Efficiency, flexibility and automation are topics that are becoming increasingly important and relevant for companies of all sizes. When we look at the evolution of technology, we quickly realize the need to automate manual processes in order to increase efficiency and remain competitive.

In the world of software development, there are two terms that keep coming up: No-Code and Low-Code. But what do these terms actually mean and how do they differ from each other? In this article, we will define no-code and low-code platforms, explain how they work, highlight their differences and benefits, and present a solution that incorporates both. 

What is No-Code?

No-Code is a method or platform that can be used to create applications or software solutions and do so without any programming knowledge at all. It is an approach that aims to reduce the complexity of programming so that people without a technical background are able to create applications.

Examples of no-code platforms: Bubble and Adalo

What is low-code?

Low-code is a method or platform that allows applications or software solutions to be developed with a minimal amount of traditional, hand-written code. It is a development approach that aims to reduce programming effort by providing developers with visual and abstracted tools.

Examples of low-code platforms: OutSystems and Mendix

How does a no code and low code platform work?

No-code platforms:

1. Visual development environment: a no-code platform provides a visual development environment that allows users to build applications without writing code. You can simply drag and drop elements and functions into the user interface.
2. Pre-built building blocks: No-code platforms offer a variety of pre-built building blocks that can perform various functions and actions. These building blocks can include elements such as buttons, forms, tables, database connections, user authentication, and more. Users can select these building blocks and insert them into their application.
3. Configuration and Customization: Users can then configure and customize the application’s features by simply clicking on the various elements and changing the properties.
4. Integrations: No-code platforms typically provide pre-built connectors or APIs to facilitate integration with other systems and services. This allows users to incorporate data into their applications and extend functionality.
5. Test and Deploy: After the application is built, no-code platforms allow users to test their application to ensure it works as expected. They can then deploy the application, either internally to employees or externally to end users.

Low-code platforms:

1. Visual development environment: A low-code platform also provides a visual development environment, but it is more for developers. Here, developers can create applications faster and more efficiently by using pre-built building blocks and components.
2. Building blocks and components: A low-code platform provides pre-built building blocks and components that developers can insert into their applications. These building blocks can include features such as user interface elements, database connections, integrations with external systems, workflow logic, and more.
3. Configuration and customization: Once the building blocks are placed, developers can configure and customize them to achieve the desired behavior. This can be done by setting properties, setting events or writing custom code.
4. Integrations: Low-code platforms facilitate integration with external systems and services. They often provide pre-built connectors or APIs to connect to databases, cloud services, payment gateways and other applications.
5. Deployment: once the application is developed, developers can typically deploy it in a number of ways. This can include deployment to a local server, to the cloud, or to mobile devices. Low-code platforms often offer features to automate the deployment process to ease implementation and shorten time-to-market.

Low Code vs. No Code: What are the differences?

The main difference between no-code and low-code platforms lies in the complexity of the development/application. While no-code platforms aim to allow non-developers to create applications, low-code platforms offer developers more flexibility and control over the development process.

In addition, they also differ in the way they work, as described above. Low-code platforms are, in a sense, a graphical tool for dealing with familiar and sometimes complicated programming languages, while no-code platforms strive to separate themselves completely from text-based code. This means users should be able to tackle and complete their own projects without in-depth know-how. 

And thus, there is also a difference in the target audience. Low-Code is aimed at programmers / developers who want to make it easier to work on the source code, but also end users with little programming knowledge. No-code, on the other hand, is aimed more at end users who want to create their own application software without the help of developers.

Advantages and disadvantages

No-code and low-code platforms offer a variety of benefits that can help organizations speed up development and increase productivity. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Time savings: applications can be developed faster with no-code and low-code platforms because they are based on visual development tools and require less to no code. 
2. Increased productivity: because no-code and low-code platforms require less coding, developers and non-developers can work faster and more efficiently. 
3. Lower costs: fewer developer hours are required and development time is reduced. This can be especially beneficial for smaller companies that may not have the resources to employ a large team of developers.
4. Ease of scalability: no-code and low-code applications are typically scalable, which means they can be easily adapted to meet the needs of the business as it grows or changes. This can help the business remain flexible and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

DOC² – the solution for document processing based on no-code-low-code.

The transition from no-code to low-code can be fluid. This is exactly the case with DOC². Because DOC², our simple and intelligent solution for document processing, is based on no-code and low-code. 

DOC² is a comprehensive solution that combines advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and optical character recognition (OCR) to deliver unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in capturing, processing and extracting valuable data from invoices and documents. It is designed to grow with your business, providing a scalable solution that can handle increasing volumes of invoices and documents. In addition, DOC² has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to find their way around, shortening the learning curve and enabling your team to use the platform quickly and efficiently. Find out more about how DOC² works and who

Conclusion

In summary, both no-code and low-code platforms are designed to make application development more accessible. However, no-code tools are best suited for those who have little to no programming experience, while low-code tools are better suited for more experienced developers who want to speed up their development workflows.