The Rise of No-Code: Why Developers Are Still Essential
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on the No-Code Movement
Recently, during a Zoom call with my old friend Chris, who I worked alongside as an early developer at a major Internet media company in New York City, we spent nearly an hour reminiscing. This nostalgic conversation has become a common pastime during the pandemic.
What I appreciate about Chris is our shared passion for technology and problem-solving. I used to dream in code, and I love to share that enthusiasm with others. As seasoned programmers, we discussed the ongoing evolution of the tech industry and how the no-code movement is gaining traction — democratizing access to technology and creating fresh opportunities. Then, Chris expressed a concern that caught me off guard:
“It’s fantastic, but I worry it might threaten my job.”
I recognized the source of his anxiety. The pandemic has led to widespread unemployment, as highlighted by a recent article in The New York Times that discussed the economic downturn linked to rising Covid-19 cases.
However, it's important to note that no-code platforms — which empower individuals without coding expertise to develop apps and websites — are not a new phenomenon. My own company, JotForm, founded 15 years ago, has consistently produced no-code solutions. Our online form builder allows users to create forms effortlessly, without any coding involved.
Despite this, the rise of no-code has not replaced me or my development team.
I reassured Chris with a key insight: no-code does not equate to no coders.
Imagine a world where creating web applications doesn't require a computer science degree or advanced technical skills, where anyone can design a quality flyer without spending a fortune on courses. This is precisely the reality that the no-code movement has ushered in.
Numerous companies, including Webflow, Shopify, Bubble, Canva, and Airtable, have developed tools that make this possible. Yet, like any significant shift, there are skeptics who claim that no-code heralds the end of coding.
The truth is that these platforms exist because of talented developers, and their skills will always be in demand. Why? Because they continuously seek better solutions.
Section 1.1: The Parallel with Music Production
Consider the evolution of music production, where anyone can now record and share music via platforms like SoundCloud. This shift did not eliminate the roles of sound engineers and producers; instead, it created new opportunities in the industry.
By understanding this history, it becomes evident that the rise of no-code is a natural progression, democratizing knowledge that was once limited to a select few, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Subsection 1.1.1: How Developers Gain from No-Code
The no-code movement not only broadens access to software development for non-programmers but also simplifies tasks for developers. As Ryan Hoover noted in his article for Medium, “It’s inevitable that more products will be built — or at least MVP’d — without writing code, including by programmers that can code.”
Here's the twist: not only will developers retain their jobs, but they will also reap the benefits.
With the automation of repetitive tasks such as data entry, developers can focus on innovative ideas and tackle more complex challenges, enhancing their value within organizations.
Vlad Magdalin, co-founder and CEO of Webflow, remarked, “What’s happening is we’re trying to automate the things that are most prone for automation — so for developers they’re elated because they get to work on the hard stuff on the really interesting problems now.”
For instance, my company recently launched JotForm Tables, a comprehensive workspace that enables users to collect, organize, and manage data. Although it took three years to build this no-code product, it was developed with code.
This tool has significantly improved our internal operations, allowing everyone, even non-coders, to perform their roles more efficiently and collaborate effectively.
Section 1.2: The Future of Developers in a No-Code World
The implications for my developers are substantial, as they can direct their expertise toward more sophisticated challenges and innovative concepts.
In conclusion, my team of developers is crucial to my business, and this is a reality for most companies today. We are entering an era where knowledge of no-code will be a highly sought-after skill, as the value that developers provide becomes increasingly recognized.
But don’t just take my word for it. As Magdalin articulated, “We’ll need more coders than ever to help build the more complex/unique parts of software after No-code enables 100X as many people start building new software.”
Chapter 2: The Symbiosis of Coding and No-Coding
The essential takeaway from this discussion is that coding and no-coding are not opposing forces; rather, they complement each other.
No-code is a product of coding, and developers will always be necessary for its ongoing development and maintenance. Their expertise will continue to be in high demand as they drive innovation in technology.
Ultimately, I conveyed to Chris that the no-code revolution invites tech enthusiasts like us and individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate. I firmly believe there is ample opportunity for everyone.
Thank you for reading. Feel free to connect with me on Twitter here.
In the video "Why do devs hate no-code?", industry experts discuss the concerns and misconceptions surrounding the no-code movement from a developer's perspective.
The video "No Code App Development is a Trap" delves into the potential pitfalls of the no-code approach and highlights the importance of traditional coding skills.