Mobile app usage continues to break new frontiers in the modern era. Approximately 6.6 billion people worldwide own a smartphone in 2022, with 230 billion annual app downloads last year alone. Developing apps is high on many businesses' agendas, but how do you guarantee high-quality and profitable solutions?
Low-code software development is a major choice for many companies owing to its quick delivery and intuitive nature. Custom app development is another common route. This method results in broader design possibilities but requires greater technical expertise and customized solutions.
Researching different development approaches is integral to app quality and significantly improves ROI. How do you optimize web and mobile applications to deliver scalable revenue and a consistently increasing user base? It all starts with the app development stage, where businesses must typically choose between low-code development or custom software solutions.
The former is threatening to replace mobile app developers in some industries, as companies increasingly welcome the hands-on design approach and fast turnover. But is low-code app development the future? Not quite. It is still a limited design process, unsuitable for specific demands and solving complex development problems.
Read on for an overview of low-code and custom-code app development alongside a concise comparison uncovering the optimal context for each option. Afterwards, Selleo is on hand to deliver on all your custom application development needs and more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Table of Contents
What Is Low-Code App Development?
Building software is quick and easy with the low-code development process, an agile coding method that requires half the expertise and delivery time as custom solutions. It uses a drag-and-drop interface allowing businesses to quickly decide on the layout and features with minimal hassle.
A low-code solution is cost-effective and user-friendly. The hosting company manages the app development process due to the ease of use, cutting down the delivery time and making communications easier between business and developer. Low-code platforms are a product agile methodology that can be used in B2B or B2C contexts.
What Is Custom Software Development?
Custom software development is a front-to-back process involving custom coding to create a unique and tailor-made product. High-end commercial software like Uber or Deliveroo needed this coding method to create their complex multi-use mobile applications. Custom development has wider functionality, enabling forward-thinking and robust products cutting through the status quo.
The software development team must solve complex coding problems to achieve as many goals as possible. Because the full-fledged development process is less restricted by third-party solutions, there is more scope for compatibility, scalability, and personalization. This in turn increases ROI and general user satisfaction. At Selleo, our market-leading mobile development team is on hand for any custom code development you require.
Low-Code vs Custom Software: A Comparison
The first step in deciding what wins the low-code vs custom software battle is comparing the two. You can find a vital comparison for business users and professional developers below:
#1: Business Value
Low-code platforms may be easier and faster to build, but their business value tends to be lower than custom code development. Building software using the low-code development approach is limiting and may not achieve the complexity many apps need.
On the other hand, building a custom application allows businesses to utilize comprehensive software frameworks and customized solutions to various problems or essential requirements. Ultimately, this increases business value as your product doesn’t need any compromises in its creation.
#2: Required Coding Skills
Custom code development is an advanced art. Software development teams like our own at Selleo must have deep multi-functionality knowledge and exceptional technical expertise to deliver the best product.
Low-code software development is more accessible. Businesses don’t need a deep understanding of complex coding, with the drag-and-drop mechanism making it much easier to hone in on the layout and general requirements. This no-code development process relies more on third-party solutions, reducing the need for high-level coders.
#3: Development Time
Building a custom application takes time. Alongside the design and coding process, businesses must also hire a professional quality assurance tester and conduct vigorous safety checks. The whole project can take half a year to complete, although several software development strategies can optimize the process.
Low-code solutions significantly cut delivery time. It’s easier for businesses to get what they want with the drag-and-drop method, reducing reliance on other teams or partners.
#4: IP Rights
A custom app is owned entirely by the hiring company. The business and its development partner handle the whole process from start to finish, with no reliance on low-code software providers.
Low-code platforms are trickier regarding intellectual property rights. Businesses might need to comply with specific rules the low-code provider has set and won’t technically own the whole platform from front to back.
#5: Security
Hackers will find it much harder to hack a custom app over a low-code platform. Businesses designing an app from scratch have full control over security tools and customized coding solutions. Additionally, security testing in the development process will uncover any weaknesses or glaring security holes.
Low-code development uses pre-existing software templates that are open to cyberattacks. Consequently, the security aspect is not robust enough for many companies, especially those handling sensitive information.
#6: Maintenance
Due to their complexity, custom software apps generally require regular updates and maintenance. Bugs, glitches, and other errors are common during the launch period, so software revisions are likely. This can temporarily decrease a custom app’s value in some cases.
Low-code software development is much smoother and less liable to glitches. Generally speaking, it is far less hassle.
When Should You Choose A Low-Code Solution?
Low-code software solutions are perfect for businesses looking for behind-the-scenes operational dashboards, workflow applications or employee portals. Many companies look to low-code to accelerate digital transformation as it’s easy and quick to implement. This development process also keeps apps up-to-date, mitigating the need for complete custom overhauls.
Companies often use low-code solutions to quickly modernize legacy systems, minimizing operational costs and optimizing workflow. At a basic level, it’s a perfect example of why software design is important to businesses worldwide.
When Should You Choose Custom App Development Over Low-Code Solution?
Organizations looking for a complex and tailor-made application that suits specific needs should choose a custom code solution. Software development ship times may be longer, but the increased level of customization, security, and IP ownership far outweigh the cons.
Custom apps commonly have higher ROI due to their unique construction and a broader package of potential possibilities. They are more flexible and open to revamping, with greater compatibility with pre-existing digital ecosystems and company networks. If your business requires an app to break the mould or handle sensitive information, low-code software is the right choice.
Summary
Both low-code and custom solutions have their perks. The key to optimum app delivery is understanding how your business needs affect the overall decision. Are you looking for a short delivery time and a less specialist building process? If so, low-code software might be the one for you.
Customized solutions are better for more complex projects, especially for B2C commercial software like Uber or the new breed of fintech applications. At Selleo, our premium software development teams deliver highly scalable applications that will enhance your ROI and general business prospects.
Get in contact for more information, and let’s start the custom coding journey together!
