If you are looking to know in and out of the No-Code Database Platforms then you are in the right place. So let’s start with some background.
The first computer was invented back in the 20th century. It was as huge as an entire room and weighed almost 5 tons. However, the processing speed was so slow. Now here we are a century later, all the devices have shrunk in size. Their ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time has exponentially increased. This advancement in technology has made the entire world digital.
The outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2019 has further catalyzed this process. It made many companies, which were once skeptical of running their operations through the internet, digitize. Therefore, the demand for websites, mobile applications, and database systems has increased.
Unfortunately, the demand for software has far exceeded the number of professional coders. The introduction of the no-coding tools has successfully saved the day. Such platforms aimed to find a solution to the software developers’ shortage. But what exactly do they offer? Let’s dive in.
What are No-code database platforms ?
The no-code database platforms are designed to empower people with little to no technical skills. These platforms are interactive and simple to use. Any non-technical person can develop a fully-functional application seamlessly.
The no-code database platforms are revolutionary for small enterprises and businesses with menial budgets that cannot hire developers. Some well-known no-code database tools like the baserow docker image make creating an online database extremely easy for non-technical people.
As the world further digitizes, the amount of data is increasing day by day. The only way to thrive in this competitive world is to understand how important data is and how to strategically use it. This requires expertise in data handling and management. Companies need to have secure database systems which can store valuable information. This information can be used to study trends and make profitable future decisions.
This is why no-code database tools seem like the easiest solution to every business’s ordeal. But it is important to understand the advantages and the disadvantages of such platforms before you opt for one.
Pros of no-code database platforms
Time-saving:
Traditional programming takes up a lot of time. Testing and debugging is a whole other nightmare. It takes months and even years for software developers to design databases conventionally.
The no-code database platforms provide a very user-friendly, interactive interface. These tools contain drag/drop elements with reusable visual models that save development time. Testing is also automatic, which reduces production time for the developers.
Easier for non-coders
As discussed above, there appears to be a shortage of software developer skills in the market. Hiring managers have predicted that 2022 will become the year of the biggest recruitment challenge.
Not to worry! The no-code database development tools put you in the driving seat. You can create e-commerce websites, database systems, and mobile applications with a non-technical team. These tools provide ease in creating, managing, and updating databases.
Enhanced productivity
Traditional development can slow down your team’s productivity. This is because development takes time and your IT team can become occupied by it. They find it difficult to cater to other faults and errors in the operations of the company. This creates a backlog and the operations can come to a halt. This can greatly affect customer satisfaction and overall company growth.
The no-code database development tools can help your team by developing systems quicker than before. This enhances the company’s overall performance.
Easy maintenance
Things are moving at a much faster pace now. Organizations and businesses have to keep up with the changing trends and adopt them timely so that they don’t fall behind. Making changes to codes that were developed traditionally can be exhausting.
No-coding tools empower you to make changes quickly. These processes can be done within a matter of hours and maintenance is a breeze.
Interdisciplinarity
Team coordination and communication is very vital for the growth of companies and businesses. Despite their skillset, every person brings valuable information to the table, and their suggestions should be taken seriously. Communicating ideas with the IT team for development can become tricky as sometimes, things are not conveyed like how one wants them to. But no-coding tools give people of all backgrounds the power to design and develop.
Cons of no-code database platforms
Understand the tools
Every no-code database tool offers a set of different features and characteristics. You need to have a clear picture of what you are trying to develop and what features your database system will have. This will require you to study all the tools and choose which would fit your needs. Another common problem is that you may outgrow these tools if your needs evolve and these tools cannot cater to them.
Limited Independence
There are fixed templates and designs that the no-code database tools offer. This limits your creativity and the independence to try something new and fresh. This problem does not arise if you go for traditional coding. It gives you an open field where you can experiment with creative ideas however you like since everything is in your hands.
Security Risks
The security of your database system will be as good as the provider. The no-code developers have no idea of the system’s back-end. Companies that work with and handle sensitive data should be cautious when opting for no-coding tools, as these tools give very limited control to the developers. There is also a very good chance that you’d lose your system if your provider is acquired or liquidated. Or worse, their security gets breached and puts your valuable information at risk.
Provider lock-in
It is very hard to move your system to another tool if you ever wish to change some features. This is called provider or vendor lock-in. The entire implementation of your system is hidden, and you do not have ownership of your system’s source code. This makes you highly dependent on your provider, which can be extremely risky.
It is rare, but some providers do give you access to the source code. Unfortunately, that opens up another ordeal as the code is just gibberish and harder to comprehend. You would be left with no other choice but to start again.
Conclusion
There are multiple options to develop software tailored to meet your needs. The advancement in technology and computer knowledge encourages the development of newer tools and platforms that make operations for businesses easy.Â
The no-coding database tools have opened vast opportunities for smaller businesses to compete in the larger market. It all bottles down to what your business is and what features you wish your database system to have. Understanding the pros and cons of each type of platform can save up a lot of your time in making the right decision.
