Not too long ago, you had to learn one or more programming languages to successfully build and deploy a software product. Entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas were at the mercy of tech-natives, and there seemed to be nothing anyone could do about it. Unfortunately, the traditional method of app development is expensive and time-consuming, making it unfit for today's market. Enter no-code tools!
No-code tools are platforms that allow founders to build and deploy enterprise-grade mobile and web apps in record time without writing a line of code. Among numerous such platforms available, Bubble is by far the most popular, and for good reason too. This guide lets you get a clearer idea of the advantages of choosing Bubble for your web app development and a faster way to test Bubble apps before deployment.
Bubble is a no-code development platform that empowers users to build fully functional mobile and web apps, and other software products through drag and drop tools.
The platform was founded in New York in 2012 by Emmanuel Straschnov and Josh Haas. Its wide array of features and plugins allows users to build 100% customizable workflows and web applications ranging from simple test applications to complex Saas products and e-commerce marketplaces.
Currently, the platform boasts more than 1 million users and has processed more than $1 billion in revenue on its users' applications. Earlier in the year, Bubble was named one of Fast Company's most innovative companies of 2021.
Emmanuel Straschnov, Bubble's co-founder and CEO believes that "Bubble is still the only comprehensive tool that lets you build the next Airbnb or Twitter without relying on engineers." And there are more than a few testimonials to corroborate this statement.
Aside from allowing non-technical people to breathe life into their ideas, below are some of the reasons why you should consider Bubble for your next app development project.
Bubble (and other no-code tools) helps users bypass the need for both front and back-end coding. Thus, you can build and deploy your apps at unprecedented speed and they won't fall short in terms of functionality and performance. This makes Bubble a favorite for people working with tight deadlines. Even tech natives that are familiar with the programming languages required to build their apps still use Bubble because of the faster iteration time. At least Bubble will take care of the base code while they focus on building the desired features into the app if they have to.
With Bubble, you can add a new feature to your app with just a click. This would have been impossible if you relied solely on programming languages to build your app. Furthermore, there's little chance that adding a new feature will affect your app's existing functionality since you won't be tampering with the source code. Plus, Bubble still allows you to execute regression testing faster than you would if you were coding from scratch.
Contrary to what many people think, Bubble pages are quite responsive. The apps built on the Bubble platform can automatically adjust to fit different devices with different screen sizes. The only caveat is that you may have to configure a few settings for your page to remain optimally functional as the width changes. You can follow this link if you need a guide on how to build responsive pages with Bubble.
Bubble is much more affordable than hiring a developer, or any other alternative to build a functional web or to create dynamic mobile apps. The platform has a free plan that provides access to some basic features. However, you can't deploy your app or test out any of Bubble's advanced capabilities. To do that, you'll need to subscribe to any of the paid plans. Realistically, you'll need at least $25 to build a functional application but you should be prepared to spend much more if you want an application with top-notch functionalities.
Aside from the advantages above, Bubble also boasts a vibrant community and other necessary tools to make your next app development project successful. Some of the features and tools include:
Bubble connects seamlessly with popular services to make life easy for you and your users. With the click of a button, you can integrate your product with top platforms like Zappier, Outlook, Zoom, Intercom, Algolia, Amazon, Twitter, and Asana to name a few. Whether you're building a marketplace or SaaS product, you'll never run short of integrations that can boost your web app's functionality and ensure your visitors enjoy the best experience.
Bubble has an ecosystem of companies that provide Bubble app development and other professional services. So, if you have an idea and don't have the time or expertise to work on it yourself, you can submit a request for proposal in the Bubble community and any interested Bubble developer will bid on your project. Also, if you're a freelancer or an agency working on multiple projects, Bubble has an agency plan that gives you access to its most advanced features at a surprisingly affordable rate.
A major advantage of Bubble over other low-code app builders is that it allows users to start from a blank page and build their interface to the pixel. However, the platform's community still boasts several ready-made app templates that users can leverage to build their products faster. The template would act as a pre-built set of elements and workflows and you can modify it to suit your specific needs. Examples of popular Bubble community templates include Startup landing page, Canvas Base Template, Restaurant Delivery template, Job Board Template, etc. Many of Bubble's templates are available free of charge while you'll have to buy others.
Since Bubble is a no-code platform, it will be worth it only if there's an accompanying no-code tool for testing websites and apps built with Bubble. Aside from making the testing process easier and faster, an automated web testing platform like PreFlight also helps overcome Bubble's lack of unit testing protocols. Thus, you can deploy your apps and websites faster and with utmost confidence.
There's no denying that the manual QA process is time-consuming and resource-intensive. No matter your business volume, an automated web testing platform like PreFlight saves you time and money when testing your websites and applications.
You'll particularly find automated QA useful if you operate in a continuous integration and delivery ecosystem where you have to develop and test apps or app features multiple times per day. Automated QA also makes it much easier to spot problems and fix them since it takes less time than manually setting up tests
There's no doubt that no-code app and website builders have come to stay. Interestingly, this doesn't spell doom for citizen developers. Rather, it allows them to focus on more important tasks while eliminating the redundant and repetitive aspects of their work. So, if you’ve yet to join the no-code train, you really should seriously consider it. Remember, PreFlight is always here to help you automate all your app testing needs, code, or no-code. For more details, check out our website. And, if you are enthusiastic about more such interesting information, do visit our blog page.