Low-code vs traditional development: what’s the difference?

The time to build an app has come. What’s the best approach?
Get your answers to the question of low-code vs traditional development.

There are essentially two ways to build software or apps: low-code or traditional development. Both approaches have pros and cons, depending on what you want and your business needs. This is how to choose low-code vs traditional development. 

What is low-code?

Low-code is changing the way we build applications, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their programming prowess. With it, you can create applications using an enjoyable drag-and-drop visual interface, akin to piecing together a puzzle and focus on the creative parts of their work rather than on routine tasks such as sign-in or password recovery. With low-code platforms, developers can select from a variety of pre-made modules that not only look great but also play nicely together, thanks to their built-in compatibility.  

But does this mean you can create a fully functional app without writing a single line of code? Well, not quite! While it’s true that you can create a robust application with minimal manual programming, there are often occasions where a little extra finesse is needed. This might involve tweaking certain elements or adding custom features, and that’s where some coding skills come into play.  

Low-code advantages 

Low-code can quickly bring your ideas to life and enhance teamwork. But there’s more to it.  

• Time to market. Low-code platforms let you create applications in record time. With drag-and-drop features and pre-built modules, you can launch your project quickly and start seeing results sooner. 

• Cost-effective. By reducing the need for a large team of developers, you save on costs. It’s an attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their budget while still delivering effective solutions. 

• Less technical debt. Since you’re building on a platform designed for quick development, you can avoid some of the pitfalls of traditional coding, like accumulating technical debt from complex codebases. 

• User-friendly. Non-tech-savvy team members can get involved, making it easier for your business to tap into a broader range of insights and ideas. Plus, it fosters collaboration across departments. 

• Easy integrations. Low-code platforms come with ready-to-use integrations, with popular tools and services, making it easier to connect with other software your business already uses.  

Low-code disadvantages 

While low-code simplifies development, it may not fully accommodate complex or unique requirements. 

• Limited customization. While low-code is great for quick builds, it might not cater to specific or complex needs. If your project requires unique features, you may hit some walls. 

• Vendor dependency. Relying on a low-code platform means you’re tied to their ecosystem. If they decide to change their pricing or services, it could impact your operations. 

• Security risks. Using third-party modules can introduce vulnerabilities. You’ll need to keep a close eye on security to protect your business data. 

What is traditional development? 

Traditional development, often referred to as custom software development, is the classic approach to creating software, where coding reigns supreme from beginning to end. Every piece of software is meticulously crafted from scratch, requiring a skilled programming team ready to transform ideas into reality. 

There are no pre-made modules or shortcuts here; every aspect of the software is tailored to fit your specific requirements. This ensures a unique product and also means that the development process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. 

You’ll need to have a solid grasp of at least one programming language – though most seasoned developers typically master several. However, traditional development is not a solo endeavour. It thrives on collaboration, bringing together a diverse team of developers, each contributing their unique expertise.  

Traditional development advantages 

Traditional development can fit your business needs like a glove.  

• Tailored solutions. When you go the traditional route, you get a product designed specifically for your business needs. This level of customization can set you apart from the competition. 

• Scalability. Traditional development allows you to build robust applications that can grow with your business. If you anticipate high user traffic or data demands, this is often the safer bet. 

• Strong control over quality. With full control over the development process, you can ensure high standards and security protocols, reducing potential risks down the line. 

Traditional development disadvantages 

While traditional development offers deep customization, it can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. 

• Longer time-to-market. Developing from scratch can be a slow process, which means it might take longer to get your product out there. In fast-moving markets, this can be a real drawback. 

• Higher investment. Custom development often requires significant upfront investment in skilled developers and project management.  

• Requires expert knowledge. You’ll need a talented team who are comfortable with multiple programming languages and can tackle complex problems – finding the right people can be a challenge. 

• Ongoing maintenance needs. Traditional applications require regular updates and maintenance, which can take time and resources.  

Low-code vs. traditional development: weighing the options 

Take a peek at the table below to see the pros and cons of low-code and traditional development.  

CRITERIA	LOW-CODE DEVELOPMENT	TRADITIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Time-to-market	🟢 Rapid development with drag-and-drop features leads to quicker launches.	🔴 Longer development time as everything is built from scratch.
Technical debt	🟢 Lower technical debt due to simplified processes and built-in features.	🟡 Potentially higher technical debt if not managed carefully over time.
Compatibility options	🟢 Often includes built-in integrations with popular tools and services.	🟡 Offers greater flexibility but requires custom integration work.
Investment	🟢 More cost-effective as fewer resources and less specialized talent are needed.	🔴 Higher upfront investment due to the need for skilled developers and extensive planning.
Intuitiveness	🟢 User-friendly interfaces make it easier for non-developers to contribute.	🔴 Requires technical expertise, making it less accessible to non-tech team members.
Customization	🟡 Limited customization options can restrict specific business needs.	🟢 Fully customizable to meet unique requirements without limitations.
Scalability	🟡 May face challenges scaling for larger applications or user bases.	🟢 Highly scalable, designed to handle growth effectively.
Maintenance	🟢 Easier to maintain due to standardized components, but may rely on vendor updates.	🟡 Requires ongoing maintenance and updates, which can be resource-intensive.

 Low-code vs. traditional development: which is best for you? 

Choosing between low-code and traditional development hinges on various factors, including project complexity, time constraints, budget, and the specific needs of your business. Let’s break it down with practical cases to help illustrate which option might be best suited for different scenarios. 

When low-code development shines 

In these situations, low-code can provide the agility and efficiency needed to meet business demands quickly. 

Rapid Prototyping and MVPs 

Imagine a startup looking to test a new idea may need a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly. Using a low-code platform, they can rapidly create an app to gauge user interest without extensive coding knowledge. This allows them to validate their concept in a matter of weeks rather than months. 

Verdict: In this scenario, low-code is ideal because it significantly reduces the time-to-market, supporting faster feedback and iteration. 

Internal tools and applications 

Consider a mid-sized company in need of an internal project management tool. They can use low-code to create a custom application that integrates with existing systems and reflects their unique workflows, all without relying heavily on IT resources. 

Verdict: Low-code proves beneficial here as it empowers non-technical employees to contribute, reducing the burden on development teams while still delivering a tailored solution. 

Business process automation 

Suppose a finance department wants to automate invoice processing. Using a low-code solution, they can build a workflow application that simplifies this process, integrates with other financial systems, and quickly adapts to changes in requirements. 

Verdict: Low-code is advantageous for automating repetitive tasks, as it allows teams to focus on higher-value work rather than spending time on coding. 

When traditional development prevails 

In these cases, traditional development may be essential for ensuring that complex requirements are fully met with precision and scalability 

Complex applications 

Take, for example, a large enterprise that needs a sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) system that must handle extensive data and complex business logic. The requirements for customization and scalability are too intricate for a low-code solution. 

Verdict: Traditional development could be necessary here, as it provides the flexibility to create a robust application tailored to specific needs without the limitations of pre-built modules. 

Highly regulated industries 

Picture a healthcare organization that must comply with stringent data privacy regulations. They require complete control over their application’s architecture and security measures, ensuring that all compliance requirements are met. 

Verdict: Traditional development could be the best choice in this case, as it allows for full oversight of security protocols and regulatory compliance, minimizing risks associated with third-party platforms. 

Long-term strategic projects

Let’s consider a government agency planning a multi-year project to develop an extensive public service platform. The agency needs a highly customized solution that can evolve with changing regulations and technology. 

Verdict: Here, traditional development may be preferable because it allows for a tailored approach that can adapt over time, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and effective. 

Finding the right fit with Near Partner 

Ultimately, the decision between low-code and traditional development isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For quick projects, internal tools, and automation, low-code offers a flexible and efficient path. However, for complex, customized solutions and projects requiring extensive control and compliance, traditional development remains the preferred choice. 

Do you want a low-code-based app you can build yourself, but need some customization? Or, on the contrary, do you want your own app, built from scratch, completely fine-tuned to your liking?

At Near Partner, we are a team of experienced developers, fluent in both custom software development and low-code development. We have extensive experience in helping our customers decide which is the best development approach for their projects, taking budgets, company structure, teams, and proof of concept into account. And we are eager to help with your business too. Get in touch!