Hey there. So maybe you’re considering becoming a developer but you’re not sure how to start. Or maybe you’re only reading this out of curiosity. Either way, you’re on the right article because you’re about to understand the whole idea of program development — with and without code. The aim of writing this is to give you some clarity that will help you make the decision on what type of developer you want to become. So let’s dive in!
Who is a developer?
Generally speaking, a developer is someone who creates and implements software applications, websites, and other types of programs. They use coding languages (also known as programming languages) such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Python to create and modify the source code of software applications. Some developers, however, do not interact with these coding languages directly. These types of developers are called no-code developers, and we use no-code tools to help us write our code.
Developers are also responsible for testing the software, ensuring that it works as expected, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise. Developers can work with a wide range of technologies, from mobile apps to web applications. Ultimately, the goal of a developer is to create something that is useful and beneficial to users.
What is Code?
Code is a set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer how to perform a specific task. It is the underlying language of software applications, websites, and other programs.
So much of everyday life revolves around code. Whether you’re checking your account balance on your mobile banking app, interacting with friends through social media, shopping online, or reading this article on my website, written code is the power behind these actions.
Now we understand the terminologies. Great! 👍🏾
What is the difference between no-code and code development?
The main difference between no-code and code development is the method used to create and implement programs. By the way, a program can be a website, web app, mobile app, software, e.t.c
No-code development requires the use of no-code tools such as WordPress, Webflow, and Bubble to create these programs. Code development on the other hand requires the use of programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, e.t.c. to create and modify the source code of programs.
No-code tools serve as a user-friendly bridge between the developer and complex, scary-looking code. They allow the developer to create a program without having to write or even understand the source code that powers that program. They achieve this by offering a visual means of interaction between the developer and the code. — the famous drag-and-drop feature.
Now that we understand the fundamental difference between these two forms of development, let’s outline some pros and cons to compare the two.
A comparison between no-code and code development
Pros of no-code development
- No-code development is typically faster and easier than code development.
- Does not require any programming knowledge.
- It eliminates the “code” barrier that hinders many from venturing into the tech and IT industries. Now you don’t need to write code in order to build programs that serve your users and make you money in these industries.
- Learning no-code development skills is easier than learning code development.
- You can begin to monetize no-code skills a few weeks into learning, while code development can take around 6 months to a few years of consistency to be monetizable.
- Reduced cost of development and maintenance of web and mobile applications.
- Your clients can easily make minor changes to their programs without needing your assistance because no-code tools are easy to use.
- Large projects can be done completely solo.
- No-code tools can be used to prototype and iterate on ideas before the need for complex code.
Cons of no-code development
- No-code development has limits and lacks flexibility when compared to code development.
- Certain kinds of software (like 3D game programs) cannot be developed without writing code. At least not yet, or anytime in the foreseeable future.
- Depending on the tool used, no-code developers might not get full autonomy over the programs they develop. For example, some no-code platforms do not allow you to export the source code for your projects.
Pros of code development
- Code development typically offers higher earning potential than no-code development. Certain high-income projects, such as 3D game development, cannot be achieved with no-code development.
- Code developers have unlimited flexibility and full autonomy over the code that they write.
- Directly written code is usually more efficient, as those created using no-code tools may contain multiple unnecessary elements which may not be noticeable on websites or content-based apps. However, in the case of more complex programs, these redundant code elements can cause the program to load slowly.
Cons of code development
- Prior knowledge of programming is required
- Has a pretty steep learning curve
- Projects consume significantly longer time and require more effort.
- Large projects often require a team of developers to execute.
How to decide between no-code and code development
If you’re having a hard time deciding between no-code and code development then I advise that you begin learning how to use a no-code tool such as WordPress, Webflow or Bubble. These tools help you understand some basic principles of how programs work in terms of structure and layout. If you then decide to move on to learning how to code, the learning curve would be a lot easier for you, especially at the beginning.
The important thing is to not let indecisiveness stop you from starting. You can always switch from one to the other when you have figured out what type of developer you are more comfortable being. Consider these real-life examples.
I was introduced to the tech industry by a code developer in 2019. I just wanted to get a website done for my business at the time and I couldn’t imagine spending months learning to write code to achieve that. I also didn’t have the budget to outsource it. I was so happy when I found out about no-code development. I completed my first website within three weeks of learning WordPress, and because I had graphic design skills, the website looked pretty and got me a couple of web design offers. I soon discovered that building websites could be a pretty good income stream for me. I also enjoyed the process, so I said goodbye to fashion and went into IT.
A friend of mine, on the other hand, had always wanted to build action games and pretty complex tools since he was a child. He had a keen interest in learning how the internet works and loved to play around with logic. Today, he’s a successful self-taught code developer, living his dream and enjoying the work that he does every day.
The point I’m trying to make here is that sometimes, we just kind of stumble on things we end up liking, while other times we are more deliberate about what we want. If you know what you want now, then go for it. But if deciding is a problem, don’t worry too much about making the wrong decision and just begin with whatever you currently have access to.
Final Notes
For those who are already developers, knowing when to go no-code and when to code is very important. I’ve observed in the Nigerian tech space that techies tend to be fixed-minded about this. This is often a limiting factor. It’s okay to ditch the “This is how I do it, and therefore I must do it this way” mentality and embrace the idea of doing what’s more efficient for each project.
When a project is too complex for no-code solutions, it’s okay to fully or partially outsource it to a code developer if you’re not one. Likewise, it’s okay to outsource to a no-code developer if a project will be more efficiently executed using no-code tools.
To the no-code developer
Having a basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a big plus. I know, I know, I said no need to write code. But we talked about limited functionality. You’ll often come across pieces of code in the backend of your sites/apps from time to time. It’s great to be able to understand and tweak them to your preference. (Like the form element on this page looked really ugly by default and if I wasn’t able to tweak the CSS code to my preference, that would’ve been frustrating.) So yeah, you don’t have to go into any form of complex coding. Just learn the basics and your life would be so much easier.
To the code developer
Unless you’re a full-blown software developer (in which case I cut you some serious cap senior man) I’d advise that you know your way around a few no-code tools as well. This is because they help you turn in projects much faster, can cut your working hours by literally 80% and you won’t have to do away with less complex projects if you could use the extra income they offer.
To the business owner, solopreneur, or non-professional developer
No code all the way. Don’t bother about flexibility or learning the basics of code. Find a no-code tool that works for what you need to get done and use a template. Outsource anything that’s too complex.
By the way, if you like my content then you will absolutely LOVE my weekly newsletter — Digital Discourse — where I bring you all things tech-savvy. In this week’s issue, we’re going to look at how anyone can use ChatGPT to create streams of income. Don’t miss it! Join Digital Discourse here.
