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You're reading from  Democratizing No-Code Application Development with Bubble

Product typeBook
Published inApr 2024
PublisherPackt
ISBN-139781804610947
Edition1st Edition
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Author (1)
Caio Calderari
Caio Calderari
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Caio Calderari

Caio Calderari is a No-Code Expert, Startup Founder and Senior Product Designer with 17+ years of experience. Starting as a designer in 2005, he worked for advertising, digital agencies, corporate companies and startups worldwide. He learned no-code tools to be able to build his own startups and side projects and later decided to teach others too. In 2020, he created a YouTube channel about no-code tools offering courses and tutorials. By 2021, he became the Chief No-Code Officer at a U.S.-based company, helping entrepreneurs from various countries launch their startup ideas. Caio is a creative individual, passionate about sharing his knowledge. His goal is to bring no-code to more creators, helping them unlock this new world of possibilities.
Read more about Caio Calderari

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Preface

In today’s world, every company is a software company and needs to embrace technology. High and growing demand for tech solutions meets a shortage of skilled developers worldwide posing a hiring expenses challenge for companies.

The digital landscape is expanding at an unprecedented pace, and those who fail to incorporate technology into their operations risk being left behind or dying. Digital transformation is a strategic competitive advantage that can’t be ignored.

The key to thriving in this competitive tech-driven era lies in the rapid and cost-effective creation of software that delivers value to customers.

No-code tools offer a faster, more affordable software development alternative with a transformative approach to software development that allows more people to be able to build software. This revolution is allowing common people and company’s employees, with no prior technical skills and programming knowledge, to be able to build software faster, easier and more affordable.

No-Code, Low-Code Tools and Artificial Intelligence are groundbreaking solutions, enabling individuals to craft applications without the need for years of coding expertise. This is a game changing scenario that can help with the existing challenges we face in the software world. With intuitive drag-and-drop components and plain English logic, these tools open doors for learners of all backgrounds to embark on their software-building journey in a matter of months, not years.

During the pandemic No-Code tools became even more relevant, helping businesses migrate their physical operations to the internet, becoming digital, in a fast and affordable way. Since then, these tools have gained more market traction, investments and evolved over the years.

Leading the charge in the no-code revolution is Bubble, which represents one of the pioneers in the No-Code Revolution and that has one of the largest community and user base with more than 3 million users worldwide. Bubble is a powerful platform that empowers newcomers to construct remarkable web applications in a matter of weeks if not days.

Its accessibility has empowered companies to devise internal solutions, entrepreneurs to forge the path for their startup MVPs, and creatives to offer bespoke development services to clients. This book is an introduction to the no-code revolution, it is a way for creative people to be able to express their creativity by being able to build their dream solutions themselves, to build software and accomplish tasks, solve problems. As I discovered this amazing world of possibilities, I hope I can help you along the way by providing a little bit of help and guidance in your learning path.

Everyday individuals, driven by their ideas, wanting to change their reality and the world, can now turn them into reality without the steep learning curve traditionally associated with coding. This is the No-Code Revolution, and I am glad you are now a part of it. Welcome. Let’s No-Code!

Who this book is for

This book is for Aspiring No-Code Developers, Citizen Developers, Startup Founders, First Time Entrepreneurs, Designers, and Makers who want to learn, in a step-by-step manner and without using code, how to build web applications with Bubble, a no-code tool that can allow you to build a high-quality web application or website to serve your specific business objectives.

What knowledge do you need before getting started? You don’t need technical skills, you don’t need to know how to code or program, or how to design websites, apps or digital software. That is the beauty of no-code tools, it allows basically anyone to learn and be able to build digital applications. But if you do come from a technical background or have web design and development skills, that is also fine and helpful.

It is recommended you have at least familiarity with how the internet works, what a website is, how to install and use an app and how to use basic software like Spreadsheets and PowerPoint, for instance. This book is targeting beginners, so it won’t require any initial and specific technical knowledge or skill. If you know how to operate a computer and use the internet and common software, you will be ready to read the book and learn.

What this book covers

Chapter 1, Getting Started with Bubble.io - Exploring Bubble’s Features, This chapter is an introduction to Bubble, a powerful no-code platform for building web applications in a visual way. Readers will discover the fundamentals of the tool, examples of what you can build with it. Learn and explore its essential main features, like the visual editor. Practically learn step-by-step how to set up an account and workspace, and gain familiarity with the main and most important areas of the tool allowing them to get started with Bubble and no-code to build their first projects in a visual way, without code.

Chapter 2, Navigating the UI Builder Components Tab, This chapter will explore the UI Builder Components Tab, a crucial aspect of building web applications on Bubble.io. Readers will learn fundamental concepts such as the Elements Tree and its role in managing component visibility and conditional settings. Through practical examples, they’ll grasp key features of container components, input forms, and reusable elements, essential for crafting intuitive user interfaces. Additionally, readers will learn how to expand their toolkit by installing additional components from the Plugins Marketplace and gain valuable insights into efficient component management practices. By understanding these core features, readers will be equipped to navigate the UI sidebar with confidence and seamlessly build their own applications on Bubble.io.

Chapter 3, Building Blocks - Exploring Bubble’s UI Components, This chapter will cover the UI components available in Bubble, giving a comprehensive understanding of each element’s purpose and functionality. From essential visual elements like Text, Button, and Image to versatile containers such as Group and Popup, readers will learn how to utilize these building blocks to craft compelling page layouts for their digital applications. Additionally, through clear explanations and practical examples, readers will discover the power of reusable elements and learn how to efficiently incorporate them into their projects. By the end of this chapter, readers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate Bubble’s UI components and leverage them effectively in their own application development journey.

Chapter 4, Building Your First Bubble App – The Planning Phase, In this chapter, readers transition from exploring Bubble’s components to the essential planning phase of app development. Readers will learn skills to strategically plan their no-code applications, ensuring clarity and efficiency throughout the development process. By identifying target users, defining project goals, and outlining desired functionalities, readers lay a solid foundation for their projects, minimizing complexity and streamlining development. By the end of the chapter readers will have gained a holistic understanding of the planning process, setting the stage for successful app development.

Chapter 5, Layout and Styles, This chapter covers layout and style customization options. Readers will learn how to work on the visual aesthetics of their applications. By navigating the styles tab, readers gain essential skills to customize elements according to their preferences, including colors, typography, and layout structures. Understanding these customization options empowers readers to design beautifully crafted applications aligned with their brand’s style and guidelines. Through layout and design adjustments, readers enhance the overall user experience, creating visually appealing interfaces that captivate and engage users.

Chapter 6, Building User Interfaces with Bubble, In this chapter, readers will learn about responsive layouts and user interface design. Building upon the foundation established in the previous chapter on layouts and styles, readers will learn how to create responsive layouts that seamlessly adapt to diverse devices and screen sizes. Through exploration of Bubble’s responsive design features within the responsive editor, readers acquire the skills to craft visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. By mastering responsive layout creation and configuration, readers ensure their applications are accessible and optimized across various devices.

Chapter 7, Workflow Automation and Logic, This chapter introduces workflows and logic features, empowering readers with the skills to implement logic in their Bubble applications. Readers will learn how to configure workflows in elements, creating actions and triggers. Workflows serve as the essential “brain” of any Bubble application, orchestrating interactions between the front end and the database. By integrating front-end designs with the database through workflows, readers will be able to develop powerful applications efficiently. Additionally, readers will learn about back-end workflows, conditionals and logic statements, unlocking the potential for building advanced automations within their projects.

Chapter 8, Database Structuring, Relationships and Security, This chapter focuses on database structuring, relationships, and security within Bubble applications. Readers will learn what a database is, how to create one and establish relationships between data elements. Additionally, they will learn how to implement security measures to safeguard their database information. Through practical examples, readers will learn how to create databases, define data types and fields, and utilize workflows to populate databases with user information. By mastering the integration of databases and workflows, readers will acquire the skills needed to develop dynamic applications in Bubble.

Chapter 9, Extending Functionality with Plugins and APIs, This chapter is about Plugins and APIs. Readers will learn how to explore Bubble’s plugin ecosystem, the marketplace, learning how to seamlessly integrate their applications with external services using APIs and Plugins. They will also learn how to find, manage and install new plugins. Additionally, they will also learn about APIs and the API Connector plugin that allows integration between Bubble and any existing API from a third-party service. By the end of this chapter, readers will be empowered to expand the capabilities of their web applications, with the power of APIs and Plugins to accomplish a diverse range of tasks such as adding new components, collecting payment, using an external database and much more.

Chapter 10, Testing and Debugging Strategies, In this chapter readers will learn about existing features inside Bubble that allow them to test and debug their applications. They will also learn other methods and ways to test and debug their application, including various types of tools and user testing. This is a practical guide to testing and debugging your application effectively. By mastering these techniques, they will be equipped to identify and resolve issues, ensuring a seamless user experience and application performance.

Chapter 11, Deploying and Launching Your App (Publishing), In this chapter, readers will learn how to deploy and launch their application in a practical way. They will learn about the deployment process, from thorough preparation to the actual launch, with a practical checklist ensuring a seamless and successful deployment experience. By the end of this chapter, they will be equipped with the necessary skills to confidently navigate the deployment process, including revising, previewing, and testing their app. Additionally, they will learn how to set up a custom domain and effectively launch your app to the public, making it accessible to users worldwide.

Chapter 12, Monitoring, Maintenance, and Updates (Apps Governance), This chapter will teach about app management, focusing on monitoring, maintenance, and updates to ensure the optimal performance of an existing application. It will cover Workload Units (WUs) and explain how these metrics quantify resource utilization and impact operational costs. Readers will also learn about version control, updates, and app governance, vital for effective management of no-code applications. Monitoring app performance and user analytics, alongside addressing maintenance and user feedback, will be emphasized to ensure sustained success post-deployment. By the end of this chapter, readers will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage and optimize your app for long-term success.

Chapter 13, Optimizing Performance and Scalability, The reader will learn about performance and optimization and how to improve the application as the user base starts to grow. The chapter covers tips on how to improve the app’s overall performance, scalability, and the user experience. It will cover some of the best practices and provide advice for efficient app design, performance and scalability covering strategies to handle databases, workflows and creating interfaces that resonate with users and provide a pleasant experience which also impacts on the perceived performance of your application.

In this book we covered essential topics for you to learn Bubble and get started in your no-code journey building digital applications in a visual way. We also covered about project planning, user experience, performance and optimization. Finally, life cycle management concerns particular to Premium capacity features were explored.

This book has been all about how to enable you to enter the no-code universe and start building your own app ideas on your own. We hope you have enjoyed this book and are now confident in how to apply this knowledge to build amazing digital applications with no-code. Welcome to the No-Code space, welcome to the no-code revolution!

In this book, you’ve entered the world of Bubble and no-code development, learning the essential knowledge and skills to embark on your no-code journey with confidence. We’ve started with the basics of the Bubble, guiding you through the possibilities and examples until the creation of your first account and project. You also learned about interfaces, layout and style techniques for crafting responsive and visually appealing applications, this book has equipped you with the skills needed to understand the foundations about design and how to manipulate layouts effectively. You’ve learned how to enhance front-end functionality by implementing conditionals and logic to manipulate elements dynamically, ensuring an engaging user experience. Additionally, you’ve gained insights into managing databases securely, controlling access to public and private data to safeguard sensitive information.

We’ve explored backend functionality and workflows to automate processes and streamline operations. Furthermore, you’ve explored the integration of APIs, learning how to seamlessly connect Bubble with third-party services to extend the capabilities of your applications. You’ve uncovered basic tips and strategies to enhance the performance of your apps, ensuring smooth and efficient operation even under heavy usage. From minimizing load times to optimizing database queries, you now have the tools to create high-performing applications that deliver a seamless user experience.

In addition to these core topics, you’ve also gained insights into project planning, user experience design, and project management. By covering a wide range of essential topics, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive foundation to kickstart your journey in building digital applications visually using Bubble and No-Code.

This book is about much more than just learning Bubble. It’s about empowering you to unleash your creativity, turn your ideas into reality, and make a meaningful impact in the digital landscape. It is about the democratization that comes with no-code and tools like Bubble, allowing non-technical and technical people to work faster and more effectively building software that can help other people and solve real problems. We’ve provided practical guidance, step-by-step instructions, and valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of app development with ease.

To get the most out of this book

Create a Bubble account. The free plan will work for beginners. If you wish to publish your app and test premium features, an upgrade is recommended.

Read the book and put learnings into practice, your actual learning will come from using the tool, so make sure you apply the knowledge in a practical way.

Research more about topics and subjects you are interested in. Bubble is a big and complex tool, it would be very hard to cover everything needed in a single book, so it is recommended you keep learning as you go and search for more content during your no-code learning journey.

Bubble is a web tool that runs on your browser. You won’t need to install anything on your computer or update it. To use it, simply go to their website https://bubble.io and create an account, log in and start building. Updates will happen automatically, you won’t need to do anything, unless the Bubble team does tell you to do anything to update your app. You also won’t need to save your app and work in progress when using the editor, changes are automatically saved, just make sure you are online.

To use Bubble all you need is an account, a simple computer and internet connection, that’s it.

Software/hardware covered in the book

Operating system requirements

Bubble

Windows, macOS, or Linux

Google Chrome

Windows, macOS, or Linux

Disclaimer:

Please note that all screenshots from this book are taken at the time of writing. They may vary due to updates made to the Bubble interface.

Conventions used

Bold: Indicates a new term, an important word, or words that you see onscreen. For instance, words in menus or dialog boxes appear in bold. Here is an example: "You can also check the My Templates item under your account."

Tips or important notes

Appear like this.

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Author (1)

author image
Caio Calderari

Caio Calderari is a No-Code Expert, Startup Founder and Senior Product Designer with 17+ years of experience. Starting as a designer in 2005, he worked for advertising, digital agencies, corporate companies and startups worldwide. He learned no-code tools to be able to build his own startups and side projects and later decided to teach others too. In 2020, he created a YouTube channel about no-code tools offering courses and tutorials. By 2021, he became the Chief No-Code Officer at a U.S.-based company, helping entrepreneurs from various countries launch their startup ideas. Caio is a creative individual, passionate about sharing his knowledge. His goal is to bring no-code to more creators, helping them unlock this new world of possibilities.
Read more about Caio Calderari