Use WordPress? If you do, you already have experience working with a low-code development
platform.
WordPress perhaps is the most popular low-code platform in the world. That doesn’t mean you can’t use the platform if you don’t know how to code. If you want, you can run a WordPress website without ever writing a single line of code.
Regardless of this, WordPress has a theme editor that allows you to customize your website by writing code. This is why WordPress is classified as a low-code platform.
By definition, a low-code development platform is an environment where users can build applications in a graphical interface. For specific customizations, writing code is an option.
No-code, as the name suggests, involves no form of coding. A good example of a no-code
the platform is Airtable. In this example, we’ll cover five key differences between no-code and
low-code platforms.
1: Developer-focused or business-focused
Who uses low-code platforms? Who uses no-code platforms? Since both these types of
platforms have many similarities, it’s easy to assume that both have the same audience.
This is not exactly the case. Low-code platforms are built for developers that wish to automate
the main parts of developing an application.
WordPress is a good case in point. Developers can use WordPress to set up the basic structure
of a website and then add their code snippets to customize the website based on the
requirements of their clients.
No-code platforms are typically used by entrepreneurs and business users with no knowledge of coding. Since these platforms have no entry barrier, it is easier for non-coders to get started with them. AppMySite for example enables you to convert WooCommerce websites to mobile apps without coding.
Having said that, low-code platforms are also not too daunting. In most cases, coding is only required in specific situations on a low-code platform.
2: Level of coding involved
Low-code platforms involve some level of coding in certain modules. In most cases, writing code is optional and only necessary in certain cases.
For example, in WordPress, you may be required to write a little CSS to customize a contact form on a page. This is completely optional, and in most cases, you can find the required code shared on other community websites.
No-code platforms involve no form of coding. Everything is manageable via a visual interface. This may seem easy on paper but can eventually limit the level of customizability on offer.
3: Overall customizability
Low-code platforms are slightly more customizable as they allow users to insert code in certain modules. This allows users to take control of their application, at least for modules that are customizable.
No-code platforms generally come built with templates that are created based on typical use- cases. For example, AppMySite comes built with pre-determined options and settings based on the type of website you select while creating your app without coding.
This can reduce the level of customizability you get with no-code platforms. At the same time, the recent growth of no-code platforms seems to suggest that users will have much greater control over their applications in future iterations of no-code platforms.
4: Application complexity
With low-code platforms, you can create complex apps as users are allowed to make customizations via direct coding. Creating complex apps simply means that you can create high-tier functionality for your application.
This is not the case with no-code platforms where users need to rely on integrations developed by the platform for more complex apps.
This is not to assume that all no-code development platforms limit the creation of complex apps. With AppMySite for example, you can create mobile apps that are powerful and offer a high level of customizability.
In general, it is safe to say that low-code platforms are better for creating complex mobile apps.
5: Platform lock-in
What if you need to migrate your application to a different platform? Generally, low-code platforms have export options that allow you to migrate to a different platform. One example we’ve explored multiple times is WordPress, and it too offers ample features to help you export and migrate to another platform.
In the case of some no-code platforms, migration to another platform can be difficult. Unless migration or export features are built into the system, it may be difficult to migrate to another platform.
In conclusion
Despite many similarities, low-code and no-code platforms are different. Before you choose a platform to build an application for your business, it is a good idea to see how both of them work.
This article highlights five key differences between low-code and no-code development platforms. Ideally, you should judge every platform on its own merits instead of seeing whether it’s low-code or no-code.
