How to Choose Between Low-Code or Full-Stack Development?

Today is quite common for companies all sizes to have online web platforms or mobile apps to keep their clients close, offer amazing customer service and promote their products.

Technology is crucial for brands today, and it’s almost mandatory to have online platforms to make everything easier, faster and more efficient for their world-wide digital customers.

This is why many companies are looking for the best way to use technology to be available for their clients. If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you’re already thinking about implementing some tech solution for your company, and you want to know which way is better.

This post will explain the differences, advantages and disadvantages of Low-Code and Full-Stack software development for you, so you can make the better decision for your company and clients.

Let’s begin!

What is Low-Code Development?

The term Low-Code means just that: you need some little code to build something up, and you don’t need to be a Senior Developer to create a platform.

Think about building something with Lego: you already have some specific pieces, with specific sizes and features, and you can use them to build almost anything you imagine. This is the same for this development type: you have some code pieces and functionalities that you can combine and use to build something you want.

This type of development is trying to overcome manual conventional programming by using some modern tools, like a graphic user interface and some default visual elements that makes the development process easier and faster. This is because you don’t need to code every element for your platform, but you can use some elements that are already developed and ready to use.

 What are Low-Code main advantages?

Low-Code development offers 4 main advantages:

1. With Low-Code development and Low-Code platforms, you don’t have to depend on engineers or specialized developers, which means that you can save some time and money.
2. As you don’t need a manual programming or coding, your platforms and prototypes can be developed and launched in less time, so you can focus on other things besides developing.
3. Flexible tools allow you to publish Low-Code apps in almost any environment.
4. Low-Code platforms allow you to test quickly, and if there’s anything wrong, you can correct the issue in a few clicks.

What are Low-Code main disadvantages?

Not everything is perfect, we know, so keep in mind these disadvantages:

1. It’s not easy to make entirely custom platforms. As they’re based on previously developed elements, you’ll have to adjust yourself to whatever you can find.
2. Integrations could be a nightmare, especially if you have legacy software in your company, or if you need to connect with third-party apps.
3. Security could be an issue, since there are many platforms and people using the same code for different tech products.

So, these are the pro and cons of Low-Code development. Now you know you can use it to build something fast, spending less money and without hiring specialized software developers. However, you may find yourself trying to adapt your company and your processes to whatever it’s already developed, and you could face some security and integrations issues.

What is the other option? Full-Stack Development.

What is Full-Stack Development?

Full-Stack development is made by experienced and specialized software engineers or developers, who handle every step of the process, from the organization and planning to the maintenance and support.

As the name implies, Full-Stack means it does and knows everything: technology, Front-End (browsers, devices, user interfaces) which is what the user sees and uses, Back-End (servers, infrastructure) which is the logic that makes everything work, Security, and so on.

With the current digital trends, all platforms must provide a great service and also an amazing user experience, which makes them more complex than ever before. So, all developers must have high and updated skills to understand the project and code the platforms.  This makes them highly valued and needed in tech companies.

 What are Full-Stack Development main advantages?

Full-Stack development offers 9 main advantages:

1. Both Front-End and Back-End are custom made and coded, so the platform is made according to your processes and goals, and not the other way around.
2. Platforms can be developed for different OS and programming languages, and can be easily integrated with third-party apps and platforms.
3. Development can face any challenge and overcome it on any stage, since you have control of the entire process.
4. Offers a complete solution to the problem, and addresses it from the core. As the development is made from scratch, you can identify and solve specific problems.
5. Creates custom and fast prototypes and MVPs that you can test and get feedback on.
6. The entire development process is controlled, as well as the code. At the end, you own the product and the code.
7. It’s a great alternative for startups or tech-based companies and products, since it’s scalable, secure and customizable.
8. The development process is flexible, and tasks can be prioritized according the project’s goals and timelines.
9. The code is more secure and is proprietary, because is custom made for every project.

What are Full-Stack Development main disadvantages?

There are some cons for this alternative, as well:

1. Full-Stack Development takes more time, since it has to be done from scratch.
2. As it takes more time, it’s also more expensive, since you probably will need a team of developers, a project manager and other people to get everything done.
3. You have to do more work, as you have to think of every input and output, rules, settings and the way you want the platform to be.

Now you know the main pro and cons of Full-Stack Development. This approach is for when you need something custom-made according to your needs, goals and requirements. With a Full-Stack development you can build anything you imagine, and make it work and look just the way you want it. 

However, this takes time and money, and in some cases that might be an issue.

Conclusion

So, after all the comparison, let’s make a summary. If you need a faster and cheaper way to get results without long work processes and with little to non-customization, Low-Code development is what you’re looking for.   This is because you can use building blocks as a simplified development process to “code” your software solution.

However, if you require a complete web or mobile app from scratch, controlling the entire process, owning the code, fully customized with your business logic, brand image and customer service guidelines, you need Full-Stack Development.  This is because you can adapt the solution to what you truly need, and create something amazing for your company and your clients.

Now that you know the main advantages and disadvantages, which option will you use?

If you need help with Full-Stack Development, don’t hesitate to contact us! Let’s discuss your project and work together on something awesome.