Despite the fact that some time ago it was unthinkable to consider developing an app without knowing how to program, today we have different tools that allow us to develop applications or websites without writing a single line of code. It is only necessary to have an idea and desire to solve a problem, since the technical section is solved by the platforms we talk about below.
Bubble
One of the best known alternatives is Bubble, a platform with which we can create our own applications visually. Based on drag and drop , we will only have to drag and drop different elements through the interface (maps, links, buttons ...) to shape our application. Here you have a functional demonstration of its interface.
Bubble offers us complete control of our project, being able to indicate at all times what should happen when the user interacts with a specific section of the application or website. In addition, Bubble has integration with Stripe , the popular online payment processing service for businesses.
Another of its strengths is that we will be able to host our project in Bubble's cloud storage service, thus avoiding having to look for third-party alternatives. The platform has a free mode and several payment plans that unlock additional functions.
Glide
Another interesting alternative is Glide, whose approach is somewhat different from the previous tool. Specifically, Glide allows us to convert a Google spreadsheet into an application in a matter of a few minutes. To do this, we just have to access the Glide website and select the spreadsheet that we want to convert into an app. Once we have done it, the platform will create a first version of the app that we can easily customize.
As you can see in this demonstration video, the Glide interface allows us to add different elements to the application and connect them with the columns of the spreadsheet that we are using as the structure of the app . In addition, we can modify the appearance of the application using different themes , add images and even use a custom icon. But how do we access the app we just created? Very simple, we will only have to use a single link that we can share with all those people who want to use the application.
Without a doubt, it is an interesting tool to facilitate interaction with a spreadsheet that we use often. In addition, Glide has a free mode that allows us to create an unlimited number of applications if we do not mind that Glide's branding appears .
Thunkable
Another tool that we recommend you try is Thunkable, an alternative with which to create applications that will be quite intuitive for all of you who are familiar with Scratch. As you can see on the tool's website, Thunkable allows us to shape our application by connecting different blocks until we achieve the expected result.
It is an alternative that bets on open-source , so we can start creating our own application from scratch or based on applications created by other users. One of its strengths is its community, where daily users comment, share and answer all kinds of questions. In addition, all the projects that we create will be compatible with iOS and Android. Thunkable has both a free and paid plan.
These are not the only tools that facilitate product development without knowing how to code. On the Internet we can find tools like Zapier, an automation platform with which to connect applications. In addition, we also have platforms such as Shopify at our disposal, with which we can launch our own online store . And if what you are looking for is an easy way to create your own portfolio, I recommend you take a look at Carrd.
As you may have seen, the use of this type of tool is booming . Although they are not substitutes for programming languages, they are excellent alternatives for all those users who want to launch a first version of their product as quickly as possible, as well as for startups that continually work on new improvements to their products.