Low Code vs Traditional Software Development: Which is Best for You?

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Low Code vs Traditional Software Development: Which is Best for You?

Every software development company wants its strategy to work best. Low-code and traditional software development strategies have their own advantages and disadvantages, which you should know about to choose the best one for you. As you know, traditional software development involves manually coding apps. On the other hand, low-code development is a visual methodology that employs drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components to create apps. 

Many businesses now use low-code development to improve time to market, reduce the strain on their IT infrastructure, and involve employees in creating digital assets.It is often preferred due to its lower cost and faster time to market. On the other hand, traditional software development requires more time and resources but offers greater customisation and scalability. 

You should remember that an improper approach to app development might cost a lot in terms of time, money, and resources. Therefore, picking the best development strategy is a crucial step, and it is imperative to compare them. This article will guide you through it so you can select your project correctly if you are still on the fence and confused about whether no-code or low-code app development is an optimal strategy for your business. Read more to learn more.

Comparison Based on Various Factors

Here is a quick comparison of the two approaches to software development based on different factors so you can see how low-code development compares to traditional coding. Low-code development is often faster and cheaper than traditional coding, making it a great choice for smaller companies. However, traditional coding allows for more customisation and flexibility, making it a better option for larger companies. 

In this section, you will compare them based on the coding knowledge required, tools used, degree of customisation possible, security, support, maintenance, and many others. The comparison will help you decide which strategy is best for you. It is essential to consider the long-term implications of each strategy before making a decision. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the potential risks associated with each strategy. The following factors are compared:

  • Coding Experience
  • Tools Used
  • Time Spent Before Starting A Project 
  • Reusability
  • Customisation Options
  • Cost of Development
  • Deployment
  • Maintenance

1. Coding Experience

Traditional software development demands advanced coding skills and knowledge of various programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, algorithms, and software architecture. On the other hand, low-code development does not require coding skills, making it more accessible to a broader audience, but rather an understanding of fundamental design principles and knowledge of the available tools. 

2. Tools Used

Web frameworks and programming languages such as Python, Java, and PHP are the tools used in traditional software development. On the other hand, rapid application development tools such as Kissflow Low-Code are used in low-code development. Enterprise-grade apps can be swiftly and efficiently created with Kissflow, a top-tier low-code development platform. Renowned for its ease of use and versatility, Kissflow caters to non-developers and seasoned professionals.

Low-code development tools are often easier to use and quicker to develop than traditional software development tools. However, they are also more prone to errors and require more maintenance. Additionally, they are often more expensive. Tools such as drag-and-drop editors, visual debuggers, and automated testing make the development process much simpler and faster.

3. Time Spent Before Starting A Project 

In traditional software development, a project cannot start until it has a web server, database server, and code repository. Only after ensuring you receive all the packages from the package manager you are using can you actually begin. But it is much easier with low-code development since you can get started with just a few clicks.

4. Reusability

In terms of reusability, a low code development strategy is more beneficial. It is because low-code platforms allow you to reuse your own or others’ work. Once a module is on the platform, it is simple to use its publicly accessible actions and data in another application. On the other hand, in traditional development, you need to start every project from scratch.

5. Customisation Options

Low-code development offers limited customisation options, despite the fact that certain platforms, such as Kissflow, let users add custom UI components. It allows developers to create a customised application without starting from scratch. Furthermore, low-code platforms can quickly deploy the application to multiple platforms, such as web and mobile.

On the other hand, as you would be coding from scratch in traditional development, it allows you to customise your application to be tailored to specific requirements. It also allows for flexibility and scalability, as applications can be modified and upgraded. It also allows for more control over the code, which is beneficial in the event of any issues that may arise.

6. Cost of Development

The cost of developing traditional or custom software is high. The project’s development budget is high because creating a software application through the conventional development process takes a lot of time and money.

The cost of low-code platforms is substantially lower than that of traditional platforms. The main reason for this could be that low-code platforms only charge an organisation for the service they need to access—not for the entire development process.

7. Deployment

Setting up testing and production environments is necessary before deploying your application to them. It multiplies the time and effort required to set up your development environment. You will then need a deployment plan to verify that the correct dependencies are included and current manually. 

When using low-code platforms, the only steps in creating a deployment plan are choosing the app you want to deploy and setting up your environments. The platforms automatically add any changed dependencies to the deployment plan, along with any other apps impacted by those dependencies. However, since traditional development involves building apps from the ground up, deploying them takes longer.

8. Maintenance

Traditional software applications frequently require extensive ongoing maintenance and updates. Conversely, low-code applications are usually more modular and easier to maintain. If updates or modifications are needed, you can quickly apply them with the help of the drag-and-drop feature and visual interface, which lowers the related labour expenses. In addition, using pre-tested components and a decreased chance of coding errors translate into fewer unanticipated maintenance problems and long-term cost savings.

The above mentioned are the major differences between low-code and traditional software development based on various factors. You can consider all those factors to find out which one is best for you. For startups, SMBs, mid-market businesses, and enterprises wishing to quickly and easily develop and implement simple solutions, low-code development is the best option. 

However, for a number of specialised and complex use cases where complete control, performance optimisation, and intricate functionalities are critical, traditional development remains essential. Ultimately, the choice is yours, according to your goals and requirements.

Interesting Links:

What is low-code?

Difference between Traditional and Agile Software Development

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