The year is 2022. Hiring a developer and building complicated applications is slowly fading away from the business sphere. The no-code and low-code tools are not only to be called a trend, but those are practical solutions used by around 77% of enterprises*. Systems we’re using allow us to create our own applications with basic functions, without even knowing about web development. Just by having an access to low-code or no-code platform we are able to program workflow automation systems in a company with no coding whatsoever. It also refers to document flow procedures, process integration, task supervising or new procedure implementation.
What is a low-code platform
Low-code systemis a programming technique, which doesn’t require complete development knowledge or long lines of code. The basic understanding of programming is enough for us to create fully functioning websites in a much shorter period. Thanks to low-code platforms, developers are able to manage applications much quicker and more elastically. By using universal functions, we can develop almost any project no matter which industry or task we are against.
This solution isn’t perfect, cause without professional knowledge we won’t be able to integrate some of our ideas into products. On the other hand low-code is phenomenal for developers or new-comers, by helping them to create applications in a short time without resigning of element customization.
From the developer point of view, the main distinction between low-code and no-code is a lack of backend system connection or Application Programming Interfaces (API), in no-code platforms. In other words, our possibilities to connect with tools and systems from outside our environment are pretty much limited, but todays no-code programs are compensating this with wide range of plugins that provide external connection.
What is a no-code
No-code systems are a very similar trend, which doesn’t require any developer knowledge at all. Every person with an access to those functionalities is able to organize a workflow system or client contact app just by himself. The program is doing everything, leaving us with only prepared elements to place according to our needs. This method is called drag-and-drop and you probably worked with it before.
It allows us to cut costs related with developers or web designing. Those solutions are gaining popularity from other reasons as well. They are much simpler to use. That means we can save plenty of time and by more elastic. Brands such as Shopify or WordPress proved that no-code platforms are a perfect match even for bigger companies.
However, just like with low-code systems, we are blocked by amount of app functionalities and ability to customize page elements our way. This solution is not able to completely replace a programming language, but it was never supposed to do so.
Main differences between low-code and no-code
Naturally the key difference is an entry level. If we don’t know anything about programming we are forced to deal with no-code solutions. It is much easier to use and thanks to that every employee can make changes or create systems at any time (if he is authorized to do so). We are limited only by program functionalities. That’s where low-code platforms shine. They offer more elasticity and control. What’s more, they are very useful when it comes to the connection process of third parties application integration, because they are based on internationally used standards. It doesn’t comes without a price though. The platform actualization or new solutions implementation, can cause compatibility problems and require regular testing. No-code tools are not dealing with this problem, since they don’t use code.
Points mentioned above are coming to one main difference. In low-code type tools we are able to design precise applications by using author solutions and independently created logical processes. In practice it means that we can prepare almost any program that comes to our minds, no matter how crazy it is. No-code doesn’t allow such a freedom, allowing us to create only standardized applications that the platform offer.
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Summary
Both the no-code and the low-code apps can offer an extensive value to companies of any type. They allow us to cut costs and time spend on systems creation, while being fairly elastic with it.
Even though those tools can not be used to develop advanced e-commerce services or unique UX/UI designs, their usage can be found in almost any industry.
If you are leading the small firm or just looking for simplest business solutions for workflow control, the no-code platforms will help you deal with problems at low price.
Whereas in the case of more complex system making, the optimal solution would be to use low-code type application, what will result in time reducement and easy external system integration.
* https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report