I have a friend who has come up with a web project idea. In my humble opinion, it's a good idea, but he can't afford a developer and there aren't any investors flocking to support him. I can't work for free, and he himself is not a web developer, just an "advanced user" who doesn't have the knowledge of HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Hibernate, SQL, Tomcat, and many other technologies required.

If this was fifteen years ago, I would have recommended MS Access for offline use. It allows you to create a simple database without any SQL knowledge, and it has templates, reports, and basic query and scripting capabilities, although it may not be as robust as Oracle. I knew someone who learned it in a week and was able to do what they needed in another week. While there may be performance and design issues, it gets the job done and solves the immediate problem.

Is there something similar and lightweight for web applications, especially on the backend?

Additionally, I think it's important for my friend to explore low-code or no-code platforms that can help him build his web application without extensive coding knowledge. These platforms often offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built components, and easy integration with various technologies. They can be a great solution for someone with limited resources or technical expertise.

Do I understand everything correctly?:
- An individual holds the belief that they have conceived a one-of-a-kind and exceptional notion.
- However, they lack the means to bring it to fruition unaided.
- Additionally, they lack the resources to hire experts in the field.
- Moreover, they struggle to secure investors for their venture.

If this assessment is accurate, then there exists but one solution - to attempt to nullify at least one of these four predicaments.

Adding my perspective on the matter: It can be quite challenging for individuals to overcome all four of these barriers simultaneously. However, exploring alternative avenues or seeking support from others might prove helpful in addressing these challenges.

After carefully going through the question, examining various answers and comments, I have reached the conclusion that the answer that initially came to mind upon reading the title is indeed the most accurate one.

Apple's FileMaker Pro has the capability to create web versions, while still providing desktop, web, iPad, and iPhone compatibility. The software is specifically designed for users who prefer a do-it-yourself approach.
It also offers an integrated scripting engine for additional customization. Furthermore, FileMaker Pro supports connectivity with MSSql and Oracle databases.

One solution that immediately comes to mind for creating a lightweight web application without extensive coding knowledge is leveraging low-code or no-code platforms. These platforms provide an intuitive interface that allows users to visually design their applications using drag-and-drop components, pre-built templates, and easy integration with various technologies.
For the backend of the web application, your friend can explore low-code platforms that offer features such as visual data modeling, business logic customization, and seamless integration with databases. This would enable him to build and deploy the backend logic of the application without having to write extensive code or have in-depth knowledge of technologies like HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Hibernate, SQL, Tomcat, and others.

These low-code platforms often come with built-in security features, scalability options, and support for rapid prototyping, which can be crucial for your friend's project. By utilizing such a platform, he can focus on the core functionality and user experience of the web application without getting bogged down by the complexities of backend development.

In addition to low-code platforms, another option worth considering is serverless architecture. Serverless computing abstracts the infrastructure management from the developer, allowing them to focus solely on writing and deploying code. This could be especially beneficial for your friend as it eliminates the need to provision and manage servers, databases, and other backend components, thereby reducing the technical burden.

I would recommend your friend to research different low-code and serverless platforms available in the market and choose the one that aligns best with the requirements and vision of his web project. With the right platform, he can leverage the power of modern development tools and frameworks to bring his idea to life without the need for extensive coding knowledge or significant financial investment.

I'd recommend exploring low-code platforms like Adalo, GoodBarber, or Appy Pie, which offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components for building web applications without extensive coding knowledge. These platforms can help your friend create a functional web application quickly, without breaking the bank.

Additionally, there are also lightweight backend solutions like Node-RED, which uses a visual interface to create web applications using a flow-based programming paradigm. While not as robust as traditional web development, these options can get the job done for a small-scale project.