I'd create a tool or game in GM the same way I would in Construct. The only difference? I typed the code out in GM and used events in Construct.
That said, why is one "programming" and the other not? The same techniques are used, the same math is used, if, else, or, and, loops, arrays, strings, functions, the list goes on. Some (a lot?) of this you'd even find in actual programming languages.
I understand that actual programming languages are a whole other monster and 5,000 times more complex but I'd call that coding before programming.
Saying there's no programming involved makes people think you clicked a few buttons and slammed your face on the keyboard and ended up with a game. I really hope I'm not the only one who thinks this, especially after spending years figuring this sh*t out ._.;