Version control is a must-have for no-code app development. It helps you track changes, avoid accidental overwrites, and safely test new features without risking your live app. Tools like Adalo provide features like snapshots (Design Versions), rollback options, and environment separation to streamline collaboration and protect your work. Adalo also lets you build one app for web, iOS, and Android — including PWA and app store publishing—from a single AI-assisted platform.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Snapshots: Save your app’s design and layout at specific points, but not database changes or API keys.
- Rollback: Quickly restore earlier versions if something goes wrong.
- Collaboration: Coordinate edits since Adalo doesn’t support real-time multi-user editing.
- Semantic Versioning: Label updates clearly using a system like Major.Minor.Patch to track changes.
Make the Most out of Version Control for Low-Code Apps
How Version Control Works in No-Code Platforms
What Design Versions Save in Adalo: Complete Comparison Chart
Snapshots and Version History
No-code platforms use snapshots to track your app's progress. These are essentially point-in-time records that capture the app's state at specific moments. In Adalo, these snapshots are called Design Versions, offering a different approach compared to traditional code-based version control systems.
When you create a Design Version in Adalo, the platform saves details like screens, component configurations, branding settings, and list filters. However, it’s important to note what these versions don’t save. According to Adalo's documentation:
Design versions only save the visuals and layouts of your app. They do not save database changes of any kind.
This means items like collection data, API keys, and custom actions remain untouched when you restore a previous version.
| Item Category | Saved in Design Version? |
|---|---|
| Screens and Screen Settings | âś… Yes |
| Component Setup (Filters, Links) | âś… Yes |
| Branding (Colors, Fonts) | âś… Yes |
| Collection Data and Records | đźš« No |
| API Keys and External Collections | đźš« No |
| Custom Actions | đźš« No |
Adalo also keeps a version history of up to 10 previous snapshots, including both manual saves and system-triggered automatic saves. Each version entry includes the version name, notes describing the changes, the creator, and the timestamp. Before restoring any version, the platform automatically saves your current state, acting as a safeguard against accidental data loss.
This snapshot-based system plays a key role in how version control integrates into no-code development workflows.
Version Control in No-Code Workflows
Adalo’s version control system, built around snapshots, is central to live app development. The platform’s visual editor includes a Versions tab where you can manage these Design Versions. For example, if you’re experimenting with a new feature like dark mode, you can create a named Design Version before making changes. Use the notes field to document your updates - similar to commit messages in traditional version control. If the new design doesn’t work out, you can simply hit the Restore Version button to revert to a previous state.
Adalo processes over 20 million data requests daily across its network of published apps, so ensuring stability is a priority. To support this, Adalo introduces environment separation, letting you preview changes in a test environment before pushing them live. Recent updates have significantly improved performance, with an 11x boost in editor speed and an 86% reduction in load times for data-heavy apps. This makes version control tasks faster and more efficient.
However, there’s one key limitation: Adalo doesn’t support real-time multi-user editing. As their documentation explains:
Our system is not set up in a way that allows collaboration in an app and any changes may not register correctly or you could accidentally save the wrong instance.
This eliminates the risk of visual merge conflicts but requires teams to coordinate who’s working in the editor at any given time. Since Design Versions are stored at the team level, all collaborators share access to the same version history, ensuring consistency across the project.
How to Manage App Versions in No-Code Tools
Creating and Managing Branches
No-code platforms like Adalo handle branching differently from traditional code repositories. In Adalo, Design Versions act as your branching system. To create a new branch for features like a payment screen, navigate to the Versions tab and click +Create Design Version. Assign it a clear name, such as "pre-payment-integration", so it's easy to identify later.
This process creates a save point you can revert to if something goes wrong. Adalo’s single-codebase system ensures updates are deployed across iOS, Android, and web at the same time. Keep in mind, though, that Design Versions only capture visual and layout changes.
For major database updates, it’s better to copy your app into a sandbox environment. This way, you can test changes without disrupting the live app's data structure.
Once your branch is created, commit changes immediately to keep track of progress.
Committing Changes and Writing Changelogs
Think of each Design Version as a commit. When you complete a specific task - like finalizing a user login flow or fixing a navigation issue - create a new Design Version right away. Use the Notes field to document the changes. Be concise yet clear, explaining what was updated, why it was necessary, and its impact. For instance: "Added Stripe payment screen - enables checkout for 1,000+ transactions daily - tested on iOS 17 and Android 14."
Keep these notes under 100 words. Clear documentation will save time when rolling back changes or helping team members understand the app's evolution. Teams that commit smaller, incremental changes report 80% fewer errors compared to those who save infrequently.
Access to Design Versions requires a paid Adalo plan, but the benefits - like improved stability and accountability - are worth it. Each version automatically records who made the changes and when, providing a detailed audit trail.
Always be ready to revert changes if needed.
Rolling Back to Previous Versions
To roll back, go to the Versions tab, find a stable version, and click the More button next to it. Then, choose Restore Version. Adalo saves your current progress before reverting, so you won’t lose any work permanently.
Before restoring, double-check what will be reset. Screens, component setups, and branding settings will return to the selected version, but your collection data, API keys, and custom actions remain unchanged - they stay as they are, regardless of the rollback.
It’s a good habit to test your rollback process regularly in a development environment. Thanks to Adalo’s unified architecture, a single rollback fixes issues across all platforms - iOS, Android, and web - at once, eliminating the need for platform-specific adjustments.
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Version Control Best Practices for No-Code Teams
Team Collaboration with Branches and Permissions
To keep things organized, assign each team member their own Design Version for specific features - like a new checkout process or a dashboard redesign. This way, their work stays contained until it’s ready to merge. The Main branch should always be reserved for completed, tested features that are merged from these individual branches. This approach ensures that unfinished work doesn’t accidentally make its way into the live version of your app.
Since Adalo only allows one active editor at a time, it’s important to coordinate. Use a shared communication channel to let the team know who’s editing and when. This avoids accidental overwrites or access issues.
For teams using Adalo Blue, enterprise-grade permissions offer an extra layer of control. You can define who has the authority to publish apps or make changes to sensitive settings.
"Just as bank tellers can access cash drawers but not the vault, your team members should have permissions tailored to their roles." – DocuWriter.ai
Once your branch management is in order, the next step is to tackle merge conflicts effectively.
Resolving Merge Conflicts
Even with well-managed branches, merge conflicts can happen - especially when two team members make different changes to the same screen or component. In Adalo, where Design Versions focus on visual layouts, resolving these conflicts requires manual comparison. Always create a savepoint with a clear label (e.g., "Pre-merge backup – payment screen updates") before merging. This gives you a fallback option if something goes wrong during the merge process.
Before merging, make sure your feature branch is synced with the updated Main branch. For example, if the Main branch was updated with a critical bug fix, sync those changes to your feature branch before merging your work back into Main. Test everything thoroughly in your isolated branch first to ensure it functions as expected before completing the merge.
After merging, clean up by deleting old Design Versions to avoid clutter in your workspace. Adalo allows you to access up to 10 previous design versions, so regular cleanup keeps your version history manageable and easier to navigate.
If a merge doesn’t go as planned, use the Notes field in each Design Version to track what changed and who made the edits. Keep in mind that restoring a Design Version in Adalo will revert screens and components but won’t affect your database, API keys, or custom actions. For database conflicts, you’ll need to handle those separately in your sandbox environment.
Semantic Versioning for App Updates
Semantic Versioning, or SemVer, is a simple yet effective way to label app updates using a three-part format: Major.Minor.Patch. This system helps communicate the scale and impact of updates - whether they introduce breaking changes, add new features, or fix minor bugs.
Adalo users need to manually implement SemVer in version notes, savepoint descriptions, and deployment logs. This ensures your changelog is easy to follow and the scope of updates is clear.
How Semantic Versioning Works (Major.Minor.Patch)
Each part of the semantic versioning format has a distinct purpose:
- Major updates (1.0.0): These signify major changes that could break existing functionality. For instance, completely redesigning your app’s navigation or altering its core database logic.
- Minor updates (0.1.0): These involve adding new features or screens in a way that doesn’t disrupt current functionality. An example would be introducing a new "Settings" screen.
- Patch updates (0.0.1): These are for smaller fixes, like correcting a bug, tweaking styles, or making slight adjustments to app logic - such as fixing a filter or changing a button color.
"MAJOR version when you make incompatible API changes, MINOR version when you add functionality in a backward compatible manner, PATCH version when you make backward compatible bug fixes." – semver.org
For initial builds, start with version 0.1.0. Once your app is stable, move to 1.0.0. During testing phases, you can use suffixes like -alpha, -beta, or -rc to indicate the release stage. Consistently applying these rules within your no-code platform ensures a clear and logical update process.
Using Semantic Versioning in No-Code Platforms
In Adalo, incorporating semantic versioning is straightforward. When creating a Design Version, use the Notes field to log the version number and a brief description of changes. For example: “v1.2.0 - Added User Dashboard”. This approach makes your version history searchable and helps identify iterations effortlessly. Always update the version number before deploying to a live environment to maintain a clear changelog.
Additionally, display the version number prominently within your app, such as in the Settings or About section. If you’re developing custom components for the Adalo Component Marketplace, ensure the version property in your package.json matches your release notes. This prevents installation conflicts and keeps your updates aligned.
Conclusion
Version control takes no-code app development to the next level by turning it into a more organized and dependable process. By keeping track of changes, creating savepoints, and allowing instant rollbacks, you can protect your project while experimenting without fear. For instance, tests on no-code platforms have shown that solid version control can handle multiple merges effectively while minimizing errors.
Adopting these practices not only protects your work but also simplifies updates. The methods discussed here - like branching for new features, committing changes with clear notes, thoroughly testing before merging, and using semantic versioning - are tried-and-true approaches that help teams avoid conflicts, maintain app stability, and confidently roll out updates.
Start applying these techniques today to improve your development process. Enable version control in your platform settings, and always create a savepoint before making major changes. Get into the habit of documenting updates as you go. These steps will help reduce mistakes, speed up your workflow, and make your app easier to maintain in the long run. With Gartner forecasting that 70% of new apps will rely on low-code or no-code platforms by 2025, learning to master version control now will set you up to create professional-grade applications efficiently.
Your no-code platform already offers these tools - be sure to use them consistently throughout your project.
FAQs
What are snapshots in no-code version control, and why are they important?
Snapshots, often referred to as design versions, are like time capsules for your app's visual layout and component settings. While they don’t capture database data, they let you save and revisit a specific stage of your app's design.
They’re incredibly useful for keeping track of changes, comparing updates, or rolling your app back to an earlier version if needed. With snapshots, you can test out new features or design ideas without worry, knowing there’s always a reliable version you can return to.
How can teams collaborate on Adalo projects without real-time editing?
Adalo makes teamwork easier with its design versions, a built-in version control system tailored for asynchronous collaboration. Instead of editing in real time, team members save their updates as new design versions. Each version comes with notes explaining changes, such as layout tweaks or unresolved questions.
These versions are stored in a changelog, giving the team a clear view of updates. Teammates can review details, compare screenshots, and even restore earlier versions if necessary. Since design versions focus solely on visual elements - like screens, component settings, and layout connections - database content remains untouched. This setup allows team members to work on separate visual updates without stepping on each other’s toes, keeping the process smooth and organized for app development.
What is semantic versioning, and how does it work in no-code app development?
Semantic versioning uses a three-part format: Major.Minor.Patch to label software updates. Each segment serves a purpose: a major version introduces breaking changes, a minor version adds backward-compatible features, and a patch addresses bug fixes or minor tweaks.
In no-code platforms like Adalo, semantic versioning simplifies tracking app updates. Creators can assign version numbers to their app designs, making it clear whether changes involve a major overhaul, new functionalities, or small fixes. This approach keeps updates transparent and helps everyone involved quickly grasp the scope of changes.
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