5 of the Best Tools for No-Code Backend Development

Manual backend code development requires command of several technical languages and programs. But for those of us with exciting app ideas and little to no coding knowledge, all is not lost.

No-code backend platforms or BaaS (backend-as-a-service) accommodate easier backend development and have quickly become the hero of the hour. And although no-code development is designed to be super easy, you’ll still need to some know-how to pull off a no-code website or app effectively.

So 100DaysOfNoCode has stepped in to help anyone from digital creators to entrepreneurs to career switchers learn no-code through live boot camps, no-code challenges, and more.

In this article, we've selected five of the best BaaS for different software and app backend development.

What Is a No-Code Backend?

A no-code backend is the backend development of software or an app using pre-written code. The backend is the part that's inaccessible to users and is how everything works.. It's generally responsible for storing and manipulating app data, server management, etc.

Using a low or no-code platform backend development is achieved visually, typically by dragging and dropping blocks of code.

What Are the Benefits of a No-Code Backend?

Faster App Development

Getting the softwares' backend to work smoothly is especially challenging since different technologies are combined to produce different front-end results. No-code tools use a visual editor, which makes coding much more straightforward and, therefore, quicker. 

Lower Development Costs

There's no need to have a whole development team since one person can build an app. The subscription cost of a no-code  tool for low-code development can start from as little as $0.

Because you won't need an expensive team of expert backend developers, this should free up cash to spend elsewhere without compromising output.

Encourages Innovation

Low-code development is generally fun. You can see your app ideas come to life using pre-made code and drag-and-drop functionality. The high barrier to entry has been lowered. That means the cultivation of innovation is encouraged as the non-technical community is supported in turning their ideas into apps.

What are the Limitations of No Code?

Learning Curve

Using no code to build your app's backend will make development easier. However, believing anyone can develop a mastermind app in a few days is a stretch. Understanding the technical side of app development is necessary for good app development.

100DaysOfNoCode, helps you get started quicker by learning no-code development through effective, practical, engaging courses, bite-sized lessons, and live boot camps.

Some Creativity Restrictions

Most no-code platforms offer a range of drag-and-drop templates, including the features you may require for your app. However, many templates aren’t customizable, so you're constrained within the template design limits.

Some platforms offer customizable templates (some of which are included in our top five), where you can tweak the code according to your requirements. But programming knowledge is needed for this.

Choosing the Right Tool

Choosing the right no-code tool can be challenging since there are so many. When going through options, consider the type of app you're developing and the functionality you'll need to achieve your project goal.

For instance, if you want to automate internal workflows, you'll need a tool with customizable templates. Or if the app is for public use, mobile friendliness, simplicity, and scalability are examples of essential functionality.

5 Best No-Code Backend Builders to Consider

1. Bubble - The best for app prototyping

Bubble is a complete web app builder and leading no-code backend tool. It handles the development, deployment process (delivery to users), and hosting. Its broad functionality includes template designs and visual modeling to boost productivity. Bubble also allows you to collaborate on website building with up to 40 teammates  in real time, which can help streamline the creation process and ensure that everyone within your business has a say on website design. 

Pricing:

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Pros:

• Ability to link data tables to other front-end tools
• Easy integration with APIs, plugins, and other apps for additional app functionality
• Option to work privately or with up to 40 collaborators
• Responsive drag-and-drop editor

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Cons:

• Requires third-party services for extremely customized designs
• Not suitable for all types of apps including complicated 3D or platform games

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2. Airtable - The best for robust custom solutions

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Airtable offers a flexible no-code backend by marrying general spreadsheet functionality with the data manipulation capability of an advanced database. Its extensive templates support bug and product tracking, product planning, product catalog, and the like. Airtable also comes with comprehensive automation features, allowing you to create your own triggers and actions within your workflow.

Pricing:

Pros:

• Familiar spreadsheet-like interface for easy app design
• Easy to scale apps
• Easy integration with cloud-based services like Slack, Facebook, and Google Sheets
• Offers several development environments

Cons:

• Premium features can become expensive
• Lacks easy help tutorials to learn functionality

3. Hasura -The best for easy data access

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Hasura is an open-source, backend-as-a-service that instantly turns your database data into readable and writeable real-time GraphQL API. It allows you to create software and apps to support continuous basic storage operations, CRUD (create, read, update, and delete).

Hasura supports many large database platforms, including PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon Aurora, and Big Query.

Pricing:

Pros:

• Option to enhance app security
• Offers built-in caching for faster response times
• It provides insights on your API's performance
• It has a large developer-help community spanning over 83 countries

Cons:

• Unable to control automatically generated GraphQL schema
• Slight learning curve if you’re new to databases

4. ​​Draftbit - The best for native mobile apps

Draftbit is one of the most dynamic visual development tools, suitable for no and low-code development. It's ideal for building powerful cross-platform native apps, as it's founded on popular development frameworks React Native and Expo. You'll have total control over producing high-quality custom code and focus on the logic, state, and backend design aspects.

Pricing:

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Pros:

• Deploy to multiple endpoints with one build
• Ability to add custom code to any screen
• View and export your backend code at any point
• Create your code blocks for reuse

Cons:

• Slightly high learning curve
• Expensive

5. Xano - The best for a quick scalable backend

Xano offers a speedy way to develop your app's backend code through no-code. Its starter templates will help you to progress your backend projects quickly. Your Xano account will include a scalable server, flexible database, and No Code API builder to manipulate and integrate data from any source.

Pricing:

Pros:

• Connect to anything with an API
• Database storage with no record limit
• One backend development can power several front-ends
• Offers 100+ tutorial videos, solid documentation and lively community

Cons:

• The UI could be improved
• Fairly new no-code app

Learn No-Code for Backend Development at 100DaysOfNoCode

A no-code backend is when a no-code app builder automatically generates the backend code. No-code tools empower more people to build powerful backend processes without writing a single line of code. But no-code development knowledge is required to deliver apps that work as expected.

At 100DaysOfNoCode, we educate folk from all walks of life on bringing their app ideas to reality using no-code development. You can start learning no-code today and share your journey with a lively community of over 12k no-coders breaking into tech.