Low Code vs Traditional Development: What To Choose?

To low code or not to low code, that is the question. Low code and traditional app development are two very different approaches to development although both are very viable.

Deciding between low code vs traditional development can impact your project’s success. Low code saves time and requires less expertise. Traditional development gives you more control and customization. This guide will compare both options to help you choose.

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What is Low Code?

Low code is a way of developing software applications that focuses on a visual approach rather than the traditional way of coding. Instead of writing lines and lines of code, low code development platforms use drag-and-drop capabilities and pre-built components to optimize the process. Often, low code tools allow for the insertion of custom code when needed to create custom functionality when the platform does not allow for it.

What is Traditional development?

Traditional development is a well-established approach to building software from the ground up using code. This process, known as custom app development, involves a structured, step-by-step approach with distinct phases, often managed by professional developers.

Low Code tool examples

Here are some examples of popular low code development tools:

Mendix

Mendix is a platform for low-code application development. It helps organizations build, deploy, and manage applications faster. Designed for enterprise use, the platform integrates AI to improve development.

Features include:

• AI-Assisted Development: Mendix provides AI-powered development tools. These tools make it faster and easier to build intelligent applications.
• Complete cloud choice: Deploy your applications to any cloud with a single click. Mendix provides high availability and robust security.
• Data Integration: Find, share, and use data across a connected ecosystem. Mendix ensures data consistency and security across projects.
• Integrations: Mendix integrates with multiple data sources, applications, and third-party services. Use out-of-the-box connectors or custom options such as SOAP, SQL, and REST.

Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a low-code application development platform. It allows businesses to build custom applications with minimal coding. Users can create, modify, and deploy apps quickly.

Features include:

• Custom App Creation: Zoho Creator offers a user-friendly interface to build apps. Drag-and-drop features.
• Integration Options: Connect Zoho Creator with other Zoho products and third-party applications.
• Mobile Accessibility: All apps built on Zoho Creator are mobile-ready. Users can access and manage apps from any device.
• Automation: Automate workflows and business processes to save time. Zoho Creator supports notifications, approvals, and schedules.

Traditional development tool examples

Here are some examples of popular traditional development tools:

Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It was developed by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Python’s design philosophy focuses on code readability and simplicity.

Features include:

• Easy to learn and use: Python has a clear and concise syntax that makes it readable and beginner-friendly.
• Free and open-source: Python is free to use and modify, making it a great choice for personal and commercial projects.
• Extensive standard library: Python has a rich set of built-in modules and functions for common tasks, reducing development time.
• Interpreted language: Python code is executed line by line, simplifying debugging and testing processes.
• Object-oriented programming: Python supports object-oriented programming paradigms, allowing for modular and reusable code.
• Portable and cross-platform: Python code can run on different operating systems without modification.

NodeJs

Node.js is a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. It lets developers create servers, web apps, command-line tools, and scripts.

Features Include:

• Asynchronous and Event-Driven Architecture: Non-blocking I/O operations. Efficient handling of multiple concurrent connections.
• JavaScript on the Server-Side: Use JavaScript for both the client-side and server-side.
• NPM (Node Package Manager): Easy management of external libraries and modules. Access to a vast ecosystem of open-source packages.
• Single-Threaded and Non-Blocking I/O: Single thread handles multiple concurrent connections. Reduces overhead of managing multiple threads.
• Scalability and Performance: Suitable for applications requiring high scalability. Efficient I/O operations and optimized data transfer.

What is the difference between traditional development and low code development?

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Development method:

• Traditional development: Involves writing code from scratch using programming languages, which is a more detailed development process.
• Low code development: Uses a visual approach with pre-built components and drag-and-drop interfaces.

Resources:

• Traditional development: Usually requires a larger development team of developers, testers, and other specialists, making it more resource-intensive.
• Low code development: Allows building apps with fewer technical resources.

Speed and Cost:

• Traditional development: Can take longer due to the need for manual coding and testing. This can lead to higher development costs.
• Low code development: Faster development cycles due to pre-built components. This can be more cost-effective, especially for simpler applications.

Flexibility:

• Traditional development: Offers greater flexibility and customization since developers have full control over the code.
• Low code development: The use of pre-built components may have limitations in functionality and customization.

Choosing the right approach depends on your project’s needs. Here are some things to consider:

• Project complexity: Traditional development is better for complex applications with unique functionalities.
• Development speed: Low code is ideal for faster turnaround times, especially for simpler apps.
• Technical expertise: If you have limited coding resources, low-code can be a viable option.

Is low code development the future?

Low code and no code platforms have grown a lot lately. And they are great tools, and many of them implement artificial intelligence to make development even easier. But soon we will not see them completely changing traditional development because it still has its advantages.

There are a few main issues with low code and no code. There are still a lot of security concerns that can be dealt with and at times you will still feel that they do not have as much customization as traditional code.

But if you are looking to develop a not-so-sophisticated app or software, low code tools can be a great way to make the process cheaper and faster, especially for business users who can build their own applications without relying heavily on skilled developers.

Overview: Low Code vs Traditional Development

Low code and traditional development are two ways to develop software. Low code is faster and easier to use, but traditional development is more flexible. This guide compares the two to help you decide which is best for your project.

Traditional development means writing code from scratch. Languages like Python and Node.js are flexible and easy to use. Traditional development is good for complex projects that need unique functionalities.

The right approach depends on your project’s complexity, development speed, and technical expertise. Low code is ideal for quick, simple applications. Traditional development is good for complex, highly customized projects. Both approaches have their place.

Final thoughts

If you are a company and can’t decide between a software development type, consider contacting an agency that specializes in custom software development like Idea Link.

If you are an individual and cannot decide between the tools, I would recommend considering which development area you feel more comfortable in. If you have some coding knowledge traditional development may be better for you but if you are completely new consider trying a low code platform which can just make development much easier and user-friendly.

I would also highly recommend checking out no code tools as they require no coding skills whatsoever. There is tons of information online about all of the above development methods, just invest some time and you will find the right way.