In our day-to-day agency work, we experience time and again that many companies are not even aware of a potentially decisive competitive advantage: the rapid development of custom software. 

→ You can hear how you can turn this into a competitive advantage in this podcast episode.

This article is about the technology that makes this rapid development possible: No-code and low-code. 

No-code and low-code tools allow you to create applications without extensive programming knowledge. Individually developed software allows you to automate workflows, seamlessly integrate interfaces to existing systems and create competitive advantages through innovative functions. It also enables unprecedented flexibility, allowing you to react quickly to changing market conditions. In the long term, in-house software can even save costs compared to SaaS by avoiding license fees and optimizing operations. 

But what is the difference between no-code and low-code and how do you know which one you should use?

What are no-code and low-code tools suitable for?

There are numerous possible applications for no- and low-code. Here are a few specific examples:

1. Customer portals: You can create self-service portals for your customers to track orders, manage support tickets or retrieve invoices.
2. App development: Start-ups and smaller companies can use no-code tools such as Softr or Glide to quickly create mobile and web apps without the need for a development team. But you can also build an app that you only want to use privately. For example, to track your household expenses. 
3. CRM systems & ERP systems: Instead of expensive standard software, you can build customer management or ERP systems that are individually tailored to your needs. You decide which features you need.
4. Booking systems: Implement your booking system for appointments or reservations without major development effort. Ideal for restaurants, beauty salons etc.
5. Internal workflow automation - Internal processes such as vacation requests, invoice approvals or employee training can be automated perfectly. This allows you to work more efficiently in the long term. No-code tools such as Make or Zapier are suitable for this.
6. Data analysis dashboards: Reports and analyses can be merged from various data sources, e.g. in rows, and prepared visually. This allows you to keep track of your most important key figures without complex business intelligence solutions. 
7. Online stores: With no-code platforms such as Shopify or Webflow, you can create an online store without any programming knowledge. We also offer master classes for both tools.
8. Website creation: With platforms such as Webflow or Softr, you can create modern websites without any programming effort.
9. Chatbot & customer service automation - Create your own interactive chatbot using a no-code tool.

What is No-Code?

No-code platforms make it possible to create software solutions without having to write a single line of code. Intuitive drag-and-drop editors and ready-made modules make it quick and easy to implement applications. 

Examples of no-code tools:

No matter how tech-savvy you are - there's a no-code tool for everyone:

• Beginner-friendly: Softr, Airtable and Glide are easy to understand and allow you to get started quickly. With these tools, you can get your first apps up and running in just a few minutes. → By the way, we cover all three in our free No-Code Fundamentals course!
• Advanced users: WeWeb, Flutterflow and Xano offer more functionalities and flexibility for more complex projects. With these tools, you can create software that is indistinguishable from custom code.

👉 The general rule for no-code tools is: The easier it is to learn a tool, the less flexible the tool is. 

What is low-code?

Low-code platforms also make use of visual editors, but require a basic understanding of software development. They often use their own simplified programming language or make use of other programming languages. As a result, they often offer more flexibility than pure no-code solutions, as they allow individual code adaptations. This makes low-code platforms particularly suitable for companies with specific requirements that standard solutions cannot meet. 

Low-code tools are aimed more at traditional development teams within companies.  

Examples of low-code tools:

Tools such as Retool, Mendix or OutSystems enable faster deployment of applications through minimal coding. They offer companies the opportunity to develop customized internal software solutions with only a fraction of the development effort of traditional coding.

Advantages and disadvantages of no-code and low-code - at a glance:

But the boundaries are fluid today. We VisualMakers have already created a number of flexible and scalable apps without having to write a single line of code. For example, this platform for modern, AI-supported market research!

Conclusion: When should you choose no-code and when low-code?

While no-code solutions are ideal for quick and uncomplicated implementations, low-code platforms offer greater customization options and scalability. 

❕Many tools such as Xano or Supabase now combine both approaches and can be used flexibly as required.

In addition, no-code does not necessarily mean less complexity: powerful platforms such as WeWeb or Flutterflow require a certain amount of training, but also offer extended functions. This is why no-code and low-code are increasingly being grouped together under the collective term visual development.

It is always crucial to choose the right tool depending on the application - from quick prototypes to scalable business solutions.
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👉 In our No-Code Navigator you can find out which is the best platform for your project! 

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Author: Carolin Stenzel, found SEO