Low-Code Platforms vs. Custom Development: Making the Right Choice for Your Website

Are you considering building a new website and thinking about which path to take? The decision between custom code or low-code platforms can be a dilemma. To shed some light on this, I've been invited by Mikhail Kedzel , a Full Stack Developer, to both write an article to share our perspectives on this decision. Mikhail has already shared his perspective here, sharing what he thinks are the pros and cons of each route. Now, it's my turn to share my perspective as a low-code developer. In this article, I'll delve deep into my experiences and insights, hoping to equip you with a clearer understanding of the options you have.

Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms, like Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Webflow, or Framer, are tools that allow you to create websites without needing to write a lot of code. They range from simpler ones, like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace, that are extremely user-friendly, perfect for beginners, and require little to no coding experience. These simpler platforms come with pre-built templates and intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, making them ideal for quick website setups or personal projects.

On the other hand, more advanced platforms like Webflow and Framer have a steeper learning curve. They offer a wider range of customization options and allow for a high degree of design freedom. They're often the preferred choice of seasoned web designers and agencies seeking to craft unique, high-quality websites. In this article, when I refer to low-code platforms, I mainly focus on the advanced ones like Webflow and Framer.

Custom coding

Custom coding, in contrast, involves coding a website from scratch using various coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This approach requires considerable coding knowledge and more time, but it provides the highest level of customization.

Customization and flexibility

The question of how much customization is possible is often the most debated topic when comparing low-code platforms to custom coding. Yes, custom code always takes the crown when it comes to unrestricted customization. Though, I personally never feel limited in my abilities with my personal go-to platform, Webflow. Platforms like Webflow offer a vast array of built-in capabilities and tools, while also allowing users to insert custom code snippets and integrate third-party applications to achieve more advanced functionalities. In this sense, the term "low-code" is more applicable than "no-code", as developers often use some level of coding to create what they desire.

Certainly, I would think that when businesses have highly specific or unique requirements, especially when it comes to the back-end of the website, a custom-coded solution might still hold an edge. Such business may require a particular structure that is tailored precisely to the business's needs, which may indeed be outside the scope of even the most advanced low-code platforms.

However, in the grand scheme of things, I estimate that low-code platforms can meet the needs of about 90% of all the businesses out there. This includes both startups looking to quickly launch a robust online presence and mature companies seeking to improve their online presence.

Performance and Speed

Low-code platforms like Webflow and Framer have gained a reputation for producing incredibly clean code, which subsequently results in high-performing websites. This will typically meet the needs of most businesses. However, I do believe that JavaScript frameworks such as React and NextJS can potentially offer faster solutions for websites with more heavy and complex requirements.

The Risk of Over-Investment in Custom Code

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, companies often need to pivot and adapt at a moment's notice. Investing significant time and resources into a custom-coded solution may pose a risk, particularly if the company needs to change direction. Low-code platforms offer more flexibility, enabling swift modifications and iterations.

A Designer's Perspective

Furthermore, another factor to consider is the focus on design that low-code platforms offer. Often, professionals who work with custom code are developers first, and design might not be their strong suit. Thus, the resulting websites, while functional, might lack the aesthetic appeal or intuitive user interface that a more design-focused approach could offer. On the other hand, professionals working with low-code platforms tend to be designers first, using these tools to transform their creativity and designs into functional websites without needing to be experts in coding. If a custom code route is chosen, it often involves two professionals – a web designer and a web developer. This can make the project more expensive and time-consuming. Hence, for many businesses, particularly those without substantial budgets, low-code platforms provide an appealing blend of design and functionality that might otherwise be out of reach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I firmly believe that with their continuous evolution and improvements, low-code platforms provide an effective, efficient, and versatile solution for the vast majority of businesses today. Their mix of convenience, speed, and design capabilities make them a compelling choice, particularly for companies needing to adapt swiftly in a fast-paced digital landscape.

However, this is not to discount the instances where custom coding solutions might be the superior option. Particularly for businesses that require intricate custom back-end functionalities, tailored system structures, or absolute control over each facet of their website, going down the custom code route can offer the capabilities they need.

As such, the decision between using low-code and custom code solutions should ultimately be dependent on the business's needs, resources, and long-term goals of a business. The key is to opt for a solution that can accommodate your current needs, but also scale and evolve alongside your business.