--- description: Before building an application, businesses should understand the key differences between low code vs no code. This depends on business needs and goals. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress title: Low Code Vs No Code: Building Applications Focused On Functionality --- # Low-Code Vs No-Code: Building Applications Focused On Functionality Canonical: https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/1780/low-code-vs-no-code-building-applications Published on 26/10/2020 | Written by Quirine Storm van Leeuwen, Anna Hammond. ![Low-Code Vs No-Code: Building Applications Focused On Functionality](https://images.ctfassets.net/63bmaubptoky/kShtI8J8BQSDdUPhsaz5Pk73cHZwclwdPFwqb9RWLwI/26b7e1ae7c3541f6e59a5cda7bccb2b9/low-code-vs-no-code-1.png) > Gartner predicts that low-code application development software will account for more than 65% of application development activity by 2024. But what exactly is low-code? And what’s the difference between low-code vs no-code?  ----- ## Article Content Gartner predicts that low-code application development software will account for more than 65% of application development activity by 2024. But what exactly is low-code? And what’s the difference between low-code vs no-code? With the graphical interface of a no-code platform, developers can also build simple applications while keeping costs to a minimum. In this article, Capterra explains what low-code is in more detail, as well as how it differs from no-code platform-building software. What is low-code?Low-code is an application platform (LCAP) which automates the development process. The developer focuses on the core of the matter: The functionality. Programming is done via a graphical interface and not by typing code—although the latter is still possible.Gartner also provides a definition of LCAP: “An Enterprise Low-code application platform (LCAP) provides rapid application development and deployment using low-code and no-code techniques such as declarative, model-driven application design and development together with the simplified one-button deployment of application.”An LCAP creates metadata ( a set of data that describes and provides information about other data) , from which the underlying server infrastructure is obtained at run time. Many low-code platforms also allow procedural program extensions. An LCAP consists of and supports:User interfaces via responsive web applications and mobile appsA built-in databaseMapping and orchestrating business processes and decisions (or rules)Deployment of applications at the touch of a button.Low-code vs no-codeAlthough closely related, there are some fundamental differences between low-code and no-code. With low-code, the emphasis is on simplifying the development of an application. The platform allows businesses to automate the building, testing, monitoring, integration and delivery (DevOp). Although the developer still has the option of manual programming, the application is built using a graphical interface. The result is a short application delivery time. With an LCAP, it’s also possible to build complex applications—something that is not possible with a no-code platform.A no-code platform is for building simple applications with limited functionality. Developers create the app through building blocks, in which the  code is hidden behind. With this in mind, no-code users tend to consist of non-developers as well as developers. Advantages of low-codeAdvantages of low-code platforms include:Automation of the DevOps processTime spent on development and delivery is lesser than traditional computer programming routes. For those companies experiencing a shortage of IT developers, this is particularly useful.Low barrier-to-entry for developmentSmaller companies (with fewer development resources than medium and large enterprises) can use low-code platforms to build applications specific to their needs. This wasn’t always accessible to companies without a large development team.Users build their own platformDue to its lower-barrier-to-entry, in some cases, non-development professionals will develop a platform in which they’ll be the users. By nature of this, user experience improves as they tailor the application exactly to their needs. The low-code or no-code applications are integrated into the business software and are also, therefore, more manageable for the IT department.Businesses take full ownership of their applicationsSelf-developed applications are the property of the business that builds them. Greater agilityThanks to the graphical interface, low-code platforms can be realised by an IT department or non-IT professionals. This means that unlike traditional computer programming, a developer is no longer required for minor adjustments to applications—increasing the agility of the business. The IT department maintains some controlOn the basis of role-based access, an IT department has a central overview of users with authorisation rights to business applications. Changing authorisations is only a matter of assigning or blocking a new user role for a user.The 3 types of low-code platformsNiche platforms tend to focus on a specific need or business process. Some examples of this include Customer Relations Management (CRM) platforms or Business Process Management (BPM). Often, these applications require integration with existing software architecture in the company.The counterparts to these are the platforms that are suitable for developing all types of applications. APIs are often available for these platforms so the applications can more easily integrate with existing software in the company.Finally, there are platforms that focus specifically on software applications for a special supplier. Microsoft with Microsoft PowerApps, Google with Google App Maker and Oracle with Oracle Application Express (APEX) are examples of this.How do you choose the right low-code platform?To choose the right low-code platform, you’ll need to know the answers to a few initial questions. Mostly, why are you looking for a low-code platform? What problems do you think you can solve? Once you know these details, you can break your needs down further:Are you looking for low-code or no-code?Do you need one application, or do you want to place all business processes on an LCAP?Are you looking for new functionalities or expansion of functionality?Are you looking for applications suitable for desktop, mobile or both?In the cloud of the supplier (public or private), own cloud or rather on-premise?When you have a clear list of ​​requirements, you can start comparing low-code platforms. Reading user reviews can prove very helpful in this process.Capterra has more than a million reviews about software products, including low-code development software and no-code software. Examples of low-code applicationsOriginally, low-code application development was used for IT personnel within an enterprise. For example, creating tailor-made online databases for streamlining business activities. Consider for a moment various purposes, such as lead management, project management, invoicing or customer data. Users can build the database from scratch or use templates without programming—simplifying and shortening the development process.Building a leads management database from a Teamdesk template \[ Source\]Low-code platforms can integrate applications from different departments—such as CRM, enterprise resource planning (ERP), human resources (HR), accounting, sales and project management (PM) using APIs. The software can also grow and develop with the company.Business application templates with Ninox’s low-code platform \[ Source\]The positive user experience and scalable licensing models have led to low-code also being used for B2B and B2C applications. Consider, for example, low-code development software for SaaS and app developers who want to offer their users an integrated automation and integration service.Cyclr allows app developers to provide integration solutions to customers \[ Source\]Improving customer experience is another example of a B2B or B2C application. For example, developing mobile applications built for customers with which they gain insight into the status of the orders or the available stock.Looking for low-code development software platforms? Check out our catalogue. ## About the authors ### Quirine Storm van Leeuwen Quirine is Program Manager for the French and German content team, managing and defining the content production and strategy of research and content around tech developments. ### Anna Hammond Anna was an analyst for Capterra. ## Related Categories - [IT Asset Management Software](https://www.capterra.com.au/directory/30077/it-asset-management/software) - [IT Service Software](https://www.capterra.com.au/directory/30672/it-service/software) - [ITSM Tools](https://www.capterra.com.au/directory/30676/itsm/software) - [Network Monitoring Tools](https://www.capterra.com.au/directory/30019/network-monitoring/software) - [Network Security Software](https://www.capterra.com.au/directory/30003/network-security/software) ## Related Articles - [Why is Google removing third party cookies?](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/2734/why-google-removing-third-party-cookies) - [Capterra's 2025 Tech Trends Report: Leaning on tech for growth, Australian businesses need a strategy for ROI](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/7558/technology-adoption-software-trends-australia-2025) - [Pro tips on how Australian companies can harness AI in cybersecurity](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/7563/ai-in-cybersecurity-solutions) - [Capterra Australia Newsroom 2024](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/6514/newsroom-capterra-australia-2024) - [5 Top free travel agency software and their key features](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/3531/top-free-travel-agency-software) ## Links - [View on Capterra](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog/1780/low-code-vs-no-code-building-applications) - [Blog](https://www.capterra.com.au/blog) - [Home](https://www.capterra.com.au/) ----- ## Structured Data