Software and application development is usually outsourced whenever a business is launched. IT has played a key role in the advancement of both small and large businesses and these growing businesses are focusing more on their core strengths as a result of the rise in SaaS, low code and no code application development.

Two important factors are into consideration when a business has to decide on the software and application development: Scope of Customization and Ease of Setup. Based on the requirements, the answers to the following two questions will help the business in deciding what is the most feasible option for their software and application development needs:

What is No Code?

No code is a term used to describe software development methods that do not require programming expertise. In essence, it is a platform that enables people with little to no coding experience to create applications and software without the need for traditional programming languages. With a no code platform, users can build custom applications, automate workflows, and create complex business logic without writing a single line of code.

What is Low Code?

Low code is a development approach that uses a visual, drag-and-drop interface to create applications, making it easier for people with limited programming skills to create applications. Low code platforms use pre-built components and templates to streamline the development process and allow users to build complex applications quickly.

What are Low Code and No Code platforms?

Low code and no code platforms provide users with a simplified way of creating applications without having to write code. They offer pre-built components, templates, and drag-and-drop interfaces that make it easy for anyone to build applications quickly. Low code platforms tend to be more suitable for building complex applications, while no code platforms are better suited for simpler applications and workflows.

What is the difference between Low Code and No Code?

Below, we delve into six key differences between no-code and low-code platforms.

1. User Base: Low-code platforms are designed mainly for professional developers seeking to speed up the application development process. They use visual design tools for most parts of the app, but often need to write some code for advanced customization. Conversely, no-code platforms target business users or citizen developers who have little to no programming knowledge. They allow users to create applications using simple drag-and-drop interfaces.
2. Customization: Low-code platforms offer more flexibility when it comes to customization. Developers can tweak and refine elements as per their needs, using code to make those adjustments. No-code platforms, however, are limited by the boundaries of their visual development environment. Customization is typically restricted to the built-in capabilities of the platform.
3. Complexity of Applications: Low-code platforms can handle more complex applications. They allow developers to build intricate systems that handle vast datasets, perform complex calculations, or integrate with numerous other applications. No-code platforms, while great for quick, simple applications, may struggle with larger, more complex projects.
4. Learning Curve: No-code platforms have a much shorter learning curve. Since they require no prior coding experience, users can start building applications almost immediately. Low-code platforms, however, require some knowledge of coding principles and might take longer for users to become proficient.
5. Maintenance and Scaling: As no-code platforms limit customization, maintaining and scaling applications built on them are easier. There's less risk of introducing bugs or issues due to bad code. Low-code platforms, while also easier to maintain than traditional coding, can introduce more complexity and potential points of failure as applications scale.
6. Integration Capabilities: Low-code platforms generally offer better integration capabilities. They can connect to a wider variety of third-party services or APIs, providing more flexibility to businesses with complex needs. No-code platforms have more limited integration options and might not fit into complex enterprise ecosystems as seamlessly.

Both no-code and low-code platforms have revolutionized software development by democratizing the ability to create software applications. However, their appropriateness depends on the specific needs, technical skills, and objectives of the users or organizations utilizing them

Benefits of Low Code and No Code platforms

1. Faster development: Low code and no code platforms allow for faster application development since users don't have to write code from scratch.
2. Cost-effective: With low code and no code platforms, companies can save on development costs as they do not have to hire highly skilled programmers.
3. Increased productivity: Low code and no code platforms allow users to build applications and workflows faster, which increases productivity.
4. Easier collaboration: With low code and no code platforms, team members can collaborate more efficiently since the platforms offer a visual interface that makes it easier to understand the development process.

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What is the scope for customization?

How complex or simple is the setting up of the development process? 

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The graph below shows the different levels of customization and simplicity involved in the development process across Coding, Low Code, No Code and SaaS

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Decoding the Trade-off for your business: Coding, Low Code, No Code or SaaS?

Now, let’s dive-in to understand how does the significance of software and application development by each of these have an impact on the business in terms of the scope of customization and the ease of setup in the development process.

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Software and Application Development by Coding

The basic necessity for a business here is to maintain and manage a dedicated IT team comprising of architects, developers, testers and other professionals related to the development team.

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Scope of Customization: High

Softwares and applications are built purely by coding from the ground up. This implies that there is absolute freedom to the developers for customization and business can freely decide the type of functionality they would like to have in their softwares and applications.

Ease of Setup: Low

The ease of setting up is low due to the high level of scope in customization in the software and application development process. Coding is a complex process and adding customization to that increases the complexity of the development process exponentially.

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Software and Application Development in Low Code

Low Code means coding is involved in the software and application development but the volume of coding is less compared to the conventional coding method. Though the level of dependency might vary here, there is still a decent level of dependency on a developer or an IT team.

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Scope of Customization: Medium

Pre-built or already coded drag-and-drop blocks are available in the development process. Although, there is coding involved and this is what makes the development process of softwares and applications in Low Code to have a certain degree of customizability.

Ease of Setup: Low

Even with pre-built modules the ease of setting up the development process is low due to the provision of coding which paves way for customization. Business owners will have specific requirements and apart from the pre-built modules the business might need to code to have custom softwares and applications.  

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Software and Application Development in No Code

No Code literally translates to zero code and it means the same too. There is no dependency on developers and there is no need to maintain and manage a dedicated IT team for software and application development processes. Powerful business process applications can be built without coding even a single line.

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Scope of Customization: Ideal

There is no coding involved and the software and application development is totally dependent on simple drag-and-drop blocks which are pre-built coded modules. Also, there is a provision to code in-app for customized sections and not to build modules from scratch. This is what makes No Code an ideal customizable platform for software and application development.

Ease of Setup: Ideal

Almost all the processes of development are accomplished by the drag-and-drop blocks unless coding is absolutely needed, the ease of setup is ideal for software and application development.

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Software and Application Development by SaaS

SaaS products require no coding and there is no need to struggle in setting up the environment. They are ready-made solutions available for businesses which can be availed easily, installed effortlessly and are ready to use.

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Scope of Customization: Low

SaaS products are readily available solutions and they cannot be customized. Due to this businesses have to depend on multiple SaaS solutions for their various use cases.

Ease of Setup: High

All that the concerned employee of a business needs to do is purchase a ready made SaaS and install it to use. Therefore, the ease of setup is high.

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Conclusion

Now that the air is clear around the subject of: Coding vs Low Code vs No Code vs SaaS for software and application development of your business, we hope this article has helped you in understanding the scope of customization and the ease of setup for all these platforms.

Every business is unique and their respective operational use cases differ too. As a result, understanding the requirements of business operations and how the platform helps in automating those operations is critical in selecting the feasible platform for software and application development.