Which No Code Tool to Use for Building Apps?

Which No-Code Tool Should I Use for Building Apps?

No-code tools are extremely powerful tools to help users build complex and functional applications without writing a single line of code. The drag-and-drop design interface with simplified logic menus help everyday users with no prior technical coding knowledge build endless applications for both mobile and web interfaces. The major no-code tools on the market for creating applications include Bubble, FlutterFlow, Adalo, and Glide Apps. When deciding which no-code platform to choose, it is imperative to consider the limits and functionalities of each tool you are looking at to help you decide the tool you require. The rise of no-code tools came from the demand of technical skills for those without a coding background. Although no-code is still a newer industry, many popular tools have come to be extremely popular with a dedicated community behind them.

For strictly web apps, we recommend the Bubble.io platform due to its popularity and support. You will be able to find documentation and detailed guides on all features and aspects of Bubble. For strictly mobile apps with full functionality, we recommend FlutterFlow as they specialize in mobile app development. The FlutterFlow team also provides very thorough documentation surrounding all of their offerings. For development and deployment with less functionality while prioritizing speed, we recommend Glide Apps.

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Main No-Code App Building Tools

The two main no-code app building tools used for web apps are Bubble and FlutterFlow. It is important to consider popularity of no-code tools for overall support of the platform. It may seem fun to use a new and upcoming no-code tool, however, for a lot of newer no-code tools, users have not provided enough documentation or guides to accessing the tool efficiently. Additionally, there may be more bugs in no-code startup, rather than an established tool. Because of this, we recommend going with a main no-code app such as Bubble or FlutterFlow. We would highly recommend checking out our complete courses on the Bubble and FlutterFlow platform, for an in-depth run-down on all the functions of the platform, as well as follow-along guides to build your own applications from scratch.

This isn't to say that experimentation is frowned upon within the space. We are still constantly evolving, and some tools do provide functionality that traditional platforms do not have support for.

Bubble vs FlutterFlow

When comparing the two most popular no-code tools and platforms in the market, Bubble and FlutterFlow provide very similar offerings with different functionalities.

To begin the comparison, we would first look towards price. Bubble recently underwent some pricing changes on its platform, and as a result, has increased prices due to increased hosting costs. In terms of pure pricing, FlutterFlow has Bubble.io beat. If you are looking for an affordable option for app development, we would recommend FlutterFlow.

One important distinction between Bubble.io and FlutterFlow is the lock in's that occur. specifically, within the Bubble platform. FlutterFlow allows you to export your code from your project, and lets you migrate over to different no-code platforms or a traditional coding platform by providing the source code on all your projects. Bubble.io does not have this functionality and simplifies the technical backend, sacrificing flexibility and promoting vendor lock-in so that you are required to stay on the Bubble platform. If you are a citizen developer looking to develop and deploy a web app in a simple manner, and do not mind any vendor lock in, we would recommend Bubble. For those with prior coding knowledge or would simply want the flexibility to move platforms. we would recommend FlutterFlow.

Community is another important aspect to consider for choosing your no-code platform. Bubble is by-far, the largest no-code platform and boasts the largest community in the no-code app development space. Because of this. you will not have any issues finding developers, teachers, or experts on the Bubble platform. Looking at non-paid options, Bubble also has the largest number of free guides that can be found across the internet. Support for the Bubble platform is unlimited and will stand to be increasingly beneficial for you as you dive deeper on the platform. This is not to say, however, that FlutterFlow has a lacking community. FlutterFlow is also immensely popular, with countless videos and guides, some of which produced by the FlutterFlow team, to help you navigate their platform.

No Code Tools for Mobile Apps vs Web Apps

Lastly, the most important distinction between Bubble and FlutterFlow is dependent on the type of application you wish to develop and deploy. As it stands, Bubble currently only supports web applications and does not support mobile app development without external connections that require advanced knowledge. FlutterFlow, however, is preferrable for creating mobile or native apps. It is important to note, however, that FlutterFlow requires integration of a separate backend service, such as Xano. There is a lot of flexibility for these options once the application is built through FlutterFlow.

Bubble Functionality

Bubble is a popular no-code tool and platform, operating as a visual programming language, used for developing and deploying complex web apps. Many applications that you have used in the real world either have been built on Bubble or can be cloned perfectly to the Bubble platform. With Bubble, the sky is the limit for developing and deploying web apps. It is important to remember vendor lock-ins, however, when deciding to develop your next application within Bubble.

FlutterFlow Functionality

FlutterFlow is a no-code tool and platform used for mobile and web app development. Due to its technical nature and increased flexibility, FlutterFlow remains as an attractive option for no-code app development with existing coding knowledge present. FlutterFlow code can be exported and transmitted throughout different platforms and has coding-similarities within the platform UI and design.

Glide Apps Functionality

Glide Apps is a no-code tool used for speedy and quick web and mobile app development and deployments. Although Glide Apps lacks the strong community, such as those behind Bubble and FlutterFlow, or the feature rich options that these platforms provide, Glide is perfect for quick and speed development. The sacrifice of features is made up for in how quick a mobile or web app can be taken to market for fast validation.

Which No-Code Tool Should I Use?

As stated above, the no-code tool you decide to use is dependent upon your own personal goals and what you are looking for out of the project. If you are looking for a popular platform with massive support behind it for building web apps, we recommend Bubble. For coders looking to build a mobile app on a no-code platform for the first time, we recommend FlutterFlow. Lastly, for quick and speedy app development times, we recommend Glide Apps.