The Pros and Cons of App Development with Low Code Platforms

27 Oct

Time is of the essence in app development. Low-code platforms promise to be the silver bullet, offering a speedy route to application creation. However, as with any innovation, there's a balance to strike.

In this article, we dive into the world of low-code development, dissecting its advantages and challenges so that you can make an informed decision tailored to your project's unique demands.

What Is Low-Code Development?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, what is low-code development?

In short, low-code development enables developers and non-developers alike to create applications using visual interfaces and pre-built components. It's the dream of rapid app creation realised—a potential game-changer for businesses looking to expedite the development cycle. And it's gaining widespread popularity.

Forrester's findings reveal that 39 per cent of companies are currently using low-code development to empower non-IT developers, with 27 per cent planning to follow suit within the next year. Additionally, Gartner predicts that the utilisation of low-code or no-code technologies for building new enterprise apps will surge from under 25 per cent in 2020 to a remarkable 70 per cent by 2025.

The Pros of Low-Code Development

• Speed of execution. Low-code platforms are undeniably attractive because they can speed up the development process. Building apps becomes more like solving a puzzle with ready-made pieces. This efficiency translates to a shorter time to market, giving you a competitive edge.

• Cost savings. With the reduction in manual coding, resource allocation becomes more manageable. This can lead to cost savings, both in terms of personnel and time. Low-code platforms empower smaller teams to accomplish more with fewer resources.

• Accessibility. You don't need to be a coding guru to craft an app with low-code platforms. This democratisation of app development opens the doors for business analysts, marketers, and other non-developers to contribute to the creation process.

• Iterative agility. The flexibility of low code allows for quicker adjustments and iterations. As requirements evolve, changes can be seamlessly integrated, keeping your app aligned with your business's evolving needs.

• Enhanced collaboration. Low-code platforms facilitate collaboration between technical and non-technical teams. Developers can work closely with business stakeholders, ensuring that the app meets their specific requirements. This reduces misunderstandings and accelerates the development cycle.

• Reduced learning curve. With low-code platforms, the learning curve is significantly reduced. This means faster onboarding for new team members and quicker implementation of ideas.

• Built-in security. Many low-code platforms have built-in security features, such as user authentication and data encryption. This simplifies the process of creating secure apps and ensures that essential security measures are not overlooked.

• Scalability. Low-code platforms often come with scalable architectures that accommodate growing user bases and increasing data loads. This scalability ensures that your app can handle increased usage without significant overhauls.

• Integration capabilities. Integrating third-party services and APIs with low-code platforms is simplified. This allows you to easily connect your app with external tools, services, and data sources, expanding its capabilities and enhancing user experiences.

The Cons of Low-Code Development

1. Limited customisation. While pre-built components are an advantage in many cases, they can also be a drawback. The more you deviate from the provided templates, the more likely you are to encounter limitations. This can be a significant issue if your app requires unique features.

2. Performance concerns. Highly complex and performance-intensive applications might not be well-suited for low-code platforms. The trade-off for speed can sometimes compromise performance, which might not align with your app's requirements.

3. Vendor lock-in. The ease of low code comes with a price—dependence on the platform provider. If the provider changes terms or goes out of business, you could find yourself in a precarious situation. The freedom to switch vendors or customise your tech stack might be restricted.

4. Long-term sustainability. The question looms—will your low-code app stand the test of time? As technologies evolve, the shelf life of low-code apps might become a concern. Future compatibility could be compromised due to platform updates or changes in coding standards.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

In the end, the decision to embrace low-code development hinges on aligning its benefits with your project's unique demands.

Are you seeking swift deployment and flexibility for rapid iterations? A low-code platform might be the answer.

Conversely, if your app requires intricate customisation, superior performance, and long-term sustainability, traditional coding might be the path to tread.

Just keep in mind that your low-code app is only as good as the platform it's built on. Do your research or partner with a low-code app development team.

Navigating the App Development Maze

The app development landscape is shifting, and low-code platforms are at the forefront of this evolution.

At Code Heroes, we're here to guide you through the app development process. Whether you're using low-code solutions or custom coding, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Let's embark on this journey together and create outstanding apps.

Brendt Sheen