5 Reasons to Choose Bubble.io for Building Your No-Code App

Choosing the right platform to build your no-code app is a crucial decision, and Bubble is worth considering. Bubble is a full-stack platform that allows you to create web applications without any coding. It offers all the components needed for building, designing, and deploying web apps from a single source. This includes a custom database, responsive drag-and-drop design canvas, and flexible workflows, all with hosting taken care of for you.

Bubble is designed for various use cases, whether you're building a marketplace app, e-commerce store, internal business tool, or even a social network. The platform offers powerful features and the ability to connect to external services through APIs, plugins, and even custom code. However, it's essential to remember that the scalability, performance, and security of your app are largely in your hands.

Key Takeaways

• Bubble is a full-stack no-code platform for building web applications with complete control over design and functionality.

• Scalability, performance, and security are achievable with Bubble, but largely depend on your app-building decisions.

• While Bubble can handle many use cases, it may not be suitable for intensive gaming apps, offline apps, or those requiring complex algorithms and machine learning.

What Is Bubble

Bubble is a platform that allows users to create web applications completely without code. It is a full-stack platform, meaning that every app created on it comes with all the components needed to build, design, and go live, all from one place. This includes a custom database, a drag-and-drop design canvas responsive to device sizes, and flexible workflows to make the app highly interactive. Hosting is taken care of, and Bubble's landing page touts it as the best way to build dashboards, SAS applications, and CRMs.

Bubble is suitable for people who need control and customization in their projects. Compared to existing tools with limited customization, Bubble's strength lies in building custom web applications that cater to the specific needs of the user.

Apps built on Bubble can be scalable and well-performing, as users have complete control over the construction of their app. However, it is essential to build the app in a way that is scalable and well-performing, and the responsibility for this lies with the user. Bubble also supports apps at various stages of development, from mock-ups to startups and full enterprise-level SAS systems.

In terms of costs, users can anticipate expenses related to the Bubble plan itself, potential plug-in costs, and file storage if the app is file-heavy. Additionally, third-party services like email marketing, sales pipeline, or wrapping services for putting the app into an app store may also incur extra costs.

Bubble apps can be secure, with a standard level of security from the server level. Users have control over the security of their app, including who can access the editor, what type of users can access the front end, and the security of the database. Restrictions and permissions can be added as needed.

Overall, Bubble enables users to build a wide range of applications, from marketplaces to HR systems, CRMs, and social networks. It also allows for integration with third-party services using APIs, external databases, and even custom code. While Bubble is not suitable for building offline apps, intensive gaming apps, or apps with complex calculations and machine learning, its capabilities cater to users who require a customizable and robust platform for building web applications.

Scalability and Performance

When it comes to the scalability and performance of apps built on Bubble, the platform can support apps at all stages of development, from mock-ups to startups and even full Enterprise-level SaaS systems. It is crucial to understand that developers have complete control over how they build their app on Bubble. There might be multiple ways to build any specific feature or function within the app, but it is the developer's responsibility to choose the best option for their particular use case.

Bubble comes with several built-in capabilities to support a growing app. For example, on the free plan, users will have certain limitations in terms of database entries. However, once they switch to a paid plan, that limitation will be removed. As for file storage, an app's capacity is determined by its plan, but users can always opt for extra storage as needed.

The scalability and performance of an app built on Bubble are primarily in the hands of the developer. With the right knowledge and approach, it's possible to build a scalable, high-performing app on this platform. Moreover, with Bubble's powerful features such as custom databases, drag-and-drop design canvas, responsive design, and flexible workflows, developers can create highly interactive web applications without any coding knowledge.

Additionally, Bubble allows developers to connect with various third-party services using APIs to expand the app's functionality. This further enhances the scalability and extensibility of the apps created on Bubble. However, the developer must ensure that they take proper advantage of these features and choose the correct method for building their app in a way that guarantees scalability and performance.

Costs and Expenses

When building an app on Bubble, there are several costs and expenses to anticipate. One of the primary expenses is the Bubble plan itself. The cost of the plan varies based on the app's specific needs and features, so it is important to research and anticipate the costs accordingly.

In addition to the plan, there might be costs associated with using plugins. Plugins can provide extra functionality for your app, but may require extra costs. It's worth noting that while plugins can be helpful, many features can be built without them, so their use depends on the individual requirements of the app.

Another cost to consider when building on Bubble is file storage. Depending on the app's plan, there may be limitations on file storage capacity. App builders can add extra storage if needed, but this will increase expenses. For apps with heavy file usage, integration with a third-party file management service might be a better option in some cases.

Third-party services may also contribute to the overall cost of building an app on Bubble. For example, integrating with an email marketing service, a sales pipeline service, or other external services will likely incur additional fees. Although these costs are not specific to Bubble, they should be considered as part of the overall budget for building the app.

Finally, if the goal is to build a web app on Bubble and then wrap it for submission to app stores, builders should be aware that this process involves using a third-party service and may result in extra costs. By using a service like BDK, which wraps web applications into hybrid applications with native-like functionality, the app can be submitted to app stores where users can download it to their phones.

While it is important to consider these potential costs and expenses, Bubble offers a versatile platform for building a wide variety of applications, from marketplaces to social networks to project management tools. By carefully researching and anticipating costs, app builders can weigh the benefits of using Bubble with the potential expenses involved in the development process.

Security

When it comes to security, Bubble has its own standard level of security at the server level. This means that the Bubble platform as a whole is protected. In addition to this, app developers have a significant amount of control over the security settings for their individual apps.

One important aspect of security for your app is access control. With Bubble, you can manage who has access to your app's editor, which is essential for protecting sensitive information and controlling any changes made to your app's functionality. App developers also have the ability to manage what types of users have access to the app's front end, such as which pages they can view and how they can interact with the app.

Another crucial part of security on the Bubble platform is database security. Having control over who can view and interact with certain data within your app is vital. With Bubble, you can set restrictions and permissions to safeguard your app's data from unauthorized access or manipulation.

Ultimately, Bubble offers a robust foundation for the security of your app. However, it is essential to remember that as an app developer, you have the responsibility to ensure the security settings and features you implement meet your specific needs and requirements. By taking advantage of the control Bubble provides, you can build a secure app that meets your targeted user's expectations while protecting sensitive data and information.

App Types You Can Build

Bubble offers a wide range of possibilities when it comes to application development. Users can create marketplace apps, e-commerce stores, directories with powerful search capabilities, application tracking systems for recruiting and hiring, complete HR systems, and ERPs for various internal business tools. Other common use cases include CRMs, coaching platforms for instructors or mentors, personal wellness tracking or goal tracking, ride sharing, advertising management for media agencies and publishers, project and resource management tools, legal contract and document generators, document management platforms, social networks, and recommendation platforms.

One of the reasons why such a diverse array of applications can be built on Bubble is its ability to connect with external services. Almost any third-party service offering an API can be connected to, expanding an app's functionality. Besides using plugins for added functionality, users can connect directly with services using APIs, link to external databases, and even incorporate custom code into their applications.

While Bubble mainly caters to web application development, users can also leverage third-party wrapping services, such as the BDK, to convert their web applications into hybrid applications with native-like functionality. These hybrid applications can then be published to app stores for users to download on their devices. Additionally, the platform supports the creation of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

However, it's essential to consider the limitations of Bubble. The platform may not be suitable for building offline apps, as web applications require internet connectivity. Intensive gaming apps with heavy graphics and animations or apps requiring complex calculations and algorithms on vast volumes of data might not be ideal for Bubble. The same applies to machine learning apps and multimedia editors. In such cases, it's crucial to evaluate Bubble's capabilities and decide if it aligns with the intended application's requirements.

Connecting to External Services

One of the reasons why Bubble is so versatile for building various types of applications is its ability to connect to external services. Almost any third-party service that offers an API can be integrated with your Bubble app, significantly expanding its functionality. This allows you to enrich your app's capabilities by leveraging existing tools and platforms, often saving time and resources on development.

In addition to using plugins, which can quickly add predefined functionality to your app, Bubble enables you to connect directly with these services using APIs. This way, you can create custom integrations tailored to your specific needs.

Alongside connecting with external APIs, you can also integrate Bubble with external databases. This can be particularly helpful if you need to access and manipulate data stored outside of Bubble's native database. By establishing connections with external databases, you ensure your app can handle advanced data management requirements, further increasing its versatility and usefulness.

Lastly, Bubble even provides the option to add custom code to your app. This feature allows you to go beyond the capabilities of Bubble's no-code, drag-and-drop interface and incorporate specialized functions when necessary. The combination of this customizability, together with external service connections and database integrations, empowers you to build the precise app you envision, all while retaining flexibility and control over your app's development.

Turning Web Apps into Native Apps

With Bubble, you can build powerful and customizable web applications that fit various use cases. However, some projects may require distributing the app via app stores or providing native app-like functionality to make the user experience more engaging and user-friendly. In such cases, turning the web application built on Bubble into native apps can become a consideration.

To convert a Bubble web app into a native app, you can use third-party wrapping services, such as BDK. These services take your web application and transform it into a hybrid application. Essentially, a hybrid app is a combination of a web app with native-like capabilities that can be found on app stores. Users can download these hybrid apps on their smartphones, making it easier for you to reach a broader audience and provide a better user experience on various devices.

Moreover, if you want to provide an app-like experience through web browsers, building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Bubble is another option. While PWAs don't typically offer the same level of native functionality as hybrid apps, they can enhance the overall user experience and performance of your Bubble web app without the need for additional third-party tools. More information on building PWAs with Bubble can be found in the resource links provided in the video description.

It's essential to keep in mind that Bubble may not be an ideal solution for some specific types of projects. For instance, building offline apps, heavy graphic-intensive games, machine learning apps, and multimedia editors may pose limitations and challenges. However, for a plethora of other applications, Bubble remains a robust, scalable, and versatile development platform.

What Bubble Is Not Good For

While Bubble offers a vast array of possibilities for building web applications without the need for coding skills, there are certain use cases and circumstances in which the platform might not be the best choice. This section will outline some of the scenarios where Bubble might not be the ideal solution for building your app.

One simple way to determine whether Bubble is right for you is to consider if you actually need the control and customization capabilities it provides. If you're creating a project that doesn't require a custom web application, there might be other existing tools and platforms that can fulfill your needs more efficiently. For instance, if you only need to create simple surveys or a basic scheduling tool with limited customization, utilizing an existing tool or platform might be a better choice.

That being said, there are specific limitations to Bubble's functionality. For example, the platform is not suitable for building apps that function offline, as it focuses on web applications that require an internet connection. Additionally, Bubble isn't ideal for developing apps with intensive gaming, heavy graphics, and animations, or those that involve complex calculations and algorithms beyond basic algebra on a high volume of data.

Machine learning apps might also not be well-suited for the Bubble platform. Multimedia editors may face constraints as well. It's essential to consider these limitations when evaluating if Bubble is the right choice for your project.

In conclusion, while Bubble offers an impressive range of possibilities and customization for those building web applications, it's crucial to recognize the platform's limitations and determine whether it's the best fit for your specific needs and use case.