In a world where online presence has become crucial, the market for "user-friendly" website and application creation is booming! But what about Webflow?
Introduction: The Thriving Market of Website Creation Tools
In 2021, it was estimated that content management systems (CMS) were used to create approximately 60% to 65% of websites worldwide. This proportion may have slightly increased since then, due to the growing popularity of no-code and low-code tools, alongside the rise of CMS platforms such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Webflow, and others. (See the market shares by CMS in 2022 in detail in this article)
No-code and low-code tools are indeed gaining popularity. However, among these tools, Webflow stands out with its promise:
"The ability to create high-performance, secure, and fully customizable websites without needing programming skills (HTML, CSS, or JavaScript)"
Yet, is it truly a no-code tool, or does it lean more towards low-code? In this article, we will share our perspective on Webflow to address this question.
Definition of a No-Code Tool
A no-code tool is a software solution or platform designed to facilitate the creation of applications, websites, and other digital projects without requiring programming knowledge. These tools rely on intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, such as drag-and-drop features, pre-designed templates, and customizable components, enabling users to design and adapt their projects without writing a single line of code. These platforms promote accessibility and rapid development for a broad range of users, including non-developers.
Definition of a Low-Code Tool
Low-code tools, on the other hand, are platforms that also enable the creation of digital projects without deep coding skills but offer the possibility of adding custom code to extend functionalities. They are designed to be used by both developers and non-developers, providing a balance between ease of use and customization.
Webflow: A Tool Between No-Code and Low-Code?
Discover and test the Webflow tool?
Webflow is a website creation platform marketed as a no-code tool. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a library of templates that allow users to create responsive and customizable websites without writing code. However, a debate persists regarding the classification of Webflow as a no-code or low-code tool. It even resembles a code editor...
Because to create a professional Webflow site, you need to understand how the tool works (and thus the code? 😉)
How Does Webflow Work?
In practice, the Webflow development interface functions like a visual HTML and CSS code editor.
Webflow relies on a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) visual interface that allows users to build websites by moving and adjusting elements on the page. As users make changes, Webflow automatically generates the corresponding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. Users can also add custom code if they desire, which offers a degree of flexibility.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Webflow
Webflow offers several advantages, including:
- A user-friendly and intuitive interface
- The ability to create responsive websites
- No design limitations
- The capability to customize all SEO settings of a website
- A powerful CMS that can be easily edited by multiple team members in a marketing team
- Access to a library of ready-to-use templates and components
However, some disadvantages may be noted:
- The learning curve can be steeper than other no-code tools
- Advanced customization requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Conclusion
In conclusion, Webflow is a powerful and versatile tool that exists somewhere between no-code and low-code. Although it provides a user-friendly interface for creating websites without writing code, it's important to recognize that mastering Webflow requires an understanding of fundamental web development principles, such as HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript.
For those looking to build complex and fully customized websites, it’s essential to consider this distinction and invest time in acquiring the necessary web development skills.
Resources to Learn Webflow for Free 👇
To deepen your knowledge about Webflow and enhance your web development skills, here are three free resources to explore:
- Digidop Academy: an online learning platform offering courses and tutorials on Webflow and other web development topics such as Web design & Figma.
- Digidop YouTube Channel: educational videos (French tutorials) and project demonstrations created with Webflow to inspire and help you progress.
- Digidop Blog: articles and tips on using Webflow, web design trends, and best practices for creating optimized and attractive websites.
