No-Code vs Low-Code vs High-Code: Key Differences

Building an app that can be easily and quickly developed is the dream of every entrepreneur!

It is no secret that apps have become an integral part of our lives, and have redefined the way we access services around us. Every business out there wants to have its own mobile applications that can be used by its customers to stay engaged, so they can gain a competitive edge. However, the time, money, and efforts required to create an app are cumbersome.

Many of you can relate to this scenario, where developing a mobile app turns into a nightmare when the development process is tedious.

To help cut down the woes of time and effort involved in app development, there is a unique option that has gained momentum in recent years, and that is the no-code or low-code.

No-Code vs. Low-Code vs. High-Code: An Overview

As we all know that developers must carefully craft each line of code to create a bespoke app utilizing the conventional method. This necessitates having a thorough development plan and knowledge of the technology, which involves time and effort extensively.

But this is where these two development trends are providing the breakthrough by enabling developers to build apps with NO coding.

Sounds promising?

How about just keep scrolling further and exploring No-code vs Low-code vs High-code comparison in details 

Low-Code Development

According to Acumen, The Global market for low-code development platforms is expected to increase at a CAGR of 28.8% from its current value of USD 16 billion in 2021 to USD 159 billion by 2030.

Low code as the name suggests is all about creating an opportunity for developers to develop apps rapidly, by combining the best of both worlds – coding, and no-code.

It gives developers the ability to create applications without writing a single line of code while still having the freedom to customize them. 

In parallel, by leveraging components from existing libraries developers can design their own components, which helps them to put their creative side into practice.

Pros 

• Improved speed
• Saving on resources 
• High ROI
• Easy deployment
• Lifecycle support
• Seamless integration

Cons

• Complicated business logic
• Limited functionality
• Security hindrance
• Requires technical knowledge to implement

No-Code Development

Well as the name suggests, this approach doesn’t require coding, and it is quite similar in approach to low coding, but with a twist. To employ this trend, you don’t need any programming skills or need to come from a computer science background.

Anyone can create apps with no-code development, which gives a visual representation of an app and enables building the app’s logic by using plain English or choosing predefined options. Or they can also use point-and-click / drag-and-drop functionality to arrange the app’s interface.

Pros

• Brings agility
• Reduced cost
• Improved productivity
• Scalable

Cons

• Limitations on templates
• Lack of control leads to security glitches

High-Code Development

High code refers to traditional programming architecture, where skilled coders diligently write and build solutions from scratch.

As this is a heavy developer relying approach, developers utilize JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular and ensure content availability via a CMS. 

Pros

• Streamlined development approach
• Highly customizable
• Better control of source code
• Flexible to scale 

Cons

• Majorly focused on developer expertise
• Time-intensive
• Higher development cost

Major No-Code vs Low-Code vs High-Code Differences

To be honest, these two terms are used interchangeably in the tech world, however, if you look closer, then there are some relevant differences between them.

Let’s catch a look at those differences

TG aka Target Audience

The TG for low-code is majorly developers fraternity, whereas no-code is for citizen developers like we all, with no technical background to build an app. On the other side, for high-code development, there is a need for skilled developers who are technically sound to write codes.

Code Accessibility

As the concept of no-code, there is no access for coding. With low code, only limited access is allowed for coding. For high-code development, coding is a must and accessible to everyone.

Quality Assurance

In no-code, there is no need to worry about quality assurance, as every code block used is well-tested already. 

On the other hand, for low-code, as there is a scope for customization, there you need to test it thoroughly on your own. 

For high code, there is a rigorous testing phase involved to avoid quality issues.

App Complexity

Honestly, no code is considered to be a simple platform to support complex business apps, while low code is a bit complicated for non-pro developers. On the flip side, high code is easy to build complex business apps.

Also read- Top Web App Development Trends

No Code/Low Code Use Cases

Low-code and no-code application development can be used in three different contexts. Let’s go over each one individually.

#1- MVP Building

Yes, it is a perfect choice for MVP!

You can quickly develop an app prototype and release it to the public using a low- or no-code solution. It is therefore perfect for individuals who lack the time, resources, or coding expertise necessary to create a complete application. Furthermore, low-code/no-code solutions are excellent for rapidly testing ideas and iterating on them.

#2-Business Process Automation 

It might sound absurd to you, but it is the fact!

You would be surprised to know that low-code and no-code application development platforms place a strong emphasis on automation. Complicated business processes can be automated using these platforms, eliminating the need for manual labour or paper-based procedures, while saving money and time, and increasing efficiency and accuracy.

#3- Ramp-Up For Development Process

Yes, ramp-up is another use case for low-code and no-code platforms!

Developers can use low code to expedite the development process, as there is no or low coding requirement, leading to faster app assembly.

High Code Use Cases

#1- Enterprise grade application development

If you have got an app with complex features, technologies, and other functionalities then high-code is the right choice for you.

It helps in complex app development enabling businesses to meet their challenges with seamless solutions.

#2- Scalability is on your chart

Not every organization has a fixed scope, rather it keeps on changing with time. If you are one of those organizations that have a larger scope to transform then High-Code is your go-to platform.

#3- Advanced features & Functionalities

With high code development, you can build an app that is feature-rich and has advanced functionalities.

Best No Code/Low Code Platforms

Whether it’s a smartphone app or a web application hosted in the cloud, no-code and low-code platforms allow you to create almost any kind of application. The most well-liked tools available are mentioned below:

Appypie

AppyPie is a great platform for quickly building mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. 

It brings you a massive range of features, including drag-and-drop components, a powerful API, and a visual interface. Further, with this platform developers get the option to customize the application’s design and add features, integrate third-party services, add payment gateways, and much more

Also, the tool offers a restricted low-code feature that enables users to insert app screens with their own HTML code. Regrettably, native Swift/Objective C or Kotlin/Java code snippets cannot be added.

Mendix 

This tool is an ideal choice to build web-based solutions as it gives a set of comprehensive visual modelers, code generators, and application deployment tools all in one platform. 

Whoa!

But there is much more. It also offers some advanced functionality like AI and ML.

Zapier

It is more like a translator between web APIs or an APIs connector. Through the use of APIs, and without writing any code, you may connect every piece of software you use. You will continue to utilize your application and benefit from automated workflows; the only difference is that there is no physical user interface.

Best platforms for high-code development

Unlike low code or no code, there is no limitation on high code to use any platform for development. Some of the most popular ones are:

Flutter- It offers a dependable and unparallel UIUI framework for smartphones helping to build swift and mesmerizing apps.

React Native- It makes app implementation and development as fluid as possible. Also, it offers easy third-party extension and integration with reusable elements.

Xamarin- It enables the programmer to transfer scripts at a fast pace to other systems like macOS and Windows.

Ionic-It is largely used for building Progressive Web Apps cross-platform and hybrid applications. 

Tips to Select the Right Choice for Your Project

When you decide to pick either of these two options, there are few doubts, and to help you resolve and find the best solution for your needs, we have compiled a list of golden tips. Let’s have a look at them:

Mission-Critical Project

Well, a mission critical app requires intrinsic details of your business, and cannot be handled by low-code or no-code app building platforms. Here you need to invest some time and hire a developer for the conventional development process.

In the similar fashion, if your business roadmap will scale up with time and will have many features and functionalities, then it is better to go with the custom app development method.

Check Time-to-Market

This is a very significant aspect to be considered. If you have limited time and need to share your project or idea to the stakeholders when creating a prototype or a basic app with low-code or no-code is the best bet. However, if your business requires more features and functionalities then hire mobile app developer and custom app development should be your go-to choice.

Detect Budget Constraints

With a low budget and time, one can use no-code or low-code tools to create prototypes.

Indeed, with the advent of technology and innovation, there will be better and improved versions of low-code and no-code in the future that will be embraced by mobile app development company worldwide.

Schedule a call with one of Hidden Brains‘ specialists right away if you have any additional queries about whether you should choose for low code or no code instead of custom development.

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Albert Smith

Albert Smith, Marketing Manager at Hidden Brains, drives brand growth with innovative strategies in web, mobile app, and software development.