No-code vs traditional development

Anthony Martin
/
Feb 28, 2025
/
5
min read

In today's business landscape, the traditional programming and no-code development markets have been competing in the tech industry. Of course, the conventional way of coding has long gained ground in the tech industry. However, the no-code movement appears to shape the future direction of business.

The traditional programming and no-code development industries have shown no signs of slowing down. The proof is in their market growth:

According to Gartner, low-code/no-code platforms will account for nearly 65% of all app development by 2024. As such, businesses can no longer ignore the benefits of the no-code movement. But as of the moment, companies cannot easily give up the pros of using traditional coding for their businesses.

Let’s look at the seven differences in the table below:

Key Differences Traditional Development No-code Development
Skillset and Accessibility Require technical expertise (IT or programming background) No coding knowledge and skill requirement
Efficiency and Accuracy Time-consuming
Prone to possible errors
Operational efficiency
Data accuracy
Flexibility and Scalability Freedom to develop complex apps Flexible to incorporate (using templates and tools)
Integration and Security Build from scratch
Robust security
Easy integration with other plugins and platforms
Monitored security
Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance Pilot testing before actual deployment
Maintenance requiring a dedicated development team
Minimal testing requirement
Faster and easier deployment
Simplified maintenance process
Cost Savings Costly requiring money, time, and resources More cost-efficient, allowing savings long-term
Overall Quality Proven effective but complex in various aspects Innovative and beneficial in the long run

Let’s expound on each of them.

Skillset and Accessibility

Traditional coding has long required a team of developers and coders to build websites and apps. These professionals must have a background in information technology (IT) and programming. Only technical experts can perform this coding development approach. 23% of business owners mention that a majority mentioned that the candidates who applied for the positions lacked the necessary technical skills.

Morgan Taylor, Co-Founder of Jolly SEO, highlighted the no-code movement benefits. “This movement reduces the entry barriers to building sites and creating apps. It doesn’t require technical skills, such as basic programming. Any user can develop and customize apps.”

Efficiency and Accuracy

Time is a determining factor in comparing traditional programming and no-code development. Conventional coding is quite complex, which can take time and might be prone to errors. It usually takes weeks or months for developers and coders to build apps and sites. And they might even encounter some bugs along the way.

Gerald Lombardo, Head of Growth at Popl, capitalizes on the efficiency and accuracy of the no-code movement “It's incredibly amazing how no-code platforms allow users to create apps and design sites in just a few hours. You need not worry about project delays and the need for debugging."

Flexibility and Scalability

Flexibility and scalability play a crucial role in today's business landscape, which applies to coding development as well. Traditional programming allows companies to pursue complex projects and develop complicated apps. However, this approach isn't necessarily flexible and scalable, which can be a major disadvantage.

Coty Perry, CMO at Anglers, recommends leveraging the no-code movement due to its flexibility and scalability. “Some might have apprehensions that this development approach is only good for simple apps. However, you can employ various no-code platforms to develop simple to complex applications. Just be wary of some restrictive platforms with limited capabilities.”

Integration and Security

When considering the scalability of site and app development, you must factor in the integration and security. As mentioned, traditional coding isn't necessarily flexible, so integrating it with other platforms can be challenging. However, it's commendable for its security features built by expert developers and programmers.

Volodymyr Shchegel, VP of Engineering at Clario, underscores the integration features of no-code development. “It provides a wide range of built-in templates and useful tools that you can use to develop apps. It also allows you to easily and seamlessly integrate apps with other platforms. However, beware of their security features so you won’t compromise your business data and customer information.”

Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance

Traditional programming requires robust testing, proper deployment, and regular maintenance. Developers and coders must conduct pilot testing before launching the apps or sites. And once these platforms are up and running, users must constantly update and maintain them.

Mark Pierce, CEO of Cloud Peak Law Group, commends the technological advancement of no-code development. “First, it has zero-to-minimal testing requirements, as any user can simply build sites and develop apps. Also, it has faster and easier deployment making apps readily available. Lastly, you need not worry about maintaining them in the long run.”

Cost Savings

Cost savings is a top consideration, helping businesses and users decide which site and app development approach to use. Traditional coding involves a complex project comprising a team of developers and programmers carrying out tasks for weeks or months. This coding approach can be costly, albeit beneficial for building sites and developing apps.

Tom Golubovich, Head of Marketing & Media Relations at Ninja Transfers, suggests taking advantage of the no-code movement. What’s good about using no-code platforms is their cost-savings benefit. You don’t need to spend on hiring experts, app testing, deployment, and maintenance in the long run. By leveraging the no-code platforms, you can save money for your business long-term.”

Overall Quality

There’s no denying the competition between traditional coding and the no-code movement in business. However, companies and users must not ignore the pros and cons of both development approaches and see which works for their projects.

Traditional programming has long established itself in the tech industry. It’s proven effective in developing apps and building sites, albeit it requires a complex project. However, you must be wary of some potential drawbacks, such as technical requirements, integration issues, and monetary investments.

On the other hand, the no-code development offers several benefits that businesses and users can capitalize on. Developing apps and sites through this approach can be simple, easy, and fast. It’s truly innovative and beneficial for the long term!”

What is Softr
Softr is the easiest way to turn your data into powerful business apps—no code required. Connect to your spreadsheet or database, customize layout and logic, and share with your team or clients.

Join 700,000+ users worldwide, building client portals, internal tools, CRMs, dashboards, project management systems, inventory management apps, and more—all without code.
Get started free
Anthony Martin

Anthony Martin, CEO and Founder at Choice Mutual. Nationally licensed life insurance agent with 10+ years of experience. Official Member at Forbes Finance Council. Obsessed with finances, building tech and collaborating with other successful entrepreneurs.

Categories
No-code
Guide

Build an app today. It’s free!

Build and launch your first portal or internal tool in under 30 minutes
Get started free