What is the Low Code Application Development Platform?

Low-code app development platform offers a rapid app development process that automates code generation using drag and drops menu interfaces. This automated coding approach allows developers to maintain a balance between manual coding and no-code as they can still add code over auto-generated codes. People usually confuse between low-code/no-code platforms and use both terms interchangeably. But, low-code application development offers minimum hand coding and shortcuts.

It simplifies the development of large-sized complex mobile applications and getting specific tasks done. There are a plethora of low code mobile apps development platforms available in the market that offers rapid development of custom app solutions. Moreover, these platforms provide effective risk management and governance of an app. Statista reveals that worldwide low-code platform market revenue in 2020 was approx 13 billion U.S. dollars and is predicted to reach close to 65 billion U.S. dollars in 2027.

img src: Statista

What is a No-Code Development Platform?

No-code app development platforms also provide a RAD approach and are commonly treated as a subset of the low code development approach. Where low-code allows some manual code handling without 100% dependency on visual tools, no-code development is ideal for building standalone apps.

img src: Emergen Research

The No-code mobile app development platforms support drag and drop features, BI (Business Intelligence) tools and help folks who have no basic understanding of programming languages and coding ethics but are willing to create apps with particular use cases. The no-code mobile app platforms allow non-coders to efficiently work on tools without any formal mobile app development training.      

What is the Difference Between Low-Code/No-Code Platforms?

Let’s Compare!

1. Target Users

The key objective of the low code application development platform is focused on professional developers who want to avoid re-writing or replicating basic code. Developers adopt the syntax-agnostic approach and automated coding that creates room for focusing on the more complex aspects of the mobile app design process. The target audience of low code is tech professionals to reskill them and help them by reducing manual coding efforts.

On the other hand, No-code focuses on business users having in-depth knowledge of industry domains but are less tech-savvy and unaware of manual coding. The no-code platforms are best for professionals like HR, Finance, and Legal who have no idea of programming languages but want to build a business-oriented app that serves a particular business need.

2. Use Cases

No-code is best for front-end mobile app development that can be designed in no time with drag and drop interfaces. Also, the platforms are well-suited for administrative tasks like excel reports used by business teams. Moreover, no-code apps are ideal for internal apps with limited functionalities and small-sized business apps having budget constraints.

With a comprehensive range of components, libraries and tools, the low-code platform simplify the development of mobile apps with complicated business logic. Also, it is recommended to develop scalable apps for the enterprise level. When it comes to integrating an app with other apps and connecting multiple data sources quickly, low-code app development platforms are the better option than no-code.

3. Development Time

Low code application development platform offers manual code handling and customization; it takes more time to develop and deploy apps build on these platforms. Compared to the traditional mobile app development approach, no-codes are considerably faster.

No-code is highly configurable and offers plug-and-play app development. The platform is equipped with a wide range of tools and drag-and-drop elements that automate the complete app development process with minimal errors. The no-code development platforms ensure the data is set up correctly and reduce the testing time.

4. Open vs Closed Systems

Low-code is an open system that permits users to extend functionality through manual code, enhancing flexibility and reusability. For example, users can create custom data source connectors and plugins to satisfy their use cases and reuse them later.

No-code is a closed system that can only be extended through templated feature sets. The platforms support limited use cases and access to party integrations. But, no-code platforms ensures cross platforms compatibility as they do not support manual code writing that could break down future version of NCDP.

5. Shadow IT Risk

The It risk is a matter of concern for both low-code and no-code platforms. The low code ensures better governance and security control than no code. However, both platforms require strict infrastructure monitoring to avoid security vulnerabilities and technical glitches.

6. Architectural Range

Low-code ranks over no-code in terms of cross-platform compatibility and scalability. As the low-code platforms offer custom code writing and plugins and open up the possibility of a variety of implementations/modifications while working with multiple platforms.

On the other hand, no-code has limited capacity and potential to connect with legacy systems and integrate with other mobile apps. This is why it supports fewer use cases and minimizes the ability to scale enterprise apps.

Questions that You Must Ask Before Choosing Between Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

• What are the goals of using the low-code or no-code software?
• Does the app require custom integrations with external and internal mobile applications?
• Who are the target users? What’s their programming knowledge and expertise?
• How much control do users want to retain over code?
• What is the scope of the project and what problem needs to be solved?
• What is the turnaround time required?

Low-Code/No-Code Platforms: Which One Should You Pick?

Although the low-code/no-code platforms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. The low-code application platforms offer visual development environments and automate a connection between web services, databases, APIs and back-end systems with minimal coding skills. The no-code platform goes even farther, providing a drag and drop interface that needs no manual coding.

Developing an app with no code is simple and fits well with the defined business scenarios. Where low-code platforms are flexible to use, they still need strong domain knowledge and technical expertise. Low-code solutions are the perfect option for businesses embarking on digital transformation in creating consumer-grade mobile applications. On the other hand, no-code platforms are highly preferred to drive organizational innovation.

It provides an enterprise-level platform to put new and creative ideas into action. Based on your business requirements and domain knowledge, you can opt for the one right option. Although both platforms offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, what you choose entirely depends upon what project goals you want to accomplish. If you still find it complex to choose the right one for your business, we at mTraction Enterprise can help you. Our digital consultants can help you find the right mobility solutions that cater to your business needs.