What is Xano? Everything you need to know about the ultimate no-code back-end

The days when no-code was ridiculed as a "gimmick" are long gone. Tools such as Glide or Softr achieve impressive results in just a few minutes and have long since established themselves in companies of all sizes. But while many no-code tools focus on front-end development and the back-end is often limited, Xano offers a special solution: a scalable and secure no-code back-end that forms the basis for professional web applications. In this blog post, we take a look at how Xano works, its security features and the benefits for modern web development.
Published by
Alexander Sprogis
Created on
October 8, 2024

What is Xano? Everything you need to know about the ultimate no-code back-end

The days when no-code was ridiculed as a "gimmick" are long gone. Tools such as Glide or Softr achieve impressive results in just a few minutes and have long since established themselves in companies of all sizes. But while many no-code tools focus on front-end development and the back-end is often limited, Xano offers a special solution: a scalable and secure no-code back-end that forms the basis for professional web applications. In this blog post, we take a look at how Xano works, its security features and the benefits for modern web development.

What is Xano?

Xano is a powerful no-code back-end that covers all aspects of back-end development, from the database to complex API endpoints. It offers the possibility to develop high-performance and scalable web applications that can be scaled to millions of users without any programming knowledge. 

Wondering how that works? We'll tell you. 

No-Code 101 Inset: A back-end is the part that works behind the scenes of your app and is responsible for managing the data, logic and server infrastructure. It typically consists of a database, a server and an application layer that processes requests and exchanges information between the database and the front-end.

Functionality and features of Xano

Xano impresses with a comprehensive range of functions that covers the entire back-end logic:

1. flexible database

Xano provides a scalable PostgreSQL database that can be adapted to individual requirements. Within the platform, database tables can be created with a simple click and configured with different data types. The import of existing data records and the automatic generation of data structures make it easy to get started.

A screenshot from the Xano No-Code database
Xano is a PostgreSQL - i.e. a relational database

2. no-code API builder

Xano's patented no-code API builder is a unique feature that enables the creation of complex API endpoints without code. Visual tools and drag-and-drop functions allow the logic within the interface to be clicked together step by step.

A screenshot of the API endpoints of Xano
Xano offers the usual API endpoints

3. workflow automation

Recurring tasks can be automated with time-controlled tasks, so-called cron jobs (also known as background tasks). These tasks can include database queries, data manipulation or the execution of individual functions.

Xnao workflows offer a wide range of functions

4. individual functions:

Xano offers the possibility to create and manage your own functions. These functions can include database queries, loops, if-else conditions and even custom code. The reusability of functions in different endpoints significantly reduces the development effort.

With Xano you can see exactly when which API requests were carried out

5. authentication and access control:

Xano covers the topic of authentication with integrated and external services. The integrated access control management allows granular control of user authorizations for database tables and API endpoints.

Xano endpoint configuration for the login function

Security at Xano

Xano attaches great importance to the security of web applications and offers comprehensive security features:

1. certification:

Xano is certified according to all important safety standards, which guarantees compliance with the highest safety standards.

2. german hosting and selfhosting:

The platform can be hosted on German data centers in the cloud as well as on-premises on own servers, which offers maximum flexibility and data security.

3. access control management:

The integrated Access Control Management allows the definition of detailed access rights for users and roles to ensure the security of data and interfaces.

4. branching and versioning:

Branching and versioning in the development process enable secure and structured collaboration in larger teams.

5. deployment environments:

Xano offers various deployment environments (development, staging, production) to ensure the secure delivery of software updates.

6. SSL encryption:

Data transmission between the back-end and front-end is secured with SSL encryption to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

7. data protection:

Individual data protection measures within the API endpoints enable the implementation of data protection guidelines and control over access to sensitive data.

Advantages of Xano

Xano offers a number of advantages for modern web development:

1. rapid development:

The no-code platform enables fast and efficient development of web applications without programming knowledge, which significantly reduces time-to-market.

2. scalability and security:

Xano is based on a scalable architecture and offers comprehensive security features that enable it to be used in professional IT environments.

3. flexibility and customizability:

The platform offers maximum flexibility and adaptability to the individual needs of web applications.

4. cost efficiency:

No-code development with Xano reduces the development effort and costs for back-end development, especially for start-ups and SMEs.

5. modular structure:

Xano enables the modular development of web applications, which simplifies the interchangeability of components and adaptation to future requirements.

Conclusion

Xano is a powerful and secure no-code back-end that enables the development of professional web applications without programming knowledge. The platform offers a comprehensive range of functions, high scalability and extensive security features that enable it to be used in professional IT environments. Xano is the ideal solution for start-ups, SMEs and companies that want to develop web applications quickly, cost-effectively and securely, scaling with the growth of the company.

This blog post is based on this video by our co-founder Alex, who explains Xano in 8 minutes.

Subscribe to the newsletter now
Here are updates on VisualMakers and No-Code!