The pros and cons of building web apps with Low-Code platforms

The need for web apps is growing as firms strive to digitise their processes. The conventional method for creating web apps is, however, labour-intensive, intricate, and highly specialised. Low-code platforms, which enable users to create web apps without considerable programming experience, have grown in popularity as a result of this. We will examine the benefits and drawbacks of developing web apps with low-code platforms in this post.

What Does it Mean by Low Code App Development Platform?

Low code is a visual method of developing software that facilitates the rapid delivery of applications with the least amount of manual coding. A low-code platform's graphical user interface and drag-and-drop capabilities automate some portions of the development process, removing the need for conventional computer programming techniques. Low-code platforms democratise app development, especially for "citizen" developers, or business users without professional coding training, including project managers or business analysts. These technologies make it possible for less technical personnel to have a greater influence on the company in a variety of ways, such as minimising shadow IT, easing IT department backlogs, and assuming more responsibility for business process management (BPM) workstreams. 

Having said that, low-code development platforms can also be useful for more experienced programmers. They provide developers greater coding background freedom because they call for little to no coding skills. For instance, several commercial applications need familiarity with a particular programming language, thus limiting the pool of potential developers. Low-code platforms accelerate the application development lifecycle by removing this barrier, allowing developers to do more tasks in less time.  

Pros of  Web Apps Development with Low-Code Platforms

Development Time

Low-code platforms enable users to drag and drop pre-built components to construct online apps, speeding up the development process. The time and effort needed to construct web apps are greatly decreased because this technique does not need to create long lines of code.

Cost-Effective

Low-code platforms are much less expensive than conventional development techniques for creating web apps. Low-code platforms reduce the need for expensive development teams, which helps small and medium-sized organisations save a lot of money.

Improved Efficiency

Low-code platforms provide users with access to pre-built components and templates, which improves development efficiency. This eliminates the need for developers to build components from scratch, which saves time and improves overall productivity.

Simple Integration 

Low-code platforms have pre-built connections with well-known tools and services, including payment gateways, CRMs, and ERPs. This increases overall efficiency by making it simpler to link online apps with already-in-use corporate processes.

Flexibility

Users have the freedom to adapt and scale web applications using low-code platforms, depending on their requirements. Web applications make it simple for users to add new capabilities and modules, which makes it simpler to react to shifting business requirements.

Cons of  Web Apps Development with Low-Code Platforms:

Low Level of Functionality 

Low-code platforms are intended to offer ready-made parts for frequently used capabilities. However, it's possible that these platforms lack the elements needed to create web apps with more sophisticated functionality. This may reduce the platform's versatility and, in certain situations, need specialised development.

Supplier Lock-In

As low-code systems often utilise proprietary software, consumers are essentially tied to the manufacturer. Due to dependence difficulties, switching to other platforms in the future may become more difficult.

Security Issues 

Low-code platforms are more susceptible to cyber-attacks since they are created from a single codebase. Furthermore, certain low-code development environments could not include cutting-edge security measures, which can be problematic for online apps that handle sensitive data.

Bounded Customization 

Despite the great amount of flexibility offered by low-code platforms, there could be restrictions on how much customization can be done. For companies that need highly specialised web apps, this might be an issue.

Prohibited Control 

As pre-built components and templates are offered by low-code platforms, users' ability to modify the codebase is constrained. Businesses that need total control over the codebase to adhere to regulatory standards may find this to be a worry.

Conclusion

For companies trying to quickly and affordably create web apps, low-code platforms have a lot to offer. Businesses should be conscious of these platforms' limits and possible downsides, too. Businesses should carefully consider their requirements and determine whether the platform can satisfy them before selecting a low-code platform. Low-code platforms may be a useful tool for companies wanting to maintain their competitiveness in the modern digital marketplace if they are handled properly.