Choosing Between Low-Code and Custom-Made Software Development: Factors to Consider

When it comes to app development, there are two main options to consider: low-code platforms and custom-made software. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your project can be a critical decision.

In this blog post, I will explore the factors to consider when deciding between low-code and custom-made software development.

1. Complexity of the App: The complexity of the app is an important factor to consider when deciding between low-code and custom-made software development. Low-code platforms are typically better suited for building simple applications, while custom-made software is better suited for more complex applications that require custom functionality. Complexity can be measured based on the amount of user interfaces and the amount of logic needed to implement the functionality of the app.
2. Time to Market: Another important consideration is the time it takes to develop and deploy the application. Low-code platforms can help you develop applications much faster than custom-made software because they offer pre-built modules and features that can be easily integrated into your app. On the other hand, custom-made software may take longer to develop because it is built from scratch, but it can provide more flexibility and customization.
3. Scalability: The scalability of your app is also a key consideration. If your app needs to be scaled to support large numbers of users or complex business processes, custom-made software may be a better choice. Low-code platforms may not be able to handle the complexity of scaling requirements. This heavily depends on the low-code platform you choose though. Most of the low-code platforms come in a SaaS model and scale with the cloud platform provided. It is a question of cost then how scalable you want to make it.
4. Integration Requirements: The integration requirements for your app are another important factor. If your app needs to integrate with other systems or data sources, custom-made software may be a better choice. Low-code platforms may not be able to support the specific integration requirements you need. This means, the more API's or databases you need to integrate, the more complex it will be with a low-code platform.
5. Budget: The budget for app development is also a critical consideration. Low-code platforms can be more cost-effective than custom-made software because they require less coding and development time. However, if you have specific requirements that cannot be met by a low-code platform, custom-made software may be a better choice.
6. Development Expertise: The development expertise of your team is another key consideration. If you have skilled developers on your team, custom-made software may be a better choice because it allows you to leverage their expertise. If you do not have skilled developers, a low-code platform may be a better choice because it requires less technical expertise. Typically also more experienced developers will not be very keen on using low-code as it is not "real development". In this case you can maybe go for a hybrid model or choose a different team for the development.
7. Maintenance and Support: The maintenance and support requirements for your app are also important. If you need ongoing support and maintenance for your app, a low-code platform may be a better choice because they often offer support services. If you have a skilled development team, custom-made software may be a better choice because you can manage maintenance and support in-house.

In conclusion, choosing between low-code and custom-made software development requires careful consideration of various factors. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option against your specific requirements and constraints, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and objectives. Ultimately, the key to success is to choose an approach that is scale-able, flexible, and cost-effective while meeting your business needs.

Edit: 25.03.2023

You can do a quick assessment if low-code is the right approach for you here.