Introduction

In this blog post, we will learn how to create a Markdown-formatted blog post based on specific requirements. Markdown is a lightweight markup language that is widely used for formatting text on the web. It offers a simple and efficient way to create structured documents with headings, images, links, and more.

Step 1: Adding Images

Adding images in Markdown is straightforward. To add an image, you can use the following format:

Make sure to replace alt text with a descriptive phrase that serves as the image title, and image URL with the valid URL of the image. The alt text is important for accessibility purposes, as it provides alternative information to visually impaired users. Remember not to add images if they are missing or if the alt attribute is missing.

Step 2: Removing Table of Contents

In this task, there is no mention of a table of contents. Therefore, we will exclude the table of contents section from the blog post.

Step 3: Subheadings

To structure your blog post and create subheadings, you can use different heading levels using the following patterns:

• Use # for the main heading of the blog post.
• Use ## for subheadings within the main sections.
• Use ### for further subheadings under the subheadings.

These patterns help organize and break down the content into easily readable sections, improving the overall readability of the blog post.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have covered the steps required to create a Markdown-formatted blog post. By following the guidelines provided, you can effectively add images, utilize subheadings, and structure your blog post. Markdown is a versatile language that enables you to create visually appealing and well-structured content. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please let me know.

Reference Link

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Next.js Origins and Q&A
• Setup
• Rendering
• Data Fetching
• Styling
• Building a Basic Blog App
• Wrapping Up

Introduction

In this blog post, we will be covering the course on Introduction to Next.js 13+. The course teaches how to use Next.js to create blog websites and full-stack applications. We will cover topics such as server-side rendering, static site generation, data fetching, building API endpoints, and creating pages. Additionally, the course introduces new features in Next.js 13+, including file-based routing, server components, and client components.

Scott Moss, the instructor of the course, provides an overview of the material covered in the course and discusses some of the changes introduced in Next.js 13. He also shares his personal background and experience with Next.js.

Next.js Origins and Q&A

Scott Moss begins the course by discussing the origins of Next.js and the reasoning behind building it on top of React. He explains how Next.js takes advantage of React’s powerful features and tools while providing additional functionalities for server-side rendering and routing. He also discusses situations when Next.js is a good fit and when it may not be necessary.

Setup

To get started with Next.js, Scott walks through the process of setting up a Next.js project using the create-next-app command. He explains the structure and contents of the generated files and provides manual setup instructions for those who prefer to set up the project manually. Scott also addresses common questions regarding testing in Next.js, the status of _app.tsx and _document.tsx in Next.js 13, and the font and theme he is using in the course.

File-Based Routing & Params

Next.js provides a file-based routing system that allows automatic configuration of routers based on folder and file naming conventions. Scott demonstrates this feature by creating a basic file-based routing system for the course application. He also explains how to implement dynamic routes using query parameters.

Route Grouping

When building complex applications, it is often necessary to separate sections of the application that share functionality. Scott demonstrates route grouping in Next.js, allowing developers to organize and structure routes in a more logical and modular way.

Rendering

Next.js provides various techniques for rendering components, depending on the type of component and its requirements. In this section of the course, Scott covers two important topics: layout components and navigation.

Layout Components

Layout components in Next.js allow developers to define shared page elements, such as a navbar, header, and footer. Scott discusses how to define a head component that can be page-specific or shared across multiple pages. He then demonstrates how to create reusable page layouts by utilizing layout components. Pages embedded in the layout component will share the defined page elements, providing consistent design and navigation throughout the application.

Navigation

Scott explains how navigation works under the hood in Next.js and demonstrates how to implement navigation using the built-in Link component. He also discusses how to handle dynamic routes and programmatic navigation using the useRouter hook.

Server vs Client Components

In Next.js, components can be rendered on the server or the client, depending on their nature and requirements. Scott explains the differences between server-side and client-side components. He demonstrates how to change server components to client components and vice versa. He also addresses common questions from students, such as using nested relative routes with Link components and the use of client components with the new use client pragma.

Rendering Server Components

Scott introduces server components in Next.js and compares them to server-side rendering (SSR). He explains when to use server components and how the new folder structure has impacted third-party libraries. He also answers questions from students about whether the Link component is a client component and how hosting and sharing of state are affected by server components.

Client Components

Client components are a new feature in Next.js 13+ that allows components to be rendered on the client side only. Scott explains when and how to use client components and demonstrates what happens when trying to use state in a server component. He provides demonstrations to showcase how client and server components interact.

Data Fetching with Server Components

Next.js offers server components as a way to fetch data in server-side components, keeping the app secure and reducing the load on the main thread. Scott discusses the advantages of using server components for data fetching and demonstrates how to fetch data from an API. He also showcases a demonstration of fetching data from an API using server components.

Data Fetching Q&A

Scott answers students’ questions about using libraries like React Query with server components and whether the API is cached client-side. He also explains how the app knows when to re-render and how the use of use client may or may not be necessary when working with libraries.

Creating API Routes

In this section, Scott walks through creating API routes in Next.js. He explains how to define and structure API endpoints using Next.js’s built-in routing capabilities. He also discusses how to handle middleware in API routes. Furthermore, Scott addresses student questions regarding versioning the API and how the API would handle websockets.

Static Params

Next.js provides the ability to generate static parameters for dynamic routes. Scott demonstrates how to generate static parameters using the getStaticParams function. He also answers questions from students about when to generate static parameters, the limits of getStaticParams, and whether async components are specific to Next.js or React.

Loading Page

Scott demonstrates how to handle a loading state in Next.js using special pages provided by the framework. He explains how to use these pages to handle loading and error states in a smooth and user-friendly manner. He also demonstrates how to set up a loading state manually using Suspense.

Error Boundaries

When building applications, handling errors is a critical aspect. Scott walks through handling application errors in Next.js using the error page provided by the framework. He also discusses how error boundaries can be created in Next.js by wrapping components, similar to how suspense works in React. He addresses a student’s question regarding accessing error information from the error page.

Typing Components & API Responses

In Next.js, ensuring type safety is important, especially when dealing with components and API responses. Scott demonstrates how to implement component types and API response types in Next.js to ensure type safety in the application.

Mutating Data

Scott discusses data mutations in Next.js and the recommended approach for handling data mutations. Currently, Next.js recommends refreshing the router to trigger the server component relationship. However, he also mentions that Next.js is working on a different strategy for mutating data.

Styling

Styling is an essential aspect of building web applications. Scott covers different approaches to styling in Next.js.

Global Styles

Scott demonstrates how to implement global styling in Next.js by importing styles from a globally available styles.css file. He explains how global styles can be used to apply styles throughout the application.

CSS Modules & Third-Party Libraries

Next.js provides support for CSS modules, enabling developers to create scoped CSS modules for individual components or pages. Scott discusses how to create scoped CSS modules in Next.js and demonstrates how to use third-party libraries for styling. He also answers student questions regarding styling by tags, styling by IDs, and the support for Sass or Tailwind in Next.js.

Building a Basic Blog App

In this section, Scott walks through building a basic blog app using Next.js. He covers several aspects of building the app, including creating and styling the home page, loading blog posts from a CMS, and implementing a contact form with a server API. He also addresses a student’s question about how Next.js client components interact with things like Three.js and React Fiber.

Wrapping Up

Scott wraps up the course by recommending further resources and places to learn more about Next.js. He encourages students to explore the documentation and community resources to deepen their understanding and leverage the full potential of Next.js.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we covered the course on Introduction to Next.js 13+. We explored various aspects of using Next.js, including setup, file-based routing, server and client components, data fetching, styling, and building a basic blog app. Scott Moss provided in-depth explanations and demonstrations, addressing common questions from students and providing valuable insights. This course is a great resource for developers looking to learn Next.js and build powerful web applications.

Choosing the best no-code app builder for your project can be a daunting task. In this article, we walk you through the process and highlight some of our favorites.

Over the past decade, the process of app development has changed dramatically, opening the door for more and more non-technical developers to dip their toes in the development pond. Traditional methods of app development require a great deal of technical training and a team of multiple developers to be able to build even relatively simple applications. The introduction of low-code and no-code tools has changed this dynamic significantly.

A no-code app builder is a platform or tool designed to allow non-technical users, and developers seeking to build faster, to build web and mobile apps much easier than traditional methods of app development. As the evolution of low-code and no-code platforms has progressed, the capabilities of these tools has grown tremendously. What used to be limited to early stage MVPs (minimum viable products) has now branched into fully scalable mobile apps for startups to enterprises and encompasses countless business use cases.

In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best no-code platforms available on the market. Each of these platforms has its own strengths and limitations. All, however, bring something unique to the table. Ultimately, the goal of no-code app building platforms is to dramatically increase your speed of app development. With no-code app builder software, you can produce an app of comparable quality to a coded app in a fraction of the time. And because time is money – in a multitude of ways – no-code makes app development far less expensive than building with code.

What is the best no-code app builder for 2023?

Ask any no-code “maker” on Twitter and you’ll get the same answer to this question: it depends. We’re not going to rank the no-code platforms in this list, but rather provide you some insight into the best list of tools that we have had the chance to work with. Additionally, this is not a no-code app builder review article. What we view as the best app builder without coding may not be the best for your needs. Instead, we provide you with information about the platforms so that you can make the choice that’s best for your use case. If you’re unsure how to evaluate no-code platforms, check out our no-code platform checklist.

For each tool, we cover both their frontend and backend capabilities. Every tool on the list has frontend capability, but only a few have built-in backend functionality. Not sure what the difference is between backend and frontend? Check out this article.

Finally, all of the below platforms offer some form of a free plan, so we focus the starting price on the lowest paid tier.

Backendless

Of course, we are going to start with the platform we know best – our own. Backendless is a complete visual app development solution, meaning you have all the capabilities necessary to build complex and scalable frontends and backends. Backendless offers a visual UI Builder from creating your app’s user interface. UI Builder offers a wide array of components, themes, and a growing number of page templates. Backendless uses Codeless blocks to allow users to build logic and APIs visually, without writing code. The platform includes a large number of pre-built APIs for interacting with the backend database, file storage, messaging, user authentication, etc. Backendless also features many post-launch tools, such as visual user management, push notifications for iOS and Android, email templates, and in-app messaging support. With the Free Plan, you can learn the platform on your own timeline for free. Finally, completing the free Backendless Learning Path provides developers a chance to become a Backendless Certified Engineer.

• Frontend capability: Visual UI Builder, Codeless logic, customizable components, and themes.
• Backend capability: Real-time database, user authentication, visual schema modeler, serverless hosting, custom domains, free SSL certificate, email templates, push notification console.
• Starting price: $15/month

Adalo

Adalo is a frontend-oriented no-code app builder that allows you to build apps that can be published anywhere – web, mobile, and app stores. Adalo offers drag-and-drop components allowing you to easily construct your ideal UI. The platform uses “Actions” to represent on-page logic and can be used to trigger backend events. Adalo offers its own spreadsheet-style database where data can be stored, updated, and retrieved. Adalo does not allow for backend logic per se, but can integrate with other tools (and APIs) that provide backend functionality.

• Frontend capability: Drag-and-drop components, actions for linking pages together, and triggering events such as push notifications.
• Backend capability: Spreadsheet-style database, API integration capabilities.
• Starting price: $50/month

AppGyver

AppGyver boasts the capability to build applications for all form factors, including mobile, desktop, TV, and others. AppGyver uses a combination of containers and components to enable the user to build a wide range of user interfaces. The platform enables native functionality for mobile apps as well. AppGyver also includes a theme engine designed to allow users to implement global themes across all of the platform’s 500+ components. You can build unlimited logic within the UI or connect via API to third-party logic and backend functionality.

• Frontend capability: 500+ components, unlimited logic, native mobile functionality, theme engine.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: Free

Bravo Studio

Bravo Studio prides itself as being a design-first no-code platform. You can create your app design using Figma or Adobe XD and import the resulting design seamlessly into Bravo Studio. Then, simply connect your app to a backend or database via REST API to produce a fully-functional app in no time. Bravo Studio is focused on mobile app development and produces publishable apps that can be submitted to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

• Frontend capability: Highly design-oriented, build apps in Figma or Adobe XD then import into Bravo Studio.
• Backend capability: Connect via REST API.
• Starting price: (Euro) 19/month

Bubble

The most ubiquitous no-code platform, Bubble’s strength is its large community. Bubble is primarily a frontend-oriented builder, enabling users to build responsive web apps that are capable on both mobile and web. With its large community, there is a wide array of user-generated templates and components that can be used in your app. Bubble utilizes the concept of workflows for designing logic. Workflows can interact with pages within your app, your Bubble database, or enable you to use external APIs to gain added functionality not available in Bubble itself. Unlike more developer-oriented tools, Bubble uses simplified terminology to make itself more accessible to the beginning non-technical app maker.

• Frontend capability: Customizable UX/UI, integration-capable, drag-and-drop design, dynamic content, large selection of templates.
• Backend capability: Serverless hosting, version control and backups, automatic SSL certificates and multi-factor authentication.
• Starting price: $29/month

Case Study: StayShure

Learn how StayShure, an expert Bubble agency, uses Backendless to boost their Bubble backend and handle complex data, data relations, and scalability by integrating two powerful platforms. Read More

Draftbit

Draftbit is a browser-based builder for mobile apps that provides you with the source code of the projects you develop. Draftbit utilizes “bits” and “blocks” as two forms of components. This allows you to choose high-level, speed-oriented development or more granular and precise development. Draftbit is designed specifically for mobile app builders, focusing entirely on mobile apps. You can easily preview your project on your mobile device to get a pixel-perfect rendering of your application.

• Frontend capability: Two levels of components, mobile app development only, easy to preview and share, full source code available.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: $19/month

DronaHQ

DronaHQ is a no-code app builder geared specifically toward enterprises and internal tool development. As such, DronaHQ apps are responsive on mobile but typically designed for desktop. The platform uses “Controls”, similar to components, and has a large library for app makers to choose from. As a business-oriented platform, DronaHQ offers easy integration with virtually any data source. The platform uses “Actionflows” as a variation on workflows, allowing you to add frontend logic to your applications. DronaHQ offers several enterprise-level features, such as SSO, SAML and oAuth capability, on-prem hosting, and granular permissions.

• Frontend capability: Controls (component) library, easy integration with databases, Actionflows for frontend logic.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: $100/month

FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow is a no-code app builder that lets you create beautiful UI, generate clean code, and deploy to app stores or the web in a single click. FlutterFlow uses the popular Flutter programming language to let you build hybrid apps that look great on all devices. FlutterFlow boasts of easy data and API integration and giving you the ability to “customize everything”. This includes custom widgets, custom functions, and a visual action builder for adding complex action flows to your UI. Unlike some other builders, FlutterFlow allows you to export your app’s code.

• Frontend capability: Customizable components and widgets, easy integration with a database via API, Action Builder for frontend logic, extensible with custom code.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: $30/month

Retool

Retool enables no-code app makers to build internal tools “remarkably fast”. The platform provides a wide section of building blocks, including tables, lists, charts, forms, wizards, and maps. These components can be easily connected to external data sources to produce complex apps very quickly. Retool is closer to low-code than no-code in a sense because users write their own queries and API requests manually. The platform offers a complete guide for reading and writing data. Additionally, developers can write their own JavaScript code into almost any area of the platform. Retool offers enterprise-level capabilities including SAML SSO and 2FA, on-premise hosting, and granular access controls and audit logs.

• Frontend capability: Building block library, write queries to read/write data, add custom JavaScript code.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: $10/month

Thunkable

Thunkable is a no-code tool designed specifically for building native mobile apps. Features include drag-and-drop components, advanced logic, native mobile app functionality, and easy publication. Thunkable apps can be directly published from the platform to the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the web. Thunkable also boasts extensible integrations, allowing you to access third-party databases and backend functionality easily.

• Frontend capability: Design components, animations, logic blocks, open integrations.
• Backend capability: None built-in.
• Starting price: $13/month

UI Bakery

UI Bakery allows app makers to quickly build internal no-code business tools. UI Bakery lets you add your database credentials to query your data directly, or you can integrate any REST or GraphQL API. The platform offers 25+ components and 10+ column and field types. UI Bakery uses a roles-based security system to enable you to share your app with team members securely. The platform has low-code capability as well, giving you the ability to add custom components using React or plain JavaScript. Additionally, your UI Bakery app can be hosted on-premise.

• Frontend capability: Components, add JavaScript code, third-party database integration.
• Backend capability: Connect to third-party database using credentials.
• Starting price: $10/month

Conclusion

No-code and low-code tools enable the development of custom mobile apps and web apps much faster than traditional methods of app development. These tools boast great ease of use, tons of functional features, and can be used to create things for personal use or business use. Finding the best no-code tool for you is likely to be a multi-step process. We recommend trying a few platforms before choosing the one that works best for your use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is No-Code development?
No-code, or Codeless, development is app (and website) development that does not require the developer to manually write code. Using visual Codeless blocks, you are able to compose user interfaces, logic, and APIs visually. An application built using no-code tools still contains code. Lots of it, in fact. This code is not written by the developer, however, but rather generated automatically by the platform itself.

What’s the difference between no-code and low-code?
Low-code development typically means that the developer has the capability to include some coded elements in the development process. With Backendless, for example, you can add Java or JavaScript (Node.js to be specific) code to your backend and custom code of your choice to your UI. While low-code development platforms may have a steeper learning curve, they also provide additional flexibility for the developer by removing some constraints.

What is a visual app development platform?
A visual app development platform (VADP) is a term that we like to use for web and mobile app development platforms that allow developers to build apps visually, with little or no code. The difference between a VADP and a no-code platform as discussed in this article is that a VADP typically provides both a frontend and a backend, and both can be managed entirely visually. For example, in addition to our Codeless UI Builder, Backendless provides a visual database, visual schema modeler, visual database view creator, etc. These backend tools can be instrumental in simplifying backend development.

How does Zapier fit in a no-code app development stack?
No no-code app builder can do it all. As technology advances, with new capabilities for apps and websites being invented all the time, there are bound to be gaps in your platform. Zapier is a no-code tool created to make it easy to connect multiple web-based services, including no-code platforms, with each other. Using Zapier, you can easily connect your chosen platform to thousands of tools available across the web. Zapier can be used with Backendless or many of the other no-code platforms in this article to add awesome third-party services to your app.

What is the difference between a web app and a mobile app?
A web app is an application that is hosted and delivered via a web browser, much like a website. Most web apps, if built to be responsive, can be accessed by a mobile phone and still look great and function very well. They cannot, however, be submitted as-is to mobile app stores. A number of the no-code platforms we discuss in this article allow you to build native mobile applications. Typically, mobile application development platforms provide additional capabilities that other no-code app builders do not. For example, native mobile apps are able to access functionality on the device that is not available to a web app. Additionally, a web app cannot be directly submitted to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store without being properly packaged. There are services that can take your web app and prepare it for submission to the app stores. Some no-code mobile app development platforms allow you to submit your app directly to the app stores through their platform. Backendless offers two options for publishing your app to mobile: Backendless Viewer and a Flutter native mobile app shell. Backendless Viewer is itself an app on the app stores. You can publish your Backendless app directly to Viewer from inside Backendless Console. Our Flutter shell is a wrapper for your app. It allows you to compile your Backendless app using Flutter. The resulting app can then be published to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as a native mobile app.

Tags

no-code, app builder, backendless, adalo, appgyver, bravo studio, bubble, draftbit, dronahq, flutterflow, retool, thunkable, ui bakery