Seattle AI Consultant

Tag: coding

  • Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    The no-code and low-code revolution made it possible for almost anyone to build web and mobile apps without writing code. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-technical product managers could create robust, data-driven applications using tools like Bubble, Glide, or OutSystems. These platforms lowered the barrier to entry—and the cost—of software development.

    Now AI is entering the scene, and many are asking: will AI replace no-code tools?

    The short answer is no, not anytime soon. But the longer answer is more interesting—because AI is transforming the no-code landscape in two big ways. Depending on how you look at it, that might feel like competition—or a major upgrade.

    AI as an enhancer of no-code platforms

    The first shift is straightforward: AI is making no-code and low-code tools better.

    If you’ve used Make.com or Zapier lately, you’ve likely seen AI-powered steps for things like summarizing messages or drafting personalized emails. Tools like Bubble and Softr are embedding natural language interfaces that let you build app features by typing what you want, instead of using drag-and-drop.

    This integration gives no-code tools a major boost in usability. You can describe what you want, and the system fills in much of the setup. Need a dashboard with KPIs from Google Sheets? Just ask, and the tool does the heavy lifting—at least part of it.

    AI doesn’t replace the no-code tool; it improves it.

    AI as an alternative to no-code

    We’re also seeing something more radical: AI starting to function as a no-code tool.

    With models like GPT-4, Gemini, and Claude, users can now describe entire applications in plain English. These tools generate working code, database schemas, and even deployable app components based on prompts. Several startups now promise “an app in five minutes” by chatting with a bot.

    Here, AI is the builder. It’s not just integrated into the platform—it is the platform.

    That might sound like the end of no-code. But not so fast.

    Reality check: AI still needs humans—especially skilled ones

    A recent survey from Unqork found that 84% of tech leaders say AI won’t replace no-code and low-code tools. Why? Because AI alone isn’t enough—especially for business-critical apps that need to be secure, scalable, and maintainable.

    Right now, AI-generated apps are often half-baked. They might work in a demo, but under the hood they can be fragile, poorly structured, or riddled with incorrect assumptions. Fixing them often requires solid software knowledge—sometimes more than if you’d built the app from scratch.

    In other words, AI is a powerful assistant, but not a substitute for experienced developers or no-code pros.

    And while visual tools may have a learning curve, they offer control. Many users prefer being able to see exactly how their data flows, what logic drives automations, and where the system might break.

    So where are we headed?

    We’re heading into a blended future—where AI and no-code tools work together.

    For everyday users, AI will make no-code tools more accessible and less frustrating. You’ll be able to start faster, make changes with simple instructions, and get AI-generated suggestions to improve your app.

    For developers and advanced users, AI becomes a tool for scaffolding—helping you build faster, then handing off control for refinement and scale.

    And for AI and no-code consultants like me, this hybrid world opens new opportunities: helping businesses bridge the gap between what AI can generate and what they actually need. Whether that means integrating AI into workflows, building with Make.com, or troubleshooting an AI-built app that almost works—we’re here to help.

    No, AI isn’t killing no-code. It’s pushing it to the next level.

  • When AI Takes the Joy Out of Coding (But It’s Not All Bad)

    When AI Takes the Joy Out of Coding (But It’s Not All Bad)

    Let’s be honest: generative AI is everywhere. It’s writing our emails, generating our art, and yes, even helping developers code. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: not everyone’s loving it—especially video game developers.

    I get it. As a writer, I understand the joy of creating something from scratch, watching it come to life, and thinking, “I made that.” For many developers, writing code isn’t just a job; it’s a creative process. But when AI takes over the heavy lifting, what’s left? Reviewing and debugging AI-generated code can feel like babysitting a robot, which doesn’t quite have the same magic.

    According to a recent article on GameDeveloper.com, developers are feeling less engaged with their work when AI does the coding for them. Instead of diving into problem-solving and innovation, they’re stuck tinkering with code they didn’t write. That’s frustrating for anyone who loves the craft of development.

    But here’s where I think we need to zoom out. While AI might take some of the fun out of coding, it also frees up developers to tackle bigger, more complex problems. Imagine having the time and mental bandwidth to design a more immersive game world or refine gameplay mechanics because AI handled the grunt work. Sure, it’s an adjustment, but the trade-off might be worth it.

    The key is balance. Generative AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. It’s up to us—whether we’re writers, developers, or any kind of creator—to figure out how to work with it in a way that enhances our craft. Let’s keep the joy in creation while embracing the efficiency AI brings to the table.