We are often asked, what is the difference between low-code and no-code platforms? On the surface of it, there doesn’t seems to be too much. Both embrace the agile methodology, both are about speed and scale of deployment, and both are disruptive in the marketplace. To answer that question we have to look at the software dev-ops cycle.
Low-code
Low-code code platforms claim that the “code” section of the cycle is 10 times faster than conventional, which may be true. They also give the impression that you do not need to be a programmer, which is also true, to an extent. You still need to know the principles of ER Diagrams, of objects and instances, of screen design, and layouts, and styling… and code.
Yes, code. There’s no getting away from it. To become proficient with low-code platforms you need about 6 month to 2 years’ experience with the platform and you need to know how to code or script to a certain level.
Low-code platforms do not help with the other 7 steps in the dev-ops cycle. The advantage of low-code is that you can build an application to meet your customer requirements including the look and feel.
No-Code (Atlas Play)
With Atlas Play there is no-code. Or, more correctly, there is no source code generated as part of the deployment. What the end user is doing is creating business process that can be executed by a BPMN process engine. Within a day or two you are already designing processes that will improve your business.
Because there is no development, there is no need for a DevOps cycle, therefore the methodologies are different. So, we do the coding so you don’t have to.