Building and managing numerous applications is difficult, time-consuming, and costly for both developers and non-developers. Of all the technologies that are available to facilitate app building, low-code, 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's, why's, and how's of low-code and no-code technology and their relevance in the IT landscape.
Low-code is an application building approach that uses minimal coding to reduce complexity and development time. When opting for this approach, there's no need for users to write thousands of lines of code, or fear databases and other back-end technologies. Low-code provides users with drag-and-drop features to create user interfaces and dashboards without any line of code. If they need to achieve higher levels of customization, they can use the English-like scripting languages that these platforms provide.
No-code is a similar, yet simpler approach to building applications. Users can use no-code tools for applications whose scope for expansion is much smaller and the need for customisation is lesser. They can be easily developed and put together without the need for any coding. This approach is beneficial for users who do not have any prior coding expertise. No-code is ideal for creating straightforward UI applications, and automating mundane spreadsheets and dashboards.
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 applications from intricate ERP solutions to primary apps | UI-based modest applications |
|
Use-cases (where)
|
Business and enterprise-level applications | Small-case business applications and front-end applications |
|
Scalability (how)
|
Highly scalable | Scalable to an extent |
Low-code gives users the freedom to use visual development tools along with simplified coding if and when required. But no-code, on the other hand, limits the choices for users by allowing only visual development tools to create applications. In this manner, low-code balances the traditional and the no-code method. Users can customize, build powerful applications, and scale them quickly using low-code. But no-code can be used only to replace common user-interface type of applications.
Both low-code and no-code approaches are designed to replace the traditional method of building applications. The platforms are similar in these ways:
Neither of the approaches require traditional programming languages to create applications. Visual development tools, like drag-and-drop capabilities, simplify the app building process.
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.
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.
These platforms come with in-built 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.
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.
LCNC development platforms are Platform as a Service in nature that help users reduce IT overhead, and environment and infrastructure maintenance costs.
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.
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 low-code, no-code development platform, helps build apps for all IT requirements. It assists IT teams in speeding up your company's digital transformation process by building powerful custom applications efficiently and launching them on-premises.
