In the world of modern software development, choosing the right path can make or break a business. Whether you’re a business owner, start-up founder or IT manager, you face a crucial decision; should you opt for the speed of no code, the flexibility of low code, or tailor your solution with custom development? Each option has its merits and challenges, and understanding these before you move forward with a decision is crucial.
At Evolved Ideas, we've seen firsthand how each option can uniquely suit different business needs, as we work with clients to guide them onto the path that works best for them. We know that choosing the right development approach is critical for business success as it impacts timelines, cost, scalability and adaptability. We’ve written this article to explore the pros and cons of each approach, to help you choose the best solution for your business now and in the future.
No Code: Quick and User-Friendly
No code platforms are exactly what they sound like—tools that let you build applications without writing a single line of code. They are incredibly user-friendly, allowing even those with no technical background to create apps by simply dragging and dropping components. This can be perfect for small businesses or startups looking to get their digital products to market quickly and without hefty initial investments.
Example: Imagine you want to set up an online store, but building a website from scratch is something you have no experience in and don’t have the funds to pay for a specialist to do it for you. No code platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce provide templates and tools to set you up without needing any coding.
Upsides: Allows people who know the platform to build prototypes or end products quickly. Many projects don’t require custom development, for example e-commerce stores will almost always choose no-code options such as the aforementioned Shopify. When using a no code option you’ll also have access to a community of users and support from the provider (at a basic level). You’ll also benefit from frequent updates and improvements from the platform provider.
Downsides: You’re ‘locked-into’ the ecosystem that the no-code provider has created, this makes it very difficult, if not impossible to leave the ecosystem once you’re bought in. There are of course restrictions in that you have to use the building blocks provided by the platform. This heavily limits the type of software you can build, and essentially limits performance for your product
Low Code: Flexibility Meets Simplicity
Low code platforms take things a notch up. They still minimise the amount of coding required but offer more flexibility compared to no code solutions. This means your business can customise applications more deeply and cater to specific workflows or processes.
Example: If your company needs a customer relationship management (CRM) system, tools like Microsoft PowerApps allow you to tailor functionalities that fit your specific needs, with minimal coding involved.
Benefits: Low code platforms often marry the ease of use and quick access to polished products that no-code platforms provide with the extra flexibility of being able to write custom code to expand the functionality of your product. You’ll benefit from updates and community support just as with no code too.
Downsides: Finding developers for low-code platforms can be tricky and expensive, you’re also still locked into a platform without owning your own software stack. You wouldn't be able to download your project and re-deploy it to another cloud provider for example. Another downside to no code and low code options are security concerns, and difficulties scaling as the business grows.
Custom Development: Tailored to Perfection
When off-the-shelf products just don’t cut it, custom software development steps in. This option involves building software from scratch, tailored exactly to your business requirements using specialised talent to deliver to an agreed scope of work. It’s perfect for companies with unique needs that cannot be addressed by no code or low code solutions, and allows a business to pivot quickly and innovate without any constraints
At Evolved Ideas, we specialise in pushing the boundaries of custom development using a team of talented developers. We understand that every business has its own set of complexities, and sometimes, a bespoke solution is what it takes to tackle them effectively.
Example: Consider a large-scale enterprise needing a complex inventory management system integrated with legacy systems. Custom development can address specific integration points and unique functionalities that no pre-built software can offer.
Benefits: Custom development allows your team the most flexibility in terms of feature development, deployment and tech stack for example Being built for purpose from scratch, performance with a custom-built product will outshine the other options and security is going to be improved. - Almost all the products you interact with daily are custom built. Scalability is without limit, so choosing custom development future-proofs your product. When you choose custom built software, you’re not just ‘getting a solution’, you’re investing in a technology partnership that grows with your business.
Downsides: Custom development involves using a team of specialist developers building your product from scratch, and because of this, it is usually the most expensive and time consuming. However, businesses that do their research and choose to go with this option will see this outlay as an investment. At Evolved Ideas, we understand that this option can sometimes restrict a business, so we developed our EasyGo base template. This template helps our clints offset some of the cost of custom-built software by saving time in the early stages.
Why Choose Custom Development?
Choosing custom development with Evolved Ideas means choosing a solution that grows and adapts with your business. While no code and low code options are great for immediate needs, they often lack the scalability and flexibility that custom solutions offer. Custom software is a long-term investment that not only fits your current requirements but also anticipates future challenges.
Conclusion
No code and low code solutions offer quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive ways to address business needs. However, for those looking for a perfectly tailored, scalable, and future-proof system, custom development is the way to go. At Evolved Ideas, we are committed to guiding our clients through this journey, ensuring that the software solution we develop is not just functional but also a strategic asset to your business.
Ready to evolve your business with custom software? Reach out to us, and let’s craft your ideal solution together.