Low-Code Development Platform: Pros and Cons

In recent years, software development has undergone significant changes. The pursuit of speed, accessibility, and efficiency has become increasingly evident. Consequently, we witness the rise of low-code development platforms.

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of these platforms to understand if this is the best path to enhance development and achieve long-term high-performance deliveries. Check it out!

What is a low-code development platform?

Low-code development platforms enable developers to create applications quickly with minimal manual coding. Thus, the complexity of traditional code gives way to a user-friendly and intuitive interface with various pre-built models.

As a result, developers of various technical levels can craft customized solutions without the need for advanced programming knowledge, relying on basic logic and drag-and-drop features. These platforms are designed to streamline the development cycle, deliveries, and reduce the burden on developers.

There are different types of low-code platforms for various purposes, including:

1. Low-code development platform: These are exclusively designed for software development, such as Webflow, Jotform, Buildfire, and Quickbase.
2. Low-code RPA platform: These tools are specifically created for developing automations in robotic process automation, such as UiPath and Power Automate.

Advantages of a Low-Code Development Platform

As introduced, using low-code development platforms can bring several benefits to your company. Below are some of them:

Development Agility

When using low-code development platforms, developers can build applications and automations quickly, reducing the time required for manual coding and the overall delivery time.

Cost Reduction

With low-code platforms, developers can create more in less time, especially in teams with limited advanced programming skills. In such cases, using low-code platforms makes sense to ensure higher ROI and efficiency, as more deliveries can be made within the same time frame by coding manually.

However, cost reduction is relative, as, in some cases, low-code platforms may even increase costs in the long run. We’ll address when they are not recommended later on.

Efficient Maintenance

Using low-code platforms makes problem-solving more straightforward, as the visual approach of low-code simplifies the visualization of components and software maintenance.

Disadvantages of a Low-Code Development Platform

Despite the benefits, using low-code development platforms also has some cons that are worth mentioning. Check it out:

Limited Complexity

Opting for low-code development imposes significant limitations on the customization of your application or automation. In many cases, it’s not possible to execute specific requirements or make advanced customizations, compromising the modularity and flexibility of your project.

In the case of automations, for instance, low-code platforms excel in rapid deployments for microprocesses. However, a code-based platform can cater to more complex initiatives involving different systems, applications, and infrastructures.

Lower Performance

When compared to high-code platforms, low-code platforms exhibit inferior performance. This is because pre-built modules are not as optimized and effective as those created in code, resulting in lower performance, especially in applications processing large volumes of data.

For automations, those developed in code, such as in Python, are often lighter and can be up to 20 times faster compared to automations created in low-code.

Dependence on Expensive and Lengthy Licenses

By adopting low-code, your company often becomes dependent on the chosen platform for an extended period due to licensing, and migrating applications and automations is not easily achievable. If you decide to migrate to other solutions in the future, your team may encounter issues and will have to develop everything anew, as flexibility for migrations is restricted.

Long-Term Costs

The initial cost with low-code platforms is lower; however, in the long run, expenses tend to increase. As your project gains complexity, there will likely be new customization and automation requirements. In the low-code context, this often implies acquiring new software licenses and additional costs for each new automation or application developed.

Therefore, high-code platforms might be more suitable for teams with technical professionals scaling development efforts and hyperautomation.

💡Learn more: Python RPA vs. Low-Code Savings Calculator

Low-Code Development Platforms

After considering the advantages and disadvantages of low-code platforms, let’s explore some of the options available in the market:

Claris FileMaker

A low-code development platform that covers desktop, web, and mobile application creation. It provides an intuitive design, integrated templates, and a user-friendly interface. The platform was developed on the same foundation as FileMaker and offers automation solutions.

Microsoft Power Apps

Aiming to assist anyone in creating professional-level applications, this platform offers pre-built templates, drag-and-drop tools, and PowerFX, a programming language similar to Excel. Additionally, it provides connectivity to various data sources and services.

OutSystems

Enables the creation of User Interfaces (UIs), data models, and business processes for applications, allowing customization through code. It features a visual and intuitive approach, allowing development without the need for extensive coding. It offers integration with existing systems and supports multi-platform development.

💡Learn more: Migrating from Low-Code to Python RPA

Low-Code RPA Platforms

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, there are low-code RPA platforms. Here are some options:

UiPath

UiPath is a low-code platform specializing in RPA development by creating software robots that efficiently perform tasks on computers.

The UiPath Studio tool, for example, uses a “drag-and-drop” design approach, making it intuitive for users to develop automations even without programming experience.

Power Automate

With an easy and user-friendly graphical interface, Power Automate stands out among low-code automation development platforms. The tool has a wide range of pre-built connectors for services, allowing the creation of automations without intensive manual programming.

Appian

Allows automation development through an intuitive graphical interface, making the process easier. It offers both BPM (Business Process Management) and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) on the automation platform. Additionally, it provides integration with legacy systems and other data sources.

All set with the low-code development platform?

We hope the content has clarified everything about low-code development platforms. As we’ve seen, opting for these platforms tends to limit the complexity of your applications.

💡Learn more: Python RPA vs. Low-Code Comparison

Speaking of RPA development, investing in a high-code platform like BotCity, known for its flexibility and enabling unlimited customizations with a focus on Python automations, can be a good option.

After all, Python is a language familiar to most developers, making it ideal for businesses seeking greater autonomy and control over complex processes.

So, schedule a conversation with our experts or, if you’d like to try BotCity on your own, feel free to create a free account!