No-Code Development Insights

Last month, our Devsinc business analyst, accomplished something that would have seemed impossible five years ago. In just two weeks, she built a complete inventory management system for our client's warehouse operations – without writing a single line of code. The client had been quoted six months and $150,000 by traditional developers. Fatima delivered it in 72 hours using our low-code platform, and it works flawlessly. That moment crystallized a truth I've been witnessing: we're experiencing the assembly line revolution of software development. Henry Ford didn't just speed up car manufacturing; he democratized automobile ownership by making production accessible and efficient. Today's no-code/low-code movement is doing exactly that for software development. The numbers tell an extraordinary story: by 2025, 70% of new applications will use no-code or low-code technologies – a dramatic leap from less than 25% in 2020. The market itself is exploding from $28.11 billion in 2024 to an expected $35.86 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 27.6% growth rate. What excites me most is the human transformation happening inside organizations. Citizen developers – domain experts who build solutions using visual, drag-and-drop tools – will outnumber professional developers by 4 to 1 by 2025. This isn't about replacing developers; it's about unleashing creativity at unprecedented scale. When our HR manager can build a recruitment tracking app, our finance team can automate expense reporting, and our project managers can create custom dashboards, we're not just saving time – we're enabling innovation at the speed of thought. For my fellow CTOs and CIOs: the economics are undeniable. Organizations using low-code platforms report 40% reduction in development costs and can deploy applications 5-10 times faster than traditional methods. The average company avoids hiring two IT developers through low-code adoption, creating $4.4 million in increased business value over three years. With 80% of technology products now being built by non-tech professionals, this isn't a trend – it's the new reality. To the brilliant IT graduates joining our industry: embrace this revolution. Your role isn't diminishing; it's evolving. You'll become solution architects, platform engineers, and innovation enablers. The demand for complex, enterprise-grade applications will always require your expertise, while no-code handles the routine, repetitive work that has historically consumed your time. The assembly line didn't eliminate craftsmen – it freed them to create masterpieces. No-code/low-code is doing the same for software development, democratizing creation while elevating the art of complex problem-solving.

AI-native isn't a tech stack. It's a mindset shift. Reading Sarah Tavel's interview with Rekki's CTO hit different than the usual "AI will change everything" content flooding my feed. Here's what caught me: Borislav Nikolov didn't just give his team AI coding tools. He fundamentally restructured his role from task executor to infrastructure provider—like becoming an internal AWS for his entire company. The breakthrough wasn't technical. It was psychological. The real barrier wasn't capability—it was conditioning. His operations team was conditioned to believe they "couldn't code." His engineers were conditioned to be gatekeepers. Both sides had to unlearn decades of role definitions. This mirrors what I'm seeing across product teams right now. Traditional lines between “technical” and “non-technical” are dissolving—but most orgs are still clinging to pre-AI operating models. Three patterns emerging from companies making this transition: ✅ Domain experts become builders—when given the right guardrails ✅ Engineers shift from doers to enablers ✅ The real unlock isn’t the model—it’s expanding what people believe they’re allowed to do This hit especially close to home. We’ve assembled a tiger team of 20 AI builders—most of us non-coders—and we’re already halfway through a 6-week sprint to build a companion app to productize and scale the impact of our AI community. Most of us aren’t coders. But we’re doing it—with scrappy tools, shared vision, and just enough infrastructure to move fast and learn together. One bold move from Rekki: They required everyone to understand LLMs—50+ hours of study. Not “prompt hacks.” Backpropagation by hand. Most companies are skipping this step. They’re installing tools without upgrading mindsets. Are we preparing our teams for expanded capability, or just adding new tools to old processes? Read Sarah Tavel’s article: https://lnkd.in/eUR4M3mz — 👋 This is Shyvee Shi — former LinkedIn product leader, now building the AI Community Learning Program, powered by Microsoft Teams. If you're curious about building and upskilling with AI, you can join our AI Community and get access to curated resources, tools, programs and events via aka.ms/AICommunityProgram. ♻️ Repost to help someone learn, build, and grow in the AI era. #AI #ProductManagement #FutureofWork

I just watched a developer build and ship an entire MCP server, without typing a single line of code. And he did it all... by prompting an LLM in the terminal. Here’s what blew my mind: • He set up a new MCP server in TypeScript, live. • Extended it to connect with GitHub, fetch issue data, and return dynamic metadata. • Debugged errors in real time by just describing the bug to the AI. • Never opened an IDE. Never manually touched a config file. • Just talked to the terminal. And the terminal coded. Welcome to the new paradigm: prompt-driven development. This tool is quietly redefining how developers work: > Native, intelligent terminal as your AI coding environment. > Built-in planning, context memory, voice prompting, and multi-model orchestration. > Git-integrated, agent-powered workflows from idea to working software. > No boilerplate. No Stack Overflow rabbit holes. Just raw intent → real output. This is where terminals are heading for the future. If you’re a dev, AI builder, or just curious about vibe coding, you should try this terminal.

There’s an app for that, right? Generally, the historical answer was “no.” Because let’s be real, building something super unique / tailored to your needs isn’t scalable for other companies. Take Steve Dunston as an example: he recently brought up the intriguing concept of a "headless CRM," emphasizing flexible data models and API-driven workflows. His post got me thinking about our unique business process for speaker submissions and reviews for MOps-Apalooza, where we allow current ticket holders to rate and review submissions, enabling them to build the conference they want to see. While I love how we’ve adapted our current platform, I often wonder if I could build anything that would be a better fit. However, it usually takes way too much time and resources to build anything custom, so teams often resort to clunky, expensive, and fragile solutions. Usually it’s a combination of juggling apps like Airtable, Notion, Sheets, and some backend logic or code to make it all come together in some front-end environment… if you’re lucky enough to get to a “front end” that is. Welp - not anymore!! I just came across Softr, which just released Softr Databases! I don’t think this is another “no code tool” with hype; it’s an exciting and powerful product that allows users to get complete control over their data structure, permissions, and logic, without needing Airtable or a third-party backend. They combine the power of backend and frontend in one easy-to-use platform, and getting started was so easy. In my case, my data was stored in a Google sheet, but I could have easily fetched data from an existing Airtable, Supabase, or similar service. I was able to quickly import some of our data with Softr's CSV import feature.  Now that I’ve proven one potential use case, it has me down the rabbit hole of opportunities. As it relates to the Marketing Ops Community, here's what I'm thinking about beyond my initial use case... >> Import our existing data to Softr Databases and host a members portal for exclusive news, events, and more. Creating a members portal by importing our existing data and then making a portal for exclusive news (backed by our CRM's existing database) >> Creating a hiring portal on Softr databases for candidates in our network to show up anonymously and prove that we have THE BEST in the marketing ops community waiting for the next opportunity What else should I build? What would you build? Softr has definitely empowered marketers and operations professionals to quickly innovate without needing deep coding skills or IT involvement. This is the democratization of technology Scott Brinker talks about, and it's an exciting time to be in this field! Check out Softr Databases linked for you in the comments :) P.S. Sorry, not sorry for sending you down a rabbit hole! 😂

Here are the 6 No-Code tools I'd bring to a deserted island. 👇 I'll also give you my reasons and alternatives so you can find your ideal stack. 1) Softr: Reason: I chose Softr because it allows me to quickly build websites, landing pages, and web apps without any coding. It’s my go-to tool for fast, user-friendly development. Alternative: Glide for apps Carrd for landing pages. 2) Airtable: Reason: I use Airtable as a powerful, cloud-based database to manage data and automate processes. It’s essential for organizing and streamlining my business operations. I also use it as a database for Softr. Alternative: SmartSuite 3) Make: Reason: I rely on Make to automate tasks by connecting different apps, which saves me a ton of time and boosts productivity. It’s key to keeping my operations efficient. I also use it to bring AI into my apps. Alternative: Zapier 4) Bubble: Reason: I choose Bubble for building complex web and mobile apps because it’s a full-stack platform that lets me create scalable projects visually, without needing to code. Alternative: FlutterFlow 5) Figma: Reason: Figma is my preferred design tool for creating visually appealing assets and interfaces. It’s crucial for making my digital products look and feel professional. Alternative: Canva 6) ChatGPT: Reason: I picked ChatGPT because it’s a versatile AI tool that helps me with content generation, automation, and intelligent assistance. It’s indispensable for handling a wide range of tasks. Alternative: Claude Sonet + Midjourney + Runway The best part. I don't need to choose only 6 :) Follow for more.

"(Iterate.ai 's) low-code also makes experimenting less risky. 'Not only does this particular low-code solution (Iterate's Interplay) make rapid experimentation possible, it also offers orchestration capabilities so we can plug different services in and out very quickly,' says Ulta's Michelle Pacynski. 'And if it doesn’t work, we have the flexibility to take out a component and put it in something different without any hassle.' Plus, this strategy has enabled them to easily move from experimentation to production, speeding up the process of transforming their initial ideas into fully deployed applications. Using Interplay, it’s seamless for Ulta to string together all the plumbing behind customer experiences using the best solutions for each unique use case." The article in CIO Magazine®: https://lnkd.in/gYMq3wmP

"That's too techy for me" is the #1 objection I hear when recommending tools. Until I found one that FINALLY breaks that barrier. I've recently been playing around with Lindy (hiring!), and it's quickly becoming my top recommendation for non-technical founders and ops people looking to get started with AI agents. Unlike Make.com or Zapier, Lindy lets you create automations and decision rules in plain English—no complex setup or rigid rules needed. A few neat projects I've tested out myself: - Built an AI phone assistant that handles inbound calls effortlessly - Set up a meeting recording assistant that not only records and summarizes meetings, but checks if attendees are in my CRM—automatically researching and adding new contacts - Created a smart AI agent that drafts client proposals just from casual conversations If you've ever said "that's too techy for me" before closing a tab, Lindy.ai was literally built for you. It's the simplest, most approachable entry-point to AI automation I've ever found. Have you tried Lindy.ai or a similar tool yet? Let me know your thoughts or questions below! #AIAutomation #ProductivityTools #StartupTools #NoCode #BusinessAutomation

This year, it is estimated that a staggering 80% of technology products will be built by non-developers! Low-code tools can also reduce app development time by up to 60% and are only getting better. Here is how your team can start capturing some of this amazing value. Identify the Problems to Solve: Understand the challenges or opportunities within your organization that low-code can address. This could be a need for faster application development, reducing backlog, or enabling non-technical staff to contribute to software projects. Set Specific Objectives: Define what you want to achieve with low-code platforms. Objectives could range from developing specific types of applications (like customer portals or internal workflow tools) to broader goals like digital transformation or enhancing agility. Conduct Workshops: Arrange educational sessions to familiarize your team with low-code concepts and potential. Also, encourage non-tech staff to participate in development processes, explaining how low-code platforms can empower them to build solutions. Evaluate and Compare Platforms: Some popular low-code platforms include: -Microsoft PowerApps: Ideal for businesses already using Microsoft products. It offers deep integration with other Microsoft services and a user-friendly interface. -OutSystems: Known for its robustness and scalability, making it suitable for complex enterprise applications. -Mendix: Offers strong collaboration features for business and IT teams, and supports agile development methodologies. -Appian: Known for its strong focus on workflow and business process management applications. Evaluate the Success of the Pilot: Assess the impact of the pilot project against your initial goals. Plan for Scaling: If successful, start planning how to scale low-code usage in your organization. This might include further training, establishing a center of excellence, and rolling out more complex projects. Do you or your teams use any low-code tools in your stack? How frequently do non-technical people help contribute? #lowcode #techcommunity #ctoinsights

🚀 From Zero Coding Experience to Working AI Agent in 2 Hours Rajni challenged his son (who's never written a line of code) to create his first AI agent and get his first customer. What he built: A smart weather app that doesn't just tell you the temperature—it recommends what clothes to wear from your actual wardrobe. The tools: Just bolt.new, n8n workflow automation and Vercel. No complex coding required. The result: A functioning AI agent that impressed even me! But here's the real business insight: The cost and time to create proof-of-concepts has dropped dramatically. Where we used to need developers, designers, and weeks of work, now anyone with an idea can validate it in hours. ✅ 10 business ideas? Test them all quickly ✅ Market validation before heavy investment ✅ Iterate and improve based on real feedback The bottleneck isn't building anymore—it's deployment and scaling. But that first step of turning vision into reality? That's now accessible to everyone. Key takeaway: Stop just consuming AI content. Start building. Pick a platform, pick a use case, and make it happen. In the next 10 years, we'll all be working with agents—better to understand them now than feel left behind. 👀 Watch the full video to see the complete build process and learn how you can create your own AI agent today. #AI #Entrepreneurship #NoCode #Innovation #AIAgents #StartupLife #TechTrends #BusinessAutomation

“Wait, I don’t have to write code anymore?!” Let’s talk about Vibe Coding — a new way to build software where AI does the heavy lifting, and you bring the creativity. Vibe Coding is the art of turning rough ideas into working apps using natural language, fast feedback loops, and a flow-first mindset. No deep syntax. No late-night debugging marathons. Just vibes and velocity. Example? You: “I want a website that sells avocado toast.” AI: “Here’s the site... and I added a meme generator too.” You: “Wait, why?” AI: “Because... vibes.” Here’s why it’s catching on: 🔹 You ideate, the AI codes. 🔹 You tweak, it iterates. 🔹 You stay in flow, it handles structure. Some standout tools I’ve tested: 🔥 TRAE – Fast, intuitive, free, with full IDE and multi-model support. ⚡ Cursor – Great for teams with serious automation and security. 🌊 Windsurf – Clean UI, natural language debugging, lightweight and nimble. Each tool has its strengths — but here’s the truth: Vibe Coding isn’t a replacement for coding. It’s a superpower. Use it well, and it’ll boost your speed, creativity, and productivity. Use it carelessly, and you might scale chaos. Pros ✅ Build faster than ever ✅ Reduce grunt work ✅ Democratize development Watch-outs ⚠️ Unclear code paths ⚠️ Tech debt risks ⚠️ Misuse by inexperience This is not the end of development — it’s the evolution of it. The future of building is intuitive, AI-powered, and very much human. What tools are you using to build with AI? I’d love to hear your go-to workflows 👇 #AI #VibeCoding #BuildWithAI #NoCode #LowCode #TechInnovation #DigitalBuilders