Is Low-code or No-code the Future of Software Development?

Low-code and no-code development is a method that allows anyone to develop an application with only some or no coding knowledge and experience. It includes an interface with drag-and-drop functionality and automated coding that helps anyone build a functional mobile app. Low-Code and No-Code (LCNC) automation simplifies and accelerates app development without the need to learn complex traditional programming languages, which can take months or even years.

Many developers argue that low code development has limitations that allow it to build only simple/MVP apps (not complex ones with advanced features, functionality, and creative UI/UX design). However, Gartner estimates that the low-code/no-code method will build 70% of new applications by 2025, so LCNC development may have some potential in the software development industry.

Reasons Why Low Code and No Code May Control the Future of Software Development

Apart from being easier to conduct than traditional development, low code no code has multiple benefits that make it easy for mobile app startups to bring their ideas to life without any coding skills or long-term effort.

Benefits of Low-code/No-code

1. Lower Development Costs
2. Citizen Developers
3. Automation
4. Decreased IT Dependency
5. Faster Deployment
6. Multiple App Development Projects

Lower Development Costs

Unlike traditional app development and professional developers, LCNCis not expensive and make it easy for startups to build apps without worrying about investors and budget. It removes the need for professional developers and tools, which can significantly reduce overall development costs without affecting the quality of the app product.

Citizen Developers

Not everyone can quickly understand and learn traditional programming languages, and hiring capable developers is not a cost-effective choice unless you hire offshore developers. Low-code and no-code help anyone without coding knowledge or experience to build a fully functional application ready for deployment. Such inexpensive and simplified solutions give the LCNC method a competitive advantage in the software development industry.

Automation

Low-code and no-code development bring APIs and automated application development to the table. Automation does most of the heavy lifting once you determine the type/number of features, user interface design, and scalability. Businesses can quickly build, modify, and automate processes without any coding skills due to low code automation.

Decreased IT Dependency

Traditional development puts every technical aspect of your mobile app in the hands of developers. Not every company can share confidential information regarding their business with in-house or offshore developers. Low code and no code solve that problem for businesses as well. This innovative method lets inexperienced developers build, manage, and modify every technical and non-technical aspect of the app without coding skills. For example, the person owning a grocery store can personally develop a grocery store app, manage it, and modify it, removing the need for developers or share any business-related information with them.

Faster Deployment

Businesses that create apps face high competition in the app stores market. There is always an alternative app for the app you try to develop or similar apps deployed before you can make yours. That is when a method like low-code and no-code development can prove highly efficient since its simplified process and automation significantly accelerate the development process, which helps it deploy faster and meet target user needs before the competition.

Multiple App Development Projects

With traditional development, you must carefully consider the project and developer costs and plan the whole project according to the available budget. Doing the same thing again for an experimental app is neither an acceptable approach for businesses nor an affordable one for startups. Due to its affordable and simplified solutions, low-code and no-code development motivates faster innovation and helps build as many apps as you want without spending too much money or time.

Reasons Why Low Code and No Code May Become Obsolete

Like traditional development, low code and no code development have pros and cons that businesses must consider to ensure the best results from their projects.

Cons of Low-code/No-code:

1. Limited Customization
2. Vendor Lock-in
3. Unreliable Security
4. Only MVP Applications

Limited Customization

Although there have been many developments in low-code and no-code development tools, it has limitations that do not allow application customization usually required to meet the new and changing needs of target users. For example, low-code/no-code may help you build a video/call feature, but it may not let you customize it with group calls or a chat feature. In short, it can prevent you from modifying your application as and when required.

Vendor Lock-in

With traditional coding, you can get one team to build the app and hire a new one to maintain the app if you want. But low-code/no-code platforms do not provide the same independence. Building an app with a particular low-code/no-code platform can make you dependent on that platform for updates and improvements. An app created on one low-code platform is rarely compatible with other low-code platforms. It makes you dependent on a single platform for app maintenance and updates, whether you like the quality/costs or not. Such vendor lock-in and low-code platform dependency can also lead to increased development costs.

Unreliable Security

Low-code development platforms manage the security of your business applications, which means you do not control any of the technical aspects of the application security (User and organizational data privacy). And the platform you choose may not be trustworthy and reliable when it comes to app security. Choosing low-code platforms with poor security solutions can lead to theft and leaks of user and organizational data, causing financial and legal problems for the business.

Only MVP Applications

Building a minimal viable product is a great way to conduct user acceptance, gather feedback, and begin generating revenue. However, it is not a long-term solution for businesses that must adapt to the rapid changes in the app market to survive. Low-code and no-code development include UI interface templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and automation with limitations, which are not capable of creating highly advanced applications like Amazon. You can only build MVP applications with limited resources to improve their functionality, design, and features.

If that is acceptable, then low-code and no-code is the feasible choice for your business. Otherwise, you are better off with the traditional method and developers. They may seem expensive, but they will give your app what it needs to succeed in the competitive mobile app market. Additionally, hiring offshore developers from India and Ukraine can help you lower development costs.