In this day and age, we have a lot of platforms that can help us in many ways. One of them is a developmental platform that allows us to create applications and websites without the heavy use of coding or programming. These are what we call low-code and no-code development platforms.
At first glance, we may confuse both low-code vs. no-code, from the name down to what it may mean. Don’t worry, a lot of people have difficult times differentiating them as well!
To help you out, I give you a short guide on what both these developmental platforms are, and when you should use them.
What Is Low-Code?
Low-code development allows developers to design applications fast with only a minimum need for hand or manual coding. When you use a low-code platform, you have an area of functionality that includes the features developers need to work well.
However, it’s much easier compared to coding an entire application manually. You use the drag-and-drop method, dropping visual blocks of existing code to the platform, creating an application.
This way of coding can save a ton of time and effort, so developers are able to work wiser and quickly without dealing with repetitive coding. With low-code, one can focus on the more crucial aspects of creating the app, such as security and integration concerns.
With low-code, you save more time and utilize the best abilities of the developer, which is why this platform is becoming increasingly popular.
There are a ton of benefits low-code has to offer, such as:
- Faster speed to finish projects in days or hours
- Abundance of resources
- Low risk and higher return of investment
- Quick deployment and edits, if requires
If you want to learn more about low-code, Information at http://www.creatio.com/page/low-code has an excellent guide to delve deeper into this specific platform.
What Is No-Code?
As for no-code, it’s built for the citizen developer who has no knowledge of any programming languages. Everything the “developer” thinks that their target users need for the app is already inside the said developmental platform.
Meaning, anyone will be able to use no-code without a professional developer. You can have an app rolled out within hours because of its ease of use.
Think of no-code solutions as poplar blogging platforms or website design companies, who have pre-made layouts you’re able to use and customize to put yourself out there.
While it IS easy to use, applications made from no-code platforms are tough to customize and there isn’t a unique functionality. This can be an issue when addressing problems related to digital modernization.
Besides this, no-code platforms are actually known to solve single business issues like business process management. They are more for business users within the company rather than for actual citizen users. However, a citizen developer can still use such platforms if they don’t need the frills in creating an aim, whether website or mobile.
Low-Code vs No-Code: What Should I Use?
Now that you know what low-code and no-code developmental platforms are, here are the key differences:
No-code solutions have the services to cater to either business or citizen developer. You won’t need any training at all, only some technical background to create applications.
However, this may encourage shadow IT, which is when people develop apps without proper consideration or supervision. This can cause some compliance issues, security concerns, poorly-designed apps, among other problems that can turn its users away.
As for low-code, it’s made best for business users and professional developers who have some knowledge of coding. You won’t need extensive knowledge of IT, but with more training, you have more control and governance. Low-code allows you to code by hand if required, tweaking anything that may be cause of concern.
So, which should you choose to use?
That depends on your needs and preference, as no platform is better than the other. What low-code and no-code platforms have in common is its agility.
If you want to develop sophisticated applications which run important processes, then you’ll want to go for low-code. These platforms are also suitable for building mobile or web apps without the need of sophisticated integrations. You can use low-code in most applications, actually.
But if you’re focused on front-end use-cases, then no-code is a great choice. It’s great if you don’t have the knowledge of coding and if you just want a simple application that requires minimal customization.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, my guide on low-code vs no-code helped you out! Now utilize what you learned to ensure that you know what developmental platform to use next time.
If you have any questions or want to share your own tidbits on these developmental platforms, comment below. All of your thoughts are much appreciated.