Pro code vs low code: Understanding pro-code and low-code app development
Using both approaches, you can capitalize on their strengths for exceptional effectiveness in specific scenarios. But before delving into their benefits, it’s important to understand exactly what pro-code and low-code development are.
What is pro-code?
Also known as traditional development, pro-code is the development of software applications using conventional programming languages and tools. Unlike low-code platforms that allow for visual development, or no-code, that don't require hand-coding, pro-code development involves writing detailed and complex code by professional developers.
Low-code meaning: Understanding the definition of low-code development
Low-code is a software development approach that enables developers to create applications with minimal hand coding. With low code tools, developers use a model-driven, visual language with a drag-and-drop graphical interface.
Because of its visual development capabilities and automation, low-code enables developers to create complete applications with modern user interfaces, integrations, data, and logic much faster than traditional development.
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The advantages of pro code and low code development
What are the scenarios that could use both approaches and what are the benefits? Here are a few examples.
Rapid prototyping and detailed development
One of the advantages of using pro code and low code together is accelerated development and speed to market. Low-code platforms facilitate rapid prototyping, allowing teams to design and test applications quickly before any significant development effort is involved. When the basic structure is in place, developers can start building the application with low-code. They can use pro-code to add more complex features, fine-tune performance, or customize aspects that are beyond the scope of the low code platform. This hybrid approach enables teams to build applications that are both fast and flexible.
Building core with pro-code, extensions with low-code
Some core systems, because of their use cases or their histories, must be built with pro-code. However, when it’s time to add features, an updated front-end, or extensions, low-code tools are ideal for their efficient development. Teams can develop robust, complex systems while still having the agility to respond to changing requirements.
Balancing development resources
Organizations can optimize their use of development resources by using low code for certain aspects of a project and pro-code for others. This cost-effective approach, allows experienced developers to focus on areas where their expertise is most needed while junior or even citizen developers contribute to less critical aspects. With low-code platforms, developers can build and test applications faster, and pro-code developers can focus on the more complex aspects of the application. This can lead to a more efficient use of resources that also streamlines development.
Maintenance and upgrades
When most of an application is built with a low code platform, and pro code is used for customization and extension, updates and maintenance are easier. Low-code was designed to make it easy to change, update, and maintain applications. Pro-code can then be reserved for a major overhaul. This approach eliminates the complexity and time-consuming effort associated with using pro-code for updates and maintenance.
OutSystems: The ideal low-code hybrid development platform
OutSystems is the ultimate choice for using pro-code and low-code in software development. The OutSystems low-code platform allows developers to write custom code and integrate it into the applications built on the customer’s platform. This provides a bridge between the simplicity of low code and the flexibility of pro code. OutSystems also offers a range of benefits that are perfect for businesses seeking rapid development and deployment, while also allowing for superior customization and integration capabilities.
- Rapid development made easy: Save precious time with drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates. The quick application development and deployment delivered by the OutSystems low code development platform is perfect for businesses that need to adapt swiftly to market changes or internal demands.
- Accessible for everyone: Foster a collaborative environment where professionals with varying levels of technical expertise can thrive. Designed to be user-friendly, OutSystems empowers business analysts, project managers, and non-technical stakeholders to contribute actively to the development process.
- Unleash your creativity: Achieve greater flexibility to meet the most complex and unique requirements. Like most low-code development platforms, OutSystems excels in simplicity and speed, and then goes a step further by allowing for advanced customization through traditional coding.
- Seamless Integration: Experience true compatibility in a hybrid development environment. OutSystems has robust integration capabilities that enable your applications to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and databases.
- Scalability for success: OutSystems provides the scalability needed for enterprise applications. As your business grows, applications built on this platform can effortlessly scale accordingly, accommodating increasing complexity and size over time.
- Agile and adaptive: Embrace agility with rapid prototyping and iterative development capabilities. OutSystems enables you to adapt effortlessly to changing requirements and environments, ensuring the final product is aligned with user needs and business goals.
- End-to-end application lifecycle management: OutSystems covers the entire application lifecycle, from development to deployment, maintenance, and updates. Effortlessly manage every aspect of the lifecycle for a cohesive and efficient process.
- Thriving community and ecosystem: Join the vibrant OutSystems community and ecosystem to gain access to a wealth of resources, support, and plugins. Tap into shared knowledge, pre-built components, and applications for low code and traditional developers.
- Unlock the best of both worlds: With OutSystems, you no longer have to choose between low-code tools simplicity and traditional coding power. Combine the two and enjoy speed, flexibility, and customizability.
Choose OutSystems for a truly remarkable hybrid development experience.
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Low code pro code frequently asked questions
Pro-code is traditional software development. It involves complex programming languages and requires a deep understanding of hand-coding and system architecture. On the other hand, low-code is a development method that emphasizes minimal hand-coding through a visual interface, enabling faster development and deployment.
Combining pro-code and low-code allows for rapid development and prototyping using low-code platforms, while also maintaining the flexibility and power of pro-code for more complex or critical system components. This can lead to increased efficiency, faster time-to-market, and better allocation of developer resources.
One of the main challenges is ensuring compatibility between systems developed through different methodologies. Another challenge is managing the skill sets in the IT team. Different levels of coding expertise are required. There's also the need to maintain consistency in coding standards and practices.
While traditional low-code platforms have evolved significantly, there are still limitations when it comes to handling highly complex business logic and integrations with legacy systems. This is where high-performance low-code from OutSystems steps in, providing the necessary depth and flexibility.
Developers expand their skills and increase their versatility by learning new low-code tools while preserving their expertise in traditional coding.
Using pro-code low-code streamlines certain SDLC phases like ideation, prototyping, and initial development. However, careful planning and management are necessary during integration, testing, and deployment to maintain consistency and quality.
Both approaches can be cost-effective by speeding up development cycles and reducing the need for specialized coding skills for every project. However, costs can rise if the integration between low code and pro code systems is not well-managed.
High code, also known as traditional development or pro-code, is a development approach that uses traditional programming languages and manual coding. On the other hand, low-code technology enables developers to create apps with minimal hand coding.