I found WIX about 10 years ago. At that time the WIX platform was based on Adobe Flash. I used Macromedia Cold Fusion (now Adobe Cold Fusion) to develop several web sites but avoided Flash. So I avoided WiX because of Flash.
I was concerned with Flash application performance and security. I was not alone about Flash. In 2010 Apple and Adobe were engaged a public and bitter dispute stemming from Apple’s refusal to support Flash on the iPhone.
In the mid 1990's, I developed code for the web using native text editors and a few Integrated Development Environments that gave me access to the "bare metal" when I wanted it (e.g., Macromedia Homesite). I was religious about manual coding. I didn’t use website builders because I thought I needed control. Over time, and through guidance of supervisors and peers, I revised my thinking, accepting that I incurred high technical debt with manual coding. I came to understand that my code development choices piled on the responsibility I assumed.
In 2015 I revisited WIX and was surprised with the platform's evolution. WIX had become HTML5 based and an array of free and paid application integrations were available. During my 2015 review, I discovered WIX had what I needed for a small business, such as drag/drop design (with some limitations), on line booking with Google calendar integration, email marketing and contact management features. WIX didn't have everything I wanted, such as database integration and custom code integration, but I chose "needs" over "wants".
I'm happy with this decision because WIX's evolving platform provides features that I need and that I want. WIX Code (branded as Corvid) now has database and JavaScript custom code integration capabilities and an Integrated Development Environment suitable for programmers and small businesses owners. WIX meets my needs and my wants with a flexible web technology platform that can grow as my needs grow. Using a site builder like WIX reduces technical debt without giving up control.
Hats off to WIX!
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