No code platforms should not prohibit the ability to add code. They should embrace it! Offering advanced users the capability to integrate custom code opens a world of possibilities. In Autify, an AI-based test automation tool, users can augment any step with JavaScript.
Say a QA tester wanted to click the Nth item in a list. Instead of manually recording the action of selecting all items in the list until the Nth item is chosen, they can record the initial selection and use JavaScript to expand logic in selecting the Nth item.
Are coders obsolete in a No Code world?
There are some who believe the no code movement should not allow any coding at all. They believe that any newly written line of code is a line that must be debugged. Let’s just be realistic here… The point of no code or even a low code movement is to allow an easier barrier for entry to building applications that would normally only be accessible by skilled coders.
For example, a business owner with a boutique brick-and-mortar store could in essence create their own e-commerce version of their store online with platforms like Shopify. They can add products, track inventory, create discounts, and even market by email. They can integrate their social media channels and even transform their online stores into native iOS and Android apps with Shopify plugins such as Tapcart.
These no code tools allow a non-coder (also known as a “citizen developer”) the ability to build an app by dragging and dropping components or filling out pre-defined and undefined fields.
Does this make coders obsolete? Absolutely not!
In fact, it creates more demand for developers behind these platforms. It also allows them to focus on more innovation rather than coding bug fixes.
Why is No Code testing important?
Let’s examine testing as an example. Most DevOps teams test their applications manually. The teams that use automated testing tools must require yet another programming skillset to learn for writing test scripts. And if a test fails, or if the application grows, maintenance of manual tests becomes a nightmare.
Codeless test automation software should include an easy to use interface. It should allow for intuitive record-and-playback test scripts. It should capture screenshots of each step, automatically add assertions, and allow for editing pre-recorded steps. More importantly, if an element changes in the UI it should offer some intelligence to detect the change. Autify does this with the power of artificial intelligence. Cumbersome maintenance become a thing of the past with machine learning.