Bubble.io
Hidden Challenges of Bubble Development
Nov 27, 2024
Introduction
No-code platforms like Bubble offer an exciting promise: anyone can create advanced applications without writing a single line of code. This idea is especially appealing for people without a traditional programming background. But beneath this easy-to-use surface, there are hidden challenges that can catch even the most eager no-code users off guard. In this article, we share our experience as experienced developers stepping into the world of Bubble and explore some of these unexpected complexities.
Our Unexpected Dive into Bubble
Our acquaintance with no-code development was unexpected. Our team consisted of seasoned Java and React developers who were comfortable working with complex systems. We took pride in building reliable, scalable applications from the ground up.
Then one day, an early-stage client approached us with an unusual request: they wanted their platform built using Bubble. At the time, none of us had heard of it. Bubble? It sounded more like a game for kids than a serious development tool.
Still, I was curious, so I decided to give this mystery platform a try. I spent the next two weeks immersed in Bubble's ecosystem and was genuinely surprised by how much I could accomplish. I built a working prototype in a fraction of the time it would’ve taken using traditional tools. The visual interface and pre-built components made the process smooth and efficient. It was like switching from hand tools to power tools — suddenly, everything moved faster.
But as exciting as that speed was, it also raised questions: how far could a platform like Bubble really take us? And at what point would we hit its limits?
The Limitations of No-Code for Newbies
For those getting into app development without a coding background, Bubble can seem like an exciting opportunity. The idea of building fully functional applications through a visual interface is undeniably attractive.
However, this ease of use can be deceptive. Without a basic understanding of programming principles, it’s easy build apps that are inefficient or difficult to maintain.
Take Bubble's responsive design engine as an example. It is built to help users create layouts that look good on any screen. But if someone is unfamiliar with layout systems like flexbox or unsure how margin and padding affect positioning, their design might behave unpredictably across different devices. This is more than an aesthetic concern. It can impact user experience and accessibility.
The same challenge applies to areas like data modeling, workflow logic, and performance optimization. These parts of app development require a level of technical understanding that is not always obvious when working in a drag-and-drop environmen. Newbies often run into problems they do not know how to solve simply because they lack the background to recognize what is going wrong.
Skepticism Among Traditional Developers
On the flip side, traditional developers often view no-code platforms with a fair amount of skepticism, if not outright suspicion. The idea of relying on a visual interface to handle key parts of an application can feel risky. Many developers are used to having full control over the code, and giving that up can be uncomfortable. There is often concern about not being able to fine-tune performance or troubleshoot technical issues with the same precision.
Scalability and vendor lock-in are also common worries. Developers question whether apps built with tools like Bubble can handle growth as user numbers rise. There is also the fear of becoming too dependent on a single platform, especially one that might change its pricing, policies, or features in the future. These concerns are rooted in a preference for control and stability, which are foundational qualities in software engineering.
The Indispensable Role of Seasoned Developers in No-Code Teams
Even with the concerns around no-code platforms, there is a strong case for involving experienced developers in no-code teams. Developers bring a level of expertise that can greatly improve the quality of applications built on platforms like Bubble. They understand best practices in architecture, security, and performance optimization — areas that are critical for any application that aims to succeed and grow.
For instance, when implementing API integrations,a developer can make sure data is handled properly and that the connection between systems is both secure and efficient. They also know how to design data models that perform well and are easy to maintain, ensuring that the application can scale as an app gains more users.
In addition to their technical skills, developers can support and guide team members who are new to app building. By sharing their experience, they help the whole team grow stronger. This kind of collaboration blends the speed and flexibility of no-code tools with the reliability and depth of traditional development.
Security and Planning Pitfalls in No-Code Projects
Security is one of the most important aspects of any application. In the rush to build quickly, no-code projects can sometimes miss key security steps. This can lead to apps being launched without proper user authentication, data encryption, or protection against common security threats.
Beyond security, a lack of careful planning can create other challenges. Projects may grow beyond their original scope, workflows can become inefficient, and technical debt can start to build up. Without guidance from someone with development experience, apps may become difficult to maintain or expand over time. This can limit how far the application can go and how long it can stay useful.
In some cases, teams may need to decide whether to rebuild certain parts of their app or refactor what already exists. This is not an easy choice, and it should be made thoughtfully — as discussed in this guide.
Scaling: The Heavy Lifting Behind the Scenes
Scalability is another key challenge, especially for applications that rely on complex calculations or process large amounts of data. In one of our projects, which focused on ship bunkering operations, the application needed to handle large datasets to calculate optimal routes and pricing models. When multiple users accessed these features at the same time, the server struggled to keep up. This led to slow responses and a noticeable drop in the overall user experience.
This kind of situation shows where no-code platforms can start to reach their limits. Their built-in backend systems are often not designed to support high-performance processing or large-scale usage on their own.
To address this, we looked into offloading the most resource-heavy tasks to external servers and cloud functions. This means that instead of handling all the work within the no-code platform, we offloaded the most demanding operations to high-performance services, which were then integrated with the main application.
We followed a few key steps in this process:
Identifying resouce-heavy processes
We reviewed the application to find which parts were slowing things down and using the most system resources.
Selecting the right services
We selected cloud-based tools and external servers that could handle the workload efficiently. These were chosen based on their performance and ability to scale as needed.
Connecting everything together
We made sure that these external services worked smoothly with the Bubble app. It was important to keep the user experience seamless and to make sure data remained accurate and secure.
This approach gave us two important benefits. First, the app performed much better under pressure. Second, we gained the flexibility to scale the system up or down depending on how many users we had. Many cloud platforms also offer pricing models based on actual usage, along with generous free tiers, which helped us keep costs under control.
Enhancing Data Security Within Bubble
Bubble has some limitations when it comes to detailed privacy controls, which can be a challenge for developers concerned with data security. Because it doesn’t support nested privacy rules at the database level, sensitive information might be more exposed than intended.
To address this, developers have come up with several creative solutions:
Custom Data Structures: Redefining how data is stored and accessed to better control what users can see.
Access Control Fields: Adding specific fields that define user access levels, helping to manage data visibility.
Advanced Workflows: Creating workflows that enforce security protocols within the app itself.
Partial Data Exposure: Allowing users to see some data fields while keeping others hidden, protecting privacy without limiting functionality.
These methods require a solid understanding of Bubble’s features and limits. They often involve more complex setups and careful planning. While they may not be as simple as built-in options, they show that it’s possible to significantly improve security within Bubble’s framework.
Conclusion: Building Robust Applications in a No-Code World
The rise of no-code platforms like Bubble marks a major change in how applications are developed. These tools make it possible for people without formal programming skills to build functional and creative apps. But this new accessibility also brings its own challenges.
By understanding the limits and potential issues of no-code development, we can take smart steps to address them. Bringing experienced developers into the process, focusing on careful planning and security, and finding creative solutions to technical limits are key to success.
In the end, the best results come from harnessing the best of both worlds: combining the speed of no-code platforms with the knowledge and discipline of traditional software engineering. This approach lets us build applications that are not only easy to create but also robust, scalable, and secure. It’s a partnership that opens up exciting possibilities for developers from all backgrounds and pushes the future of application development forward.
