Introduction
In recent years, the world of software development has witnessed a transformative shift towards no-code development platforms. These platforms offer individuals with little to no coding experience the ability to create powerful web applications and websites. In this article we are going to take a precise look at Wized, which has emerged as a robust and user-friendly platform that empowers individuals and businesses to bring their ideas to life without writing a single line of code.
Like videos? Join Olya, our talented Webflow developer, in the video tutorial about the perfect combo of Webflow and Wized for full-stack web development.
Wized Overview
Wized is a powerful cloud-based no-code development platform specifically designed for Webflow. It enables users to effortlessly create fully connected web applications with advanced features. With Wized's intuitive visual interface and drag-and-drop approach, users can design and build functional websites and web apps without the need for coding.
What makes Wized different from regular Webflow integrations with other apps is that Webflow platform is a core for Wized and it is built specifically for Webflow and builds the web application on top of Webflow front-end. It doesn’t use CMS, like other applications, but manages data, creates logic, performs actions and so on based on the REST API of databases.
By combining the capabilities of Wized and Webflow, users can leverage features like member areas, payment system integration, and seamless data import/export to create robust and visually appealing applications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, Wized empowers you to bring your ideas to life efficiently and effectively.
Key Features and Capabilities:
1. User-Friendly Interface: Wized boasts a user-friendly interface that eliminates the steep learning curve associated with traditional web development. The platform provides an extensive library of pre-built components, templates, and design elements, enabling users to easily customize their projects according to their unique requirements.
2. Drag-and-Drop Functionality: One of the standout features of Wized is its powerful drag-and-drop functionality. Users can effortlessly add elements to their projects, arrange them on the canvas, and customize their appearance and behavior, all without writing any code.
3. Template Library: Wized offers a range of professionally designed templates that serve as a starting point for users. Users can choose a template that aligns with their vision and customize it to create a unique web presence.
4. Collaboration and Publishing: Wized provides robust collaboration features, allowing teams to work together seamlessly on a project. Users can invite team members, share feedback, and collaborate in real time, ensuring a smooth development process. Once the project is ready, Wized provides a hassle-free publishing process, making it easy to deploy websites and web applications to the web with a few simple clicks.
5. Integrations and Extensions: To enhance the functionality of projects, Wized offers integrations with popular third-party tools and services. This enables users to integrate payment gateways, analytics, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and more, providing a comprehensive solution for their business needs.
While Wized positions itself as an alternative to tools like Memberstack, Outseta, Bubble, and Jetboost for web application development, it is important to note that, like any web app, Wized may not be inherently SEO-friendly. To ensure optimal SEO performance, it is recommended to develop the front-end of your project using Webflow, while utilizing Wized for enhancing the web app's functionality.
Do they have good learning resources?
Yes, Wized provides a range of learning resources to help users get started and make the most of the platform. These resources include tutorials, documentation, and community support. Here are some details about their learning resources:
- Tutorials: Wized offers tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions, examples, and best practices to guide users through different aspects of using the platform.
- Documentation: Wized has comprehensive documentation that serves as a reference guide, offering detailed explanations, instructions, examples, and troubleshooting tips for navigating the platform effectively.
- Community Support: Wized has an active community of users and online support channels where users can seek guidance, share experiences, and get help when needed.
- Customer Support: Wized provides customer support through channels like email or chat, offering responsive assistance for user queries and technical issues.
By offering a combination of tutorials, documentation, community support, and direct customer support, Wized ensures that users have access to various learning resources to enhance their understanding and proficiency with the platform. Whether users prefer self-paced learning through tutorials and documentation or seek assistance from the community or support team, Wized strives to provide the necessary resources to support users at every stage of their journey with the platform.
How much is it?
Wized's pricing structure appears to be transparent and straightforward, aligning with the company's commitment to simplicity. The range of plans caters to various project sizes and accommodates different levels of website traffic.
The Micro Plan stands out as a notable offering, providing free access to the platform indefinitely. This allows users to explore and test Wized without any financial commitment, which is a compelling feature for those starting out or on a limited budget.
The inclusion of fair use page views in the Micro Plan is a reasonable approach, ensuring that users can still benefit from the service while maintaining a balance between free access and sustainable resource allocation.
The tiered pricing of the Small, Medium, and Large plans correlates with the increasing scale of page views, providing a scalable solution for growing websites. It's commendable that all plans include a custom domain name, premium support, team workspaces, project cloning, access to templates, and "all the other good stuff." These additional features enhance the value proposition for users across all plan levels.
Overall, Wized's pricing structure appears competitive and well-designed to cater to the needs of developers and website owners. The clear breakdown of features and costs provides transparency and allows users to make informed decisions.
How Wized uses Webflow for ui?
Wized utilizes Webflow platform as the underlying UI (User Interface) framework for its platform. Webflow is renowned for its intuitive visual interface and powerful design capabilities, making it an ideal foundation for Wized's user experience.
When using Wized, users can leverage Webflow's drag-and-drop functionality to create and customize their UI elements. They can easily arrange and position components, modify styling properties, and define interactions — all within the familiar Webflow environment. Wized seamlessly integrates with Webflow, allowing users to access and utilize Webflow's extensive library of pre-built components, templates, and design elements to enhance their UI design.
The combination of Wized's additional features and Webflow's robust UI capabilities provides users with a comprehensive toolkit for designing stunning and functional user interfaces. Wized augments Webflow's UI capabilities by adding specialized features like member areas, payment system integration, and data import/export functionalities, enabling users to create dynamic and interactive web applications without the need for coding.
By building on top of Webflow platform, Wized benefits from the responsive design capabilities inherent in the platform. Webflow's responsive features ensure that UI elements created within Wized adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices, delivering a consistent and optimized user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
In summary, Wized harnesses Webflow's powerful UI framework, combining it with its own features and functionalities, to provide users with a seamless and intuitive environment for designing and customizing visually appealing and interactive user interfaces for their web applications.
Wized tutorial
Let’s have a quick walk through how it works and what is the development process. First of all you’ll need to create separate projects in both Webflow and Wized.
Step 1. Preparing a Webflow Project
As we already mentioned Webflow is used for the front-end of your project, so here you don’t have to set up CMS collections, yet you will need all the visual elements to be built here including different states of elements.
For a proper communication between front-end and back-end Wized, like Finsweet, uses custom attributes for each functional element.
If you are not familiar with attributes or the naming system, there are the articles in Intelligence Centre on adding Wized attributes and proper elements naming.
Step 2. Connecting with a Wized project
While creating a new Wized app, you will have to set up your project - Enter project name, paste webflow.io subdomain to connect both projects and paste code embed from the Wized in the body of your Webflow project.
Step 3. Add Apps and data management
After entering your project, you can add any needed apps to your project by choosing app in My Apps tab and adding an api group base url that can be found in settings of the app you are connecting to.
Once it is done, you can move on to creating requests in Data In and Data Out tabs, actions and authentication processes.
- Data In
Data in helps you get data from an external source, and use that data in your web app. In this panel, you can build requests, and change, sort or filter incoming data.
- Actions
The Actions panel is used to add interactivity to your web apps. You can use actions to trigger requests, render items on your page, and much more.
- Data out
The Data Out panel lets you create, manage, and organize all of your apps' POST, PUT (PATCH) or DELETE requests.
- Authentication
The Auth panel helps you manage user authentication, and content protection for your web app. This lesson will show you how to add advanced signup, and login functionality to Webflow.
Also you can use Filtering and sorting with Finsweet Attributes with Wized functionality and having it working perfectly.
Step 4. Creating actions on Authentication example
After creating the needed pages with all needed element, you will have to add Webflow attributes to those. In Wized you will be able to see the elements with attributes, those that you can manipulate, highlighted in X-ray mode.
To create a new Authentication request, you have to enter the Auth tab and choose an app.
Afterwards a Data Out Create new user request will appear.
Most fields will be prefilled for you, but you will have to check and adapt the fields to fit your requests and bind the fields. Some of those fields will require logic to be set, some will need you to set triggers to start actions, some actions will need redirects, methods, after requests to be set.
To create an authentication in Wized you will need to:
- Set up auth requests
- Display server error messages
- Store the request response in a cookie
- Load users
- Set up complex access control rules
- Display loaders
- Show/hide elements based on request states
So it really requires the understanding of web development principles and might look complicated at the beginning, but with an intelligence center and plenty of tutorials, practice will make perfection even if you don’t have much experience.
If you want to recreate Maya e-commerce store yourself or start with a less complex and still powerful clonable app from Wized, follow this link to Wized showcase. Also Wized had announced that 30 cloneable projects will be available at the platform soon.
Security
The security of web applications is of utmost importance to protect sensitive user data and ensure the integrity of the application. When it comes to Wized apps, several considerations need to be taken into account regarding their security measures:
Secure Data Transfer: Wized emphasizes the use of HTTPS protocol, which encrypts the communication between users and the web application. This ensures that data transmitted between the user's browser and the application remains secure and protected from eavesdropping or unauthorized access.
Authentication and Authorization: Wized does not handle authentication and user management directly, as it primarily focuses on front-end development. However, it allows integration with external authentication services or APIs, such as Firebase Authentication or Auth0. Implementing proper authentication and authorization mechanisms is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and features within the application.
External API Security: Wized provides the ability to connect to external REST APIs for integrating with backend services or accessing external data sources. It's essential to consider the security measures implemented by the external APIs being utilized, such as API key authentication, rate limiting, and data encryption. Careful consideration should be given to ensure that these APIs follow best practices for security.
Webflow Security: Wized is built on top of Webflow, which is a widely used website design and hosting platform. Webflow has its own security protocols and practices in place to safeguard user data and protect against common vulnerabilities.
Input Validation and Sanitization: Building secure applications requires proper input validation and sanitization to prevent common web vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or SQL injection attacks. Although Wized is primarily focused on front-end development, it's important to follow secure coding practices and implement appropriate input validation and sanitization techniques to mitigate these risks.
Server and Infrastructure Security: While Wized does not handle the server-side infrastructure, it's crucial to ensure that the hosting environment used for deploying the web application follows security best practices. This includes regular security updates, firewall configurations, access controls, and secure data storage practices.
User Privacy: Wized apps should adhere to privacy regulations and best practices for handling user data. This includes obtaining proper consent for data collection and processing, securely storing user data, and providing users with control over their personal information.
It's important to note that the responsibility for ensuring the security of a Wized app extends beyond the platform itself. Developers and app owners should take proactive steps to implement secure coding practices, regularly update dependencies, and conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, while Wized provides a framework for front-end development and API integration, the overall security of a Wized app depends on various factors, including proper authentication, secure data transfer, integration with secure APIs, and adherence to security best practices throughout the development process. By implementing these measures and following security guidelines, developers can create secure and reliable web applications using Wized.
Wized vs. Classic Coding
In the realm of web app development, the choice between using innovative tools like Wized + Webflow + database integration (comparing no-code backends) and traditional classic coding can significantly impact your development process and project outcomes.
Wized + Webflow combined with a database integration offers a visual and streamlined approach to web app development while providing robust data management capabilities. Let's explore how it compares with classic coding:
1. Rapid Development and Design Control:
Wized + Webflow + database integration empowers developers to build web applications efficiently with its visual interface and intuitive design capabilities. Webflow's design control extends seamlessly to the integration with a database, allowing for easy creation of dynamic and data-driven applications.
Classic coding requires developers to write code from scratch, which can be time-consuming, especially when managing complex data interactions.
2. Database Integration and Backend Handling:
Integrating a database, such as Airtable, with Wized + Webflow platform, enables developers to leverage a robust data management system. This allows for seamless data storage, retrieval, and updates, enhancing the application's functionality.
Classic coding also offers database integration but requires developers to write custom backend code to handle data interactions, including querying, validation, and persistence.
3. Learning Curve and Accessibility:
Wized + Webflow + database integration lowers the entry barrier for developers, especially those with limited coding experience. The visual interface and simplified data management workflows make it accessible to a broader range of professionals. Additionally, the availability of Wized and Webflow tutorials further aids in facilitating the learning process.
Classic coding, however, demands proficiency in programming languages, frameworks, and database management, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
4. Scalability and Performance:
Both approaches can create scalable and performant web applications. Wized and Webflow + database integration provides a solid foundation for scaling applications, benefiting from Webflow's optimized front-end and the database's scalable infrastructure.
Classic coding offers complete control over performance optimization, as developers can fine-tune every aspect of the application, including database queries and server configurations.
5. Development Time and Labor Costs:
Wized + Webflow + database integration can significantly reduce development time due to its visual interface and streamlined workflows. This reduction in development time can translate into cost savings, as it requires fewer labor hours compared to traditional coding.
Classic coding, on the other hand, often involves more extensive development and coding efforts, leading to increased labor costs.
Below is an example of a web app's development requirements:
- Authentication
- Multiple Roles
- Live Text Chat
- Real-Time Communication
- Geolocation Services
- Payments and Purchasing
- Admin Panel
- Customer Support
In terms of development time estimation, for a no-code development approach, the estimated time is 168 hours, while for traditional development, it is estimated to be 664 hours.
⭐Wow, the no-code solution is four times faster!
By the way, you can verify this yourself by using our no-code development calculator. It's a free tool designed to assist you in estimating the approximate time and costs required to develop your future app using a no-code approach.
6. Maintenance and Updates:
With Wized + Webflow + database integration, maintenance and updates are generally handled by the platform providers. This means you can benefit from regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches without incurring additional costs.
Classic coding, however, may require ongoing maintenance and updates, which could result in additional expenses.
7. Scalability and Hosting Costs:
Wized + Webflow + database integration leverages the scalability and hosting infrastructure provided by the platform. As your user base grows, the costs associated with scaling and hosting your web app will typically increase. However, these costs are often transparent and predictable, with different pricing tiers available based on your application's needs.
In classic coding, scalability and hosting costs depend on the infrastructure and hosting provider you choose, which may involve separate fees and more complex cost management.
Comparing Bubble and Wized
Bubble and Wized are both powerful no-code web app development tools that empower users to create functional and interactive applications. However, there are some differences between these two platforms. Let's compare them based on various aspects:
Integration with Web Design Tools:
Wized specifically caters to Webflow developers, offering a unique advantage for those who are already familiar with the Webflow interface. It allows designers to leverage their existing design skills and provides a smooth transition from website design to web app development.
In contrast, Bubble provides a complete visual development platform, enabling users to create web applications from scratch without any prior design knowledge.
API Integration and Backend Functionality:
Wized stands out for its ability to connect to any REST API, enabling developers to integrate external services and data sources seamlessly. It focuses on front-end development and relies on external backend solutions for database and server-side operations.
Bubble, on the other hand, offers both front-end and back-end capabilities within its visual development platform, allowing users to build complete applications without the need for external integrations.
Pricing and Flexibility:
Wized and Bubble offer different pricing models. Wized operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing plans varying based on usage and additional features.
Bubble offers a tiered pricing structure, allowing users to select plans based on their needs and usage requirements.
In summary, Wized and Bubble are all powerful no-code tools that cater to different aspects of web app development. Wized's unique focus on transforming Webflow sites into web apps with API integration makes it an attractive choice for Webflow users seeking frontend control and external backend integration. Bubble offers a comprehensive visual development platform with front-end and back-end capabilities, making it suitable for building complete applications from scratch.
When deciding between Bubble and Wized, it's crucial to evaluate the specific requirements of your project, including the desired level of customization, complexity, and the technical expertise of the users. Additionally, you may consider exploring trial versions or demos of each platform to get a better understanding of their capabilities and determine which platform best aligns with your project objectives.
Summary
Wized is an innovative and powerful tool that bridges the gap between web design and web app development. One of the key strengths of Wized lies in its ability to provide users with complete design control over their web apps. By leveraging the familiar Webflow interface, designers and developers can seamlessly transition from website design to building feature-rich applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
Overall, Wized is an attractive choice for Webflow users looking to expand their capabilities and venture into web app development.
