How to Build an App Without Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Build an App Without Code

How to Build an App Without Code

A decade ago, someone would need to learn programming for weeks or months to develop an app. But app building isn't just for developers anymore. Business teams, marketing teams, and even advertisers are able to create their own apps, whether customizing a template or building it module-by-module.

Today, companies frequently need to move fast to keep up with consumer behavior. They don't have time to wait on the traditional app development processes, which can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars. With no code tools, creating an app can be as simple as developing a WordPress website.

Especially since the pandemic, many companies found themselves being forced to create an app quickly. Or they found themselves needing to scale an existing app fast. More people were browsing the internet through mobile devices and making purchases online. Companies couldn't wait to find a programmer, so instead, they turned to the best no code tools.

With the best free app builder 2021, companies were able to learn how to build an app without code. They could modify the app through a drag-and-drop interface and include the features that were most important to their customers. They didn't need to partner with outside companies or third-party services. Learning how to create an app from scratch made it possible for businesses to also operate during lean, tumultuous times.

It's always possible for companies to learn how to create an app with coding. But it will take a long time and is generally not necessary. Services such as Lumavate have libraries and components that can be used to add even advanced features to a computer-programmed app. All a business leader, marketer, or entrepreneur needs to do is describe how they want their app to work, using basic logic. The computer does the rest.

If you want to build an app without coding, the process is simple:

  • Determine what features you need.
  • Start with an easy-to-use template.
  • Develop your features with open source code libraries.
  • Test it with your audience.

Because Lumavate deploys Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), the apps built on Lumavate can be used anywhere — whether it's a mobile device or a desktop computer.

How to Create an App for Free

It's understandable that many companies want to know how to create an app for free. Because of product-led growth (PLG), companies want to experience a product before they purchase it. This has led to a lot of people looking at how to create an app for free and make money, or generally how to make an app without coding for free.

When you look for a free app builder or how to make an app for free, you're actually looking at two types of products. You can see how to create an app for free UK with a totally free app builder. Usually, these are ad-supported and because they're free, they have limited customer support, limited tutorials, and limited tools.

There are also services like Lumavate that can show you how to make an app for free without coding. Lumavate offers a free tier of access for those who want to start developing their app today without paying anything at all. 

There are many platforms where you can at least get started for free to learn more about the process. Adalo and Betty Blocks are too such programs. You can get started with Lumavate right now for free.

App Builder

Let's take a look at a few different types of app builders available. The best app builder really depends on what you're looking for. Some of the most popular types of app builder include:

  • Open source no code app builders - by being open source, these often have a very large library of utilities and an active community.
  • No code PWA app builders - a PWA app builder builds a Progressive Web App, which can be used online and through mobile devices.
  • Free app builders - many app builders start out free but you need to pay for premium features.
  • Low code app builders - these require some level of coding but not a lot.
  • Free app makers for students - students may need to develop app projects for school. These app makers are often designed to help students learn more about the process of app development.

So you probably won't use a free app maker for students for a corporate app. When you go to find the best free app builder, you want to look for something targeted to you. The top development platforms will often be a hybrid of the app builders above. Lumavate, for instance, is designed to help marketers who want to build app without coding. While it isn't open source, it uses the Lumavate Library and Ionic Components to ensure that developers get the features they need.

The Best App Builder 2021

App builders are constantly evolving. So, what's the best app builder 2021? What's the best app dev platform for your needs? The best free app builder 2021 may vary, depending on whether you want a no code environment or low code environment, and whether you want a native app or a PWA.

The best free app builder without coding 2020 will likely have a free tier and multiple professional tiers. It should have a robust library, be easy to use, and have app templates that can be used to start developing an app fast. The best app builder without coding should develop PWAs or a mix of PWAs and native apps; PWAs are rapidly becoming the future of app design.

Further, the best free app builder no coding shouldn't require any code; if they do, they're really a low code environment.

While there are many platforms that claim to be the best free app builder, most of them have very significant limitations. Lumavate does not. Lumavate has a free subscription plan that gives users direct access to app templates, the Lumavate Library, unlimited apps, and on-demand help. So while other platforms will require that you upgrade to really experience the breadth of their plans, Lumavate gives you the ability to experience the platform right away.

Still, developing an app can be a personal experience, with personal preferences. If you're interested in developing an app for your business, you can get started with Lumavate today and see whether the platform suits you. There's no obligation to purchase and you can test out even the deepest features of the product right away.

App Development Tools for Android

You might be aware that there are separate app development tools for Android and iOS. In fact, you need to create different "builds" of an app for each platform you want to run it on. But Progressive Web Apps, which Lumavate creates, are different.

When you use a no code PWA builder like Lumavate, you don't need to build twice. You build it once and they work on all devices and form factors, from laptops to tablets.

So, a no code PWA builder is actually the best method, if you want to know how to create an app for Android free. You will develop a web app which will then be able to be used directly on a user's device. And because Lumavate does have a free tier of service, it can also be the best free app builder for Android.

If you want to know how to create an app for Android the traditional way, you would need to program it from scratch, usually taking many months. And once you had been able to make free app for Android devices, you wouldn't be able to port it directly to iOS. You could even lose half your audience.

In addition to that, even if you can figure out how to create android app without coding offline free or create android app online without coding, you would then need to go through the Android app store. But a progressive web abb doesn't have to do any such thing.

Netflix, YouTube, Spotify. All of them use PWAs. PWAs are the mobile infrastructure of the future. And most benefits can increase their revenue with an app.

Appy Pie

The Appy Pie app builder is a no code builder that makes it possible to develop both mobile apps and websites. Appy Pie pricing includes both a free tier of pricing and the Appy Pie student discount. Once you have an Appy Pie login, you can also use Appy Pie Connect. This is a service that makes it possible to easily integrate with another system.

According to the general Appy Pie review community, the Appy Pie download does gate most of its premium features. So, while you don't have to pay, it's likely that you won't get the features that you need through the entirely free tier. But many companies have successfully developed apps through Appy Pie.

Lumavate, unlike Appy Pie, develops PWAs. On Appy Pie, you would need to develop both a website and a native app. On Lumavate, you would only develop a single system.

Appmakr

Appmakr used to be a separate app, with the Appmakr free service being very popular. As of July 2020, however, AppyPie acquired Appmakr and its technologies. (This shouldn't be confused with Google App Maker, which is a different system). To take advantage of the features and functionality of Appmakr, you'd now use AppyPie. There's no direct Appmakr download anymore.

Even so, Lumavate still provides additional value when compared to many of the other leading no code utilities. Not only does it create PWAs, but it has a robust library of elements, templates, Starter Kits, free plans, and more.

You can explore many additional services, such as the AppyPie Appmakr and the Appmakr website. From the Google app maker free to the multitudes of other App Maker online, you have a lot of options. But Lumavate provides an all-in-one platform for marketers and business owners who want a complete, no code solution.

Are you ready to start building your company's app? Start a free account today.

 

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