Navigating the Web’s Creative Frontier: Why I Choose Hand Coding Over No-Code Tools

Sure, no-code and low-code editors are all the buzz these days, but I must confess – I’m still on the fence. Is it because I’ve spent years with my fingers in the HTML and CSS pie, feeling that using these raw ingredients gets me to my goal quicker than an assembly line? Or is it that I feel like these tools fence me in, trimming the wings of my imagination?

There’s a whole lotta love for Framer out there, but when you try to fit it into your professional toolbox, you might realise some tools are missing. Limitations can sometimes be good, like when using Basecamp instead of any other project management tool. It offers a straightforward workflow, but when it comes to creativity, should there be boundaries?

Let’s face it, we designers don’t want to be told “you can’t do this” before we’ve even started a project. It feels like it’s curbing our creativity. But is that really the case? These days, many portfolios and studio websites look like twins, making it tough to spot unique ones. Do low-code and no-code editors truly pave the way for innovative, out-of-the-box design? Or do they keep us in familiar territory?

As tempting as the speed of these generators is, and yes, AI is in the mix too, I still believe in understanding the basics. A good engineer won’t build an outstanding car without getting under the hood, right? Settling for mediocrity isn’t my cup of tea. I’m here to learn, grow, and in the end, construct something I consider truly superb. So, I’ve made up my mind to recommit to building from scratch, embracing the nuts and bolts rather than rushing through the assembly line. Because in the end, isn’t it all about enjoying the journey rather than just the destination?