What is Bubble and how to get started

Historically, building applications has been a pain point for startups. Finding the right people with coding experience who can turn your vision into reality takes time, money and effort. With the introduction of no-code tools, however, the entire process suddenly becomes easier. For many, Bubble is the best way to build apps without code. But if you’re new to the tool, you may wonder what it is and how it works. That’s the purpose of this guide, which covers Bubble as a no-code tool and provides you with an in-depth look at this impressive platform. 

Bubble as a tool

Bubble is a no-code tool and platform allowing anyone to design, develop and launch web apps without writing a single line of code. Using its drag-and-drop interface, Bubble lets you build applications and acts as the platform servicing your app. Both coders and non-coders use Bubble thanks to its simplicity and low barrier to entry compared to coding tools and applications. It’s also the most powerful no-code platform for building digital products. 

What is it used for, and why do people need it?

As the most powerful no-code tool, you’re probably wondering what people use it for and why it’s so important? Bubble lets you get creative and build a range of responsive solutions, from web apps and internal business tools to e-commerce platforms and dashboards. It’s designed for anyone with little or no coding experience and offers a more seamless way to create applications for their companies or projects. 

Who is it for?

Traditionally, the idea of creating web apps without any coding was unheard of. But with no code and platforms like Bubble, entrepreneurs, startups, people with ideas –you name it– can build solutions for their customers. Primarily, Bubble is for those who don't excel in the coding space but still want to bring their concepts to life. However, people with coding experience also use Bubble because of the speed at which they can create on the platform compared to alternative traditional coding tools.

What type of application is Bubble best suited for?

Speed and ease-of-use have led to people creating some impressive applications that cater to a range of needs, from career platforms to accounting management and marketplaces. It can also be used for e-learning, online shopping and just about anything else your imagination can conjure up regarding web applications.

What are some examples of Bubble-created apps?

Beelango

Beelango is an e-learning platform offering activity-led courses that teach people new languages. It currently has more than 100,000 users worldwide and features interactive content. It was, of course, built with Bubble. 

Really Really Want

Bubble can facilitate dating websites, with Really Really Want providing a fine example of what you can do if you feel like being Cupid. The dating website cuts out the guesswork and connects people who are completely aligned. There’s also a downloadable app available which has over 5,000 downloads so far and an average review rating of 4.6 on the Google Play store. 

Escape the City

Escape the City helps people quit their corporate jobs and find work that really matters to them. The app was built with Bubble, helping progessive companies connect with uses looking for new opportunities. So far it has helped more than one million people find their ideal jobs and has 1,500 companies registered on the platform. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a no-code tool such as Bubble?

Pros

• You don’t need coding experience to use the tool
• Low barrier for entry
• User-friendly
• Enhance overall productivity
• Faster delivery of application
• Lower costs involved
• Easily adjustable features
• Validate ideas without investing a lot

Cons

• Even though you don't need to know code, you'll still need to learn how to use no-code and understand what you need it for – basic knowledge of the platform goes a long way
• Fixed templates can limit what you want to produce
• You don’t have complete control in the same way you do with web apps created using code

When it comes to Bubble specifically, it mirrors many of the broader features of no-code in general. Bubble is more economical than hiring a developer to build an app for your company, and it's also more agile than many other no-code platforms. 

Yet, there is still a learning curve, and some training or classes can be beneficial to help you get the most out of the platform.

Does Bubble have any limitations?

While Bubble has helped countless companies and entrepreneurs build fluid solutions that solve user pain points, it’s not without its limitations. There's no piece of tech that caters to everything, and Bubble is no different. While it has many advantages and is often described as the most powerful no-code platform, it can't build native apps (as a one-solution where all fits) and it can't supply a specific engine to develop and deploy native apps on app stores. It's also unable to host apps on private or on-site servers, nor can it develop complex algorithms. 

What are alternatives? 

Bubble isn’t the only no-code player on the market, and there are other options if you decide it’s not the tool for your needs. Retool, for example, is a more affordable option ($10 per month as opposed to $25). However, it doesn’t have a fully responsive design compared to Bubble. 

Other options include:

• Fluid UI
• WaveMaker
• Betty Blocks
• inBOLD
• DronaHQ
• Power Apps
• Appian
• Mendix Platform

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Why do people use Bubble over other no-code tools?

Even with many competitors, Bubble is still widely regarded as the best no-code tool. As the most powerful, it tends to have more features than other options when it comes to making web apps. With Bubble, you can create pages, implement autofill functionality, and customise images and video backgrounds. It's also easy to update text without having to code anything at all.

How to get started using Bubble?

Getting started with Bubble is simple – you sign up and use it for free, although this option doesn’t give you every feature. There’s also paid-for versions ranging between $25 and $475. Features vary depending on the package, with the high-priced options more suited for large companies with multiple editors using Bubble. Whether you use the free or paid-for version, you can begin by playing around with the tool.

What kind of skills do you need? 

Users don't need coding skills to start working with Bubble, but it's not as simple as diving straight in. While the skills required aren't as challenging as learning to code, it helps if you have some basic tech-affinity or some comprehension of how a website works in general. That's why some users spend time getting to know the platform and even participate in classes to better understand Bubble. Alternatively, some decide to hire no-code and Bubble experts to build their app for them, as going down this route is still more affordable than hiring a developer to build a custom-coded app. 

No coding with Bubble

For most people, Bubble is the no-code application of choice. Whether you're a no-code newbie or want to enhance your skills, check out our favourite Bubble tutorials and resources, and improve your no-coding skills to build the applications that will drive your business forward.