No-code certainly isn’t new. In fact, the concept dates back to at least 1982. Software expert James Martin published his book, “Application Development without Programmers” (sounds a lot like what we do at Adalo, doesn’t it!?)
In his book, he stated, “The number of programmers available per computer is shrinking so fast that most computers in the future must be put to work at least in part without programmers.”
His no-code prophecy began unfolding soon after, with tools like Microsoft Excel, Wordpress, and a host of other visual-building softwares emerging.
No-code is the art of creating a unique solution to a problem that could have been written with code but instead has been carried out using visual methods without coding.
Why Did No-Code Explode?
The demand for solutions, for software, and for applications that make our lives easier is at an all time HIGH! But the supply of people that can build these solutions isn’t growing at the same pace.
In short, the demand for software is far greater than the supply of developers. No-code tools and platforms enable more people to be a part of the solution-building.
The no-code movement has empowered the people closest to a problem to build a solution to solve it. Software creation and innovation are finally within the reach of the masses, and not just the 0.1% of people in the world that can code.
The Maker Movement
Unlike the term ‘developer’, ‘maker’ is more representative of what your regular no-coder does. At Adalo, we call our customers ‘makers’. It’s not an Adalo-exclusive term – in fact, those building products using no-code are often called makers across the industry.
A possible reason for this is the fact that they’re doing just that: Making things. They’re starting with tools in their hand, and they’re putting pieces together that make sense. That makes life easier for someone.
After a lot of introspection, we realized that the term ‘users’ just didn’t cut it for how we viewed our community. Essentially, a ‘user’ is simply a person who uses something. So what’s wrong with that, you ask?
Well, our first principle is that we empower and engage with our community. We are committed to doing what’s right for them. We value their ideas, their input, their experiences, and their work. They aren’t just people that use Adalo, they’re part of a community that we’ve worked hard to foster and nurture.
But the maker movement isn’t just taking off at Adalo – it’s happening everywhere! New communities of makers are sprouting up all over the world, with different tools in their hands, and different ideas, but the same objective: Solving Problems.
Characteristics of the Maker Community
This subset of the larger tech world has adopted a different approach and set of values. Here are some of the things we think stand out about the maker community.
💭 Creation
More than anything else, the drive to create is what binds the maker community together. The ideas that come to life using no-code tools have been unlike any we’ve seen in the history of software creation, simply because skill and cost are no longer big, unthinkable barriers anymore!
So given the chance, makers have the courage to create, and do it without inhibitions! Here are some super unique apps built on Adalo that we’re proud to showcase:
Moonifest
Moonifest is a mobile app that inspires and guides a community of women to set intentions and manifest with the energy of the moon.
Here’s what Sam Shaibani had to say about building it:
“Adalo made creating an app super easy. As a designer with no coding knowledge, it was incredibly intuitive to figure out. It’s the perfect tool to use if you have an idea that you want to bring to life.”
Check it out here.
Chapter
Chapter is a new way to explore books on your phone. It’s powered by an AI recommendation engine that combines data from major publishers and social networks to help you discover your next great read.
Makers Rohan and Divit Gulati shared:
“My experience with Adalo has been awesome! It enabled me to implement ideas that had only existed on paper. What's most remarkable is how easy-to-use Adalo is, for a platform so powerful.”
Check it out here.
Doggy Door
This is an easy pet tracker to help visualize how often, and when, pets do their "business". Doggy Door was designed to help keep everyone who cares for your pet on the same page with a "Today" counter, and an entire list of entries.
Matt Sanchez, the maker of Doggy Door shared this:
“Within 4 days, I was able to launch an app on the iOS App Store by using Adalo. Adalo has been by far the best to bring a concept to a finished product without any friction.”
Check it out here.
🌎 Contrast
Another defining characteristic of the maker community is its diversity. The lower barrier of entry means that people from different skill sets, backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences can contribute to product building.
Never before has this happened in the tech world, and we’re excited to see what this transition will mean for the future of software development.
The contrast we see in makers has helped make the variety of products richer, more contextualized, and better able to solve localized problems.
🤝 Collaboration
The final, and perhaps most significant identifier of makers: Collaboration. Collaborative learning, exploration, and problem solving have created an environment where everyone is welcome, and everyone can get involved.
Here are some of our favorite maker communities, whether you’re new to no-code or a veteran, you’re welcome to join.
Makerpad: Home to one of the largest and most engaged community of no-coders. You’ll also find tutorials, blogs, videos, and more to help you get started.
Twitter: Try hashtags like #nocode or #buildinpublic if you’re looking for help. The no-code community is vibrant and super helpful. You’ll find people talking, teaching, and learning about no-code.
No-Code Tech: This community and learning platform is a great place to get started on your no-code learning journey – or if you’re in the middle of building and need some guidance.
Adalocado: A platform run by an Adalo expert, Adalocado gives you access to tutorials, videos, and a supportive community of makers that will help you get the most out of your Adalo app.
We’re excited that you’re here and we hope this inspires the maker in you to bring an idea to life on Adalo! If you need help with your app, you can work with any of our Adalo experts – they can help you with everything from 1:1 coaching, creating an app from scratch, to fixing those pesky bugs, and even giving your app a much-needed facelift! Find out how you can work with an Adalo expert.
