What's Wrong with Low and No Code Platforms?

Discover the potential drawbacks of No & Low code tech platforms for creating business applications. Learn how to approach this technology for optimal results.
Written by
Michelle Artreche, Content Marketing Manager
Published on
September 11, 2023

In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming businesses. 

But there's a catch — there aren't enough developers to keep up with the demand for innovative solutions. Enter no and low code platforms. 

These user-friendly tools are here to save the day by making technology accessible to non-tech experts too.

Wait, what exactly are these platforms? Well, they're mostly used for building apps, but they're part of a larger trend called the democratization of technology

That's just a fancy way of saying that tasks that used to require coding can now be handled by non-technical folks in the business.

They cover everything from app development and website building to AR visualization and data science tools. Basically, they handle tasks that would have previously caused a coding nightmare.

So why should businesses go for no and low code? 

First off, they allow business users to unleash their creative ideas without waiting for developers. That means faster innovation and quicker time to market for new products and services. 

Plus, experts from different departments – be it marketing, accounting, design, or operations – get more control over their tasks and workflows. Leading to better quality results since they know the ins and outs of their areas.

While the business reasons for no and low code platforms are sound, the platforms can fail to live up to expectations. Let's explore the potential drawbacks of these platforms. 

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Watch out for security

Security can be a real concern when business users start building apps or automating workflows without any oversight or access protocols. 

Although no and low code platforms can help avoid "shadow IT" – you know, when business peeps do their own software thing – they can end up creating their own version of it.

To avoid any security snafus, a good no or low-code platform should have built-in governance and security measures. 

It should put some limits on what business users can do to keep things safe. And IT should keep an eye on what's happening to stay in the loop.


Tricky customization and flexibility

The main issue with no or low-code platforms is that they can be too inflexible and limited when dealing with complex tasks.

With no code platforms, you get these pre-made building blocks that you can play around with visually. But guess what? They're not as flexible as the actual code underneath.

These tools still require some serious know-how in stuff like web services, databases, software design, and reporting.

So, here's the deal: these platforms work like a charm for basic stuff that fits their predefined blocks. But if you're dealing with complex apps, data science, or intricate workflows, you'll need more than just a no-code platform.

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Be Cautious

Another issue with some no or low-code platforms is that they may require developers for anything beyond basic use cases. Users have reported that even for seemingly simple tasks, they end up needing consultants or developers to achieve the desired results. 

Defeating the purpose of a no or low-code platform, as developers end up spending as much time coding as they would have without the platform.

Additionally, when developers are forced to work with these platforms' visual component systems, they often face frustration due to their limited applicability and complexity. 

This discourages developers from using the platform, leading to a shortage of experienced users. The platform becomes more of a burden than a benefit for the business.

One way to spot whether a no or low-code platform requires extensive coding is to check the number of developers offering services to build on the platform. 

If there is a high demand for external consultants, it may indicate that the platform is not as user-friendly as advertised.

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Here's the deal

The easier the platform is to use, the better. If it requires extensive training and complex onboarding, it might not be as beneficial as it seems. Remember, simplicity is the key to efficiency and agility.

Before jumping on the no and low code bandwagon, businesses should carefully assess platforms. Understand what they can truly achieve and what resources they require. 

If it fits the bill, then hooray! You've got yourself a helpful tech ally that empowers both developers and business users alike.

In a nutshell, no and low code technology can be a game-changer for businesses. 

It lets non-tech experts join the tech revolution and boosts innovation. However, it's crucial to pick the right platform and use it for the right tasks. 

By doing so, businesses can make their digital dreams a reality and embrace the power of no and low code.

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