Best Tools for Citizen Developers in 2024
Citizen developer tools are usually low-code/no-code (LCNC) tools used by non-technical people to create applications without coding skills. Citizen developers are nontechnical people who build tools and software using low-code/no-code tools. The term, citizen developers was popularized by Gartner in 2009.
So… what about IT teams?
Well, those IT guys are overwhelmed with work and find it difficult to add every department's software needs to their backlogs. Software supports 90% if not more of an organization’s operations but the average backlog of planned IT projects is between 3 and 12 months. Therefore, relying only on experienced developers, especially in this age of rapid AI development is no longer an effective option for businesses that want to remain agile.
So if you are a business leader, IT manager, or a non-technical professional across various sectors you will need to learn about these tools for citizen developers. They enable easy building of custom applications by nontechnical departments, streamline processes, and also drive digital transformation without relying solely on traditional development teams.
In this post, we’ll explore the 7 best tools for citizen developers in 2024. We’ll also highlight how they make building software and tools easier
Top No-code tools for Citizen Developers in 2024
Activepieces
Activepieces is one of the most user-friendly tools for citizen developers. It provides prebuilt components called “Pieces” which enable citizen developers to connect different applications in a workflow. This enables citizen developers to build custom AI-automation machines with ease. It is like the hand that connects different applications together to automate repetitive tasks and enable more creativity. For example citizen developers can use Activepieces to develop an automation machine that automatically creates a tweet from their blog posts and also creates a company post on Linkedin.
Learn more: The new enterprise AI set up- how to turn every department into an AI-powerhouse
Bubble
Bubble is a popular no-code platform that empowers citizen developers to create custom web applications without writing a single line of code. It provides a visual interface where users can drag and drop pre-built components to assemble their desired applications. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed to develop applications, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Wix
Wix provides a drag-and-drop interface where users can easily add elements like text, images, buttons, and more to their website. This visual approach eliminates the need for complex coding. Wix offers a vast library of pre-designed templates that can be customized to suit different purposes, such as e-commerce stores, blogs, portfolios, and more. This saves time and effort for users who want to quickly create a professional-looking website. While Wix provides templates, users have extensive customization options to personalize their websites. Wix automatically optimizes websites for mobile devices, ensuring that they look and function well on smartphones and tablets.
Airtable
Airtable offers a user-friendly interface that doesn't require coding. Users can create and customize databases, tables, and views visually. Airtable allows users to create custom fields within their databases, tailoring them to specific needs and data types. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various use cases. Airtable integrates with various other tools and services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Activepieces. This allows users to connect their Airtable databases with other applications and workflows. It empowers individuals to create and manage databases without requiring extensive coding knowledge, making it a versatile platform for various applications.
Webflow
Webflow provides a drag-and-drop interface where users can design websites visually, without needing to write extensive code. This makes it accessible to individuals with limited coding experience. Webflow offers a flexible design system that allows users to create custom layouts, typography, and styles. This gives users control over the appearance of their websites. Webflow supports interactive elements like animations, hover effects, and micro-interactions, making websites more engaging and dynamic. Webflow supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Adalo
Adalo is a no-code platform that empowers citizen developers to create custom mobile applications without requiring extensive coding knowledge. It offers a visual interface where users can drag and drop pre-built components to assemble their desired applications. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed to develop mobile applications, making it accessible to a wider range of users. Adalo can be integrated with existing systems and data sources, allowing users to create applications that leverage existing infrastructure and data. This enables seamless communication and data sharing between different applications.
Glide
Glide is built to allow users to create apps based on their existing data. This makes it easy to connect apps to data sources like Google Sheets or Airtable without coding skills. Glide provides a variety of templates and themes that can be customized to create different types of apps, such as e-commerce stores, event planners, or project management tools. It integrates with popular services like Google Maps, Stripe, and Firebase, expanding its functionality and capabilities.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Tool for Citizen Developers
Business Requirements
The tool should align with your specific business goals and objectives. For example, if your focus is on automating marketing processes, the tool should offer features tailored to marketing automation. It should also allow for customization to fit your unique business processes and requirements without needing extensive coding. Even if a bit of coding is required to be done by the IT teams, the citizen developer tool should be able to integrate with AI to automatically generate code like HTTP requests for example.
Ease of Use
What is a tool for citizen developers without an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface? It is non-negotiable for nontechnical people to easily create and manage applications. Also ensure the tool provides comprehensive tutorials, documentation, and community support to help users get up to speed quickly.
Integration Capabilities
The tool for your citizen developers should integrate seamlessly with your existing software and systems, such as CRM, ERP, and other business applications. Check if the tool offers API access and webhooks for more advanced integrations, allowing you to connect with a wide range of services and data sources.
Scalability
It should scale easily with your business. This means it should handle increased data volumes, more users, and more complex workflows as your needs grow. Assess the tool’s performance under load to ensure it can maintain efficiency and reliability as your usage expands.
Cost
Consider all costs associated with the tool, including subscription fees, implementation costs, and any additional charges for premium features or integrations. Evaluate whether the tool provides good value for its cost. This includes considering the potential ROI from increased efficiency, reduced development time, and improved business processes.