Low-code vs. no-code development: Differences, similarities, and use cases

Building and managing numerous applications is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Of all the technologies that are available to facilitate app building, low-code and no-code platforms are at the leading edge. Gartner estimates that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use no-code or low-code technologies, up from less than 25% in 2022.

Learn about the what, why, and how of low-code and no-code technology and their relevance in the IT landscape.

What is low-code?

Low-code is a software development approach that uses visual tools and simple scripting to develop apps with minimal coding. This approach abstracts the complex aspects of application development. Low-code offers prebuilt templates for app development, point-and-click interfaces for workflow automation, and ready-made connectors for integration with other IT deployments. It accomplishes deep customization of apps by leveraging built-in scripting support. It allows IT teams to prototype much faster. It also reduces the dependency of line-of-business users on IT teams for application development.

What is no-code?

No-code is a software development approach that uses visual tools to develop apps without coding. While it's similar to low-code in some aspects, it does not involve any coding at all. No-code is primarily targeted at business users who have no prior coding knowledge. Customizability and personalization of applications is very limited in no-code. This approach offers prebuilt templates that automate common business processes. Point-and-click and drag-and-drop interfaces facilitate process automation in no-code.

How are low-code and no-code platforms different?

Low-code/no-code (LCNC) development platforms are different in terms of use cases, objectives, and functions.

Scope	Low-Code	No-code
End users (who)	Professional developers and business users	Business users
Core Purpose (why)	Faster application development without compromising on customization	Simplified application development
Coding (how much)	Minimal coding required	Zero coding required
Application Type (what)	All types of applications, from simple applications to complex ERP implementation	Applications that automate business processes and common workflows in an organization

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Benefits of low-code

Empower IT teams to prototype faster.

Deploy apps that scale automatically.

Build apps that have enterprise-grade security.

Use prebuilt components to integrate with and extend IT deployments.

Benefits of no-code

Reduce dependence on IT teams.

Take advantage of cost savings.

Automate common business processes rapidly.

Empower business users to develop solutions themselves.

Low-code and no-code approaches for different use cases

Both low-code and no-code approaches are designed to replace the traditional method of building applications. The platforms are similar in these ways:

Supports a visual development approach

Neither of the approaches require traditional programming languages to create applications. Visual development tools, like drag-and-drop capabilities, simplify the app building process.

Advances application development

Unlike traditional approaches, the LCNC approach is much easier to develop applications as it abstracts complexity and aids rapid application development. Users can go from ideation to execution within hours or days using these platforms.

Focuses on increasing productivity

LCNC development platforms increase the productivity of technical and non-technical users by helping them become more efficient. The abstraction of complex coding in these platforms helps users to be more independent.

Helps eliminate risks and data loss

These platforms come with built-in security and data management tools that help in validating, recovering, and backing up data. Errors from manual data entry can be eliminated through the platform's automation capabilities

Accelerates digital transformation

It is easier to build and maintain multiple apps using these platforms compared to building them on legacy systems. LCNC development platforms enable smooth integrations between apps for organizational and operational benefits.

Saves costs spent on storage and maintenance

LCNC development platforms are Platform as a Service in nature, which helps users reduce IT overhead and environment and infrastructure maintenance costs.

What are LCNC development platforms?

LCNC development platforms are software solutions that combine the features of both the low-code and no-code approaches to app development. These platforms mask the complexity of the traditional method and facilitate the work of programmers, non-programmers, and business users by enabling them to focus on arriving at the solution.

How to choose between no-code and low-code

Professional developers and power users can use LCNC development platforms to:

Perform data analysis
Develop full-stack applications
Integrate with present-day systems by migrating legacy apps
Build enterprise-level software solutions for any industry
Collect, store, share, and collaborate with data by connecting with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL and others.

Citizen developers and non-technical users can use LCNC development platforms to:

Create web applications.
Automate manual processes.
Automate workflows for business processes.
Conduct real-time analysis by building business intelligence reports and dashboards.
Improve efficiency for managers and analysts.

Why is ManageEngine AppCreator an ideal low-code platform?

There are platforms that offer either low-code or no-code approaches as well as platforms that offer both approaches for developing apps. It is beneficial to choose a platform that offers both as it provides more functionalities and fewer limitations. Having both approaches in a tool makes it easy for users to build custom applications.

ManageEngine AppCreator, our LCNC development platform, helps build apps for all IT requirements. It assists IT teams in speeding up their company's digital transformation process by enabling them to build powerful custom applications efficiently. Its multi-platform deployment capability allows apps to be deployed in one click to the web, Android, and iOS.

Develop powerful IT solutions with our LCNC platform

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does your low-code platform improve ITSM?

AppCreator streamlines ITSM by facilitating the deep customization and seamless automation of processes, reducing manual effort and supercharging organizational efficiency.

2. What kind of ROI can I expect from adopting your LCNC platform?

IT teams can engineer solutions on the AppCreator platform up to 10 times faster than when using conventional methods. You can expect an ROI of at least 200% with our platform.

3. Are low-code platforms better for enterprise applications or small business solutions?

Low-code platforms are better suited for enterprise applications that require complex automation. No-code platforms are suited for small business solutions.

4. Can IT teams use low-code to extend legacy systems instead of replacing them?

Yes. Low-code platforms come with connectors and APIs that can be leveraged for integrations. This facilitates seamless connections with existing and legacy systems.

5. How does low-code compare to traditional development for IT service desk automation?

Traditional development is laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. Low-code for IT service desk automation is rapid, efficient, and saves costs because the solution need not be built from scratch. For example, if ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is used, AppCreator can be leveraged to extend it using prebuilt connectors for deeper insights into asset utilization.

Identity and access management

Unified service management

Unified endpoint management and security

IT operations management and observability

Security information and event management

Advanced IT analytics

Low-code app development

Cloud solutions for enterprise IT

IT management for MSPs

Active Directory management Manage, track, and secure Active Directory

Identity governance and administrationOrchestrate user identity management and access controls for Zero Trust

Privileged access managementControl and secure privileged access to critical enterprise systems

Enterprise and IT service managementDeliver a consistent employee experience across business functions

Customer service managementBuild a one-stop portal for customers with efficient account management

IT asset managementCentralize and automate the complete IT asset life cycle

SIEM Spot, investigate, and neutralize security threats

Log and compliance managementGain deeper visibility into security events and ensure compliance

Security auditingAudit Active Directory, cloud platforms and files to enhance your security posture

Endpoint management and protection platform (UEM and EPP)Secure and manage endpoints to protect your IT assets effectively

Endpoint managementAchieve intelligent IT device management with zero user intervention

Endpoint securityDefend against threat actors with proactive and reactive measures

Full-stack observability and digital experience monitoringAchieve end-to-end visibility, proactive issue resolution, and enhanced security

Network and server performance monitoringEnsure network, server, and storage reliability with AI-powered insights

IT incident managementEfficiently manage and resolve IT incidents while ensuring transparency

DNS and DHCP managementOptimize IP address and domain management

Cloud cost managementRight-size and take control of your cloud costs

IT analyticsConnect to your IT applications and visualize all facets of your IT

Cloud-native solutions for IT managementMonitor, manage, audit, and secure your multi-cloudand hybrid infrastructure

Business applications for ITBoost productivity and improve team collaboration

Custom solution builderBuild tailor-made apps to automate operations at your organization

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