As someone who's been in the trenches of app development, I've seen firsthand how web application builders are revolutionizing the way tech startups operate. Let's see why these tools are such a big deal and how you can leverage them for your next project.
What are web application builders, anyway?
When I first started using app builders, I was honestly skeptical. Could something that claims to let you build a web app without coding replace traditional development? Spoiler: it absolutely can.
No-code platforms are all about enablement—allowing even the most non-technical users to create functional applications, sometimes with just a few clicks. Meanwhile, low-code tools offer a bit more freedom, letting developers dive into code when needed but still providing that “quick build” magic.
From my experience, the best platform for anyone starting out is Adalo. But here’s the catch: while no-code tools are fantastic for MVPs, once you hit a certain level of complexity, you’ll probably want the flexibility low-code platforms like Bubble can provide. The key is knowing where your app is headed.
No-code vs low-code
Let me be blunt—no-code app builders are incredible if you’re trying to build an app without coding experience. However, if you’re serious about your project and you think you may eventually hit a wall, you want to seriously consider other “hybrid” solutions like low-code tools. Here’s how I explain it to clients:
• No-Code Platforms: These are ideal for quickly getting an app off the ground. Tools like Glide are intuitive and great for building a web app or even a mobile app if you don’t want to mess with code. The downside? Customization beyond the templates can be tricky, and you’ll often feel confined to the platform’s rules.
• Low-Code Platforms: For more tech-savvy users, low-code is like having a superpower. Bubble lets you customize without reinventing the wheel. You get more flexibility to inject custom code but can still build an app fast. For a more robust solution, low-code is the way to go, especially if you plan on growing fast. Here, it’s important to note that there are two types of low-code tools which I will talk about next. So keep on reading.
The two approach to low-code development
There are two ways you can see low-code development:
- All-in-One Platforms: Tools like Bubble offer a complete ecosystem for building your app. They're great if you want a one-stop-shop solution.
Pros:
- Everything you need in one place, including the community, debugging advice etc…
- Can be easier to learn and use
Cons:
- Can be more expensive as you scale
- Less flexibility in choosing specific tools
- Not the best solution for each specific problem
- Modular Approach: This involves using a combination of specialized tools like Webflow for the front-end, Xano as your database, and WeWeb for frontend logic.
Pros:
- More flexibility to choose best-in-class tools for each aspect
- Often more cost-effective at scale
- Easier to swap out components as your needs change
Cons:
- Requires more technical know-how to integrate different tools
- Can lead to a more complex development process
Top 8 platforms for tech startups
As someone who’s experimented many no-code and low-code app builder out there, I’ve found a few that really stand out for tech startups:
• Bubble: Perfect for web apps with complex workflows.
• Webflow: It’s a designer’s dream and lets you build beautiful websites and apps without code.
• Adalo: Great for mobile apps and MVPs.
• Glide: Transform a Google Sheet into an app in minutes (I’ve seen businesses launch overnight with Glide).
- WeWeb: Front end low-code tool that combines the best of no-code and traditional development.
- FlutterFlow: A powerful tool now owned by Google that leverages their tech to build mobile apps.
- BuildShip: Back-end visual development tool.
- Supabase: Open-source alternative to Firebase. Great for data-heavy applications.
What’s the best platform for you?
Choosing the right platform can be tough when you are new to this world, so here are a few important points to consider when doing your research:
• Business Needs: Are you launching an MVP or just want a proof of concept? For MVPs, no-code platforms like Bubble or FlutterFlow are perfect. If you need to scale fast, or need a lot of personalizations (you need to properly scope out the project - if you don’t have access to a developer reach out to us, we can help you here - lean toward low-code solutions.
• Project Complexity: For something relatively simple, like a booking system, no-code can get you there fast. But if you’re planning to integrate complex business logic, think low-code.
• Budget: Let’s be real—budget constraints are a thing. No-code platforms are usually cheaper to start, but once your app grows, monthly fees can stack up. I always tell people to weigh the cost of no-code vs. bringing in developers down the line.
• Industry-Specific Needs: In e-commerce, you want easy integration with payment platforms like Stripe. If you are a SaaS, you may need more robust data handling, so consider scalability.
When I’m helping someone choose, I recommend testing out a few platforms and doing some research before committing. Each tool has its quirks—some might not have the exact integrations you need.
Are they a good fit for startups?
From my experience working with startups, web app builders are a game-changer. Imagine developing an MVP in just a couple of days, testing it with users, and making updates on the fly. This process takes months if you want to go the traditional development route.
One startup I worked with was able to pivot and build something completely different within two weeks because they weren’t tied down by custom code. It’s that speed and flexibility that no-code brings. The cost savings compared to hiring a team of developers? Insane.
One big question is whether web app builders can handle the transition from MVP to full product, and the answer is: it depends. For some startups, no-code works long-term, but others may need to eventually transition to custom development. That’s why I encourage startups to think ahead about scalability.
Here, the best solution is to consult with an expert because a wrong decision can be very costly down the line. At Realistack we offer such a service, but alternatively you can ask a fractional CTO, if you can’t ask a trusted developer to take a close look at your project. Be careful though, they need to be meticulous, this step can’t be taken lightly.
Most relevant use cases
Here are the most suited use-cases for no-code and low-code tools:
MVP Development: Quickly create and launch an MVP and do a few rounds of iterations.
Proof of concept: Build your app to see the technical feasibility and challenges of your idea.
Landing Pages: Quickly create a landing page within a few minutes. Take a look at Carrd or Notion landing page builder.
Automation: Very accessible and useful use-case, it’s usually where people tend to start and see the wonders no-code can do for them.
Limitations
I’ll be honest. No-code and low-code tools aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Quite the contrary I would say, especially if you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. The most important thing to consider is that in software development, 50% or more of your engineer’s time is spent on the last 5% to 10% of your project. Low-code help you go much faster on the first 70 to 95% of your project, but if it gets in your way for the rest of your project, it can become counterproductive to use low-code.
From my experience, no-code and low-code tools have some serious limitations, here they are:
• Performance: As your user base grows, so do the performance issues. No matter how well-designed a no-code app is, scaling can be tough.
• Scalability: Some platforms are better than others if scalability is a major issue for you, but up until now nothing can match the power of custom development.
• Customization: While no-code tools offer great templates, sometimes you’ll want to do something unique, and that’s when you hit a wall. You’re limited to what the platform allows.
• Integration: While many platforms support integrations, it’s not always straightforward. I’ve had projects where connecting to an external CRM took way more effort than what I could have done with custom code.
Despite these challenges, for most small to medium projects, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Now let’s see when to use code over low-code or when you’ll need to switch from no-code to code.
Low-code vs code
Low-code lets you go fast and start building your product quickly, probably with a few limitations in customization at the beginning. But it’s when you need so much customisations that you have to do workarounds or when you notice performance drop that you should think of switching to code.
If you are at the beginning of your project trying to figure out what to choose, as a rule of thumb go with the most basic tools and see what are your bottlenecks specifically. The point of no-code is not to provide a solution that is perfect during the whole life of your project. At some point, you will have bigger problems but at that stage you should have the means to hire developers and do custom development.
No-code and low-code platforms try to provide the best set of tools to cater to a wide range of projects, but the drawback is that these tools can probably never match the power and flexibility of custom code. Your job is to figure out if you (will) need the extra possibilities custom code unlocks or not.
By the way, we are Realistack, a product design and low-code development studio that exclusively works with tech startups. If you want to launch your startup and need help with the building an MVP or designing a digital product, don’t hesitate to reach out and book a 30-minute discovery call.
Wrapping up
Web application builders have changed the game for tech startups. They've lowered the barrier to entry, allowing more people to bring their ideas to life. While they have limitations, for many startups, these tools provide the perfect launchpad to test, iterate, and grow their digital products.
Remember, the key is to start simple, validate your idea, and then scale up as needed. Whether you stick with no-code tools or eventually transition to custom development, web app builders give you the agility to adapt in the fast-paced world of tech startups.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a platform, start building, and who knows – your next big idea might just be a few clicks away from becoming reality.
