How do you choose between code and no-code based on your project in 2023?
What is the difference between No-Code and code? And what is the best programming method for developing a website or designing a business application?
In this article, you will discover :
- What is the difference in approach between code and no-code;
- What types of projects and businesses are code and no-code best suited for;
- What are the criteria you need to take into account to make the right choice for your digital project when choosing between traditional and No-Code.
If you need a categorical answer to the question posed in the title of this article, then don't read it. Because while it's true that programming platforms without a single line of code are revolutionizing digital creation, code and no-code are not head-on opposites.
No-Code platforms definitely offer the advantage of speed, simplicity and user empowerment. They allow, for example, an SME or start-up to test an idea without extensive technical knowledge or to build the functionality it needs specifically without calling in the pros.
You may also be interested in: How do I choose a no-code platform?
Traditional programming, on the other hand, is more often aligned with the needs of larger organizations whose existing IT infrastructures are already more complex, branched and multi-integrated. The choice between code and no-code is not an easy one. Several criteria come into play, including the nature of your project, its size, the technical maturity of your organization, and your motivation too!
What is the code?
The word "code" refers to the most traditional form of computer development. The code is written in a specific programming language, such as PHP or Python, and manually by a developer.
Programming requires technical knowledge and skills acquired through learning and practice. A personalized approach, the freedom to code "what you want" and the freedom to acquire new knowledge from a community of experts are three of the arguments frequently cited in favor of so-called "classical" development.
What about No-Code?
No-Code does not require any coding skills. This approach to programming is based on the use of very intuitive graphical interfaces. To create an application or a website, you only need to drag and drop visual elements instead of code blocks. This means that no coding knowledge is required when creating solutions.
No-Code is a simplified emanation of code that, among other things, opens the doors of digital creation to non-technical profiles and provides effective answers to periods of developer shortage. Easily accessible and often less costly than code, No-Code is a tremendous liberator of innovation and collective intelligence for companies.
You may be interested in: What you need to know about no-code?
No-code vs. code: what are the main differences?
But does this mean that No-Code, a simplified, inclusive and proven development method, will prevail over other ways of developing digital products?
Although the CEO of gitHub claims that "the future of coding is no coding at all", the reality is more complex. Each of these ways of coding has advantages and disadvantages.
No-Code is not suitable for all types of projects and traditional programming is not a must for all projects either.
Difference 1 - Level of customisation of digital products
The level of customisation is one of the main differentiating criteria between coding and No-Code. With the pre-programmed functional bricks of No-Code tools, you can design an application or a website more quickly.
On the other hand, if you have a very specific need to be translated in a functional way, you may encounter certain limitations due to the catalogue of functionalities from which you have to choose.
In contrast, in custom development, programming is done directly by professional developers who create custom products according to the specific needs of the customers.
To use No-Code properly, it is recommended to choose the platform that best suits your needs: website, mobile application, business application, etc.
Difference 2 - What is the learning curve?
You don't get something for nothing! The use of No-Code tools is certainly very intuitive, like Lego bricks being assembled, but you will have to be willing to take the plunge to familiarise yourself with your No-Code tool in order to make the most of it.
It is often said that the learning curve is quite steep for No-Code tools. This is true, but what it really means is that if you are motivated and focused, it only takes a few hours to start building your website or business application. The interfaces are very intuitive and there are plenty of tutorials to help you get up to speed quickly.
The reward is scale: once you have the basic skills, you will be able to create all the applications and features you want!
And of course, there is not even a learning curve for traditional programming, since one or more developers do the work for you. They are supposed to master all the technical aspects of your project.
Difference 3 - How much does it cost?
One of the major interests of No-Code programming is to be able to control its digital development costs. For a start-up or SME that wants to test or validate a new business opportunity, No-Code is ideal, as the initial investment is quite low and the results are often very good.
The only risk is that you may not like the end result at all or that the user experience is not up to scratch and you want to make significant changes to the digital product you have designed. In some cases, you will have to redesign and start from scratch.
How to avoid this kind of technical impasse?
It's simple, use traditional development methods and follow these three steps:
- Spend time defining the user's needs: what value will you add to them with your business application?
- Work in short iterations as in agile methodology: test and validate your application at each stage of its design by real users. Don't wait for the final result!
- Don't work alone in your corner: with several people, you go faster and make fewer mistakes.
Difference 4 - How to manage complexity?
One of the clichés about No-Code is that beyond a certain level of complexity, no-code tools are not efficient. This is not true!
Today, with No-Code, you can design and program almost anything. Take Ksaar, for example: our No-Code solution is connected to over 3,000 applications to be assembled and integrated.
With a few drag-and-drops and a bit of rigour, your business application will not have to be ashamed of a digital product developed by a seasoned programmer.
At Ksaar, everything has been designed to manage complexity with ease: our platform even allows you to create and use custom APIs with just a few clicks!
Get started for free: create your first business application with Ksaar!
Difference 5 - How long does it take to develop an application?
Here again, No-Code is an amazing solution. It is today the best solution to quickly deliver a functional application, the time to market is very short. In a few days, a few weeks at most, the "finished product" is available for your users, internally or externally.
This very short development time compares to the average time of four and a half months it takes an experienced team of developers and integrators to deliver a customised business application. The only advantage with traditional development is that you are (almost) sure of the final result.
Difference #6 - What is the level of security of applications developed in No-Code?
Data protection is a non-negotiable issue on the web. And it is often a headache for companies, especially if they collect and handle sensitive data about their customers or suppliers.
Before embarking on No-Code, make sure that the platform you use complies with the regulations in force. Ksaar is a No-Code solution that is 100% made in France, 100% encrypted and that respects the RGPD.
This is another positive point to add in favour of No-Code. If you choose the right tool, you don't have to worry about the side issues. You can get straight to the point and focus on the business and functional aspects.
Rates adapted to your business: discover Ksaar!
When should I use No-Code?
Both No-Code platforms and custom development have their advantages and disadvantages. To make the right choice, run your development project through the Ksaar checklist. A no-code tool is suitable for your development project if :
- You have limited IT and technical resources. No-Code is for example very suitable for SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups;
- Are you looking for a rapid development method to increase the overall productivity of your company without clogging up the IT department?
- You have a clear idea of the expected end result and are looking for a time-saving solution to move the operational part of your business forward;
- You need to do permanenttest and learnby modifying the features without using a developer;
- You are looking for a development solution that allows business and technical teams to work together quickly. The visual interfaces and the drag and drop operation really allow each collaborator to contribute to the building of a successful business application.
Which programming solution would best suit your digital project? Why not try designing your first business application with Ksaar?
