Low Code vs No Code vs Developer

The emergence of low code and no code development has changed the game when it comes to building and launching apps.
You no longer need to be a skilled developer to launch a web app or mobile app. New solutions let anyone do this - all you need is a problem to solve, and a vision for how your app will do it.
There are pros and cons to this approach, and some still raise the question whether no code or low code platforms are better than manual development. We'll answer those questions, and break down just what each of these options entail, in the post ahead.
Want to get this post in video form instead? Check it out via our YouTube channel:
No code development is a way of building apps or software without writing code.
Traditional development requires knowledge of a programming framework, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue, Java, etc.
No code requires none of this. Each no code platform may work a little differently, but most feature a drag and drop interface with pre-coded elements that enables users to create workable software.
For example, if the user wants to add a header section and a button, they just need to add these two elements to their canvas, without needing to write a single line of code. Once published, the elements work the same as if they had been written by a developer.
A no code development tool may also use a different kind of mechanism to generate a web app, mobile app, website or software tool - not just a component-based visual builder. But the idea is that it should allow the user to build and launch software without writing any code.
Website building platforms like Wix and Squarespace are two examples of no code software. These platforms allow non-technical people to easily build and launch websites, from basic blogs or portfolio sites, to ecommerce stores.
These two no code platforms make up over 6% of the CMS (content management system) market share - which might not sound like much, but equates to millions of live websites.
There are also popular no-code app builders like Glide and Bubble, which are made primarily for small websites, web apps and landing pages.
MobiLoud is an example of a no-code solution for building mobile apps. It lets anyone convert a website or web app into functional apps for Android and iOS, with zero technical expertise or coding required.
Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of no code development platforms.
No code platforms have their drawbacks, as well. Here are some of the reasons to consider other options:
Of course, not all no code builders are the same, and these advantages and disadvantages don’t apply to every tool the same way. If you’re considering using a no code platform, think about what you’re using it for, and weigh up a few different platforms to see what might fit your job the best.
Low code development is a way to build software or apps that requires some coding skills or understanding of coding, without needing the user to write every single line of code themselves.
It's similar to no code development, and a low code platform may also use pre-coded blocks or elements in a visual drag and drop builder. But low code platforms are a bit more technical, and may utilize a combination of no code elements and manual coding.
While no code platforms allow non-developers to develop apps, low code platforms are made to allow developers to create apps quicker, speeding up the development process compared to coding from scratch.
Retool, Kissflow, Google AppSheet and Mendix are just a few examples of low code solutions on the market today.
On the surface, many low code platforms look a lot like no code builders. You’ve got a blank canvas, with pre-built widgets, components and elements you can drag and drop onto your canvas.
They're less beginner-friendly, however. There is also the space to add your own custom code with low code development platforms.
Low code platforms offer the following benefits:
Here are some of the downsides of working with a low code development platform:
Both low code and no code are forms of “rapid application development”. They speed up the time it takes to build apps or software tools.
One style of development is not necessarily "better" than the other, because they each have their own use cases and target users in which they excel.
For beginners, building simple web apps, single-page websites or landing pages, a no code tool may work perfectly.
No code is also great for building MVPs, even if you do have the resources for manual coding, as it allows you to go to market or test your app significantly quicker (and cheaper).
Low code solutions, on the other hand, allow greater power and flexibility, making them better for technically-minded people to build more complex apps. Low code is generally better if you have plans to scale your app past a simple MVP.
We can look at a few different use cases, and pinpoint which tools (low code or no code) are best suited for each:
No code systems tend to be better for things like landing pages, one-page websites, and small websites.
These projects are not overly complex, and mostly visual in nature. That makes drag and drop builders a good fit.
Bubble and Glide are two popular examples, both user-friendly and catered towards non-professional developers.
Most no code app builders can be limiting when it comes to building mobile apps. MobiLoud, however, offers a simple path to build and launch mobile apps without coding.
MobiLoud converts any existing web-based app or website into mobile apps for Android and iOS, with zero coding or programming knowledge required. This is huge, because mobile app development is an extremely specialized area, even more so than most other areas of programming.
A no code tool that’s as simple and powerful as MobiLoud is rare. Most no code or low code mobile app builders either have limiting templates or a steep learning curve. MobiLoud has neither - as long as you’ve already built an app for the web, you can launch on mobile with zero hassle and minimal cost.
Low code and no code tools are both great for building an MVP (minimum viable product) or to test out app ideas.
Instead of dedicating the time and resources to build something that may not take off, it’s often better to use a no code builder to put together a simplified version, which shows what you want to do without getting too complex under the hood.
Bubble is a good fit if what you want to build is mostly visual. Low code solutions also fit really well here, particularly for professional developers who have the ability to build an app, but to use a rapid application development platform to come out with an MVP.
Retool and Google AppSheet are two low code examples that fit nicely for this use case.
So where does manual development fit into this? Does it still make sense to hire developers to build apps/software, or to keep developers on staff?
Manual coding still has its advantages. You have much greater flexibility and scalability when coding apps from scratch. That’s because you can customize each line of code, and build out features exactly how you want them.
With no code or low code, you’re often confined to the limitations of the templates or code blocks provided (though a lot of low code builders give you the ability to edit/add code as well).
Using developers to build your software will generally result in a better and cleaner backend as well, which will make for a smoother and faster end user experience.
The big tradeoff is in time and money. Good software developers cost a lot, and even the best take some time to complete a project. There’s also the likelihood of communication issues - you may have a clear idea in your head for what you want the project to look like, but getting the developer to understand as well is easier said than done.
Pros of Manual Coding
Cons of Manual Coding
Ultimately, the choice depends on the budget and resources available to you, and the complexity of your project. You may want to combine a few different methods, such as using a no code tool to build an MVP, and if that goes well, hire a developer to build the thing for real.
Today, there are many different options available to someone who wants to build an app.
If you’re a competent developer, or you have the means to hire developers, you can build an app from scratch. However, those who don’t - or don’t want to spend the time, money and hassle on hiring and managing developers - can opt for no code or low code tools.
No code is not going to replace developers. Instead, it makes smaller projects more accessible for non-technical folk. It also lets developers test and play around with more ideas, without dedicating significant time towards coding an app from scratch, before getting market validation or buy-in from stakeholders.
It's a good idea to try using no code or low code platforms first, and if these tools can't accomplish what you want to do, try moving on to custom development.
If you’re a website owner looking to launch a mobile app for your site, MobiLoud is the perfect no code tool to do it, and much better than hiring a developer to write your apps from scratch.
For simple web apps, landing pages and user interfaces, try visual design tools like Bubble or Glide.
No code tools also fit for MVPs or demoing more complex project ideas.
For more elaborate apps or software tools, manual coding may still be required. But try out low code tools, such as Retool or Google AppSheet, before committing to building it from scratch.