Do you wish you could build an application, workflow, or website without having to spend years learning to code?
Are you a developer that wants to churn out projects without punishing your hairline?
No code and low code software has completely disrupted the way that we think about traditional coding. You don’t have to live in a coffee-littered code dungeon to create some great applications; you just have to use the right software.
But, low code and no code aren’t synonymous. Despite their oversaturation as combined words, there is actually quite a few differences between no code and low code development. Sure, both of them can significantly reduce project deployment time, and, both of them can be used for a variety of applications (workflow, design, apps, etc.,) but each of them has its unique pros and cons.
So, let’s take a peek behind the curtain and see what the actual difference between low code and no code development is — so that you can pick the one that’s right for you.
What’s No-Code?
No code development allows anyone (business users, devs, IT, C-level, etc.) to create applications using a simple graphical interface — typically, drag-and-drop — and pre-built templates.
What does this mean?
Anyone can create applications that are useful to them and their business, which can reduce your IT backlog, improve employee-tech relationships, and drive innovative culture.
Of course, there are limitations. No code software varies by provider, but many of them only give you limited capabilities as far as development goes. No code apps are all about ease-of-use. True-to-heart no code apps shouldn’t require any coding from the end users.
Now, it’s important to note that low code apps may still require an understanding of logic, and each program is going to have its learning curve. So, you shouldn’t expect to jump into a no code program and be fluent — there’s plenty of learning curve that comes with any software package.
On the dev end, no code is useful for projects that are either simple or require a super-fast dev cycle. An example of this would be basic workflow automation and straightforward business apps.
No code has two primary benefits for developers. First, you can help eliminate some of your backlog. As business users adapt to no code environments, they can pump out simple apps that can help them on an individual basis.
Second, most no code apps that are going to be used team (or business) wide are going to require dev work to increase the complexity and iron out potential issues.
This means that you’ll have a working blueprint of the app before you work on it. This helps ease some of the friction involved with implementation, especially since dev teams don’t deal with many of the same issues as business users.
The Pros
- Has ease-of-use (but, still may have a steep learning curve)
- Can pump out apps or workflows fast.
- Most development is done via a drag-and-drop interface
- Can be useful for both devs and business users
- No coding required (in most situations)
- Great for companies that have a backlogged dev team and need to utilize business users as devs
- Simple apps can be shipped to devs for further end-to-end creation and provide them with a decent app blueprint
The Cons
- May not give you end-to-end development
- Can’t develop more complex apps
- May not give devs all of the power and flexibility that they need
What’s Low Code?
Unlike no code, low code typically requires some level of coding. Not only does it require more coding, almost all low code platforms assume that you understand the basic logic of programming — so many of the functions share a similar logic.
Some low-code providers offer third-party vendor environments (Heroku, AWS, etc.)
Low code also offers less drag-and-drop functionality than no code, though both low code and no code share the common thread of utilizing a graphic interface — which makes them both far easier than traditional development.
This makes low code tools especially useful for dev teams, but significantly less useful for business users.
The good news is that low code environments usually offer end-to-end development cycles that give developers a ton of flexibility and control, while still reducing their overall app development cycle.
Also, you don’t have to melt your eyes off staring at an all-white or slightly-off-gray IDE code editor all day.
The Pros
- Significantly increases project delivery speed for devs
- Gives devs the flexibility and control to deliver custom end-to-end products
- A great investment from dev teams
- Many have access to vendor environments
The Cons
- Not as easy as no code and may require coding knowledge and application
- May not have drag-and-drop as a significant selling point
- Not designed with business users in mind and is primarily a dev tool
Conclusion
Both low code and no code environments have their differences. But, they both follow the same philosophical architecture. They aim to make the process of creating and developing applications more accessible by removing complexities and utilizing graphical interfaces.
If you’re a business user looking to dip their toes in workflow automation or app creation, or, if you’re a dev looking to boost their project delivery time and create complex apps without tearing your hair out, no code and low code environments are perfect for you! To get a custom-tailored list of some great no code and low code projects on the market, contact me and I’ll send you a great list.
I try to match each list to your business or dev team particulars. If there’s a specific low code or no code environment that you’re looking at, reach out to me.
