Low-Code/No-Code: What’s the Difference?

by | Jan 21, 2022 | Military Technology

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As software developers, we can build software that is unique and tailored to our own unique needs. That’s what makes software so powerful — you can build a system to do exactly what you want it to do.

But, as soon as you start to implement software, you run into a problem: you can’t build a system that’s exactly like your own. If you want software tailored to your specific needs, you need low-code software.

Here’s the big difference between low-code and no-code software, according to Pillir (https://www.pillir.io/sap-syclo).

Let’s take a look at how low-code can help you build software that is tailor-made to your needs.

What Are The Differences Between No-Code And Low-Code?

The main difference between low-code and no-code software as implied by their names is that: Low code software requires coding to some extent, whereas no-code software requires no coding. Therefore, Low-code technologies can be used by both citizen developers and experienced programmers, but no-code technology is meant for citizen developers.

Users of low-code development software must do some coding during application development; therefore, prior programming knowledge and experience are necessary. However, the amount of coding one needs to do when using low-code software is relatively less than traditional app development.

Low-code helps hasten the app development process, giving developers time to focus on more complex tasks. Low-code technologies allow for coding; hence, they can develop complex and larger applications, unlike no-code technologies.

On the other hand, the target audience for no-code software are individuals who do not possess technical programming skills. No-code systems help businesses build, assess and deploy their applications easily and quickly. Non-IT professionals employ No-code platforms to perform simple tasks such as adding functions to existing apps and developing simple applications.

What Are The Advantages Of Low-Code And No-Code Development?

Enhanced agility

No-code and low-code technologies help speed up the application development process. With these technologies, developers can develop more applications in less time. They enable developers to design and deploy applications quickly by automating most procedures, from building to testing. As a result, developers save time to work on complex and more beneficial tasks.

Requires little or no technical know-how

These platforms enable individuals with little or even no programming knowledge at all to take part in the application development process. Non-IT professionals now have the capability of developing simple and fully-operational applications to help them manage their businesses.

Reduced cost and time

Professional application developers are expensive to hire and expensive to find. Making the cost of application development and maintenance expenses. Low-code and no-code technologies help minimize this cost by substituting professional developers and cutting the maintenance expenditure. Equally, these technologies make the process of application development simpler and faster hence saving time.

Increased innovation

Low-code and no-code technologies help skilled developers focus on complex tasks that require innovation. The platforms handle mundane programming tasks such as updating existing applications and fixing bugs affording developers more time. These technologies allow both programmers and businesses fully exploit their abilities and skills for efficiency.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Low-Code And No-Code Development?

Restricted flexibility

Traditional coding allowed developers to customize software exactly as desired. However, developers must rely only on the built-in features and plugins when building software using low-code and no-code platforms. This makes it impossible to customize the application to the desired degree.

Security

Developers using low-code and no-code have no control over the source code. Therefore, they are forced to depend on the platform providers to fix any security flaws encountered during development. Additionally, if the platform providers serve as hosts, there is a risk of exposing client data and systems to security breaches.

Shadow IT

Project leaders may ignore what developers are working on because these platforms are easy to use. This can result in shadow IT, where there is no supervision of the data used, generated, or inappropriately exposed in the applications.

Vendor lock-in

Once users start using a given low-code or no-code platform, changing to a different one may prove difficult. This makes them over-dependent on a single vendor limiting their options and capabilities.

Takes time to learn how to use the platforms

Different no-code/low-code platforms have distinct features that require time to learn how to use and navigate properly.

Shawn Metzler