Why aspiring frontend web devs should focus more on coding logic because of no-code platforms?
I am a computer engineering undergrad who got into web development on my own during my third year of college. I spent two years working as a freelance web developer, coding everything from SaaS dashboards to landing pages.
This January, after several months of thinking and evaluating my core skills, I realized that while coding is a great skill I have, design might be something I want to pursue. Therefore, I shifted gears to become a product designer.
“This blog is an attempt to offer a comprehensive overview of no-code platforms and traditional coding practices, along with my insights into what new, aspiring frontend web developers should focus on based on their interests and current market trends.”
A few days ago, a friend’s brother, who’s in college, asked me how he should start learning frontend development. He mentioned he’d been stuck perfecting HTML and CSS for a month and ended up building just a static site.
That’s when it hit me: many newbies don’t know what to focus on or how to balance learning between building ‘something’ and more complex coding.
Recently, I tried out Framer, a no-code platform, to build my portfolio site. I finished it up in just 36 hours, from designing in Figma to launching with tons of cool animations! I was amazed by its capabilities and the extent no-code platforms have developed in today’s age.
I did research to share some of my key learnings and insights as both a frontend developer and a product designer.
Let’s start by peeling each layer of this topic:
Understanding No-Code Platforms
What are no-code platforms?
Basically, in the simplest and easiest-to-understand language, no-code platforms are like digital LEGO sets for making apps and websites. Instead of coding, you use drag-and-drop tools to build your projects. It’s fast and easy, which is great for getting stuff done quickly.
What are some key features of no-code platforms?
- Rapid prototyping: They facilitate quick iterations and prototyping, enabling faster testing and deployment of solutions compared to traditional coding methods.
- Library of pre-built components: Major platforms include libraries of customizable components like forms, buttons, and animation effects, which speed up development.
- Visual development: These platforms have user-friendly interfaces that simplify the development process with drag-and-drop functionality, hence the learning curve is almost flat compared to coding.
- Integration capabilities: We can seamlessly connect with systems like CRM and payment gateways.
Let’s understand some advantages and limitations of no-code platforms over traditional coding methods.
Advantages
- Speed: Applications can be built and deployed much faster, enhancing business agility in today’s fast-paced world.
- Cost-effective: The easy learning curve reduces reliance on professional developers, saving on development costs and time.
- Accessibility: Anyone, literally anyone, who can use a computer can build and deploy a simple functional site within hours.
Limitations
- Scalability: Since many tasks occur in the backend, some no-code solutions may struggle with scalability, making them more suitable for smaller projects or specific functions rather than large-scale enterprise applications.
- Code customization: While no-code platforms are flexible, this flexibility also comes with the drawback of difficulty in code customization compared to traditional coding for complex applications.
- Lack of open-source options: Major no-code platforms often offer limited customization options in their free plans. Even if you manage to modify the source code and deploy the application yourself, you’ll need a substantial amount of coding knowledge to do so effectively.
Understanding the Importance of Coding Logic
As an aspiring frontend developer, mastering the art of building functional applications is key. While no-code platforms are great for simple tasks, diving deeper into coding logic and understanding how things actually work behind the scenes gives you the skills to tackle more complex projects.
Some key advantages of getting better at coding logic:
- Advanced problem-solving
- Understanding algorithms and data structures
- Backend integrations (API handling and asynchronous operations)
Applications Better Suited for Traditional Coding Practices
Complex functionality
Some applications need advanced features like complex algorithms, heavy data processing, or integration with specific systems. No-code platforms can struggle with this level of complexity.
Example:
Imagine you’re building a machine learning app that analyzes large datasets. This requires custom algorithms and detailed data handling, which are hard to implement with drag-and-drop tools.
Scalability concerns
As your application grows, it needs to handle more traffic and larger amounts of data. No-code platforms might not scale well and can face performance issues during peak times.
Example:
Consider a social media app that suddenly gains thousands of users. The app needs to scale quickly to manage the increased load, something traditional coding can handle better.
Sensitive data handling
Applications dealing with sensitive information, like financial data or health records, need robust security. With no-code platforms, you have less control over the code and security measures.
Example:
A banking app managing financial transactions needs top-notch security. Developers prefer custom coding to ensure every aspect of data security is tightly controlled.
Long-term maintenance
Over time, applications need updates and new features. Maintaining and upgrading a custom-coded application can be more straightforward compared to dealing with the limitations of a no-code platform.
Example:
An e-commerce site with growing needs might face limitations on a no-code platform. Traditional coding offers more flexibility for future enhancements and avoiding vendor lock-in.
When No-Code Platforms Are Better Than Traditional Coding
Simple applications
No-code platforms excel at creating simple applications, landing pages, forms, and reports. They handle straightforward tasks effectively.
Example:
Quickly building a contact form or a basic company website without needing complex functionality.
Cost-effectiveness
No-code solutions can significantly reduce development costs by eliminating the need for specialized developers.
Example:
A small business creating a promotional website or internal tool without the budget for a full development team.
Rapid application development
No-code platforms enable fast development cycles, perfect for quickly prototyping and testing ideas.
Example:
A startup developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to validate their business idea.
Empowering citizen developers
Citizen developers is the persona who can create custom apps without needing programming skills. No-code platforms allow such non-technical users to build their own applications, reducing dependency on IT departments.
Examples:
A marketing manager creating a custom reporting dashboard without waiting for developer resources.
Advice for Aspiring Frontend Developers
As an aspiring frontend developer, it’s crucial to gain a basic understanding of web development technologies like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and learn about frameworks and how they function.
Once you have this foundation, evaluate your skills, research and choose a career path:
Interested in coding?
- If you are interested, good, and comfortable with coding, debugging, and working around logic, focus on projects that require complex coding functionalities. This will help you build robust problem-solving skills and become proficient in developing dynamic, functional applications.
- You may also learn back-end technologies and become a full-stack developer for getting better opportunities.
Interested in design?
- If you are intuitive towards designing applications, consider shifting your career path towards design. Gain knowledge about UX, UI, and design principles in general. This will allow you to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
- Leverage no-code platforms and basic front-end knowledge you have for developing static sites and getting clients.
In today’s era, simply being able to code a basic UI or design a visually appealing interface is not enough. You must leverage your skills and choose one of the two paths. If you think you have attained enough knowledge in one career path, you can always learn the other. There’s no end to learning.
Conclusion
I believe aspiring frontend web developers should start by gaining an understanding of basic web development technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, and get familiar with how different frameworks work at a surface level. This foundational knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Next, spend some time evaluating your pros and cons (I prefer writing them down in a question-answer format) and then choose a path that aligns with your interests and strengths:
- If you’re drawn to diving into complex coding, invest time in learning a framework and tackle challenging projects that require advanced coding skills.
- Alternatively, if design excites you, use your web development knowledge to enhance your work with no-code platforms, creating visually stunning and functional applications.
I also believe that frontend developers should leverage no-code platforms for static websites, allowing them to focus on mastering coding logic and functional development. By strategically using no-code tools for simple projects and honing coding skills for complex ones, developers can build a robust skill set that extends beyond the capabilities of no-code platforms, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative in the field.
Remember, there’s always more to learn.
You never know what you don’t know!
I greatly enjoyed researching and documenting this blog and hope you enjoyed reading it as well. For any feedback, suggestions, or just to have a chat, please reach out to me on Twitter, Peerlist, or LinkedIn.
Want to know more about me? Check my portfolio site and do reach out if you wish to work with me or collaborate. (prathameshsujgure33@gmail.com) 😼
धन्यवाद 🙏 Thank you!
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