Yes, You Can Build an App Without Coding
Have you ever looked at your phone and thought, “Wow, I wish I could build an app like this… but I don’t know how to code”?
Most people think building apps is only for tech gurus who sit in dark rooms typing strange symbols on their laptops. But here’s the good news: that’s not true anymore.
In today’s world, you don’t need to write a single line of code to create a mobile app. Thanks to no-code tools like Glide, even a complete beginner can create an app in less time than it takes to finish a Netflix episode.
In this guide, I’ll literally take you by the hand. By the end, you’ll have your own working mobile app built from scratch. All you need is:
A Google account
Internet connection
About 30 minutes of focus
So, let’s dive in together.
What Exactly is Glide? (And Why People Love It)
Think of Glide as a magic bridge between spreadsheets and mobile apps. You create a simple Google Sheet — maybe a list of names, items, or tasks — and Glide transforms it into a beautiful, functional app.
Here’s why people fall in love with it:
Fast: You can go from idea to app in minutes.
No coding: Drag, drop, and click. That’s it.
Cross-platform: Your app works on phones and desktops instantly.
Free to start: You can build and share simple apps without paying a dime.
The truth is that if you can organize data in a Google Sheet, you can build an app in Glide.
What You Need Before Starting
Let’s keep this simple. Before you start building, make sure you have:
1. A Google account – since we’ll be using Google Sheets as our data source.
2. A browser (laptop or phone) – Glide works online, no downloads needed.
3. A simple app idea – don’t overthink this. Start small. Here are some beginner ideas:
A Student Directory app with names and phone numbers
A Personal Expense Tracker
A To-Do List
A Shop Inventory App
4. 30 minutes of focus – seriously, that’s all you need for your first version.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get building.
Step-by-Step: Building Your First Glide App
This is where the fun begins. Follow me closely, and don’t rush.
Step 1: Sign Up on Glide
Go to glideapps.com.
Click Sign Up Free.
Use your Google account to register (this makes connecting Google Sheets way easier).
When you log in, you’ll see a clean dashboard that asks you what kind of project you want to create. For now, pick New Project.
Step 2: Create a Google Sheet
Glide needs data to work with, and Google Sheets is perfect for this. Let’s build a Student Directory app together.
1. Open Google Sheets.
2. In the first row, type column headers like this:
Name Age Phone Number Email
John Doe 21 08012345678 john@email.com
Mary Ann 19 08098765432 mary@email.com
3. Add at least 3–5 rows of data to test.
This is your app’s “engine.” Glide will use these rows and columns to power your app.
Step 3: Connect Sheet to Glide
Back in Glide, click New Project → Google Sheets.
Pick the sheet you just created.
In seconds, Glide builds a basic app preview for you.
Look at your screen — you already have a working app! 🎉
Step 4: Customize Your App Layout
Here’s where you make your app look nice. Glide gives you design options on the left panel.
Switch from List view to Card view for a modern look.
Add profile pictures (you can insert image links into your Google Sheet).
Rename tabs: “Students” instead of “Sheet1.”
Change colors and icons to suit your style.
Play around a bit. Glide updates instantly.
Step 5: Add Features Without Coding
This is the part that makes Glide powerful. You can add features to your app without touching a single line of code.
Here are a few fun things to try:
Search bar - so users can quickly find names.
Form button - let people add new student details.
Filters - for example, filter by “Age under 20.”
Actions - make the phone number clickable, so tapping it opens the dialer.
Just click “+ Add Component,” and choose what you want. It’s drag, drop, done.
Step 6: Publish Your App
Once you’re happy with your app, hit Publish. Glide gives you a shareable link, like:
https://yourapp.glide.page
Send the link to your friends. On their phones, they can click “Add to Home Screen,” and it looks just like a normal app icon.
Boom 💥. You’re officially an app creator.
Free Template to Kickstart Faster
Want to skip some steps? Glide provides free templates you can duplicate and edit.
Here are a few beginner-friendly ones:
Expense Tracker – log your daily spending.
Simple CRM – keep track of clients.
Inventory Manager – perfect for small shops.
Just open a template in Glide, click “Duplicate,” and it’s yours. You can then swap out the sample data for your own.
What You Can Build Next (Ideas for Practice)
Now that you’ve tasted the magic, don’t stop. Practice makes you better. Here are a few ideas to try next:
Budget Tracker App - keep track of income and expenses.
To-Do List App - organize daily tasks.
Recipe Book App - upload your favorite recipes.
Mini Business Catalog - let customers browse your products.
Event Registration App - collect RSVPs for birthdays, weddings, or meetups.
Start small. Don’t worry if your first apps are simple — that’s the whole point.
Limitations You Should Know
Before you get carried away, it’s fair to mention some limitations:
The free version has limits on rows and features.
If you want a custom domain (like myapp.com), you’ll need a paid plan.
Glide is great for prototypes, internal tools, and lightweight apps — but not for huge, complex projects like Facebook or TikTok.
Still, for beginners and small businesses, it’s more than enough.
Conclusion: Your First App is Ready!
Congratulations 🎉. You’ve just built your first mobile app without coding. In about 30 minutes, you went from an empty Google Sheet to a real, shareable app.
That’s something most people never imagine doing. But now, you know it’s possible.
The only thing left is practice. Build more apps. Try different ideas. Share them with friends. Who knows? Your “little” project today might turn into the next big solution tomorrow.
👉 Your turn:
What app idea are you thinking of building with Glide?
Drop it in the comments — I’d love to see what you’re working on.
Or, if you already built your first Glide app, share the link. Let’s celebrate your win together!
📌 Don’t forget to bookmark this guide — you’ll come back to it often as you try new app ideas.
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