These are just a few of the many headlines proclaiming that no-code software development is the future: "Why is no-code the future of web development?" "Low code development - Is it the future?" "Low-code/No-code: The future is now."
No-code and low-code software development have several benefits. However, are they really a better solution than custom software development?
Learn more about these software development strategies and find out which may be the best fit for your business.
The Basics of No-Code and Low-Code Software Development
People sometimes use the terms no-code and low code interchangeably. In fact, these two software development strategies differ somewhat.
No-Code Software Development
No-code platforms let non-technical members of your team create applications for your business. No-code software development relies on templates. Users assemble components like drag-and-drop elements to create an application.
Low-Code Software Development
The low-code software development process relies on similar tools to no-code development: templates, visual interfaces, and low-code platforms. Low-code software development requires users to write some code to deploy apps, though. You'll need someone with technical programming knowledge on the team.
Benefits of Low-Code and No-Code Software Development
No-code and low-code software development have several advantages. You can save time and money while deploying your apps more quickly.
Lower Costs
No-code development is very cost-effective compared to other software development strategies. You don't need highly trained software developers.
Faster Development Time
You can create applications and websites more quickly with no-code development. The no-code platform allows fewer opportunities for errors to occur. You can automate the testing process to further streamline development.
Continuous Deployment
No-code software development helps your team identify and address any problems during deployment. You can easily undo changes to return to a better-functioning version.
Updating and maintaining your apps is simpler. The components of the application are visual and easy to manipulate.
Full Lifecycle Support
No-code platforms offer support for the full software development lifecycle. They include pipelines for continuous integration and continuous delivery. You can benefit from connections to project management and quality assurance testing tools.
Disadvantages of Low-Code and No-Code Software
No-code and low-code software development can be beneficial in some circumstances. However, these strategies also have disadvantages.
May Require Technical Knowledge
You may still need to rely on personnel with coding experience. Low-code programming requires technical knowledge. You need detailed knowledge of what you want from low-code and no-code development.
Platform Dependent
No-code and low-code platforms play an essential role in developing your applications. However, you can't control variables like the price, security, or the quality of their services.
Limited Functionality
One of the most significant downsides of no-code development is the limited functionality. No-code development is easy, but it won't create something as good as your favorite mobile app.
When the no-code capabilities run out, you'll need a specialized software developer. Trying to adapt a no-code app can be more expensive than starting with a fully unique solution from the outset.
Limited Customization
Customizations are limited with no-code/low-code development. The templates are rigid. You may need to change your operational processes to accommodate no-code solutions.
Looking to integrate with other internal or 3rd party software? This may present a problem in the no-code/low-code scenario.
Security Concerns
Using a no-code development platform makes you dependent on the platform for security. You have limited insight into your data security. Flaws in the source code would make your software vulnerable to hackers. This introduces numerous risks to your organization: legal risk, reputation risk and financial risk. It is important to do your due diligence to alleviate these risks before heading down this path.
Limited Scalability
You have a limited ability to scale your software using a no-code platform. You can only add functionalities if the software templates already include them. In addition, if there is a specific feature you wish to add down the road, the template will need to be flexible enough to accommodate it.
Reasons to Consider Custom Software Development
No-code and low-code are some of the top application development trends, but they aren't right for everyone. You may need custom software development.
Custom software development creates software from the ground up. You assign the task to your software engineers or contract with a software development company. The developers write code specifically designed to meet your current and future business goals.
Personalized Solution
One major advantage of custom software is that it fits your project specifications perfectly. You don't need to adjust your processes to accommodate the software. The application will include the features and technology you need to optimize your operations.
Custom solutions support a high level of integration. They match your existing systems. They can improve your workflows and support better decision-making.
The application can easily adapt to meet your changing needs. You can remove or add functions and features. You can react more quickly to market changes.
Better Reliability and Security
Custom software has very reliable performance. Rigorous testing makes it less vulnerable to penetration. Your source code isn't available publicly, which protects you against cyberattacks.
Custom software meets the highest security standards. It uses new technology specific to your industry.
Security is especially important in industries like healthcare, insurance, and fintech. Custom software helps you comply with regulations and meet security requirements.
Continuous Support and Maintenance
Your dedicated development team can provide technical support when necessary. They can update the software when necessary. You can scale the software as your needs change.
This type of personalized attention is typically not possible with off-the-shelf solutions. No-code and low-code platforms may have additional charges for fixing issues or updating the software.
Cost-Effective
Custom software development may seem more expensive than low-code and no-code, but this isn't necessarily true. A larger upfront investment can pay off in the long run. You get a software solution that truly meets the needs of your organization and adapts as your needs change.
Choosing the Right Software Development Strategy
No-code and low-code will play a large role in the future of software development. You can deploy an application quickly and at a lower cost. It can be a good choice for a very simple business application with features that are very standard and straight-forward.
This may not be the best option for your organization, though. Custom software development gives you applications that are perfectly designed for your specific needs.
Industries with strict regulatory or security requirements will benefit from custom software. B2B companies with complex business needs should also consider it.
Organizations have trusted Envative with their software development for 25 years. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss how a custom software solution can solve your business challenges.
Tagged as: No Code Software, Low Code Software, Custom Software Development, Future of Software, Software Trends
About the Author:
Marc Mastrella is Business Relationship Manager at Envative. He regularly engages with potential clients to discuss how software can solve real-life problems within organizations. He connects those pursuing a software solution for their business or looking to bring a mobile app/IoT idea to life with the talented developers at Envative for brainstorming and consultation. Marc sees first-hand what a difference the right technology can do for a business and does all he can to help make the process easy.