You may have noticed the terms low-code or no-code showing up quite frequently in recent times. But, these phrases have been around since the 90s and have been getting pretty popular in the last decade or so. In this blog, we’ll be looking at what exactly low-code/no-code means, how they are different from each other, and what they can do for your enterprise in terms of digital transformation
An Intro to Low-Code/No Code
Because the two sound so similar, it is easy to get confused between them. However, there are countless little differences in function and capability that make low-code and no-code quite different. Their similarity lies in what they achieve and the convenience they offer.
Let’s start with the most basic description/definition of low-code and no-code:
- Low-Code: A low-code approach is a platform that enables the creation of applications with minimal hand-coding. They are a platform with tools that offer visual development of applications through models and a graphical interface.
Industry experts have predicted that over 50% of application development activity will be done through low-code in the next 3 years. Low-code allows coders of all skill and experience levels to create applications quickly with very little or no manual coding.
- No-Code: A no-code approach enables the creation of applications without the need for a single line of code. It is very user-friendly and allows non-technical users to create applications through drag and drop software components.
It removes the need for adding code altogether because the code comes built into the platform being used. When something is added or modified, the platform produces the code needed in the background, removing the need for manual coding altogether.
To put things simply, low-code/no-code have revolutionized the IT aspect of businesses and the way developers view their work. While the movement towards low-code happened gradually over the 2 past decades, the term was officially coined by Forrester in 2014.
To understand the emergence of low-code, we have to go way back to when programming languages were complex and required skilled developers to work with. The arrival of the internet to the masses brought different countless platforms that needed to function with each other. Applications became more complicated while growing in popularity, and programming languages needed to change to support these needs.
In other words, programming languages needed to be able to create apps quickly, and be easy enough to do so. This brought low-code, where modern programming languages were simple and sped up the process of building applications without all the complexity of the past.
No-code takes this a step further. Basic and high-priority tasks are relegated to no-code machine learning. No-code brought us platforms like SquareSpace and Google Sheets which absolute novices can use.
How Are Low-Code and No-Code Different?
The most obvious difference between the two is evident from the name itself. Low-code requires minimal or very basic coding skills on the user’s part. On the other hand, no-code can be used by anyone, without any coding or tech skills.
These differences can be summed up as the following:
| Low-Code | No-Code |
| Can be used by developers with minimal skill and knowledge | Can be used by everyday citizen developers. |
| Allows for extensive customization. | Allows for minimal customization. |
| Provides end-to-end development. | Meant for simple and basic applications. |
| Pre-built connectors offer flexible capabilities. | Uses pre-built templates. |
| Certain cases may need basic coding experience. | Preconfigured tools require no need for any coding. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Low-Code and No-Code
Speed: These platforms allow for the creation of applications and websites in no time at all. There is a very brief learning curve (if any) that makes software development way faster than traditional routes.
Accessibility: Low-code and no-code make it easy for all users to make apps, thanks to their speed and simplicity. Whether you are an unskilled but passionate tech enthusiast, or a junior developer, rolling out apps is easier than ever.
Streamlined Resources: Low-code and no-code platforms remove the need for a whole platoon of devs to make simple applications. In most cases, all that is needed is one person.
Low Maintenance: Complex code creates applications that require complicated maintenance. Since there are no complications, low-code needs very little maintenance, while no-code needs basic maintenance that anyone can handle.
Reduced Costs: Low-code and especially no-code translated to fewer overhead costs. You won’t have to cut corners when it comes to building applications and compromise on the quality of your apps.
Conclusion
To sum things up, low-code/no-code solutions provide amazing capabilities that allow citizen developers to easily create new applications that meet a variety of needs, all without the need for specialized tech knowledge. They boost innovation and contribute to digital transformation by democratizing tech and allowing the average user to build unique applications with out-of-the-box ideas, save time, and boost productivity. In short, low-code and no-code are here to stay—are you making the most of them?
