Digital transformation is a must for every large organization and government agency. But how do you achieve that? In an earlier blog, we told you about the differences between high-code and low-code application development. In this blog, learn more about the difference between low-code and no-code and how these technologies can speed up your IT processes and make them more efficient.
What is no-code application development?
Low-code and no-code are both approaches to developing applications and processes without the need for traditional programming languages. No-code platforms require no coding at all and allow users to build applications using predefined components and logic. This makes it ideal for non-technical staff involved in the digital transformation of their organization.
Examples of no-code platforms are:
- Wix
- Bubble
- Airtable
What is low-code application development?
Low-code application development is done through visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionalities. This allows you as an organization to build applications faster and easier. Some coding is still required, but to a much lesser extent than traditional development.
Examples of low-code platforms and tools are:
- Mendix
- OutSystems
- Salesforce Lightning
- Microsoft Power Apps
Low-code vs. no-code: the similarities
Both low-code and no-code development platforms provide the means to build software applications without the need to write code. Thus, developers no longer need the knowledge of traditional programming languages. Low-code and no-code both offer a visual approach to application development. This makes app development accessible to a larger number of people.
So with low-code and no-code, both professional and non-professional developers can create applications that provide greater efficiency, increasing productivity. And both remove the overhead of setting up environments and maintaining infrastructure because they are almost always offered in a Platform as a Service (PaaS) form.
But that’s where the similarity ends.
The differences
The biggest and most important difference between low-code and no-code is the code. The name, of course, says it all. With no-code, no code is used at all. In low-code, it does. As a result, no-code development platforms are seen as too simplistic to support complex use cases, and low-code development platforms are seen as too complex for non-professional developers to use.
With no-code, really anyone can develop an application very quickly. But because no code is used, you cannot match it 100% with your business needs. The speed at which the application can then be delivered is suddenly not worth as much.
Low-code, on the other hand, still uses code. But just very little. This still makes it tremendously accessible, even to non-developers, but also allows you to ensure a 100% fit with your organization’s needs. The accuracy of the delivered solution is thus greatly increased.
Choosing low-code or no-code?
So which technology should you choose? Low-code or no-code? When making this choice, it is important to consider a number of things. For example, it is important to consider exactly what deliverables are needed and what requirements they must meet. You can ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my team’s technical skills?
Low-code platforms require some basic programming knowledge, while no-code platforms are aimed at non-technical users. Consider the skills of your team when choosing the right solution.
- How complex are the applications and processes we want to develop?
Low-code platforms offer more flexibility and customization for more complex projects, while no-code platforms are better suited for simpler applications. Analyze the complexity of the applications and processes you want to build to choose the most appropriate solution.
- How important is scalability to our organization?
If you expect your organization to grow and change, it is important to choose a solution that is easily scalable. Low-code platforms are generally better able to scale than no-code platforms.
- What integrations are needed with existing systems?
Does your organization rely on existing systems and applications? Then choose a platform that can be easily integrated. Low-code solutions often offer more options for integration with existing systems than no-code platforms.
- What are the security requirements for our applications and processes?
Low-code platforms generally offer more robust security measures than no-code solutions. So if your organization is dealing with sensitive data or strict security requirements, it is important to choose a solution that meets these requirements.
Read tip! How secure are low-code platforms?
- How soon do we need solutions?
If speed is paramount to your organization, both low-code and no-code platforms can enable faster development. Evaluate how urgent your need is for new applications and processes to determine which solution best fits your timelines.
- What is our budget for application development?
While both low-code and no-code platforms can offer cost savings compared to traditional development, the cost of the platforms themselves can vary. So take this into account when choosing the right solution for your organization.
By answering these questions carefully, you can better determine whether a low-code or no-code solution best suits your organization’s needs and goals.
Low-code as a driver of digital transformation
Implementing low-code solutions can help large organizations and government agencies accelerate their digital transformation and gain competitive advantage. Some of the key benefits include:
- Scalability
- Integration of data
- App lifecycle management
- Reusable components
Want to know more about these benefits? Read our blog Why low-code!
Accelerate your IT and ensure digital transformation
For large organizations and government agencies that want to accelerate their IT processes and work more efficiently, low-code and no-code is a possible solution. Although both technologies are accessible and you can develop applications with them at lightning speed. Does low-code also offer the benefits of scalability, so you can ensure a 100% fit with your organizational needs.
Are you ready to transform your IT and take your organization to the next level? Find out how we can help you accelerate your IT with low-code ! Check out our services or contact us and start planning your digital transformation today.
