If you’re launching a new app or internal tool for your business, you’ve probably run into the terms no-code and low-code. These platforms promise faster development and lower costs—but how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down simply.
No-code: great for speed and simplicity
No-code platforms like Glide, Softr, Adalo, and even Bubble (in many use cases) are designed for non-developers. You can build an app using visual tools—no programming required. If your app fits a common pattern—such as a CRM, booking tool, or internal dashboard—no-code is likely a great starting point. You’ll launch fast, keep costs low, and stay in control.
That said, no-code tools come with limitations. As your app grows in complexity, or if your business operations are unique, you may start to hit walls. Workarounds pile up, and suddenly your simple app feels like a Rube Goldberg machine held together with duct tape and Google Sheets.
Low-code: for customization and complexity
Low-code platforms like OutSystems, Retool, and Make let you go further by combining visual interfaces with the ability to add custom code. While Bubble is often categorized as no-code, it also allows enough extensibility through JavaScript and APIs that it straddles both worlds.
If your app needs features that go beyond what drag-and-drop builders offer, low-code can give you that extra power. You can create tailored workflows, connect to obscure systems, and build business logic that no-code tools can’t easily handle.
But there’s a tradeoff: low-code apps usually require app developers. Not necessarily full-blown software engineers, but someone who understands JavaScript, APIs, and how apps work under the hood. You’ll likely need help to build, maintain, and troubleshoot your app over time.
A question of tradeoffs
So how do you choose?
Start with no-code if your app is relatively standard and you want to get to market quickly with minimal investment.
Go with low-code if your app needs to reflect complex or unusual parts of your business that no template can capture.
A good rule of thumb: the more your app needs to behave differently from every other app out there, the more likely you’ll need low-code—or even full-code.
And here’s the most important advice: no matter which path you choose, make sure you have a partner who understands both your business and the tools you’re using. Low-code projects, in particular, can suffer if your developer disappears or lacks context about your operations. You’ll end up with something you can’t update, can’t fix, and can’t rely on.
In the end, the best choice isn’t just about code. It’s about control, scalability, and having the right support when things change.
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