Aug 19th 2022

Low & No Code Development - When It Works and When it Doesn't

Traditionally, companies have had few alternatives when they needed new websites or applications. They could build a new system using their developers, buy an existing system from an external vendor, or contract with a development company to build the system. Building the application with the help of a developer allows for the most customization, but comes with a cost. Systems from vendors, like off-the-rack clothing, don’t fit as well but are typically cheaper and can be installed faster. Occasionally companies can configure these systems, but firms often find it easier to change their business model to suit the system than vice-versa. Today, however, there are a few new options that are becoming more and more popular. No code and low code applications can provide an alternative to bespoke development.

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What is No-Code and Low Code Development?

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No code platforms are for those who have no coding knowledge. It is a software development approach that enables businesses and non-programmers to develop software quickly without coding, using methods such as drag-and-drop. It is often used for creating mobile apps. The app creator uses declarative programming to address what the app does rather than how.

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Low code platforms can also be used by non-technical users, but instead are finished with the help of a developer who will typically use code to provide some degree of customization.

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Pros of No Code/Low Code

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Better agility for Users.

These platforms use visual interfaces, drag-and-drop features, and don’t require users to know complex coding languages, or have extensive programming knowledge, to build applications. This means building apps faster. In addition, depending on the tool used, testing may be automated which further cuts down on development time.

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Reduced cost.

If you are a small business that lacks the budget to hire a software developer or outsource to a software development house, these platforms move the power of innovation into the hands of your staff.

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Easily understandable.

No code and low code applications are easier to understand for the layperson, so it is easier to identify mistakes in the app and fix them. In addition, while it may be difficult to change a feature at the drop of a hat with traditional coding (especially if you’re not familiar with code) you may be able to do just that with low or no code in only a matter of hours.

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Cons of No Code/Low Code

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Rigid templates limit what you can build.

No and low code development platforms provide various templates and components that can be configured to meet a set of use cases. However, because they are not as customizable as traditional development, if certain functionalities are not provided for, then the development team might have a hard time fulfilling related requirements. This means that once you encounter an edge case, you may find that the software does not allow for the desired functionality. This can shift you from thinking about how to build what you want to build and know is best for your business, to trying to find a solution in the limited options that may be available.

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Security issues arise from a lack of control.

Unlike custom development, control over your application is something that will always be sacrificed when using a no code path. Not knowing how your application has been built or structured can lead to security risks. Low code and no code projects rely heavily on their platform providers to address any security flaws that might be discovered. But what happens if the platform provider is acquired or liquidated? What if the vendor suffers a security breach that leaves you, your application, and your business, vulnerable to threats?

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You don’t own your source code.

The more a business invests in the use of a specific low-code/no-code platform, the more difficult it is to switch to a different platform. This increases the dependency of the business on an individual vendor, as application maintenance often rests with your need to depend on the original vendor. Even if the no code vendor makes your source code accessible, what you’ll likely discover is a web of unnecessarily complex computer nonsense, lacking any clear documentation. This limits your availability to seamlessly separate from the vendor.

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So Where Does That Leave Us

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While low code and no code options are available, the building of applications still can be made better with help from an experienced developer. The area of low-code/no-code is experiencing a lot of growth thanks to the many pros outlined above; however, there are also significant cons. Whatever method you use to build your application, you should continue to get feedback and seek ways to improve and grow your business. As you get this feedback and try to find ways to implement these changes in your application, unless you have the bandwidth to learn code or hire a dedicated developer, outsourcing to a development company may be your best option and can provide great value, At TechPeer, our team includes full-stack developers with the experience, education, and desire to empower companies to go further, faster, and smarter. We can help you with innovation, building, growing, and protecting your application.

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If you don’t know which option you want to use, contact us to book a time to chat. We can talk about your application, provide an analysis on whether low or no code may be a benefit to you, and even provide a list of popular low or no code applications should that be the best route.