What is the difference between low-code and no-code platforms?
Different core designs and user interfaces
No-code platforms usually have a preset user interface (UI), which provide limited opportunities for customization. In contrast, low-code platforms are more reliant on hard code to create and customize the app’s core architecture, which in turn offers more flexibility in terms of UI and business processes that can be handled.
No-code solutions cater to citizen developers
Because no-code software doesn’t require coding, it is possible to use them to quickly create corporate applications. However, this can risk shadow IT scenarios, where apps are created without proper supervision or consideration, leading to security concerns, compliance problems, integration issues, and poorly designed apps.
Low-code software serves both business users and developers
Some experience in programming is needed to use low-code programs. For instance, businesses may need to alter the back-end code in an API so an app is compatible with other company software. As such, business users and developers can either work together to create apps, or the developer can go it alone. This allows business personnel to be involved without risking shadow IT situations, while also enabling developers to build apps simply and quickly.
Low-code vs no-code: Which solution is best?
Use low-code for mission-critical applications
The greater sophistication and customizable nature of low-code platforms makes them much more suitable for mission-critical applications. For example, EASA lets you design interfaces which are more elaborate and intuitive than your typical column-row format. It can also be integrated with other programs including databases and CRMs, and used in scenarios such as proposal generation and financial modelling. It also offers extra capabilities such as process automation and workflow management.
No-code is suitable for basic applications
No-code platforms are much better for creating smaller, more basic applications for reporting, tracking and analytics within a single department. Unfortunately, most no-code tools can’t build apps that scale well or integrate with other software, and they are also unsuitable for building apps for users outside of a business. As such, there’s little scope to make them appealing for consumers, and the potential for security and compliance issues is far greater than with low-code platforms.
