Bubble.io is a sophisticated no-code development platform that allows users to build applications without needing a full-stack developer. It simplifies the development process for no-coders and coders alike. There's a backend and a front end. It's up to users to create their own no-code app using this powerful bubble app builder.
Bubble.io's workflow automation and built-in plugins allow users to easily implement their ideas without getting into designing complex logic. This bubble no-code platform enables rapid app development. It transcends our AI marketing tool functionality.
Bubble.io's dynamic databases and easy user interface (UI) enable users to easily keep track of their data. This bubble website builder smoothly translates ideas into reality using responsive design.
Let's look at the pros and cons of this bubble app development platform. Keep reading ahead to find out if it's really possible for non-coders to build their own apps using bubble web development.
What is Bubble.io?
Bubble.io is a no-code application that utilizes a visual programming language. Its infrastructure is based on the Platform as a Service (PaaS) model, which provides a complete cloud environment equipped with everything needed for developers to build, run, and manage applications. This platform has opened up the world of app development to non-coders, enabling anyone to create applications. While full-stack developers can certainly benefit from using Bubble.io, prior coding experience is not required to use this tool.
Think of This as the “Legos of Development”
Users drag and drop components to give the application functionalities. Bubble.io is not only about developing the visual end of the application that is accessible to the user, but is also deployed to implement dynamic databases. Dynamic data means that it is updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Source: Coachingnocodeapps.com
Bubble.io has automated the workflow process by automating the repetitive tasks and functionalities. It helps implement use cases with minimal effort by creating triggers and action sequences that are implemented by adding the automation logic, and this automation is not only a part of the front end but also the back end. This bubble platform provides powerful collaboration and version control features.
Bubble.io and Workflow Automation
Source: growhuman.io
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Workflow builder: Bubble.io features a drag-and-drop editor, allowing users to select and implement any feature they want. No bubble coding is required.
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Trigger events: This is a series of actions or events that trigger a response. For example, bubble.io allows users to define a trigger when a user clicks “sign-up”. The action initiates a request to automatically create a home page and dashboard for the user and send a signup confirmation email.
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Conditional logic: Conditional logic enables an event to occur only if certain requirements are fulfilled. Complex logic is a chain of simpler logic statements. These build on each other, and one argument is the premise for a subsequent argument. Logic statements use connectors such as “and”, “but”, “or”, “later”, “as”, “too” and “because”. When these start to pile up, the logic can become quite complex.
Benefits for Full-Stack developers
Developers who dedicate countless hours to writing code and debugging can now focus more on enhancing user experience. Bubble.io offers a built-in Application Programming Interface (API) that allows AI applications to communicate with one another, along with plugins that simplify the development process. Additionally, it provides visual schemas within the Bubble editor to define variables and relationships, freeing developers from the burden of managing complex backend logic. Overall, Bubble makes full-stack development more efficient.
How can non-coders benefit from Bubble.io?
Non-coders have used bubble.io to quickly implement ideas. This bubble website builder has also proved helpful by providing built-in templates that can be customized on the go to produce a high-end, fully functional website.
So Bubble.io speeds up the process for developers. But can non-coders really use this?
Source: AZKYTech.com
My friend Claire is likely representative of many of us–we're tracking everything on a spreadsheet. We do this because it's what we've always done–not because it's efficient or the correct thing to do. While it works just fine for a while, we quickly outgrow that spreadsheet. The reason being there are way too many sheets, columns and rows. In addition, there are new items to track, including KPIs, follow-up triggers, etc. You realize you want to create links among your tasks, and it would be great to drill down through the information you're saving and create relationships.
Ease of use of Bubble.io
Claire looked at a CRM system—there are plenty of choices for a small business, but she knew there would be a learning curve. (I don’t know what she was thinking, because bubble.io represents its own significant learning curve!) She did some research and read reviews. According to G2.com, "Bubble.io is trusted by teams at HubSpot, Zendesk, VMware, and more. Backed by Insight Partners, SignalFire, Neo, and Betaworks Ventures." That's some pretty heady company.
Claire decided to build her own app with Bubble.io's no-code app. She knew exactly what she wanted, and believed she could manage this–without a full-stack developer. Claire is not a techie. She's smart and hands-on. She likes to know how stuff works and wants to be able to do it herself. But she's not particularly interested in really getting underneath the hood and getting her hands dirty.
The Platform Has Everything You Need to Get Started
There is a database, middleware, APIs, and a front-end, along with a large marketplace of plugins. Plugins are software extensions that can be added to a program to enhance its functionality. If you're a WordPress user, you understand how the variety and features of these plugins contribute to their power. Additionally, there are agencies available to help build out functionality, which means everything you need for a fully functioning web application is in place. However, learning how to use Bubble.io is not intuitive for beginners. This industry is still in its early stages, and as the technology matures, it is expected to become easier to navigate.
Not So Easy for Beginners
I decided to try creating a simple CRM for myself, so I spent most of an afternoon working on it. I’m fairly tech-savvy and understand the backend, frontend, and plugins. Before I started, I did a lot of reading, watched videos and explored tutorials on Bubble.io. It’s harder than it looks, but I haven’t given up. I’m genuinely intrigued by the idea of being able to create my own app.
Be Aware That There’s a Steep Learning Curve
Bubble.io provides assistance for non-coders, and plenty of developers are available if you get stuck–just like if you're working in Wix or WordPress and need a developer. But the truth is that if you really intend to build your own app, you have to put in the time to learn to use this application.
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You need to use the bubble.io tutorial and watch the demos and the videos.
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Use the chats and the blogs—there's always someone in the forum who can answer your questions.
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If you don't really have the time, but you think you're smart and tech-savvy and this will be a breeze, I suspect it will not work for you. It didn't work for Claire. She had neither the time nor the patience to learn to use the software to build her no-code app. She's back to her spreadsheets.
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Bubble.io has introduced an official certification program made by a certified bubble.io developer. The airdev bootcamp is one way to gain bubble learning.
Bubble.io’s Claim: World’s Only Full-Stack No-Code Development App
Multiple no-code development tools like Shopify and WordPress exist, but I have observed that they are very specific to use cases. Shopify, for example, deals in e-commerce websites and WordPress with blog posts. Bubble.io, on the other hand, covers the vast majority of client requests. These can range from finance to real estate and chatbots to e-commerce sites. Due to this versatility, 3,300,000 apps have been built using the bubble.io technology to date.
Integration of AI into Bubble.io
Bubble.io does not inherently provide AI as a built-in feature but provides access to AI plugins and APIs in an application's functionality. For example, a customer support platform built on Bubble.io can integrate DialogFlow API to implement an AI-powered chatbot to answer customer queries. You could even build a ChatGPT clone using bubble ai capabilities.
Support from the Bubble.io community
Bubble.io provides a forum that helps engage with fellow users to answer queries. Every time I faced a query, the community at the forum was helpful enough to solve it for me. The forum empowers the community in the following ways:
- Announcements: This includes updates related to products and the community of the platform.
- Tips: This category provides tips and tricks for using Bubble.io effectively.
- Need help: Includes triggers from users that require help with certain functionality.
- Questions: A user can post a question as a trigger to ask about a query from the community.
- Blog posts: These blog posts are provided on the platform to guide the users in figuring out the platform, written by certified professionals.
Bubble.io Pricing Model
Source: Screenshot by User
A Dive into CircleHome’s Success with Bubble.io
CircleHome, a travellers' home-swapping service, is built on Bubble.io. Its nontechnical Spanish founders raised a €120,000 pre-seed funding round and acquired active users in more than ten countries. They used Bubble.io for their business school project and turned it into a business. In 2024, they estimate their potential user base to be about 60,000 (and counting). Corporate travel and the rise in travelling nurses have created a need for business housing and new solutions.
Source: Screenshot by User
Their review about Bubble was: “It’s not just a website builder. Bubble is a platform with a backend and a database that has everything.”
The Usefulness of No-Code Apps
- Democratization: Now, anyone, whether they are coders or not, can independently develop a fully functional website.
- Rapid Application Development: The speed of development has greatly improved. An e-commerce website, which could have taken weeks to code, can now be completed in just a few days.
- Lower Project Costs: It's been noted that project costs are significantly reduced because there is less reliance on professional developers. This is true, as development can be accomplished with just 1–2 individuals who have a basic understanding of bubble.io, allowing them to create a complete website.
- Business Scalability: Changing requirements can be easily accommodated, as modifications do not need to be implemented across multiple files, unlike traditional coding approaches.
Impact of No-Code Development Platforms
According to UserGuiding, a platform for creating and improving in-app experiences, by 2030, the global low-code/no-code development platform market is expected to produce $187 billion in revenue. It will account for more than 65% of application development activity by 2024. The shift from complex coding platforms towards simpler visual tools has contributed to the increase in demand for such platforms.
What does a no-code app lack?
- Native support for mobile apps: My web application was to be deployed on iOS and Android platforms, but due to bubble.io's lack of support for these platforms, I had to use a third-party service called, “Wrappers”, to make my app compatible. This conversion limited the use of GPS on my app.
- Customization problems: The biggest challenge I faced was when I was unable to apply customized search filters based on colour, availability, and type of product at once, and it failed to retrieve data from the database because of this.
- Scalability and Performance: As I plan to upscale my website, I have seen that increasing the number of products on my website has caused performance issues as the website sometimes gets slow on the server side.
Conclusion
No code platforms have limitations when developing high-end websites, but no one can deny their impact on the development industry. These platforms are excellent tools for developing fully functional, simple websites. While there are limitations, we now have the ability to build no-code apps. The technology will improve over the course of time to provide upscaled services and more advanced features.
FAQs
Q: What resources are available to learn Bubble.io?
A: Bubble.io provides blogs, community support, and video tutorials on YouTube for learning development using this platform.
Q: Can I hire a Bubble.io developer to build for me?
A: Yes, Bubble.io provides a marketplace to hire professionals and official certifications for these professionals.
Q: What type of applications can be built on Bubble.io?
A: It is used to build various applications, from simple prototyping to complex marketplaces.
Q: How does Bubble.io manage databases?
A: Bubble.io enables the creation and management of a database within the platform. It allows users to define datatypes, set up relationships between data objects, and manage them directly.
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