No-code is an approach to building software where the application is assembled from ready-made, tested building blocks - databases, views, forms, automations and print templates - instead of writing source code. The result is a working, running application, not a pile of code someone has to maintain.
The difference from the older low-code approach is mainly in the level of abstraction: low-code still requires a person to design and assemble the data model and logic by hand, even without programming. Modern no-code platforms with an AI layer (like Apexloop) go further and build the first draft of the databases, views and automations themselves from a plain-language description - a person then just fine-tunes it.
No-code fits best where an application needs to run for years and survive turnover on the team - a CRM, order tracking, a helpdesk or an internal portal - because backups, permissions and security are handled centrally by the platform, not by each project on its own.
Related: What is no-code and how it works, No-code vs. vibe coding, No-code and AI app development: the complete guide.