What Is Bubble And Is It Worth Using?

Rokas Jurkėnas
October 3, 2024
August 9, 2024
What Is Bubble And Is It Worth Using?

If you are into software development or no-code tools, you have probably heard of Bubble. But how does it work? Is it worth the time to learn it, or is it better to stick to traditional coding? This article will explore what Bubble is, how it functions, and if it's worth your time. Take a look at its features and see if it is a good fit for your needs.

What is Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is a visual programming platform that allows users to build web applications without writing traditional code. It provides a drag-and-drop interface for building interactive web apps tailored to various needs, such as enterprise-level solutions or startups.

Features of Bubble

It offers a wide range of features that will appeal to both beginners and expert Bubble users:

No-Code Development: Build any web application without coding. Create interactive, multi-user applications for desktop and mobile. Includes tools to build sites like Facebook or Airbnb.

Customizable UX: Manage data, accounts, and integrate with anything. Build user navigation logic click by click.

Design freedom: Create mobile-friendly layouts and dynamic content. Drag and drop elements to create pixel-perfect designs without HTML or CSS.

Hosting: Scale with a secure hosted infrastructure. Bubble handles server maintenance, infrastructure, and operations. Scale as your user base grows.

Growth Tools: Grow and engage your customer base. Integrate email and SEO tools. Measure and track behavior to make better decisions.

Collaboration: Share the workload with up to 40 employees. Customize permissions and access for team members.

External Services: Connect with external services through APIs. Integrate functionalities from other software systems and hardware, such as payment gateways, authentication providers, and IoT devices, enhancing application performance and flexibility.

What apps can you build with Bubble?

Bubble.io is a powerful no-code platform that allows users to build various web applications. Here are some of the types of applications you can build with Bubble.io:

  • E-commerce Stores: Online shops where users can browse and purchase products.
  • Social Media Platforms: Apps similar to Facebook or Twitter, where users can post updates, share media, and connect with others.
  • CRM Systems: Customer relationship management systems for tracking interactions and managing customer data.
  • Event Booking Platforms: Sites where users can book tickets for events, concerts, or conferences.
  • Appointment Scheduling Apps: Tools for booking appointments with professionals like doctors, lawyers, or consultants.
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Udemy or Coursera where users can enroll in courses and access learning materials.
  • Tutoring Platforms: Apps that connect students with tutors for one-on-one sessions.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Apps for tracking stock levels, orders, and deliveries.
  • Expense Trackers: Tools for tracking personal or business expenses.
  • Financial Planning Apps: Platforms for budgeting and financial planning.
  • HR Management Systems: Apps for managing employee records, payroll, and recruitment.
  • Custom ERP Solutions: Enterprise resource planning tools tailored to specific business needs.
  • Blogs and News Sites: Platforms for publishing articles, news, and multimedia content.
  • Property Listing Sites: Websites where users can list, search, and view properties for sale or rent.
  • Real Estate Management Tools: Apps for managing properties, tenants, and leases.
  • Mobile Apps: While Bubble currently lacks a specific engine for building native apps to be deployed on application stores, users can create hybrid mobile apps that access more native features compared to traditional web applications. This flexibility allows for the development of both native and hybrid mobile apps. Although, native app development will be released very soon.

These are just a few examples of Bubble apps you can create. Compared to some other no-code tools, if you can think it, you can build it in Bubble.

How much does Bubble cost per month?

The Bubble platform offers several pricing plans per month. The Starter plan costs $29 per month, the Growth plan is $119 per month, and the Team plan is $349. These prices are billed annually, and a Free plan is available for projects under construction.

What programming language does Bubble.io use?

According to Bubble, their platform is a true programming language. Others say that the Bubble platform integrates JavaScript modules, CSS, and HTML to create a functional Node.js application. Its language is based on JSON.

Is Bubble app safe?

The Bubble platform is as safe as you make it. While it is safe in itself with tons of safety measures, like a car, you can still drive into a wall. But if you are interested in its safety features here are they:

  • User Authentication: Built-in system with password hashing, salting, encryption, email confirmation, 2FA, and SSO integration.
  • Privacy Rules: Customizable, natural language-defined visibility and access settings.
  • Industry Standards: Utilizes AWS and Cloudflare, SOC 2 Type II compliant, pen tested, and GDPR compliant.
  • Compliance: SOC 2 Type II and GDPR standards.
  • Notable Clients: Shopify, Hubspot, HP, VMWare, L'Oreal, Lyft, Yamaha, Danone.
  • User Testimonials: Trusted by industry leaders for data security.
  • Logging & Recovery: Extensive logs and point-in-time data recovery.
  • DDoS Protection: Combined in-house and Cloudflare protection.
  • Vulnerability Testing: Automated code testing, OWASP Top 10, continuous monitoring, and annual pen tests.
  • Encryption: TLS in transit and RDS AES-256 at rest.
  • AWS Security: Built on AWS, supporting 143 security standards.

Examples of successful Bubble projects

Here are some notable examples of successful Bubble projects across various industries:  

Roadside Assistance System with iOS & Android App

This app aimed to improve roadside assistance by making data processes more efficient. It introduced the Easy Assistance system for customers and the Easy App for technicians. It features real-time tracking, various user roles, and smooth data integration.

The app has a help desk, a map of partner locations, real-time updates, and a photo feature. It makes it easy to handle large data sets. It eliminates manual data entry and improves service request management.

Calculations and Valuation Modelling Platform for Life Science Companies

This application provides an advanced, easy-to-use solution for asset valuation and deal modeling. It helps simplify complex calculations and allows users to track pipeline value, perform sensitivity analysis, and compare valuations over time. The platform supports task management, exportable PDF reports, and a super admin dashboard for client management.

Built with Bubble.io, the tool uses custom coding to handle complex calculations, optimizing functionality and improving the user experience. This project demonstrates the power of combining no-code solutions with custom extensions to create a powerful, efficient platform for life sciences companies.

Is Bubble the best no-code tool?

Bubble is one of the best no-code tools available. Here’s why:

Speed

Bubble allows for quick development and deployment of web applications, making it ideal for quickly validating business ideas. Users can use a variety of templates to get started with minimal coding skills.

Easy content updates

Bubble is easy to use, allowing non-technical users to easily update website content without the need for a developer.

Powerful

Bubble offers a wide range of features, including custom API integrations, workflow modifications with custom code, and a variety of plugins. This makes it ideal for creating highly functional and customized web applications.

Affordability

Bubble offers a free basic plan with scalable pricing for more advanced features. This makes it accessible to small businesses and startups.

Free resources

There are plenty of free resources, tutorials, and a supportive community to help users learn and maximize the platform's potential.

Upcoming features

Bubble is constantly improving, with upcoming features aimed at improving mobile app development, responsive design, and the overall user experience.

If no-code development is not for you, you should consider hiring Bubble developers, as it will still be less expensive than hiring traditional developers.

Final thoughts

Bubble.io offers a unique way to create web apps with its visual programming platform. It's easy to use, even for beginners. Users can create web apps like e-commerce stores and social media platforms. It's a great choice for building interactive apps without writing code.

Bubble saves time with quick development and deployment. You can create visually appealing and functional apps with a customizable UX and design freedom. Bubble also handles hosting, ensuring a secure and scalable infrastructure.

It might take some time to learn how to use it, but there are lots of resources and a helpful community to help you. Overall, Bubble is a good choice for no-code development because it has lots of features, is affordable, and is easy to use.

References

https://bubble.io/faq

https://idealink.tech/blog/3-reasons-why-bubble-is-our-favourite-no-code-tool

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Rokas Jurkėnas

Founder
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Rokas is an entrepreneur and a No Code expert in one. He has founded two businesses, Idea Link, the leading No Code agency in the Baltic States, and Scantact, an online and on-site event management solution for expos, trade shows and fairs with lead retrieval functionality. He is the most prominent voice on the topic of No Code in Lithuania, having spoken twice in Login, the leading innovation conference in the country, sharing his knowledge in social media and news outlets.

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