Webflow won’t make front end developers jobless: How to turn this foe into a BFF for life!
The first thought that comes to my mind is ‘Video killed the radio star’. This is so apt for a generation of front end developers like me who learnt C-language, coding, HTML and css3. Would webflow become a death knell for my career. I found out that it is the reverse. It can actually help me to move ahead and qualify myself as a seasoned developer. Here’s my story and this is how I became an integral part of the webflow developers’ mutual admiration society.
I am using it for sometime and this might remove the confusion from your mind too if you are hesitating to embrace webflow like many others. Let me explain the ‘No code web design’ theory and my experience will change your mind towards creating designs.
Breaking the ‘no code’ barrier
I constantly have to deal with designers and sometimes collaboration is quite painful. The workflow is often riddled with errors and patches that need to be modified. Ye, I have also wonder, ‘what if there was a ‘no code’ barrier that would not stifle creativity and I could move away from traditional web development.
I saw Webflow as an answer to several problems. Visual web tools seem to be a chunky idea that can support front end developers like me. I am self-taught and a few videos have been useful in my gaining experience for the last five years. By embracing this new format, I can see more than fringe benefits. I hope to make it my BFF for life (at least till the next tool) which will trend.
Finally, the universe is aligning to my desires and this is what Webflow is all about.
- It is not like website builders like Wix or Squarespac.
- Webflow offers hands-on stuff like responsive designs, box model, selectors and a very good visual interface.
- In the near future it could offer 3-D animation deliverables.
- Visual abstractions help the new generations who prefer the concept of ‘no code’.
Designers may not have to collaborate with developers in the coming years. But learning webflow will add a new skill set dimension for developers. The biggest advantage is that developers have a better working model of the platform which designers lack.
Why am I sold on Webflow?
I signed up on the website to understand what it is like. I actually downloaded the pro-version so I could play around and do some work. Since I learnt html and ccs3 (BTW, I also jquery and java script), I found it easy to work with. However, with experience I can say that these elements cannot be replaced even though Webflow threatens our services of web development. Those who think that without knowing html and css3 it will be easy to jump into the scene with this visual tool, they are are mistaken. If you know the basics like me then you may be able to work faster and make clients happy. But what you will be dealing with are new issues that only experienced front end developers can handle.
Let me give you a scenario to understand.
When coding is done, the website development takes about a week to be created and handed over the client. This is the typical timeline that most developers take when doing it in the traditional method by making the code by hand. The deliverables also have to undergo tests for browser compatibility. This could increase the deadline and delay the handover of website to the client.
When Webflow is used, the cut off time is reduced. The same time could be used to focus on the design and color platter and content. What I really liked about Webflow was that it is perfect for designing a site for mobiles and tablet screens. How cool is that? The biggest hurdle is crossed: no browser compatibility issues to struggle with.It is also easy to create complex apps for users.
As a fellow front end developer, you think it is a friend or a foe? Just as beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, it is the asme with this new trend. I have added it into my stack of goodies for clients. As webflow developers use the tool we all can accomplish much more than struggle with issues that need constant pushing. Don’t just create prototypes but make the real world site that satisfies the client.
Downplaying the threats
Before I leave you with thoughts wondering whether this is a good investment let me point out some more things. If you have learnt coding then you are already familiar with data structures, loops and conditionals. It is not always about coding, learn to break the barriers. Move on and embrace new tools like Webflow or be left behind! I am sure that like me, the ‘no code’ is not the only thing that will attract you to use it. It could support your work when it comes to CRM integration and e-commerce sites.
PS: Don’t expect Webflow to be the perfect tool for every project.
Author – Sreenivas Subramaniam has written blog posts on range of topics in digital marketing field. His blog posts have helped readers understand the topics better. He has worked with many internet marketing agencies in developing and promoting quality blog posts to many of the keen readers.
