The 7 biggest lies told about low-code (and why you should know the truth)

Low-code: the term that's been making many developers and companies cringe and sparking heated debates (our TikTok haters can attest to that).

If you’ve heard any of these so-called “absolute truths” about low-code, get ready for a reality check. Let’s debunk these myths together!

''Low-code is like Wix''

Who hasn’t heard this? Comparing low-code to a drag-and-drop tool like Wix is like saying playing with LEGO is the same as building a real house. While both involve “building,” low-code’s depth and flexibility go far beyond creating a basic website.

Want to create robust, customized, and integrated solutions? Low-code takes you there, providing the structure you need to build something solid and lasting.

“Low-code is a low-level language”

This one’s a real laugh! Whoever called low-code “low-level” probably never looked at a line of code in their life. What do they mean by “low-level”? Less important? Skippable? In reality, low-code is about boosting productivity, not lowering it. It lets you create amazing things with less code, without sacrificing sophistication. The trick is to optimize, not oversimplify.

“Low-code is only for simple stuff”

If we got a buck for every time we heard this… Well, the truth is, low-code is as simple or complex as you need it to be. Yes, you can whip up a simple app quickly. But you can also build complete, complex systems integrated with everything you can imagine. If “simple stuff” means “quick and effective results,” then sure, we’ll let that one slide.

“Low-code isn’t secure”

Here’s a spoiler: security isn’t about how much code you write. If that were true, more code would equal more security? Please! Low-code platforms are built with security in mind, featuring encryption, access control, and everything you need for peace of mind. If you think low-code isn’t secure, it might be time to update your understanding.

“Low-code isn’t scalable”

This one’s for those who think only “hardcore” code can scale. Low-code is scalable! The proof is in the giant companies that have adopted the approach and scaled their operations without looking back. Scalability is in the design and architecture, and low-code delivers that efficiently. If you think it’s only good for small projects, maybe it’s time to check out the global solutions running on low-code.

“Low-code isn’t for real developers”

This classic! Some say low-code isn’t for “real developers.” But the reality is, low-code is a tool that frees up time for what really matters. Instead of spending hours writing endless lines of code, developers can focus on design, logic, and innovation. It’s smart programming, not a competition to write more code.

“Low-code has no code”

And to top it all off: the myth that low-code has no code. In fact, the code is there; it’s just generated automatically as you build your application. If needed, you can tweak the code, but the idea is to do so only when absolutely necessary. It’s like having a coding assistant by your side.

So, the next time someone drops one of these lies, you know how to respond: with a smile and a healthy dose of knowledge. After all, low-code is here to simplify, not be misunderstood.

Which of these lies have you heard? Share in the comments and let’s debunk low-code together!

By Johann Andersen , OutSystems Expert & Co-founder at Drakkar.

Liked what you learned about low-code? Don't miss the next edition in two weeks for more updates. Until then, see you in edition #12 of? "The Best of Low-Code"! ??

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