As early as 2017, Github CEO Chris Wanstrath once predicted that “the future of coding is no-code.” Much like how Windows introduced the mouse to create an intuitive, visualized interface for computers, no-code/low-code today is similarly revolutionizing the way people are interacting with programming. Through visualized interfaces, people can now create software through a click of a mouse and intuitively develop programs that previously required coding skills. As a result, the barriers to software creation are being tremendously lowered, allowing people with no programming backgrounds to create their own web products. At the same time, no-code/low-code is also allowing engineers to spend less time and effort by modularizing basic functionalities, thereby increasing overall productivity. In 2020, when the global pandemic accelerated digital transformation, companies around the world faced growing needs for technology and talent to meet this change. However, with a shortage of tech talent, companies are now looking for new solutions. This welcomes the watershed moment for the no-code/low-code movement.
While no-code/low-code sounds simple in theory, most people probably still can’t fathom the possibilities unleashed by this new technology. In fact, no-code/low-code is simply just a category name for a broad range of innovative toolsets. In order to meet the diverse needs of different users, no-code/low-code has industry-specific solutions while sharing similar basic architectures. For example, Microsoft Power Platform provides users with the ability to customize applications and automate workflows. Webflow, on the other hand, enhances the level of freedom of web design by allowing designers to utilize drag-and-drop features onto designs. In addition, Bubble allows users to create full web apps with full freedom over design and workflow structures. With varying approaches to no-code/low-code, it’s undeniable that it is helping people work more productively. With these trends, the global no-code/low-code market is estimated to have a total valuation of $13.8B USD, and by 2024, nearly 65% of all applications will be based on no-code development. We can clearly see that people will increasingly rely on this new innovation.
Now that the barriers to programming have been lowered, knowing how to build useful software then becomes the most important matter. As a TechRepublic survey reveals, more than 50% of engineers actually spend less than 4 hours a day on coding; the majority of their time is rather spent on communicating with users and stakeholders, while also perfecting their code for practical usages. As one can see, the key to successful software development is sufficiently meeting the needs of users. Within the context of software in the past several years, there has been a noticeable growing interest in coding; in fact, learning how to code has become many people’s first career transitions because programming is seen as an unbreakable “hard” skill in today’s age. However, what most people don’t quite realize is that, unless one truly understands the underlying principles of programming or knows how to add their own twist of creativity, writing code is merely just writing code, meaning it is truly difficult to create something truly innovative or creative. But with the advent of new technologies, a greater variety of people now have access to software creation, unleashing a new wave of talent and creativity.
Now that the age of no-code/low-code has come, this movement not only lowers the barriers to software creation and improves engineering productivity, but it also signifies a liberation of people’s time and energy, allowing people to deeply focus on finding solutions to problems in our world. I believe that in the future, the spotlighted focus on “hard skills” will gradually change. To the future of human talent, what will be equally important are the “soft skills” of creativity, problem-solving abilities, and industry-domain knowledge that will add the most competitiveness and value. In other words, those not interested in math or information-related industries, don’t necessarily need to isolate themselves from science or tech. When the overall tech industry can include more diverse talent, I believe that the overall creativity, productivity, and speed of development of the tech industry will be greatly enhanced. By then, we will see more impossibilities turning into possibilities.
