Should I Use Low Code Mobile App Development?

Low code mobile app development has everything you could want – highly customizable apps, a user-friendly process, and fast delivery. Or does it?

Up to 70% of business apps could be built using low code or no code platforms this year. But if you go in blind, the resulting app may not meet your expectations or your business needs. So, let’s shed some light on low code’s merits and pitfalls.

What Is Low Code Mobile App Development?

Low code development simplifies the programming process by implementing a graphical interface.

Through intuitive drag-and-drop elements, coding becomes visual rather than purely textual. This allows people to quickly pick up the skill and develop low code apps, regardless of programming background.

An accessible innovation, low code makes it possible for all stakeholders to be involved in the app development life cycle.

🔥 Hot tip! Low code development makes the entire app development life cycle more easily digestible for all stakeholders. So, you can be involved even in the most technically demanding stages.

The Pros of Low Code Mobile App Development

Low code development is fast becoming one of the most popular alternatives to a permanent IT team. When it boasts these benefits, it’s easy to see why –

• Accessibility – Unlike traditional development, low code has a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible even to non-developers. This enables a vast spectrum of talent to participate in the development process, from business analysts to investors.
• Cost Effectiveness – Low code’s prebuilt components reduce the amount of manual coding required, freeing up resources and streamlining development. That, paired with lower future maintenance costs, makes it especially cost effective.
• Adaptability – Whatever your business requirements, low code mobile app development provides the perfect balance of adaptability and simplicity. It accomplishes this through customizable features that don’t take much effort to add in.
• Scalability – Low code is ideal for businesses with fluctuating needs. Its seamlessly scalable features enable quick responses to userbase growth and feedback.
• Efficiency – The efficiency of a drag-and-drop interface is just the first step to low code’s swift development life cycle. Rapid application development (RAD) is central to low code mobile development platforms, prioritizing speed and early functionality.

With all these benefits at your disposal, mobile app development is no longer a daunting obstacle. Instead, it’s the logical next step for your business.

💡 Want to learn more? RAD is one of many software development approaches that owes its roots to Agile, developing iteratively rather than sequentially.

The Cons of Low Code App Development

While low code development has sizeable advantages, it’s not without a few downsides. Keep these in mind when opting for low code –

• Limited Complexity – Low code’s reliance on prebuilt elements and templates limits the level of complexity it can implement. So, for apps that require extensive customization and meet unusual business needs, low code’s simplicity may be too simple.
• Lack of Ownership – Low code mobile app development may be convenient, but the apps you make with it are never truly yours. It’s impossible to make minute changes, as low code platforms safeguard the code underlying their components.
• Dependence on Provider – Your lack of ownership also ties you to the platform’s policies and business decisions. If those change, your app may suffer the consequences.
• Security Risks – Third-party components introduce security gaps that increase the risk of data breaches. It’s essential to investigate how closely each platform adheres to security protocols and how vigilantly it guards your data.

Low Code Development vs. Custom App Development

Now that you’re familiar with low code, you probably have an idea of whether it aligns with your business needs. But on the flip side you have traditional custom app development, which meets all the needs that low code doesn’t.

Both have value, but what fits your project best? You can find the answer in these seven questions.

1) What’s the Difference?

Low code mobile app development is primarily visual, using drag-and-drop functionality to build apps. This lowers the learning curve and makes it more accessible to non-developers. The method also uses RAD tools to speed up the development process as much as possible.

Traditional coding is manual, requiring advanced skill and knowledge of programming languages like Python and Java. The lack of automation and prebuilt elements means it takes longer, but it’s highly customizable – even down to the workflow.

💡 Did you know? One of many custom programming myths is that traditional coding leaves behind a buggy mess. But for those who ensure a thorough testing cycle, this myth holds no water!

2) Which Is More Customizable?

Low code mobile development platforms allow for limited customization, but the plug-and-play components enable easy scaling at any time. Most can also build apps that work on any platform and operating system.

Meanwhile, custom apps are infinitely customizable thanks to their fully manual coding. However, once they’ve been built, they’re time and resource intensive to scale – unless you have experienced developers on your side.

3) What’s the Time to Market?

According to a report by 451 Research, low code mobile app development can reduce development time by up to 90%. Thanks to its prebuilt templates, low code can crank out a complete app in less than a month.

Custom apps, on the other hand, are built from scratch. So, they’re likely to take six months to a year to hit the app store, depending on complexity. Then again, they can also reach a level of complexity impossible to achieve with low code.

4) How Agile Is the Process?

One of the best aspects of low code mobile development is that it’s highly flexible. You can add new features whenever you need them and quickly repair errors with little fuss.

It’s a bit harder to do the same for custom apps. While the possibilities are endless, your time isn’t, and every modification will take time.

5) Which Builds Higher Quality Apps?

Not only are low code app components polished from the outset, but the platforms also have live debugging options. These keep your app running smoothly.

With the right team, bespoke app development produces high quality apps with flawless performance. But that’s only if the testing phase is given its due diligence – a time-consuming process.

6) How Secure Are the Apps?

Low code mobile app development platforms typically comply with major security certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO 27001. After all, it’s in the platforms’ best legal interest to keep your users’ data safe.

For custom app development, it’s a matter of hiring the right developers. Much like low code’s security measures are in the provider’s hands, custom app developers are responsible for your app’s security.

7) Which Apps Are Easier to Maintain?

Maintenance couldn’t be easier with low code, as the platform takes care of performance monitoring and updates.

But there’s something to be said for a tech support team. While a traditionally built app requires manual support, human developers can stay on top of user feedback. They can arguably provide more meaningful changes.

Still Not Sure About Low Code Development?

If you’re on the fence about whether your app needs a low code or bespoke touch, DPL is here to help. Our mobile app development team has worked with countless businesses to build just the app they need.

Tell us about your app idea using the form below. We’re guaranteed to have the answer you’ve been waiting for.