Why it's better to learn to program than to use no-code tools

A few days ago, we talked about the importance of learning to program . We believe it's beyond doubt that it's the "English of the 21st century." However, to achieve the same goal (automating work routines and making advanced decisions), there's another approach: no-code or low-code programming. It would be easy to generalize and say that one approach is better than the other. But at Brain and Code , we aim to be objective and facilitate decision-making for a future career in computer science.

Let's begin by explaining what no-code or low-code programming is. These approaches allow anyone to create applications and programs without needing to know programming . This software development method uses intuitive graphical tools and built-in functionalities that reduce the need for manual programming . Thus, the goal of no-code or low-code programming is to democratize the creation of applications and programs. This can be especially useful for small businesses or startups that don't have the resources to hire a team of developers .

_{^{Image generated with Stable Difussion prompt: high-resolution illustration of a programmer at work, realistic 3d render, polycount, backgroung code lines}}

Thus, we can say that learning to program and using no-code tools are two different approaches to developing applications, automating processes, and building digital solutions. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your goals, skills, and resources. Below is a comparison of both approaches, considering five parameters that we believe are critical for deciding which approach is best: (1) Flexibility and control; (2) Learning time; (3) Project complexity; (4) Cost; and (5) Maintenance and support.

(1) Flexibility and control ?

→ Learn to program : By mastering programming languages ​​and technologies, you'll have complete control over the functionality and appearance of your applications. You can customize and optimize them to suit your specific needs.

→ No-code tools : These tools offer predefined templates and components, making it easy to quickly create applications, but they can limit customization and granular control.

(2) Learning time ?

→ Learning to program : Requires a significant investment of time and effort to master the necessary skills. It can take months or years to reach an advanced level.

→ No-code tools : These are more accessible and have a less steep learning curve. You can start building applications in a short time, even without prior software development experience.

(3) Project complexity ?

→ Learn to program : It is suitable for more complex projects that require specific functionalities, scalability and performance optimization.

→ No-code tools : These are ideal for less complex and smaller-scale projects, where the required functionalities are within the capabilities of the platform.

(4) Cost ?

→ Learning to program : Although there are many free resources to learn to program, hiring programmers can be expensive if you need help developing your project.

→ No-code tools : Most of these platforms offer subscription or pay-per-use plans, which can result in a lower cost compared to hiring developers.

(5) Maintenance and support ?

→ Learn to program : You will be responsible for maintaining and updating your applications, which may require additional time and effort.

→ No-code tools : Generally, the platforms provide support and updates, which can reduce your maintenance and security concerns.

^{Image generated withStable Difussion prompt: high resolution code, high resolution vector graphics, coding, programming, c#}

In short, learning to program gives you greater control and flexibility, but it requires a significant investment of time and effort. No-code tools offer a faster and more accessible solution for creating applications, but they can be limited in terms of customization and control. The choice between these two approaches will depend on your goals, skills, resources, and project needs.

At Brain and Code, as the world evolves with increasing complexity, we believe it can be beneficial to learn to master the most powerful general-purpose machine (a computer). In other words, we advocate for learning to program. In a constantly changing world, dynamically shaped by the interrelationship between organizations and people, complexity will only continue to grow. And in this context, programming is critical for shaping the reality that surrounds us.

Brain and Code ©
April 15, 2023