In the no-code context, a block is a fundamental building component used to define, design, and construct various application elements, such as backend processes, user interfaces (UI), and mobile application features. Blocks represent reusable, pre-programmed elements or capabilities that enable users to create applications visually without requiring any coding or programming knowledge. Blocks serve as the foundation of the AppMaster platform, facilitating the creation of tailored, data-driven solutions for many application development needs.
Blocks are employed extensively across the AppMaster platform for different purposes ranging from data manipulation, process automation, and interface design. They empower users to configure, assemble, and organize these components in a cohesive manner to meet specific application requirements. With the AppMaster platform, blocks can be employed across three main application domains: backend, web, and mobile applications.
Backend applications on AppMaster utilize blocks to define data models (database schema), business logic (Business Processes), REST API, and WebSocket Secure (WSS) Endpoints. These blocks ensure that the backend components are tightly integrated and function seamlessly to form a robust, scalable, and secure application infrastructure. By creating data models using blocks, users can manage and store essential information that drives the application's core functionality. Business process blocks facilitate the definition of complex business logic, enabling the application to react to various events and inputs, thereby automating end-to-end operations. The REST API and WSS Endpoints blocks allow seamless integration between backend services and frontend interfaces, enabling data exchange across diverse systems.
For web applications, blocks are employed in the visual UI design, thereby enabling users to develop interactive web interfaces with a simple drag and drop mechanism. AppMaster supports the development of responsive, adaptive, and performant web applications by offering various preconfigured blocks that can be customized with JavaScript (JS), TypeScript (TS), or the Vue3 framework. This accelerates the web development process and allows for a no-code approach to interface design.
Similarly, for mobile applications, AppMaster employs blocks to design and develop UI components using a drag and drop technique. These blocks enable users to define business logic for individual components and facilitate easy integration with Android (Kotlin and Jetpack Compose) and iOS (SwiftUI) platforms. The server-driven approach of AppMaster allows users to update mobile application UI, logic, and API keys without submitting new versions to the App Store and Play Market, significantly enhancing the flexibility of mobile application development and maintenance.
When a user publishes their application on the AppMaster platform, it takes all of the block blueprints. It generates appropriate source code across different programming languages, such as Go (golang) for backend applications, Vue3 and JS/TS for web applications, Kotlin, and Jetpack Compose for Android, and SwiftUI for iOS. AppMaster meticulously compiles each application, executes test cases, packages them into Docker containers (for backend applications), and deploys them to the cloud.
As part of the AppMaster offering, users can obtain executable binary files (Business and Business+ subscription), access source code (Enterprise subscription), and host applications on-premises for optimal security and control. AppMaster also generates Swagger (Open API) documentation for server endpoints and database schema migration scripts. Whenever users change their block blueprints, they can regenerate a new set of applications within 30 seconds, ensuring there is no technical debt.
AppMaster applications function with any PostgreSQL-compatible database as the primary datastore. Thanks to the use of compiled stateless backend applications created with Go, AppMaster applications exhibit scalability and robust performance suited for enterprise and high-load use cases. AppMaster's no-code block-based approach has transformed application development, making it 10 times faster and three times more cost-effective for users across the board, from small businesses to large enterprises. By leveraging the power of blocks, the AppMaster platform has significantly enhanced the accessibility, scalability, and efficiency of web, mobile, and backend application development.
