In today’s fast-paced world, every business seems to need a mobile app, but building one can turn into a real headache. After investing in a website or desktop app, the idea of spending more on mobile development might feel like yet another burden. The good news? You’ve got two main options:
- Hire a pro or a team to develop the app for you.
- Try building it yourself using a low-code or no-code platform.
Traditionally, app-building required developers with deep coding knowledge—people who could handle the complexity of writing code, managing projects, designing interfaces, and more. That's why businesses typically turned to experts.
But recently, low-code/no-code platforms have become hugely popular. In fact, this market, valued at $16.1 billion in 2021, is projected to hit over $80 billion by 2027. These platforms promise to let almost anyone build an app without coding expertise, even if they’ve never touched a line of code before. And with 24% of users on these platforms having zero development experience, it’s easy to see the appeal.
But before you jump on board, let’s get a realistic view: is it really as simple as it sounds? Let’s break down what these platforms bring to the table and whether they’re the right solution for your business – or if they might just be selling a bit too much convenience at a hidden cost.
The Basics of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
Low-code/no-code platforms aim to simplify app-building, letting you use drag-and-drop tools to develop software with little to no coding knowledge. At first glance, this might sound like magic, but as with anything, simplicity has its trade-offs.
- Low-code platforms require some basic coding skills and rely on pre-built templates. This setup can speed up development, but those templates might restrict your creativity or leave you stranded if you need a feature beyond the basics. Think of it as trying to fit everything into a cookie-cutter mold – it’s fast, but only if your needs align with the platform’s capabilities.
- No-code platforms take it a step further, claiming you don’t need any coding skills at all. You simply use visual tools to design your app, almost like playing with LEGO blocks. While no-code platforms are ideal for ultra-simple projects, they show their limitations quickly once you need anything more sophisticated.
Some platforms even boast AI tools that assist you by predicting your next steps or suggesting bits of code. But remember, AI can't replace the expertise of a seasoned developer when it comes to building complex applications.
Popular No-Code Platforms
- Bubble – for building basic web and mobile apps.
- Glide – mobile-friendly apps using predefined templates.
- Airtable – for creating databases and simple apps with no coding.
- Webflow – a no-code solution for basic website creation.
Popular Low-Code Platforms
- Zoho Creator – a drag-and-drop tool for building workflows and databases.
- Appian – geared towards creating complex enterprise apps.
- Power Apps – Microsoft’s low-code platform with strong integration into their ecosystem.
When Low-Code/No-Code Might Be Worth It
So, when might these platforms be a reasonable option? Here are a few scenarios where they could fit:
- Creating a Simple MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Need a quick demo for investors? These platforms can help you build a basic version without major upfront costs.
- Building a Static App or Website: If you just need a landing page or a simple app without complex features, you can get one done in hours. Just don’t expect it to handle anything beyond surface-level tasks.
- Testing a New Idea on a Budget: Experimenting with an idea? Low-code/no-code platforms offer a low-cost way to test it before investing in custom development.
Pros of Using Low-Code/No-Code (With a Grain of Salt)
1. Cost Savings (But at What Cost?)
Sure, low-code/no-code platforms seem like the budget-friendly choice at first glance. You won’t need a full team of developers, and the subscription model means you’re only paying for what you use. But remember, what you save upfront might cost you in the long run.
Without experienced developers, you might run into issues down the road that require technical know-how to fix (especially true for low-code platforms). And those subscription fees? They can start stacking up as your project grows. Custom development might seem pricey at first, but the long-term stability and tailored support often pay off.
2. Fast Turnaround (But Is It Really “Done”?)
Need an app yesterday? Low-code/no-code platforms might get you there. With templates and drag-and-drop interfaces, you can throw together a prototype in no time. But “quick” doesn’t always mean “quality.” When it comes to scaling or adding custom features, you might face frustrating roadblocks. Custom development may take longer initially, but it ensures stability for whatever comes next.
3. Boosted Productivity (Until You Hit a Wall)
Automating repetitive tasks is great, and low-code/no-code platforms are designed to do just that. You can speed up processes like prototyping and deployment, making it easier for your team to focus on creative tasks.
But productivity can grind to a halt when you need to implement complex features or adapt to specific business needs. Custom development might take more effort, but it offers the flexibility to tackle challenges head-on, rather than forcing you to settle for what’s available.
4. Ease of Use (But Don’t Expect Magic)?
No developer or coding experience required? Sounds great, right? If you can drag and drop, you can build an app – up to a point. But beware of oversimplification.
While anyone can get started on a low-code/no-code platform, advanced functionality still requires a solid understanding of app logic, design principles, and integrations. You can build something basic in a weekend, but for more complex needs, you may find that relying on experienced developers from the start is a smarter investment.
Obvious Cons of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
1. Customization Limits (You Get What You Pay For)
Yes, low-code/no-code platforms let you build apps quickly but don’t expect groundbreaking innovation. While they're great for simple applications, once you need complex custom features, you’ll likely hit a wall.
Industries like healthcare or video streaming, for instance, often need specialized workflows or security features that these platforms just can't handle. If your vision involves creating something truly unique or intricate, be prepared for frustration – or consider custom development from the start.
2. Performance Hiccups (When Speed Becomes a Snail’s Pace)
Scaling an app sounds nice until it starts to lag. While low-code/no-code platforms are fine for moderate usage, they can struggle under heavy loads. If your app is resource-intensive or experiences high traffic, you might face slowdowns, crashes, or frustrating performance dips during peak times. This could alienate users fast, making custom development – which is built to handle your specific performance needs – an investment worth considering.
3. Hidden Costs (Surprise! It’s More Expensive)
While low-code/no-code platforms appear to be cost-efficient, beware of sneaky fees. As your app scales or requires more advanced features, costs can skyrocket, erasing those initial savings. Subscription tiers, premium features, and support add-ons can all add up. Custom development may seem expensive up front, but it often proves more stable and predictable over time.
4. Learning Curve (It’s Not That Easy)
Sure, no developer or coding is required, but that doesn’t mean it’s all plug-and-play. These platforms still have a learning curve, and mastering their tools and features takes time. In fact, for low-code platforms, basic coding knowledge may still be necessary. You’ll need to invest energy in learning the system before your productivity soars – whereas, with custom development, the technical burden is on your team of experts.
5. Integration Challenges (Hitting Brick Walls)
While many platforms offer integration capabilities, they often fall short of complex tools or niche business software. For apps that need to interact seamlessly with specialized systems, or that demand significant scalability, you might hit some roadblocks.
This is where custom development shines, as it allows for tailored integration solutions that work with your existing tools and are designed to scale without a hitch.
6. Platform Dependence (Getting Stuck in a Walled Garden)
Committing to a low-code/no-code platform may seem like a smart choice at first, but the reality is often less rosy. Vendor lock-in is a very real risk, and once you’re deep into one platform, switching to another – or moving to custom development – can feel like starting all over again. Even worse, this is assuming the platform remains stable and functional over time. But what happens if it doesn’t?
Take Google’s App Maker, for example. Launched in 2016 as part of Google’s G Suite, it allowed users to create apps in a drag-and-drop editor and customize them using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Yet, by 2021, Google shut down App Maker due to low usage. For the few businesses that relied on it, this meant scrambling to migrate their apps or switch to custom development – an unexpected headache that likely wasn’t in their original plan.
This type of upheaval is something you simply don’t face with custom development. When you build an app with custom code, you own it. There’s no risk of a third-party platform going under or changing its terms. Once the code is written, it’s yours, and you can update it as needed without relying on any vendor’s future business decisions.
So while low-code/no-code might seem convenient at first, think about the long-term investment. The time and money you save now could be eclipsed by the costs of starting over later. Custom development offers stability and flexibility right from the start – something no platform can guarantee.
Custom Development: A Stable Long-Term Solution
Low-code/no-code platforms work for basic projects, but when customization, complexity, and adaptability are essential, custom development is the way to go. Custom apps are built specifically for your needs, offering limitless creative control and flexibility – no matter how intricate your app idea may be.
Who Should Consider Hiring a Developer?
Custom development is ideal if you:
- Need custom solutions: if cookie-cutter software won’t cut it, go custom for the right fit.
- Require complex features: custom development is perfect for apps needing intricate functionality like real-time updates or multi-user collaboration.
- Plan to scale: with a custom-built app, scalability is designed from the ground up, ready to handle growth seamlessly.
Pros of Custom Development
Opting for custom development has some clear perks, particularly for businesses with specific needs.
1. Customization and Scalability
Custom app development offers unmatched flexibility, ensuring your app is built to your exact specifications. Unlike low-code/no-code platforms that restrict you to pre-built components, custom development is like starting with a blank canvas.
Need a unique feature that competitors don’t have? Your developer can create it. Want a specific workflow that matches how your team operates? No problem. This freedom allows you to build a product that truly reflects your brand’s personality and meets all of your operational needs.
Scalability is another key advantage. Custom-built apps are designed with growth in mind, so they can handle an increase in users, data, and functionality over time.
Let’s say you’re launching a subscription service and expect a rapid influx of users – custom apps can accommodate that growth seamlessly. With scalability embedded into the foundation, you won’t have to start from scratch if your needs evolve, making custom development a future-proof investment.
2. Expertise and Support
When you hire professionals, you’re leveraging a team’s specialized skills across design, development, and deployment. Unlike low-code/no-code platforms that offer basic templates, professional developers use advanced coding techniques and best practices to create a secure, high-performance app.
Whether it’s optimizing your app’s backend, refining its user interface, or implementing strong security measures (like GDPR compliance for data protection), a professional team ensures the app is built right the first time.
3. All Needed Integrations
A significant benefit of custom development is the ability to integrate any tools, systems, or third-party services your business relies on. For instance, if you need to sync your app with a CRM, ERP system, or analytics tools, a custom-built app can make it happen. Custom developers can also integrate complex API (Application Programming Interface) solutions to ensure your app interacts seamlessly with other services, databases, or devices your business uses.
This is especially valuable if your app will support complex workflows or rely on real-time data exchange. For example, an e-commerce app that needs to update stock levels in real time across multiple platforms will benefit greatly from such integrations. Custom development allows you to build a system where everything works together harmoniously, saving you time and effort on manual processes.
4. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance (QA) is essential in custom development, and it’s a process professional developers take seriously. Before your app goes live, it goes through rigorous testing to ensure it runs smoothly across all devices and operating systems. This process includes functional testing to ensure each feature works as intended, compatibility testing across different devices and screen sizes, and performance testing to ensure the app doesn’t crash under high user loads.
QA also includes security testing, which helps identify potential vulnerabilities and ensures your app is protected against hacking attempts. With thorough quality assurance, you’re launching a product that’s stable, secure, and free of embarrassing glitches that could harm user satisfaction and trust.
5. Ongoing Support
The partnership doesn’t end once your app is live. Most agencies offer ongoing support and maintenance packages to ensure your app remains up-to-date and continues to operate smoothly. If you need to make adjustments, like adding a new feature or tweaking existing functionality, your development team is just a call away. This support is especially valuable for businesses where technology is core to their operations – knowing that experts are available for any future needs is a huge plus.
Additionally, because custom apps are built with flexibility in mind, they’re much easier to adapt to future changes in technology, user expectations, or market conditions. For instance, if new regulations require changes to your data-handling practices, or if you want to add advanced features like AI-driven recommendations, your app is ready to evolve without being entirely rebuilt.
Cons of Custom Development
Custom development has a lot to offer, but it does come with a few downsides, especially when it comes to cost and time.
1. Cost
There’s no sugarcoating it – custom development is an investment. The cost of creating a complex, custom app can range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the app’s intricacy and features. For projects on tighter budgets, this price point can feel out of reach.
That said, the scope of your app plays a big role here: for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with only core features, you’re looking at a more accessible range of $8,000–$10,000.
2. Time
A custom app typically takes longer to build than a low-code/no-code alternative. While low-code/no-code solutions might have you up and running in days, a fully custom project may take months to complete. However, if you’re focusing on an MVP, this timeline can be shortened to around 1.5 months, especially with multiple developers working simultaneously to accelerate the process.
Debunking Myths about Custom Development
Dependency
Some worry that a custom app will leave them dependent on one development team for maintenance. However, most custom apps are built using widely recognized programming languages and frameworks that any qualified developer can work with. For example, an Android app developed in Kotlin and Jetpack Compose can easily be maintained by another developer. Low-code/no-code platforms, on the other hand, often have unique setups, meaning you might need platform-specific specialists, which can make transitions a bit more complicated.
Communication and Collaboration
Working with developers might seem intimidating, but much depends on the company's communication style and project management. Most software development companies establish clear workflows to simplify expressing your vision. And remember, clear communication is just as important with low-code/no-code specialists, where project accuracy hinges on understanding and articulating your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Low-Code/No-Code DIY and Custom Development
Choosing between low-code/no-code and custom development depends on your project needs, budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Let’s break down the key factors:
Budget
Low-code/no-code platforms are budget-friendly up front but can become costly as you scale or need custom features.
Custom development may have a higher initial cost but gives you total control without recurring platform fees, making it a better fit for long-term investment in flexibility and growth.
Timeline
If you’re on a tight deadline, low-code/no-code platforms can get a basic version up and running quickly. However, for long-term success, custom development, though it takes a little longer, results in a product that’s better equipped to handle future needs, upgrades, and industry-standard requirements.
App Complexity
Low-code/no-code solutions are ideal for simpler projects. But if your app requires complex workflows, unique designs, or high interactivity, custom development is the way to go. Custom-built apps can handle intricate tasks and multi-layered functions that low-code/no-code platforms might struggle with.
Future Growth
If you’re planning for expansion, custom development is the clear winner. Low-code/no-code platforms can hit a wall as complexity increases, while custom apps are designed to grow with you – adding new users, features, and capabilities over time.
Skill Set and In-House Resources
If you have a tech-savvy team, managing a low-code/no-code platform may work well. However, if you lack technical expertise, professional developers bring the precision, reliability, and performance optimization needed for a high-quality app that’s secure and efficient.
To Sum Up
Building an app is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. As cliche as it may sound, choosing the best path for app development depends on your unique goals and resources. Low-code/no-code platforms shine for budget-friendly, fast solutions but may lack customization and scalability. Custom development might come with a higher upfront cost and a longer timeline, but it provides a tailor-made, future-ready app with professional support.
For startups or small businesses focused on simple needs, low-code/no-code can be a quick solution to get an MVP out the door. But for businesses that anticipate complex requirements or aim for long-term growth and revenue generation, custom development is often the better choice.
Assess your project’s complexity, budget, and timeline carefully to make the right choice. The decision ultimately depends on your vision – low-code can handle straightforward tasks, but custom development steps in when you need to go beyond the basics.
Keep in mind that as low-code/no-code platforms advance, they may become increasingly complex to manage, requiring skill growth to keep up. In the end, these platforms work best within their limits, while custom development provides a broader foundation for intricate, lasting solutions.
Unsure which direction to take? Contact us or book a quick call for a free personal consultation, and let us help you choose the perfect solution for your project.
Take a look at our other articles too:
Why PWAs Could Ruin Your Business
.avif)
Comments