The Detractors of No-Code and MVP Are Overstating Their Concerns

I’ll provide a brief defense of no-code and MVP, just enough to make my point clear. What truly frustrates me is the disparagement directed towards these movements.

I’m not overly sensitive to criticism; I genuinely don’t care what anyone thinks about my views. If you want to pursue a startup with the goal of attracting significant investment through flashy presentations, go for it. If MVPs aren’t your preference, then don’t create them. If you’re all in on NFTs, invest as you see fit (but remember to only invest what you can afford to lose).

What truly irks me is the denigration of no-code and MVP as indicative of a narrow-minded view of entrepreneurship. These critics seem convinced that their approach is the only valid one, which is often misguided.

I have to wonder: Why do they care if no-code is effective? If they don’t need it, why not spend their time rebuilding infrastructures that have become easily accessible over recent years? Why is it necessary for them to communicate their disdain for MVPs? Are we truly overwhelmed by poorly designed and buggy applications? Were they expecting that new SaaS offering to function flawlessly right out of the gate?

In essence, what barriers are they attempting to create to limit access for others now that they are already established?

Are they genuinely trying to exclude anyone who is more passionate about innovation than they are equipped with formal training?

No-Code and MVP: Timeless Concepts, Not Just Trends

My first encounter with a no-code tool occurred years ago when I wanted to test a new feature without the lengthy process of setting up a server and other technical necessities. That single test led to a 10% increase in revenue, prompting me to invest in the technology more seriously. I repeated this process until I realized I might not even need to develop the technology “for real.”

My initial experience creating an MVP dates back to my first professional coding project that served actual customers. In other words, I’ve been building MVPs throughout my coding career, even before the term became common.

Interestingly, the same applies to no-code. Unless someone is coding at a low level, we are all, in essence, engaged in no-code development. Today’s no-code platforms are simply more robust and user-friendly than the coding environments of the past.

So, the next time someone criticizes your approach or methods, keep this in mind:

Yes, no-code will lead to failures, and MVPs will make those failures more visible, faster. But historically, traditional methods haven’t been flawless either. Salesforce has bugs, AWS experiences downtimes, and on-premise servers can be compromised.

These issues have always existed; they were just less apparent and often more expensive to address.

Want to explore more about No-Code and Low-Code? I’ve written extensively on the subject.

If you found this article valuable, consider signing up for my newsletter at joeprocopio.com to stay updated on future posts. It’s concise and to the point.

For startup assistance, try a free 15-day trial of Teaching Startup, a platform I developed entirely using no-code to empower entrepreneurs to build their ventures in their own way. After the trial, Teaching Startup offers hundreds of expert insights for just $10 a month.

Section 1.1: The Importance of No-Code and MVPs

No-code tools and MVPs are not just passing fads; they represent a shift in how startups can operate more efficiently.

Section 1.2: Addressing Misconceptions

Many critiques of no-code and MVPs stem from misconceptions about their effectiveness and potential.