Visual development has unlocked vast potential for new developers, enabling them to build powerful applications without traditional coding. But as any experienced developer will tell you, a key to success lies in your approach and methodology.

If you’re new to visual development, focusing on structured experimentation, small tests, and forgiving your own mistakes is invaluable. Here’s how to create a solid foundation for your work as you navigate the complexities of building applications visually.

1. Embrace Experimentation: Why Multiple Right Ways Exist

Visual development frameworks like WeWeb, Xano, and Webflow provide powerful tools that make building apps fast and approachable. But in contrast to some traditional development mindsets that focus on “doing it right,” visual development benefits from a more flexible approach. Here’s why:

Avoid Perfection Paralysis: When you’re starting, it’s tempting to search for the “best” or “right” way to approach a problem. Visual tools reduce coding barriers, but complexity remains in design choices, workflows, and backend integrations. Expect that multiple paths can lead to success, and try to focus less on choosing the perfect approach and more on finding something that works for you.
Conduct Small Experiments: Each tool in visual development has its quirks, limitations, and advantages. Instead of planning an entire feature upfront, try breaking it down into smaller pieces. Build an initial version, test it, and be prepared to discard it. For example, if you’re integrating an API call, create a small test version of that call, see how it interacts with your tool’s authentication and data handling, and learn from the outcome.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Fail

In visual development, failure is an essential part of the process. Many developers who are new to the field feel the need to avoid mistakes, but errors are part of a productive learning curve. Let’s explore why failure matters and how to lean into it:

Iterative Improvement Over Immediate Success: The first version of your app, feature, or integration is unlikely to be perfect. And that’s okay. Each experiment gives you valuable feedback, improving your understanding of your tool and allowing you to build with confidence in subsequent iterations.
Ownability and Custom Fit: Just because a particular solution worked for someone else doesn’t mean it’s best for you. Consider your strengths and familiarity with the tools, as well as your app’s specific needs. The path you take to build a solution should align with your understanding and comfort level, which will naturally deepen over time.

3. Cultivate Patience and a Learning Mindset

A significant part of the visual development journey is learning how to troubleshoot and adapt as new information emerges. What seems like the right solution one day might reveal inefficiencies or limitations down the road. Here’s how to build a lasting mindset for success:

“Ship Knowledge” Rather than Immediate Code: In traditional development, shipping code is the primary objective, but visual development emphasizes learning the tools as much as delivering results. By focusing on what you’re learning with each experiment, you build a library of knowledge that will make future projects easier and more efficient.
Practice Repetition to Build Familiarity: Visual tools can still be technically demanding—authentication flows, API integrations, and database setups require a strong grasp of underlying concepts, even when simplified. The more you experiment and repeat processes, the better you’ll become at troubleshooting, understanding nuances, and executing efficiently.

4. Stay Agile and Embrace Change

One of the greatest benefits of visual development is its agility. However, agility can feel intimidating if you’re new and trying to commit to a specific direction. To keep your work adaptable:

Expect to Revisit Early Work: As you gain experience, you’ll likely look back at your initial solutions and wonder how you could have done it differently. Don’t hesitate to revisit, refactor, or rebuild parts of your application as you discover new methods.
Build a Growth-Friendly Workflow: Approach your project with the understanding that your skills and understanding will change over time. Building in flexibility, such as using modular components or maintaining clear naming conventions, will make iteration easier.

5. Tools Are Just Tools—Complexity Still Exists

No-code and low-code development platforms may make app-building accessible, but the underlying principles are still rooted in traditional complexity. Security, API integrations, and database management, for example, remain as essential as ever:

Understand the Fundamentals: Each time you encounter an authentication flow, API setup, or data connection, take the opportunity to understand why and how it works. Ask questions like “What does this API endpoint do?” or “How does OAuth keep my app secure?”
Use Resources: Visual development has a vast community of users and resources. Engage with forums, documentation, and guides to deepen your understanding, and don’t hesitate to experiment with more technical concepts. Over time, concepts that initially seemed complex will become second nature.

6. Make Experimentation a Core Part of Your Development Process

Many developers skip steps in the name of efficiency but ultimately struggle when they hit limitations or bugs. Instead, incorporate experimentation as a step-by-step approach to learning and solving issues in real-time:

Create Sandbox Versions: When attempting something complex, like connecting a backend database or integrating third-party software, set up a sandbox or test version of your project. This setup lets you explore how your app will handle different inputs and scenarios without impacting your live environment.
Document and Reflect: After each experiment, note what you learned, including what worked, what didn’t, and any nuances you encountered. Keeping track of these insights is essential, especially as your project grows.

Building Confidence Through Experimentation

Visual development opens doors to powerful app-building without the steep learning curve of traditional coding, but a strong methodology is key to leveraging it effectively. By embracing experimentation, allowing yourself to make mistakes, and continuously building on what you’ve learned, you’ll develop the confidence to tackle larger projects and solve increasingly complex problems. Whether you’re building your first project or adding advanced functionality, remember: there’s no one “right way”—just the way that works best for you and your growth as a developer.

If you’re interested in learning how to become a Visual Developer I invite you to join the Startup Skin Visual Development Community.

Embracing Experimentation in Visual Development: A Guide for Beginners