Low-code and no-code platforms have been gaining popularity in recent years, enabling developers and even non-developers to develop applications quicker without intensive programming. But underneath the hype, which of these platforms do developers truly work with, and why? This story delves into the top tools that are adopted by professional developers in 2025, including their most prominent characteristics, benefits, and applications in the real world.
What are Low-Code and No-Code Tools?
- Low-code systems feature visual development environments and drag-and-drop elements but enable developers to insert custom code where needed.
- No-code platforms allow one to create apps with no code at all, based on configurations and visual workflows.
Both target speeding the development of applications, minimizing time-to-market, and making software development democratized.
Many low-code and no-code platforms act as alternative web development frameworks, allowing faster app creation without heavy coding.
Developers Use Low-Code & No-Code Tools Because
- Quick prototyping and deployment of applications without wasting time in coding
- Emphasize Business Logic: Automate routine work and concentrate on business logic and not boilerplate code
- Collaboration: More convenient for cross-functional teams (designers, product managers)
- Cost-Efficiency: Minimizes developer workloads and decreases project expenses
Top Low-Code and No-Code Development Tools Actually Used
1. Bubble
No code web application developer
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Complete control over the database, UI, and workflows
- Extensible with plugins and JavaScript code
- Best suited to MVPs and start-ups
Use Cases:
SaaS products, marketplaces, internal tools
2. OutSystems
Low code enterprise platform
Developers prefer it because:
- Supports full-stack development with custom code
- Easily integrates with existing systems
- Strong governance and security measures
Use Cases:
Enterprise apps of large scale, digital transformation initiatives
3. Appgyver (SAP Build)
No/low code platform
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Free plan with robust capabilities
- Supports mobile and web applications
- Visual logic builder offering sophisticated data integrations
Use Cases:
Mobile apps, dashboards, internal tools
4. Adalo
No-code app builder
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Simple drag-and-drop UI builder
- Native mobile application publishing
- Simple Database Administration
Use Cases:
Prototyping, small mobile apps, client projects
5. Mendix
Low-code application platform
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Strong collaboration tools
- Cloud-native and supports multi-cloud
- Integrated AI-powered development
Use Cases:
Enterprise applications, sophisticated workflows
6. Backendless
Low Code Backend Platform
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Visual API Designer
- Real-time database and user management
- Serverless architecture
Use Cases:
Backend APIs, real-time applications, mobile backend
7. Webflow
No-code web design and CMS
Why Developers Prefer It:
- Pixel-perfect design control
- Effective CMS and hosting
- Reusable clean code for coders
Application areas:
Marketing websites, landing pages, e-commerce
How to Select the Right Low-Code/No-Code Tool?
- Define Your Project Scope: Simple Prototypes versus Complex Enterprise Apps
- Team skillset to ponder on: Pure no-code for non-developers or low-code for development teams
- Integration requirements: Does it integrate with your systems that already exist?
- Scalability & Security: Enterprise applications demand governance and compliance
- Price: Most tools offer free levels but scale rapidly
Low-code and no-code platforms are no fad — they are now standard tools in the toolboxes of many developers in 2025. Bubble and Backendless offer the agility and speed that today’s projects require, whereas OutSystems and Mendix tackle enterprise-level development requirements. With the proper platform for your requirements, you can speed delivery without compromising control or quality.
