At Unqork, we believe that by eliminating the need to write a single line of code we can make application development more accessible, efficient, and collaborative. With our new Component Configuration Experience, we’ve made it easier than ever to build powerful, scalable, enterprise-ready applications in a fraction of the time it would take using code.
#CodeIsOverParty
With traditional code-based development, humans translate business ideas into commands that machines understand. Many of us have just accepted this as a given because it’s the way it’s always been done. However, once you remove code from the process, you begin to realize how needlessly cumbersome it is.
With a configuration-based approach, custom software is developed via an entirely visual environment. Instead of writing code, developers (or “Creators” as we call them at Unqork) visually string-together individual components representing user-facing elements or application logic. Each component is customized—or configured—by manipulating settings through a familiar, simplified UI.
All the versatility and power of code is there, but none of the frustrations or needless complexity. All elements just work together. The platform handles all the technical details on the back-end, so Creators can spend all their time focusing on business logic and user experience.
Configuration is inherently faster and more accessible than code—and it’s about to get even better. Today, we’re announcing the release of our most substantial configuration update to date, which has been designed to deliver an even more powerful, flexible, and intuitive Creator experience.
This update touches over 31 of our most commonly-used components (with the rest shortly thereafter) and will benefit Creators with:
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Increased Speed: Creators will be able to configure applications even faster and more efficiently
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Reduced Errors: Intelligent guardrails will empower Creators to build more confidently with fewer issues
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Improved Usability: Components have been made more intuitive and user friendly
Let’s jump into a few of the improvements Creators should expect:
An Even More Streamlined Interface
With this latest update, we’ve simplified and/or eliminated many steps that were previously needed to achieve the same outcome. Configuration can be achieved faster and with a reduced cognitive load, but the platform still maintains the power and flexibility it’s always had for those who needed it.
Case in point: The process of building a column previously required multiple interactions, mental math (e.g., total width must = 12), and required understanding Bootstrap, a CSS framework. The old process even prominently featured the rarely-used Offset and Push modifiers, which few Creators use in practice.
Now, Creators can achieve the same result by simply selecting from a visual list of commonly used column layouts. For those who need to build more complex layouts, the “Custom” option can provide full flexibility and control.
Before:
Latest Update:
While removing one or two steps may not seem like it would make a huge impact, consider that Creators will make hundreds of changes (if not thousands) over the course of developing an application. So, in addition to being inherently easier, it can end up saving a lot of time over the long run.
New Intelligent Guardrails
With contextual settings, smart defaults, and standardized input types, the platform will help Creators configure with confidence and avoid errors. With our latest update, we hope to get Creators spending more time developing, and less time debugging.
Now, as Creators build, relevant configuration options are dynamically and contextually displayed to the user. For example, when a Creator selects the Action type on a button component, the system displays only relevant settings and automatically removes any configurations that could potentially create a conflict.
This not only helps to reduce the burden on the user but also helps reduce the number of bugs because it prevents invalid configurations from being introduced into applications in the first place.
A Flattened Learning Curve
The no-code revolution is relatively new and we want everyone to take part. Our latest update offers hundreds of new instances of robust contextual help content to help users spend less time on trial and error, and more time finding the results they need.
Before: “What does this setting do and what are the possible types?”
After: Easier layout, better information
The Experience clearly displays relationships and dependencies between settings so Creators can readily deduce what a setting does based on its relationship to other settings rather than having to guess or read the product documentation.
New reflexive settings guide Creators through the configuration process. The new Experience presents additional relevant settings one will need to configure next. That’s the UI providing a clear path, which is certainly helpful for those first getting to know the system.
Improved Collaboration
Team collaboration and documentation are crucial when it comes to building complex applications. The new Notes section allows users to document the intended functionality, implementation details, dependencies, and other important details as part of better making it easier to collaborate on complex applications with colleagues spread out across different offices, departments, and timezones.
Intuitive User-Centric Navigation
Our new update logically groups together settings under the Display, Actions, Data, and Validation sections, so users can intuitively find settings across all components. This new layout was developed in partnership with Creators and designed around how users behave on the platform.
Similar or related settings are now grouped together so it’s easier to find the right settings faster (e.g., custom error messages are now available right alongside relevant validation settings, so users can find the setting faster and maintain context). The updated layout naturally creates areas of focus and guides users through the configuration, streamlining the process for beginners and power-users alike.
Unqork’s New Component Configuration Experience for our most commonly used components will be available to all users by the end of August and the remaining ones will be rolled out over the next two months.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
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