No-code platforms
No-code platforms empower non-technical users to create functional applications through visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, eliminating the need for traditional programming while accelerating digital transformation.
Visual development that democratizes app creation
No-code platforms transform software development from complex coding into an intuitive visual process. Using drag-and-drop interfaces and flowcharts, business users can build applications without writing a single line of code. These platforms provide pre-built components and templates that handle the technical complexity behind the scenes, making app creation accessible to teams across the enterprise.
The shift mirrors what happened with website builders—what once required deep technical knowledge is now accessible to anyone who can organize their thoughts visually.
Core capabilities and technical architecture
No-code platforms center on visual tools that abstract away programming complexity:
Visual workflow builders create business logic and automations through flowcharts rather than code. Users connect actions and conditions visually, building sophisticated workflows that would traditionally require programming expertise.
Pre-built integrations connect with common enterprise systems like Salesforce, Slack, and Google Workspace. These connectors handle authentication, data mapping, and API calls automatically.
Template libraries offer ready-made forms, dashboards, and approval flows. Teams can start with proven patterns and customize them for their specific needs.
Deployment tools publish applications across web and mobile platforms with a few clicks, handling hosting, security, and performance optimization.
These capabilities wrap in highly configurable interfaces that prioritize ease of use while maintaining enterprise-grade functionality.
Enterprise adoption and business impact
No-code adoption is accelerating across enterprises. Organizations using no-code platforms typically reduce development time by 90% and save significant resources on custom development projects. Citizen developers utilizing no-code platforms demonstrate four times higher productivity compared to traditional development teams. Currently, 84% of businesses have adopted low-code or no-code solutions to enhance business agility and drive innovation. This democratization of development helps enterprises respond faster to market changes and empowers teams to solve their own technical challenges.
No-code adoption is accelerating across enterprises. Organizations using no-code platforms typically reduce development time by 90% and save significant resources on custom development projects. Organizations implementing no-code solutions report average annual savings of $1.7 million according to Forrester Research. There is a projected shortage of 85.2 million software engineers by 2030, making no-code platforms essential for addressing the talent gap. This democratization of development helps enterprises respond faster to market changes and empowers teams to solve their own technical challenges.
No-code adoption is accelerating across enterprises. Organizations using no-code platforms typically reduce development time by 90% and save significant resources on custom development projects. No-code platforms enable up to 90% reduction in development time compared to traditional coding methods. By 2024, 80% of non-IT professionals are creating technology products and services, with over 65% utilizing no-code tools. This democratization of development helps enterprises respond faster to market changes and empowers teams to solve their own technical challenges.
The real value lies in speed and accessibility—teams can prototype, test, and deploy solutions in days rather than months.
Common use cases across departments
No-code excels in several key enterprise scenarios:
Process automation streamlines workflows and approvals. HR teams build onboarding workflows, finance creates expense approval processes, and operations automate routine tasks.
Customer portals provide branded external interfaces. Sales teams create client dashboards, support builds knowledge bases, and marketing develops lead capture forms.
Internal tools enable custom forms, dashboards, and reports. Teams create exactly what they need without waiting for IT resources.
Data analytics supports self-service business intelligence. Users build custom reports and visualizations from existing data sources.
These use cases demonstrate how no-code helps teams across departments tackle technical challenges independently. The global low-code development platform market is projected to explode from $28.75 billion in 2024 to $264.40 billion by 2032, representing a 32.2% compound annual growth rate. Some organizations implementing no-code solutions have achieved ROI figures as high as 2,560% in real-world implementations.
No-code vs low-code: understanding the distinction
While related, no-code and low-code serve different needs. No-code platforms require zero programming knowledge and focus on configuration through visual interfaces. Users work entirely with drag-and-drop tools and pre-built components.
Low-code platforms offer more flexibility but require some coding expertise for customization and complex integrations. They provide visual development tools alongside the ability to write custom code when needed.
The choice depends on your team's technical capabilities and project complexity.
Limitations and enterprise considerations
No-code platforms work best for straightforward applications rather than complex systems. Key considerations include:
Limited flexibility for highly custom requirements. Complex business logic or unique integrations may require traditional development approaches.
Integration challenges with legacy systems that lack modern APIs or require custom data transformations.
Data governance and security considerations around who can build applications and access sensitive data.
Platform dependency on providers' capabilities and roadmaps. Organizations must evaluate long-term viability and migration options.
Understanding these constraints helps teams choose the right tool for each project.
Glean's perspective on no-code and enterprise AI
At Glean, we see no-code as part of a broader movement to democratize technology access. Just as no-code platforms empower non-developers to build applications, our AI assistant enables all employees to leverage artificial intelligence without technical expertise.
This aligns with our mission to make AI work for everyone. Both no-code and AI should focus on practical solutions that deliver immediate value while maintaining enterprise security and governance. The goal isn't to replace technical expertise but to extend it—letting more people solve problems with technology.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between no-code and low-code platforms?
No-code platforms require zero programming knowledge and focus on visual configuration, while low-code platforms offer more flexibility but need some coding expertise for customization and complex integrations.
Can no-code handle enterprise-scale applications?
No-code works best for specific, contained use cases rather than complex enterprise systems. It excels at departmental solutions and workflow automation but may not suit core system replacement.
How secure are no-code applications?
Security depends on the platform provider and deployment model. Enterprise no-code platforms should offer robust security controls, data governance, and compliance features that meet your organization's standards.
What types of applications work best with no-code?
No-code excels at workflow automation, data collection, reporting, and internal tools that don't require complex integrations or custom logic. Think departmental solutions rather than core business systems.
How much technical knowledge is really needed?
While no-code eliminates traditional programming, users still need to understand basic concepts like data relationships, workflow logic, and business process design. It's less about coding and more about structured thinking.
