The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble.io - What Clients Should Know Before Development

09/14/2024, Christopher Jung

Time and again, customers come to us and want to know whether Bubble.io is the right solution for them. They have often already watched videos and read articles about it. They know what Bubble.io is, but whether it really is the right fit for their application remains to be seen. Because such things are often decided in detail. Here are 10 questions that we often encounter in our work and that can be decisive when it comes to the question: Should I start with Bubble.io or not?

What is Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is a No-Code platform that enables users to create web applications without any programming knowledge. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can develop interactive and complex apps by simply placing elements and defining workflows. Bubble.io offers a wide range of features, from database management to user authorization and API integration. It is a powerful alternative to traditional software development, saving both time and costs. Whether you are a startup looking to quickly create an MVP or a business aiming to digitize internal processes, Bubble.io can be an efficient solution.

Can any design be implemented with Bubble.io?

Yes, in principle, any design can be implemented with Bubble.io. However, doing so can negate the benefits of the pre-built components, especially in terms of visual building. Since No-Code platforms rely on using pre-defined elements, the more customization required, the less time-saving it becomes. If you have specific design requirements, they can be implemented with Bubble.io, but you should anticipate additional effort and possibly higher costs. It’s important to weigh whether customization justifies the added effort.

Can I make small changes myself after development?

Yes, you can make small changes yourself after development, but it’s not always super easy. Bubble.io offers an intuitive user interface, but making changes requires a certain level of understanding of the platform and its workflows. Simple adjustments like text changes or moving elements are relatively straightforward. For more complex changes or new functionalities, however, some learning may be necessary. It’s a good idea to consider how much self-maintenance you plan to do during development and possibly arrange for training or documentation accordingly.

Is it possible to store data in Germany?

By default, data is stored in Bubble.io's own database, which is likely hosted on servers outside of Germany. However, it is possible to store data in Germany by connecting to an external database, though this requires more effort and technical knowledge. If you want to store data locally in Germany for GDPR compliance or other privacy concerns, this step is necessary. Unfortunately, using an external database can sometimes slow down the application, as Bubble’s server will need to connect separately to the database server rather than utilizing an internal one. It's essential to factor this in from the start, as switching to an external database later can involve significant work.

Can we integrate other services via API?

Yes. Whether you want to integrate payment services, social media features, or specific data services, Bubble.io has an API connector that makes integration easier. This allows you to tailor the application to your needs and connect it with various third-party services. However, integrating complex APIs can require technical expertise and may result in additional effort. It’s advisable to plan for this upfront.

How dependent do I become on Bubble.io?

A Bubble.io application stays within Bubble. The platform ensures this. While Bubble.io allows you to add custom JavaScript, it does not provide an option to export the entire application’s code. Additionally, the database cannot be easily exported. While you can export data in CSV or JSON formats, the database schema is not exportable. Therefore, you need to decide: Are you planning to stay with Bubble.io long term? Or could Bubble.io be a good choice for a proof-of-concept? With Bubble.io, you are dependent on the platform, and moving to another platform can require significant effort. However, for quick and cost-effective development, it's an excellent choice.

Is it really faster?

Yes, generally speaking, it is. Bubble.io significantly accelerates the development process. By utilizing visual programming and pre-built components, applications can be created faster than through traditional development methods. This not only saves time but also reduces costs, as fewer development resources are needed. For startups or businesses looking to bring an MVP to market quickly, Bubble.io is an attractive option.

Can Bubble.io build mobile apps?

Yes and no. Bubble.io previously had a feature that allowed users to generate 'native' mobile apps from a Bubble.io application. However, the quality of the results was unsatisfactory, and the feature was discontinued. Recently, Bubble.io has started working on this again. At the time of writing, there is a waiting list for users who want to try the new feature. It is expected to be available soon, but it remains to be seen how well it will perform. If you're reading this, you may already be able to test it. Otherwise, we recommend FlutterFlow as a No-Code platform that specializes in building native mobile apps.

How much does it cost?

Compared to some other No-Code builders for web applications, Bubble.io is actually quite affordable. This is partly because Bubble.io charges per application, not per user. During development, Bubble.io is completely free, but to go live, you will need to upgrade to a starter plan costing around $30 per month. While there are several higher-priced subscription plans, the starter plan is sufficient for 90% of cases. We’ve linked the current costs here for you.

Is Bubble.io GDPR compliant?

Data protection is an important issue that cannot be overlooked, especially if you plan to integrate the Bubble.io application into your daily work and store important company or customer data. But here’s the good news: Yes, Bubble.io is GDPR compliant. However, this does not necessarily mean that data will be stored in Germany. To ensure this, you should connect an external database, as we mentioned earlier.

What are the drawbacks of Bubble.io?

The main drawbacks of Bubble.io are performance and runtime costs. Applications built with Bubble.io can run slower than custom-developed solutions. This can negatively affect the user experience, especially in complex or data-intensive applications. Additionally, operating costs can increase as your application grows and requires more resources. It’s important to factor these issues into your project planning and evaluate whether Bubble.io is the right fit for your specific needs.

Why is No-Code slower?

Based on our experience, Bubble.io often has slower performance than custom-developed applications. Pages tend to load a bit longer, data queries take slightly more time, and so on. To illustrate what we mean, we’ve come up with a small analogy:
Using No-Code tools is like traveling by public transport (without delays). It’s convenient and doesn’t require personal steering, but the standardized stops and transfers extend the travel time. Custom development, on the other hand, is like driving your own car. You can choose the fastest route, avoid unnecessary stops, and often reach your destination quicker.
No-Code platforms generally sacrifice some performance in exchange for flexibility and generalization.

Can multiple applications use the same database?

When using Bubble.io’s internal database, only one application can access one database at a time. Each application has its own isolated database, making it difficult to share data between multiple applications. However, if you have multiple applications that need to access the same data, you can integrate an external database. This does require additional setup and management effort, and it’s advisable to plan this ahead of time to avoid complications later on.

09/14/2024, Christopher Jung