In the State Changers meeting, the participants discussed their experiences using multiple no-code and low-code platforms, focusing primarily on "FlutterFlow" and "Draftbit". They stated that although FlutterFlow had advantages, there were some challenges with custom functions and documentation. The usefulness of various tools was tied to the ability to ship apps quickly, balancing both power and ease of use. Participants identified a shift in no-code tools towards incorporating more code generation capabilities, particularly with the rise of OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has made it easier for non-developers to generate code faster and more efficiently.
The participants also expounded on emerging trends in the digitization space, highlighting the interplay between low-code, no-code, and AI. They detailed how AI-driven development through tools like "ChatGPT", provides a different form of code generation that can be more efficient to individual users, even if they aren't as fluent in coding. The difficulties of learning JavaScript and coding in general were also discussed, reinforcing the importance of platforms with strong documentation and user support. They touched on the downsides of searching for solutions on platforms with poor documentation and customer service, and "Xano" was mentioned favorably for its extensive and helpful documentation. In conclusion, the discourse revolved around determining which tools and platforms allow users to produce results faster and more effectively, whether through true no-code solutions or using AI-assisted coding tools. The Northstar for users is speed and efficiency in achieving their goals, with a nod towards the future of no-code potentially existing more in the AI-tool space. The meeting ended with a reflection on the complexity and rapid changes in the low-code/no-code industry.
(Source: Office Hours 5/15 )
