advantages that make them attractive to a wide range of users.

High development speed

Ready-made templates, components, and integrations eliminate the need to build every element from scratch. As a result, you can create a functional website or application in a matter of hours or days, whereas traditional development of the same solution can take weeks or months. And this advantage is not only relevant for startups.

Let's look at another example of a no-code solution for a logistics company. Nova Poshta planned to enter the European market to maintain the high level of service we are accustomed to, but with the budget of a small startup. It was necessary to scale and optimize processes in a short time and under difficult conditions (war, global competition, differences in legislation between countries, etc.). The delivery service was able to quickly deploy a new CRM thanks to low-code/no-code technologies.

Low cost

Professional tools are now available even for projects with a minimal budget. There is no longer any need to hire a developer or an IT team. Anyone can work with ready-made blocks and functions. Meanwhile, the cost of creating a website or application is equal to the cost of a subscription to a no-code platform. Even taking into account the time spent on training and product creation, the total cost is tens of times lower than traditional development.

According to Forrester Research, organizations using no-code platforms save an average of $1.7 million annually. Real business stories confirm this trend. TechnipFMC, a French-American global oil and gas company, saved $100,000 a year by automating its service department with no-code. The corporation simply replaced the production and distribution of printed manuals and brochures with online materials available in several applications created on no-code platforms.

No programming skills required

No-code democratizes the process of developing digital products. Visual tools allow you to focus on what matters most—business logic. What's more, these platforms are versatile: without writing a single line of code, you can create everything from a business card website with virtually no interactive elements to a complex digital solution for logistics or manufacturing.

Ease of use

Learning to program takes years, while you can master a no-code builder in a few days or even hours. The interface is as accessible as possible—any team can figure it out:

Example of a no-code interface—Tracy.

Most platforms offer detailed documentation and instructions, which further speed up learning and simplify work.

This is confirmed by business experience:

Creating software for logistics seems to be one of the most common applications of no-code technology. For example, a comprehensive logistics service provider in the US was able to automate 100,000 bills of lading, reduce manual data entry by 98%, and cut the number of data entry staff in half. According to company representatives, one of the advantages of the platform they used for automation is its simplicity: “Anyone with average technical skills can use it”.

Disadvantages of no-code builders

Despite their obvious advantages, no-code tools have several limitations. These are all consequences of a simplified approach to development, which are important to consider at the outset.

Limitations in customization

Complex, unique algorithms or specific business processes cannot always be squeezed into ready-made blocks. Unlike developers, who can create any functionality from scratch, no-code users are limited by the capabilities of a particular platform. If the required feature is not provided, it is simply impossible to add it.

Complexity of migration

No-code comes with a commitment to a specific solution or complete dependence on a specific vendor. Data and logic created in one no-code platform can rarely be easily transferred to another. If the platform ceases to exist, radically changes its prices, or fails to meet changing needs, migration can be difficult.

Conclusions

According to recent research, the global market for no-code/low-code development platforms is expected to generate $187 billion in revenue by 2030. By the end of 2024, more than 65% of application development will be accounted for by “ready-made” technologies. However, after a detailed analysis of the possibilities and limitations, it becomes clear that no-code is not a replacement for programmers. No-code simply democratizes development.

If you want to see the possibilities of no-code for yourself, try Tracy, a Ukrainian no-code platform. It is a single digital space for teamwork where you can plan, track, and manage projects, clients, and business processes without switching between dozens of different services. Start with a free plan and see if the no-code app builder is right for your tasks.

FAQ

Is it possible to create a full-fledged digital product using only no-code?

Yes, if we are talking about tasks such as CRM, accounting systems, request tracking, load planning, and analytics dashboards. Many logistics and manufacturing companies already use such tools to automate daily processes without involving developers. If your product requires complex logic, non-standard architecture, or deep customization, you will need to engage full-fledged development with programmers.

What is the difference between no-code and low-code, and which one is better to choose?

No-code is a complete rejection of code: the user works with ready-made blocks. Low-code is a combination of a visual designer and the ability to add your own code for customization. If you have no technical knowledge at all, no-code is the way to go. If you have regular IT support, low-code is a better option.

How do no-code platforms help optimize processes in the service and logistics business?

No-code allows you to automate routine tasks without involving IT specialists: service requests, order tracking, delivery deadline monitoring, warehouse management, and report generation. For example, logistics companies create tracking dashboards, internal CRM, and routing systems—all of which can be built on a no-code platform such as Tracy in just a few days. This is especially valuable for small companies that don't have a large development team but need speed and flexibility.

Is no-code suitable for manufacturing processes where accuracy and consistency are important?

Yes, but for a certain level of tasks. For example, no-code is often used in manufacturing for quality control, internal requests, technical documentation approval, material cost accounting, or shift schedule management.

When it comes to critical production modules or machine control systems, programming is required. But as a supplement to core ERP or MES systems, no-code works effectively, increasing transparency and reducing the burden on IT.