In this era of digitalization, software/apps are an integral part of our lives, making software development a billion-dollar industry. Revenue in the software industry is estimated to reach $593.40bn in 2022. A significant portion takes up enterprise software with a market volume of $237.10bn. However, the software industry is struggling to meet market needs because of the limited availability of quality developers. 

The shortage of resources (i.e., skillful developers) proves a blessing in disguise. It opens the hyper-automation doors to the software market. And we have seen low code and no code emerging as viable software development solutions to address the limited availability of S/W developers' issues, especially for the enterprise software market.

Low code and no code are software development methodologies that allow non-coders to develop software with minimal assistance from professional developers. 

In this article, we’ll thoroughly discuss the low code no code platforms, similarities, differences, and use cases.

Low Code vs. No Code Platforms | Similarities, Differences, and Use Cases

While searching for a drag-and-drop CMS, you must have come across the terms low code and no code development platforms. Many vendors use these terms for their CMS branding to grab users' attention. But what is the real no code low code meaning? What makes low code platforms different from no code platforms?

Low code development is a software development methodology that allows non-coders to develop software with minimum assistance from software developers. 

On the other hand, no code development is one step ahead in which non-coders can build software without professional assistance whatsoever.

There is quite a thin line between no code and low code tools. You could already encounter some tools claiming to be both low code and no code. 

So, let's go through the following key similarities and differences between low code and no code development platforms to understand these incredible platforms better.

What is Low code?

Low code is a software development methodology that allows you to develop software with minimal coding knowledge. Low code platforms let you design software with drag-and-drop visual tools without writing complex coding. It does not matter whether you have prior coding experience or you're a newbie to this industry; you can quickly build mobile applications and other software with no code app development.

Here's how low code platforms can help:

  • Lessen the time it takes to design, develop and test new applications by up to 90%.
  • Save money on development resources, as you don't need software developers as much.
  • Reduce risk by shortening the time between idea generation and implementation.

A few of the prominent low code development platforms are enlisted below:

  • WordPress
  • Shopify
  • Quickbase
  • OutSystems
  • Kissflow

What is no code?

No-Code is a software development approach that allows you to design a mobile application or software with absolutely zero code. You can develop professional software or applications without writing a single line of code and with 0% prior coding knowledge.

Here are some of the advantages of no-code platforms:

  • 0% coding: Even low code can be challenging for people with 0% prior coding knowledge or experience. No-code platforms are built for people to deploy applications/software without writing a single line of code.
  • Fast and easy learning: The exclusion of coding makes its learning curve easier. Anyone can learn no code tools in no time.
  • Designed for specific use cases: Compared to low-code no-code platforms are often designed for particular use cases. That makes it easier for users to know whether a no-code tool will work for them. AppMySite, for instance, is a no-code platform focused on application development for WordPress website owners.
  • Fast and affordable: no-code platforms are known for rapid S/W development because they do not require manual coding. Rapid software development with minimal resources makes no code platforms affordable compared to traditional development alternatives.

A few of the known no code development platforms are enlisted below:

  • HubSpot CMS
  • Pagecloud
  • Code2.io
  • Bubble.io
  • Appy Pie
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Similarities between Low Code and No Code

Both low code and no code platforms have a common goal of abstracting the coding complexities for application or software development. They aim to make web or app development quick, easy, and affordable for everyone.

Low code platforms are software development methodologies that have been around for a long time. They're basically the same as no code platforms, but they can be categorized into two different types: low code and no code.

  • Say no to Developers - Both low code and no code CMS does not require you to hire developers to develop a customized enterprise software or mobile application.
  • Say no to COTS - Low code and no code solutions make customized enterprise software more cost-effective than COTS (commercial off-the-shelf products). Tailoring a customized digital solution is easier, quicker, and more affordable with low code and no code platforms than COTS. Both no code and low code tools allow organizations to say no to COTS.
  • Enhance Productivity - Low code and no code solutions let you develop software and clear IT backlogs in no time, resulting in short project deadlines and enhanced organizational productivity.
  • Minimize risk and cost - Low code and no code platforms let you showcase built-in templates to clients before investing the resources in a project. It makes decision-making easier for clients without wasting time & money.
  • Consistent design and code - Low code and no code provide consistent design and code, as well as support the crosscutting concerns like logging and audit. It makes the debugging process quick and easy for the developers.

Differences between Low Code and No Code

Low code development platforms leverage professionals with basic coding knowledge, while no code tools assist users without coding knowledge to tailor customized software. 

The following key features will assist you in comprehending the distinction between low code and no code development platforms.

  • Integration Adaptability - You might have to integrate data from several platforms to build an application, depending on the application's nature. Low code platforms have an incredible integration adaptability system compared to no-code platforms. Creating an application via no code tools without fundamental coding knowledge can lead to integration issues.
  • Training Requirement - No code development platforms do not require you to get training for their precise usage. Anyone can use the no code tools without training and prior coding knowledge. In contrast, low code platforms have a training margin as they provide customization features for complex software development.
  • Productivity - Low code platforms are way more productive than no code platforms to the point in time. Low code platforms let you develop customized software to meet a business's needs. In contrast, no code platforms enable you to build software for solving minor issues.
  • Cost - Low code development tools tend to be more expensive than no code tools. You might seek professional developers' assistance or training while developing software with low code tools, causing a significant increase in cost and time. In comparison, no code platforms do not require you to get training or hire professional programmers, resulting in low cost and rapid development.
  • Scope of the audience - Despite the many overlapping features, both low code and no code development platforms have different target audiences. 

Low code platforms leverage IT professionals and users with basic coding knowledge to develop the enterprise-grade application in minimal time & cost. In contrast, no-code platforms leverage users with 0% coding knowledge to design applications for solving minor problems. 

So, businesses are the primary target for no-code platforms, while low-code platforms' primary audiences are IT professionals or people with basic coding knowledge.

Low Code vs No Code | Use Cases

‍No code is a good choice for front-end apps that can be easily created by drag-and-drop interfaces. UI apps that pull data directly from sources, report, analyze, export, and import data are suitable candidates for no-code platforms.

No-code can also replace repetitive administrative tasks such as excel-based reports used by business teams. These projects may not be a priority for IT but can be a lifesaver for business teams. This platform is designed to leverage smaller-scale apps and apps with fewer development costs. For instance, no code platforms help businesses quickly develop pharmacy finder apps and Covid 19 testing sites during Covid-19.

Low code has an extensive component library that can be extended to complex business logic applications and scaled to enterprise-level application development. Low code is an alternative to no code for integrating with other apps, connecting to multiple data sources, and building systems with security guardrails that require the IT lens.

Low Code vs. No Code - Which one is best to use?

Some key differences should be noted when it comes to low code and no code platforms. Low code platforms generally require basic coding knowledge to create applications, whereas no code platforms are designed for those without coding knowledge or experience.

Additionally, low code platforms tend to be more expensive than no code alternatives, as they require a certain amount of investment to get started. However, the upside is that low code platforms offer a much higher degree of flexibility and customization than no code options.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that low code and no code platforms each have a unique set of use cases. Low code is typically best suited for enterprise-level applications that need to be highly customized. In contrast, no code is often ideal for smaller-scale projects or those that don't require a lot of complex functionality.

Final Words | Low Code vs. No Code

Low code and no code software development platforms have abstracted the complexities of coding to develop software or mobile applications. Both low code and no code tools provide visual drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built-in templates for designing customized and complex software with minimum or zero assistance from professional programmers. 

Low code development tools leverage IT experts to minimize the time and cost of software development. In comparison, no code tools enable businesses to develop simple applications for minor operations without getting programmers' assistance.

In this blog post, we have highlighted low code and no code fundamental concepts, similarities, and differences. That might help you better comprehend the low code and no code software development tools and guide you in picking the right platform to meet your business needs.

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