Got a new app idea but don’t have the budget to hire a developer for the app development process? This is where low code vs no code platforms come in. Imagine a tool through which you can just drag and drop your app’s features with little to no coding knowledge. Sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t! Low-code and no-code platforms reduce development time by 90%. With no-code platforms, businesses have reported a 30-70% decrease in costs. What else do you need?
In this blog, we’ll learn about low code vs no code platforms. Their differences and benefits will help you choose which one you want to try.
What is low-code?
Low code is a unique and rapid development approach. It allows users to build apps with much less code compared to traditional requirements. It enables auto-generating code, and users have to add a little coding themselves, too. This way, users can design their app by making changes to the auto-generated code. This is done while visually designing the app with drag-and-drop elements and pull-down menus.
Key features of low code
In low code vs no code, the features of low code are:
- Users can design an intuitive user interface with drag-and-drop elements instead of extensive, time-consuming coding.
- Low code platforms have pre-built templates, which makes the design process easier.
- Low code apps are device responsive, so they adjust on whichever device a user uses the app on.
- Low code apps are generally built on Platform as a Service (PaaS).
- Thanks to its simple drag-and-drop elements, users can map out their design and test which one looks best without having to change code.
What is No-code?
No code simplifies the low code development process even more. In low code, you need some technical development knowledge. It helps you understand and make changes to the auto-generated code. However, in no-code platforms, you depend entirely on visual tools. There’s no need to have any technical coding knowledge.
Key features of no code
- Requires zero coding knowledge. This allows anyone who can use a computer to utilize no code platforms.
- Simplifies the process of building user interfaces with visual ease. Like low-code, no code also allows for easy drag-and-drop visualizing.
- Many no code platforms have started introducing AI and ML to help with the app creation.
- These platforms can integrate with other data sources. This includes third party services. This is because they depend a lot on Platform as a Service (PaaS).
- Speeds up the development process because it requires no coding knowledge.
Understanding the difference between low code vs no code
We now understand the basic features of low code vs no code platforms. Let’s dive into the differences between both:
Coding skills
Generally, this difference is the most obvious by the name. Low code platforms demand coding knowledge. They’re meant to simplify the development process by reducing the time it takes for extensive coding.
Customization
Coding allows low-code platforms to be customized broadly. This is because users can edit the auto-generated code and make changes. However, this isn’t the same for no code platforms. Since they’re limited to “no-coding” users have to rely on the drag-and-drop components and pre-built templates entirely.
Complexity
Now, let’s see how complex the app can get. With low code platforms, you can create enterprise-grade apps. The ones that require complex business logic and scalability. No-code platforms are naturally more suited for simpler applications. The ones that have internal dashboards and simple commands.
Integration
Low-code platforms offer broad integration options. This allows businesses to connect with APIs and existing enterprise systems. However, no-code platforms provide limited integrations. They often rely on third-party services.
Development Speed
Both low code vs no code platforms speed up the development process significantly. However, no code platforms are much quicker. This is because low-code platforms still require a little bit of coding, which takes time. No code is just visual game.
Scalability
Low code applications can be scaled. No code faces limitations. Low code allows custom coding and integration that helps with easier scalability. But, no-code apps depend on platform restrictions.
Use cases
Here are a few examples of use cases for low code vs no code apps. Might give you insights for your own app:
Low code
Low code platforms can be used to create:
MVPs
MVPs are minimum Viable Products. These are lighter app versions that allow businesses to test their idea. They usually focus on a single feature and delivering a simple UI. Low code platforms can make it so much simpler to create and launch MVPs. Significantly reducing development time and costs.
Native mobile apps
Native mobile apps are platform-specific apps. They have 99% of the same code but only have limited changes for a particular platform. When such a small coding change is required, low-code platforms can simplify the process.
Gaming apps
Low code platforms can be used to create 2d games. Since complex games require high performance and handling, low code isn’t suitable for those.
No code
No code platforms can be used to create:
Health and fitness tracking apps
With no code tools, you can create Healthcare tracking apps that can track calories and steps. Since the app development process is simple, one can easily develop and launch.
Educational apps
Educational apps generally don’t have to manage complex functions. Since they are simpler apps, no code platforms simplify their development.
Management tools
No-code tools provide cloud-based storage to manage company records. This makes them the perfect choice for making management tools.
Low code vs no code platforms can also be used to develop Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By reducing the need for development, Internet of Things (IoT) devices become much easier to build.
Benefits of low code vs no code
Both of these platforms are known to simplify the development process significantly. About 84% of enterprises have turned to a low code development approach. The benefits will speak for themselves:
Quicker development
This goes without saying: everyone wants to be ahead of their competitors. Both low code and no code solutions help companies cut development time and costs by 75%. If there are platforms making development so much quicker, then who wouldn’t go for them?
Reduced costs
Low code vs no code platforms significantly reduces the time and effort that goes into extensive coding and development time. They provide a cheaper solution and get the work done accurately, too!
Easy iteration
Both low and no code platforms deliver an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. Thanks to this, users can quickly iterate their development processes. Without a need for extensive coding, developers can easily edit and update their designs again and again.
Accessibility
Low code vs no code platforms both deliver high accessibility. Specifically, no code platforms because they unite users from all kinds of backgrounds. You could be a high school student or an enterprise business owner. Regardless, you can quickly iterate and create apps.
Limitations of low code vs no code
Low code and no code platforms are generally too good to be true. We’ve analyzed this so far. However, there are a few limitations and challenges that apps made with these platforms face. Let’s see:
Security risks
Low code vs no code, both platforms are managed by third-party providers. Due to this, businesses get limited control over security and data protection in the app. If you’re an industry that handles sensitive user data, these platforms may not be the best solution. Additionally, no code platforms offer even lesser transparency. This can arise privacy concerns.
Scalability issues
Although it’s true that low-code apps can scale, it doesn’t come without issues. While handling high traffic, performance gets compromised. This is because they’re not optimized like custom-code apps. On the other hand, no-code apps don’t allow scalability at all. This is why they’re better suited for simple applications that don’t need high-speed workflows.
Customization challenges
Thanks to some coding changes, low-code apps allow some degree of customization in the app. However, developers are still faced with some restrictions. This happens when it concerns complex business logic and new functions.
No-code platforms entirely eliminate coding. Because of this, users have to rely on pre-built templates and drag-and-drop elements.
Integration problems
Depending on which provider you choose, you may be faced with limitations to support integrations. In low-code platforms, you only get limited options to integrate something with your app. No code platforms are even more restricted in terms of integration.
These are some of the challenges you might face with low code vs no code platforms. This is why we’ll help you choose when to use which. It will help you reduce the risks.
When to choose low code vs no code
Got an app idea in mind? Let’s see if low code is better or no code:
Choose Low code when:
- When you have at least some coding knowledge. Even though low code reduces manual coding, you still need some programming skills.
- If your app isn’t too complex and doesn’t have to manage complicated functions. Apps built with low-code platforms are not as optimized as fully custom ones.
- You’re okay with relying on the low-code provider for maintenance, updates, and long-term platform availability.
- Your app will not manage sensitive user info. This is because security is not powerful on the platforms.
Choose No code when:
- You won’t be able to customize your app much. You’ll be limited to the pre-built templates and components.
- If your app is simple and won’t need to grow over time or handle lots of traffic.
- You don’t plan to migrate your app to other platforms later on.
- Just like low code apps, no code apps also provide limited security. Ensure your application won’t be handling sensitive user data.
Conclusion
Low code and no code platforms are easy solutions for enterprises and individuals. In 2025it’s expected that no-code technology will power 70% of new business apps. Let your app be one of them! But make sure you’re keeping an eye out for the risks and challenges.
Whether you need a low code or custom-designed application for your business, Linkitsoft is here for you! Linkitsoft is an app development company that specializes in building scalable, secure, and high-performing apps. Allow your app to be one of them! Contact Linkitsoft today and launch your app in today’s market!
