Choosing the right one for you depends on the type of mobile app you are planning to develop. Some platforms allow you to build your mobile app from scratch, while others provide help and assistance.
Backend as a service
Backend as a service (BaaS) is a cloud-based platform that gives developers an easier way to build mobile and web apps. It provides a suite of backend services including file and cloud data storage, real-time analytics, social media integration, push notifications, and much more. With these services, developers can focus on creating their apps and not worry about coding.
Backend as a service solutions are fast and easy to implement, and the deployment process can be completed in a matter of minutes. Imagine you are launching a social login application. Assuming that an offshore developer charges $25 an hour, a simple feature like this will take 16 hours to develop, costing your company $375. A Backend as a service (BaaS) solution can help you achieve the same goal in a fraction of the time, saving you 15 hours and $375.
Another benefit of Backend as a Service (BaaS) is that it allows developers to focus on the front end. They can build apps on top of the platform and integrate them seamlessly. Some BAS solutions even integrate with popular cloud services like Amazon Web Services, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure.
No-code
A no-code app development platform allows developers to create applications with little or no coding experience. Unlike traditional development processes, no-code platforms focus on providing all the tools needed to design, build, and launch web applications. Users can create applications with drag-and-drop UI, and no-code platforms include automatic plugins for integrating external services. These platforms are ideal for companies looking for a competitive edge over their competitors.
While no-code app development platforms are great for beginners, there is no reason why non-developers cannot use them. With DragDrop visual editors and app development platform functionality, anyone can build and launch a fully functional app in no time. There is a flat learning curve, making them perfect for small businesses and those who don't want to hire expensive developers or special training.
There are a number of free no-code app development platforms available. The Google App Engine platform, for example, allows users to create apps by pulling data from cloud-based sources. However, this tool does not allow developers to change their apps once they've been deployed. Another great no-code app development platform is Bubble. Bubble is a visual programming language that allows non-technical people to develop digital products in just four steps. They also offer pre-built templates for a variety of use cases.
Low-code
Whether you're building a standalone web app or a portal, a low-code app development platform can be a useful tool for your company. The benefits of these platforms range greatly, and it's important to choose the right one based on your needs and your team's abilities. The low-code approach is also useful for businesses that want to streamline business processes and manage data.
Some of the main disadvantages of low-code platforms include vendor lock-in. While many platforms promise to make the process easier, the reality is that the level of lock-in varies among vendors. While some vendors provide clean, standardized code, others make it difficult to modify applications once they're built. The latter also limits developers' choices and can increase costs.
Another benefit of low-code platforms is that they are easy to deploy and maintain. This makes them an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Using a low-code app development platform can be a cost-effective and time-efficient way to build and deploy a web application.
Free
Free app development platforms are a great option for small business owners who are looking to build a mobile app with minimal cost and technical knowledge. These platforms allow users to create and distribute mobile applications with ease, while allowing for the integration of 3rd party APIs. Many of them also offer robust support for mobile devices and can help small business owners with advanced functionalities.
The advantages of using a free app development platform are many. These platforms are supported by a large and active community of developers. In addition to providing great developer support, they have many built-in features that make it easy to create cross-platform, mobile, desktop, and SAS applications. They provide a number of templates, pre-built and customizable sample applications, and extensive backend access.
Free app development platforms are often supported by developers who know a few different programming languages. One example of such a platform is PhoneGap. It is a cross-platform app development tool that lets you build apps for both iOS and Android. It is easy to learn and use, and it offers better graphics quality.