Once upon a time, you needed to know backend code to understand how to make a website. But today, everyone can drag and drop to their hearts’ desire, without worrying about the complex computing behind the scenes. And it’s all thanks to the low-code, no-code movement.

While you may not know what the term “low-code, no-code” entails—you’ve probably used the technology. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the low-code, no-code movement, discuss the pros and cons for your website, and predict how it may evolve in the web’s next era.

What is the low-code, no-code movement?

The low-code, no-code movement is an approach to design that enables non-coders and novice developers to build websites and applications. Driven by the creation of user-friendly website development tools such as a code free website builder, this technology runs the gamut from code-less drag and drop interfaces, to more advanced platforms that involve basic programming.

In our digital forward ecosystem, both low-code and no-code technologies have a special significance. Many diverse professionals need an online presence to boost their competitive edge—from different types of websites, to apps and email marketing campaigns. The low-code no-code movement allows us to create sites with little or no coding skills, and do it quickly, independently and efficiently. You can also use low-code, no-code to build a static or dynamic website.

Evolution of low-code, no-code

The internet runs on code, which at its start, was left to computer gurus who programmed using complex digital languages. But as the web became increasingly more essential, so did the need to support more versatile functions for its users.

In the 1980s, at a time when the industry recognized the need to develop applications more rapidly, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) kickstarted the low-code movement. The RAD goal was to simplify programming languages for developers so they could work quickly and efficiently. Eventually developers realized that the beauty of software engineering is that it was malleable enough to meet the needs of users, leading to the low-code no-code movement we know today.

Mechanisms for automatic programming, visual programming and model-driven development have helped evolve the low-code movement even further. Nowlow-code no-code platforms are powered by pre-arranged code, so people from all backgrounds intuitively use a drag-and-drop builder to create websites, develop apps, or send email marketing campaigns.

Low-code vs no-code: Which is best for you?

While both low-code and no-code platforms ultimately ease processes and empower all users, they differ in a few key ways:

Low-code

Low-code takes a hybrid approach to development, creating a system between traditional coding and no-code creation. Individuals who may not be proficient, but have some basic knowledge of code may use low-code platforms to improve on their skills or further customize their website or other digital product. Although low-code software is more tedious than no code, it still significantly improves and speeds up the development process.

Unlike no-code platforms, low-code uses what’s known as open system technology, allowing the user to make limited changes to the code that develops a systems function. Often reliant on drag-and-drop interactions, components like CSS and Javascript, and visual development, low-code platforms facilitate an efficient and user-friendly environment.

Velo by Wix is an example of a low-code platform. Although driven by a drag-and-drop interface, users can add their own JavaScript, APIs or custom CSS to the Editor to customize the way a website looks or interacts with a user.

No-code

Aimed at non-developers, no-code software is a form of rapid application development most suitable for people with no knowledge of code. Because no-code platforms require no programming knowledge to use, they have become a favorite of business owners, freelancers and individual creatives.

Despite the marketing term “no code,” the code is still what drives development on these software. However, it’s hidden behind a user-friendly design so that individuals create things like a basic web page, websites with advanced dynamic content, or make a website an app. With no-code platforms, this is all while working with an interface that speaks their language.

No-code platforms work on a closed system, which means that the changes made to a design via the front-end interface will be limited by the backend development. This leaves little room for customization, but provides users with the building blocks to add cutting-edge design elements and features to their creations.

The Wix Editor, a no-code platform, uses a WYSIWYG interface and CMS (Content Management System) that reveals real-time edits on the user’s display. On top of a no-code platform for website design, businesses can use Branded by Wix to build their own mobile apps.

What are the pros and cons of low-code, no-code software?

The low-code, no-code movement has been widely adapted for a good reason. While many of us benefit from digital product design and development, we don’t necessarily need or want to know the complex programming behind-the-scenes.

That said, the low-code, no-code movement doesn’t come without criticism. Let’s look at the benefits proponents adore, as well as the downfalls critics have outlined.

Benefits of low-code, no-code software

Develop faster

Low-code tools can save you hours in coding and maintenance, helping you deliver a finished product or prototype faster. Low-code tools allow businesses to not only meet the increasing demand for digital product creation, but also adapt to audience needs.

Narrow the learning curve

No-code, low-code platforms support all users, from small business owners to creatives looking to manage and design their own websites, email campaigns, applications and more . In return, these assets support customers and clients in a digital-first environment, by providing means for eCommerce, community building and updates.

Allows for scalability

Low-code, no-code technology’s speedy production time benefits small businesses and freelancers by enabling them to make a digital presence faster. Now, they can get a head start on managing projects like building a website, marketing campaigns and growth more quickly and simultaneously.

More cost-effective

Low-code, no-code systems usually come at a lower cost than creating bespoke software or hiring a web designer and developer.

Challenges of low-code, no-code

Less customization

The low-code, no-code platforms makes complex customization difficult. As you adapt to the technology, you may recognize certain design features that you wish you had or could have more control over, but can only be created with custom code.

Technical limitations

Sometimes we’ll run into cases where certain features are missing, and cannot be implemented on a low-code, no-code platform, which has locked access to the interface’s visual components.

Vulnerability

Although most low-code, no-code solutions have built-in security protocols, standalone development technologies offer full-control over the data being created. Because of this, vulnerabilities in low-code, no-code platforms can often be overlooked by users.

The future of low-code, no-code

Despite some criticism, many industries and users have embraced the benefits of the low-code no-code movement. Statista estimates that global low-code market revenue will increase from $13 billion in 2020 to approximately $65 billion in 2027. Gartner also estimates that by 2024, low-code technology will be responsible for 65% of application development.

Many respect low-code, no-code software for democratizing the digital age and producing incredible results. And new technologies like an AI website maker in the mix (see how does AI work) will increasingly change how users interact and create with this software.

Tip: From the time we launched Wix ADI in 2016 to the time we launched our AI website builder in 2024, Wix has used AI to enhance the web design process. By simply entering a conversation with AI, you can create a professional-looking site that comes with all the business tools and functionality that you need.