No-code tools have been around much longer than you might think.
It all started in 1955
One no-code tool from 1987 completely changed the business and finance world
Visual web builders like Webflow were around since 1995
The evolution of no-code since 1955



The evolution of no-code since 1955

1955-1960: FLOW-MATIC and later COBOL were developed.
The first programming languages to use English rather than mathematical symbols. Designed to make it easier for businessmen to use computers. Technically still code, but a lot easier to use.
The first programming languages to use English rather than mathematical symbols. Designed to make it easier for businessmen to use computers. Technically still code, but a lot easier to use.
1983: VisiCalc.
Considered by some to be the first no-code tool. Spreadsheet software that enabled anyone with an Apple II to perform calculations on data without the need for programming.
Considered by some to be the first no-code tool. Spreadsheet software that enabled anyone with an Apple II to perform calculations on data without the need for programming.
1987: Microsoft Excel.
Possibly the first no-code software to see mass adoption. It revolutionized the business and finance world, and is still widely used today.
Possibly the first no-code software to see mass adoption. It revolutionized the business and finance world, and is still widely used today.
1995: Microsoft Frontpage.
Commonly seen as the first no-code website builder. The interface closely resembles the end-result, just like Webflow today.
Commonly seen as the first no-code website builder. The interface closely resembles the end-result, just like Webflow today.
2003: Wordpress.
Completely changed the way modern websites are built. An estimated 40% of the web runs on Wordpress.
Completely changed the way modern websites are built. An estimated 40% of the web runs on Wordpress.
2006-2007: Due to the success of Wordpress, many other website builders were created. Weebly, Wix, Jimbo and Shopify. They advertised with not needing to know code to build a website.
2008-2011: After Shopify, many other e-commerce tools were created like Magento (2008), PrestaShop (2008), BigCommerce (2009) and of course Gumroad (2011).
2013-present: In 2013 Webflow was released into the world, marketing itself with âwebsites without codeâ. It would take another 8 yrs before they used the term âno-codeâ on their frontpage. In the meantime hundreds of no-code tools have been developed that we now know & love.