A visual programming platform called Bubble.io makes it possible to create applications without need to write standard coding. With flexible databases and advanced capabilities, it enables users to create responsive web and mobile apps (of any sort) that convey logical reasoning through visuals and pictures. Bubble.io’s goal is to close the knowledge gap for non-engineers by offering an affordable way to create apps without the need for coding experience.
However, in terms of developing an application, how does Bubble compare to alternative no-code solutions and conventional coding techniques—both of which promise quicker and less expensive web app development?
As a no-code agency that choose to develop on Bubble, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions we receive below along with an in-depth evaluation of Bubble.io:
What is Bubble.io?
Bubble.io is a platform for creating no-code apps that enables you to create programs and applications without knowing any code.
A decade ago, or so ago, the only individuals who could design applications were those who could have coding skills and could create an application on their own. They possessed enormous funds to dedicate to a project (frequently in the hundreds of thousands of dollars!)
Simply told, creating an app used to be nearly impossible for someone who wasn’t a programmer. They would also need to locate a tech co-founder, acquire capital or make significant personal investments, or dedicate several years to becoming proficient coders if they wanted to attain their goal.
What Kinds of Apps Bubble.io builts?
To be honest though, there isn’t a catch. With Bubble, millions of people can now create profitable software and apps that they never could have before (and even websites and marketing pages to go along with them if you want). Bubble is revolutionizing the no-code world.
In our experience, clients have created a wide range of apps, including:
- Apps for real estate aggregation that benefit customers and brokers
- Applications for events and courses on marketplaces (and even boats)
- ERP programs for internal company use
- Apps for professional certification testing
- Apps for communities tailored to certain markets
- Applications for job boards across a range of sectors
- Hospital staffing software
- Dentist clinics can use white-labeled software (more SaaS apps are frequently developed on Bubble).
- Software for firms managing inventories and customer service
- software for analytics
- Applications for first responders
- Apps for internal staff management
- Software for point of sale in physical enterprises
How to build an app on Bubble.io?
Building an app on Bubble.io is like creating a website without needing to code. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
1. Sign Up & Create a New Project
- Go to Bubble.io and sign up for a free account.
- Once logged in, click on “New App” to start your project. Give your app a name and select a template if you want, or start from scratch.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Interface
- Editor: This is where you’ll spend most of your time. It’s divided into several sections like Design, Workflow, Data, Plugins, and Settings.
- Design Tab: Here, you’ll create the visual layout of your app. You can drag and drop elements like text, buttons, and input fields onto the canvas.
- Workflow Tab: This is where you define the logic of your app—what happens when a button is clicked or when a page is loaded.
- Data Tab: Manage your app’s database here. Bubble allows you to create data types (like “User” or “Product”) and define fields (like “Name” or “Price”).
- Plugins Tab: You can install additional features like payment gateways, email services, and more.
- Settings Tab: Manage app settings, SEO options, and custom domains.
3. Design Your App’s Interface
- Drag and drop elements (like text boxes, images, and buttons) from the left panel onto the page.
- Customize each element by clicking on it and adjusting the properties (size, color, etc.) in the right-hand panel.
- Add new pages if your app needs multiple screens.
4. Create Data Types & Fields
- Go to the Data Tab and define the data structure your app will use.
- Create data types like “User,” “Post,” or “Order.”
- Add fields to each data type, such as “Name,” “Email,” or “Price.”
5. Set Up Workflows
- Go to the Workflow Tab to define how your app will behave.
- Example: If you want a button to save data, select the button, then set a workflow that says “When this button is clicked, create a new entry in the database.”
- You can also set workflows for navigation (e.g., go to another page) and user actions (e.g., send an email).
6. Preview and Test
- Click on the Preview button to see how your app looks and functions in real-time.
- Test all the features to ensure everything is working as expected.
7. Launch Your App
- Once you’re happy with your app, you can publish it by going to the Settings Tab and connecting a custom domain (if you have one).
- Bubble offers hosting, so you don’t need to worry about servers.
8. Iterate and Improve
- Keep refining your app by adding new features, tweaking the design, or optimizing workflows.
- Gather feedback from users and make updates as needed.
9. Use Bubble’s Resources
- Bubble has a rich community, tutorials, and forums to help you out. If you get stuck, you can find answers or ask for help.
Are Bubble.io Developers Hireable?
Of course, you may choose to just have your app developed without having to learn how to utilize Bubble and other no-code solutions.
You can hire a standard developer to program your app on Bubble in the same way that you can pay one to build it there.
The distinction is Programming your software can take “regular” developers up to ten times longer than it would for a Bubble developer.
Developing an app on Bubble that costs $15–20k might need $75–100k in traditional development.
Initially, get in contact with agencies through Bubble’s agency website, which features a list of businesses that only utilize the Bubble platform.
What are the restrictions on Bubble.io?
A few product categories are not currently suitable for Bubble.io:
- Applications that require an internet connection to function
- Web-based mobile apps are supported, but fully native mobile apps (like Whatsapp or Uber) are preferred.
- apps with cutting-edge features and unique user interfaces (such machine learning algorithms and video editors)
But in October 2023, Bubble said that it will be improving its functionality and capacity with a number of changes detailed in its product roadmap. Among them are:
- launching a native mobile app developer by the middle of 2024
- Using AI-powered design by the middle of 2022 to develop web applications
- By mid-2024, improving large data processes for quicker processing
- By early 2024, the expression composer will be updated for improved usage.
- Enabling customized data on events output for better process organization by early
Can I create an AI application on Bubble.io?
Indeed! Bubble easily interfaces with AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E, allowing you to create cutting-edge and potent apps without the need for complex coding knowledge or specific engineering or data science knowledge. Discover how to include AI into your Bubble application.
How to integrate AI in your Bubble.io app?
Text and multimedia materials are created by generative AI for users. This implies that you are free to enter whatever scenario you can conceive of into the program in order to extract something. Depending on the features you want and the type of material you wish to produce (text, audio, images, codes, etc.), artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in your app to accomplish any of the following tasks:
Provide unique content by letting your app produce anything from a schedule to a blog post to an industry study, a bid proposal, or a children’s tale. AI applications that produce such things instead of connecting you to specialists who can generate them are going to threaten many of the marketplace apps over the last ten years.
- Analyze a ton of “stuff”: utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to have your app absorb data in many formats so it can make sense of the world. Examples of this type of data include summarizing documents, analyzing text, photos, and videos to identify and flag certain topics, and editing content to make it more coherent or better.
- Make choices: AI may assist your app in making decisions by anticipating future events, offering users individualized matches or suggestions, and outlining plans and tactics.
- Engage users: Chatbots may be included into any app to assist users in finding the answers to common inquiries regarding the platform. Alternatively, they might just be the service itself, providing virtual planners, consultants, trainers, counselors, etc.
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What is Bubble.io pricing? How much will it cost?
As of May 1, 2023, Bubble’s price structure is composed of four tiers, each providing distinct feature sets. Users can test out basic features with the free subscription, but advanced functionality and app deployment are not supported. The next plan offers additional features and starts at $29/$32 per month. Plans with more sophisticated features start at $119/$134 per month.
The price of developing a Bubble app varies according to the project’s complexity and whether you work with an agency or a freelance developer. The majority of the Bubble apps we create typically cost between $20 and $200k, depending on how complicated the feature set is.
Use our Bubble.io cost calculator to get an idea of how much your Bubble app will cost to run.
Is Bubble.io the best no-code tool?
Although “best” is a relative term, Bubble.io stands out for its adaptability and customizability if you’re searching for a no-code solution that resembles the freedom of coding. Bubble is the closest substitute for unique code since it excels at creating difficult, one-of-a-kind software, in contrast to other tools that concentrate on certain use cases (like Shopify for e-commerce) or tech stack components (like Airtable for databases).
Bubble.io is the primary building platform of our no-code development firm for this reason. It enables us to handle the broadest range of customer needs without worrying about running into a limit after several build rounds.
Is Bubble.io better than coding?
According to our research, Bubble.io is among the most potent, adaptable, and configurable no-code app builders available, which makes it a great substitute for conventional coding techniques. Although coding offers complete control and flexibility, it may be expensive and time-consuming and needs technical ability. This gap is filled by Bubble.io, which makes it considerably faster and less expensive for people without coding experience to construct complicated software for any use case.
But whether Bubble.io is a better option than coding depends on the details of your particular project. Even though Bubble allows you to create almost any kind of app a customer or company might want, there are some situations when traditional coding could be a better option. Among them are instances involving:
- Innovative technology, such as algorithms for machine learning
- large-scale initiatives with millions of users every day
Conclusion: Bubble.io
Building an app on Bubble.io is an accessible and powerful way to bring your ideas to life without coding. By following the steps outlined, you can create, design, and launch your app efficiently. With practice and exploration, you’ll continue to enhance your app and make it even more robust. Dive in and start building your vision today!