Is there a difference between No-Code and Low-Code?

As the demand for software keeps increasing, no-code development gains exponential value. Businesses and individuals are constantly looking out for platforms to build websites and apps without coding. Here’s an overview of what these platforms are and what functions they perform.

No-code

A no-code platform is used to build software applications without any coding. This approach saves the cost of hiring a developer and saves valuable company resources. Moreover, it gives individuals and businesses the liberty to use their innovation and creativity to build their own software.

A no-code platform makes use of declarative programming, where the users explain their requirements to the system and the system builds it. No-code platforms work on the ‘WHAT’ principle- what software does. It allows the users to rapidly arrange all information and design elements and instantly see what they look like on a desktop or phone screen.

Low-code

Low-code platforms, on the other hand, require some amount of coding towards closing the project. While most of the software can be created using the drag-and-drop and other features like no-code, a final code is required to make the software live and active.

Low-code platforms function on the ‘HOW’ principle- after all the basic functionalities have been put together, similar to no-code, a code is required to make those functions work.

No-code versus Low-code

1. No-code platforms are primarily used to replace simple, manual processes that don’t require interaction with other processes or systems.
   Low-code platforms, on the other hand, are used for more complex functions and processes, especially the ones that integrate and interact with other systems and third-parties.
2. No-code software is driven by standard conditions that are pre-decided and don’t need alteration.
   Low-code platforms give the user the liberty to create customized conditions and integrate them into the software seamless.
3. No-code software can be built by anyone with zero to limited technical and development knowledge.
   Low-code platforms require sufficient knowledge of and experience with coding.

What is a better solution?

Both the platforms help organizations move away from the traditional, hard-coded software building process and move towards a more seamless process. However, the decision of choosing between the two systems is entirely dependent on a plethora of factors, such as

1. Size of the project

No-code is preferred when the project is smaller in size and functions and can be managed with standard, pre-decided conditions.

Low-code is a better alternative in the case of large projects that have complex functions and elements.

2. Budget and timeline of the project

A short timeline and budget constraints make no-code the more viable solution as compared to low-code, which requires more time to set up and a slightly richer budget to cover the costs.

3. Technical expertise

If the team working on the application has zero technical expertise, no-code is the best solution for building an application without the interference of another member.

If the team has members with sufficient and relevant technical expertise, they can opt for low-code to satisfy the business requirements.

4. Other requirements

If the application to be built is simple in nature and doesn’t necessarily require third-party interactions, a no-code platform is sufficient to create the best-suited application.

If the application is expected to interact with third-party systems and other databases, a low-code platform is preferred.

After thoroughly analysing the above-mentioned factors, the decision of choosing between no-code and low-code platforms or using a combination of the two becomes easier. So, let’s get started on building applications seamlessly!