Create Apps Without Coding: Introduction to Low-Code and No-Code Development 

Tech talent shortage, the need for rapid application development (RAD), and persistent digital transformation pressure—the reality of business competitiveness is ruthless. Fortunately, there’s low code and no code (LCNC) development —a module-based drag-and-drop technology, requiring little to no programming knowledge. It has become a valuable tool for both non-technical specialists and seasoned developers, speeding up the delivery of desired applications.   

What is low-code/no-code development? How does it differ from traditional approaches? And what makes LCNC platforms, like Liferay, game-changers for modern businesses? Find out in our article. 

Development with Minimum Code 

For many years, software development was primarily associated with programming languages, libraries, frameworks, environments, testing, and deployment. Developers wrote lines of code, each representing an instruction or data element. These lines were organized into reusable functions and modules, forming the software’s features and functionality foundation.  

But, no code low code platforms have changed this approach. So, let’s make sure we’re all using the same terms before we dive into the practical aspects.  

What Is Low Code No Code? 

At its core, the low code no code definition refers to technologies that simplify app creation by enabling users to build software with minimal or no coding required. Instead, they can select reusable functional components from a menu and arrange them using a drag-and-drop visual interface.   

Users can organize these components to create the desired software flow, such as designing a flowchart for a business problem or task. They can easily add, move, or delete functional components to build the final process. Once the design is complete, the low-code tool incorporates the underlying code and manages support tasks such as testing and deployment. 
 

Low Code vs No Code: Highlight the Differences 

Both low-code and no-code tools are meant to make building apps easier, but they work differently. Understanding the low code no code meaning is key to picking the right one for your project. 

So, what is a low code no code platform? 

No-code platforms work with drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, allowing users to assemble simple software applications quickly. They are designed for people with no technical background, enabling business users to create solutions on their own without needing IT to step in.  

Low-code platforms are similar to no-code platforms, but they usually have an extension for code snippets, where developers or users with basic tech knowledge can add functionality unavailable in the default platform. Many low-code platforms come with built-in tools and features that enforce IT governance, helping ensure that the applications developed are secure, compliant, and efficient.  

Liferay is an excellent example of a low code no code platform. It offers diverse capabilities for creating customized portals tailored to specific industries and requirements. With Liferay’s LCNC features, you can develop portals such as:   

• Intranets  

• Enterprise websites  

• Customer or supplier portals   

• E-commerce solutions   

Within these portals, you can create various applications, including data management tools, workflow automation, form-based applications, knowledge bases, learning applications, event management tools, and user management systems. Liferay demonstrates how LCNC enables businesses to meet their unique needs without extensive development effort. 

Low-Code vs Traditional Development 

While the difference between low-code and traditional development might seem just about coding complexity, the real distinction goes much deeper. These approaches differ fundamentally in development speed, user control, functionality scope, and security considerations.  

Traditional development relies on a comprehensive team effort. Developers write code from scratch, software testers ensure quality, DevOps engineers manage deployment, and project managers coordinate the translation of client requirements into functional solutions. While this approach is thorough, it can be time-consuming. In contrast, low-code platforms enable business owners to shape their applications directly. They can experiment with UI elements, adjust functionality, and iterate on features without relying on a development team for each change.  

One of low-code’s key advantages is immediate control over the development process. When issues arise, business users can address them directly within the platform, often resolving problems in real-time. Traditional development, however, involves a more complex resolution process—bug fixes must be delegated to the development team, leading to longer response times, especially when teams work across different time zones. 

However, traditional development maintains a clear edge in functionality depth. Custom coding allows unlimited feature implementation and complex system architecture, with quality controlled at every step. Low-code platforms, while powerful, are constrained by their available components and integrations. If the platform doesn’t support a desired feature, implementing it may be impossible without custom code extensions.  

Security considerations also differ. Traditional development enables teams to implement custom security measures, with certified engineers applying industry best practices and security patterns from the ground up. Low-code platforms rely primarily on built-in security features. While these often include strong measures, users have limited ability to customize or extend these features for specific needs or emerging threats. They must trust the platform provider’s security framework. 

Top 3 Benefits of Low-Code No-Code Movement 

Before we explore the benefits of the no-code movement, let’s clarify its meaning and how it differs from low-code/no-code development. The no-code movement is a business and cultural phenomenon that empowers pro-tech and non-tech users to develop, modify, and deploy software without writing code. In other words, it all comes to “WHO” can develop software. In contrast, LCNC development is about tools used to develop software, or “HOW.”    

So, what benefits does the no-code movement bring to businesses? 

1. Empowering Non-technical Users 

The no-code movement significantly lowers the barrier to software development, eliminating the need to spend years mastering programming languages. Non-technical individuals, such as HR, marketing, and finance teams, can now create applications tailored to their needs without waiting for IT. This democratization of development upskills employees, enabling them to address unique challenges and innovate within their roles. 

2. Transforming Development and Operations 

No-code tools revolutionize how companies approach software creation. By minimizing costs and risks, they encourage rapid prototyping and testing, fostering a “fail-fast, learn-fast” culture. This approach accelerates development methodologies and business processes, aligning them with digital transformation goals. Furthermore, the movement supports industries adopting advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT, making innovation accessible through intuitive platforms. 

3. Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing 

Traditionally, tech and non-tech specialists operated in separate bubbles, rarely intervening in each other’s domains. The no-code movement breaks down these barriers, creating opportunities for collaboration. Enabling both groups to work together drives continuous improvement in workflows. It fosters a culture of knowledge sharing across the organization. 

Pros and Cons of Low-Code and No-Code Development 

Low-code and no-code (LCNC) development has proven beneficial not only in words but also in numbers. Over the years, no-code startups have raised tremendous sums, proving that LCNC functionality can be the foundation of a company’s core services. Thus, it highlights that development at customers’ speed is critical in such turbulent times. 

In 2021, a startup called Teal raised $5M with a no-code tech stack. In 2024, Stockholm-based no-code app builder Starhive raised €2.7 million, and Creatio achieved unicorn status after landing a $200 million round.  

Among other no code low code benefits, our clients state the following: 

Fast Time-to-Market 

Low-code and no-code platforms excel in rapid development by leveraging pre-defined visual components that users can easily apply and reuse. Instead of writing lengthy code for each element and spending significant time testing its feasibility, users can rely on ready-made components and modules. Traditionally, such low code development services last one or two-months top. 

Better Cost-Efficiency 

Since projects can be developed on short notice and don’t require multiple front-end, back-end, and quality assurance engineers, they are less expensive than traditional approaches. However, as low-code and no-code platforms operate on a subscription basis, the pricing often depends on the number of features and the scale of the project. 

Higher Accessibility 

Another key benefit clients highlight is that LCNC bridges the gap between business and IT. Even non-technical users can actively participate in the development process, gaining insights into how it works. This democratization of development brings business owners closer to the process, enabling them to see their vision take shape in real time.  

Enhanced Automation 

LCNC platforms simplify the creation of automated workflows, reducing repetitive tasks and improving efficiency. While they are not inherently automative, many platforms integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enable advanced functionality. For example, in the latest version of Liferay the AI can generate the entire portal page based on a given image/mockup. 

However, as with any other solution, LCNC has drawbacks. So, let’s cover the main ones:   

Limited Customization 

Based on our expertise, low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms satisfy about 80% of common business needs through user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces, templates, pre-built components, and customizable code snippets. While these features simplify development, the remaining 20% of business requirements often exceed LCNC’s capabilities. A traditional or hybrid development approach may be better for projects requiring extensive customization, advanced functionality, or highly specialized features. 

Lack of Development Best Practices 

While the LCNC approach allows for quick configuration and content creation directly on the portal, it often requires low-code scripting (e.g., Groovy or Freemarker) in portal administration to implement advanced features. This mix of no code and low code development can make it challenging to transfer changes between environments and lead to less maintainable code compared to traditional development. If the challenges of deployment and maintenance outweigh the advantages of LCNC, it may be better to consider a traditional development approach or IT outsourcing services. 

Scalability Concerns 

LCNC platforms can face limitations when scaling applications to meet growing demands. These platforms often impose fixed architectural patterns, which may not be flexible enough to support all scalability requirements, especially for large or complex systems. 

Plus, the code generated by low-code/no-code platforms is not always as efficient as custom, hand-written code. This can lead to performance bottlenecks, particularly as user loads increase. However, since there are many LCNC platforms, selecting the one with a proven track record in scalability and resource management can help mitigate these concerns. 

Limited Use Cases 

LCNC platforms are typically better suited for specific use cases like process automation, internal tools, or customer-facing apps. But, when a project involves complex, domain-specific logic that exceeds LCNC capabilities, a tailored solution or a hybrid approach is often more effective. 

What to Consider When Choosing Low-code/No-code Platforms 

Choosing the right low-code/no-code platform can make or break your company’s move into the digital world. Assessing your options will ensure you choose a platform that fits your needs now and can grow with you in the future.  

To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best low-code/no-code platform for your business. 

1. Requirements Gathering 

• Identify specific use cases and business goals (e.g., the HR department needs an employee onboarding portal). 

• List essential features and functionalities (e.g., form creation, document management, workflow automation). 

• Define success criteria for the platform (e.g., speed, scalability, ease of use). 

• Outline constraints such as budget, time, or technical limitations (e.g., $10,000 annual budget, GDPR compliance, integration with existing Automatic Data Processing system).   

2. Platform Research 

• Create a shortlist of potential vendors based on your needs. 

• Read customer reviews and testimonials for insights. 

• Analyze market reports to understand platform strengths and weaknesses. 

• Compare feature sets to ensure alignment with your requirements. 

3. Hands-on Assessment 

• Request free trials or demos from shortlisted vendors. 

• Build a proof of concept to test the platform in a real-world scenario. 

• Evaluate integration capabilities with your existing systems. 

• Assess user experience for both technical and non-technical users. 

4. Decision Making 

• Score each platform against your defined requirements. 

• Assess potential risks, such as scalability or vendor lock-in. 

• Gather feedback from stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational goals. 

Of course, getting to know all these aspects takes time. At Aimrposoft, we know it in practice.  

When clients come to us for Liferay application development, they often ask for features like content management, user management, and form-based applications. To deliver these solutions effectively, we typically split the work: our team handles the setup using low-code tools, while clients manage content updates with no-code features, like content management systems.  

For example, we use the platform’s low-code tools to create a library of reusable components known as fragments. Clients can use these fragments to build portal pages and add their content. Each project is designed to match the company’s style and branding. To ensure it, we also design custom UI elements and tailor the overall portal to match their style guide, giving it a professional and polished look. 

Sometimes, we add small pieces of code to meet specific business needs, like Groovy or Freemarker scripts, to extend what the platform can do. While LCNC tools are easy to use, setting up the portal can still be challenging for clients at first. That’s why we help them learn how to manage the portal, helping them gain confidence in managing it independently after the project is complete.

When to Opt for Low-Code/No-Code Technology? 

The growing demand for agility in software development has made low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms a go-to choice for businesses across industries. But how do you know if LCNC is the right fit for your organization?  

Here are key scenarios when low code no code application development makes sense: 

1. When Speed Is Your Priority 

Low-code/no-code development is renowned for its ability to deliver applications quickly. If you need to bring an idea to life fast, LCNC is a perfect choice. For example, you can launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within weeks, test its feasibility, and adjust as needed—all without the delays of traditional development. 

2. When Skilled Developers Are Hard to Find 

Finding qualified developers can be lengthy, and delays can put business opportunities at risk. LCNC platforms empower non-technical teams to create functional applications independently, reducing the need for extensive developer involvement. This allows businesses to keep projects moving while freeing current in-house developers to focus on complex tasks requiring advanced coding skills. 

3. When the Budget Is Limited 

Traditional development often requires significant investment in skilled teams, infrastructure, and time. LCNC platforms provide a cost-effective alternative by streamlining processes and reducing the need for extensive coding. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses that want to innovate without breaking the bank. 

4. When You Need Internal Applications 

Shadow IT—when employees use unauthorized tools to address their needs—can lead to inefficiencies and security risks. LCNC platforms offer a better solution by enabling teams to build their own internal applications that are secure, compliant, and tailored to their needs. For example, departments like HR or finance can create workflow tools, dashboards, or data trackers without relying on third-party apps or overburdening IT. 

We hope this information has been helpful and clear, assisting you in making a more informed decision about low code no code solutions. If you still have questions, the Aimprosoft team is here to assist you. 

With 19 years of experience in software development, we have honed our skills and capabilities to establish an efficient development process. Our low code consulting services are designed to support you throughout your low-code journey, starting with platform selection, implementation, and team training. 

Contact us today for a consultation and discover how we can accelerate your digital transformation.