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How does no code compare with custom app development?

Want to build a powerful and reliable mobile app for your business?

You’re not alone. Apps are becoming valuable digital assets for businesses. They’re better than websites if you want to maximize value from your existing customers.

Read: Mobile apps vs websites: How do the two compare?

The only challenge is building your app in the first place. Broadly speaking, there are two ways you can build an app – DIY tools and custom app development.

Both these options are vastly different. In this article, we’ll compare no-code DIY tools and custom app development in detail.

What is no-code app development?

No-code app development is essentially a DIY workflow that allows you to create mobile apps without writing a single line of code.

These platforms basically hide the complexity of app development behind a graphical interface. Users can simply drag and drop sections, elements, and blocks to build applications without writing code.

Take AppMySite for example. You can create native mobile apps without writing a single line of code. The process itself is easy and self-explanatory. All you need is a website to get started. You can design the rest of the app’s assets, screens, and menus with simple point-and-click features.

You can also test the app on live emulators and see if your app looks and works as it should.

What makes a platform no code? While there’s no established set of criteria, there are a few attributes that most no-code solutions share.

  • No coding required: With a no-code tool, you’re not expected to write code. This is why a largely no-code interface like WordPress is not technically no-code. Since WordPress has a module where users can insert code and make changes using code snippets, it’s not entirely no-code.
  • WYSIWYG: While creating apps with a DIY no-code tool, you can actually see your app come to life with every option you choose. This type of workflow is generally found in a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, an attribute found most commonly in no-code tools.
  • Integrated environment: No-code tools are generally fully integrated. You don’t need to integrate a third-party tool or software with a no-code tool. For example, Wix is fully integrated as it provides website owners everything they need – domain registration, hosting, and code-free web development tools.

What is custom app development?

You must have considered hiring a development agency at some point to build an app for you. The process agencies and developers follow to build mobile apps is custom app development.

Technically, custom app development simply refers to the process of building apps based on the bespoke needs of a particular client or business. It generally doesn’t involve the use of standard software or templates as developers focus on creating applications solely for the specific needs of their clients.

As you may have grasped, custom development is not as simple or straightforward as no-code app development. It takes time, planning, and a reasonable level of technical knowledge. If you don’t know how to code, or lack experience with code-based app development, this is not the right path for you.

Another factor with custom app development is the cost of hiring an agency or a team of developers. Since custom development and complex and requires expertise, agencies charge a hefty retainer to begin work on your app.

How do the two compare?

So which option works best for you? The decision between no-code and custom app development is based on various factors. The following table compares both no-code and custom development in detail:

No code DIY tools vs custom app development

One crucial point to note here is regarding technical support and app updates.

If you’ve hired an agency for building an app, there’s a good chance they won’t permanently provide technical support. Generally, technical support is provided up until a few months after the final app is delivered to a client.

If there’s an issue with your app, you will be left in a lurch. The only two options you have are to negotiate with your agency to work on a recurring retainer for technical support, or simply work with a no-code tool. Every time you sign up for a paid plan with a no-code app development tool, you will be able to get tech support for your app.

The other point to consider is the rollout of app updates. It is good practice to update your app with updates for old functionalities and the addition of new features. With a no-code tool, you don’t need to worry about updates as the platform would probably release new code version updates for you. These factors alone make no-code development a much more feasible option.

Build native mobile apps without coding with AppMySite

If you’ve made up your mind to go with a no-code app maker, AppMySite is your best option.

It’s a mobile app builder that allows you to transform your website into a native application that can be submitted to Google Play and Apple App Store.

You can build an app on the platform in three simple steps:

  • Connect: Sync your website and mobile app to ensure all your site’s content is updated on the app in real-time.
  • Personalize: Design your app’s native elements, screens, and menus to fully customize how your app looks and works.
  • Publish: When your app is ready, download it from your AppMySite account and publish it to the app stores.

You can also power your app with features like chat integration, website-app sync, universal payment gateway support, universal shipping support, multilingual support, and more. Within your AppMySite account, you can further track app data, invite team members, and automatically publish new versions of your app.

With WordPress and WooCommerce, you can take further advantage of deep integration. For example, when you convert your WooCommerce store to a mobile app, your store’s product data, details, and all other native info is synced to the native interface of the app. Similarly, you can sync your WordPress website’s data to a native app interface as well.

In conclusion

No code or custom app development? Which method suits your business more?

If you have an endless stream of resources and a dedicated tech team, custom app development is a good option. However, it’s best to otherwise stick with no code solutions.

This article is a comparison between custom and no-code app development. You can learn about the vagaries of both workflows through this article and take the right call for your business.

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