Comparison: Low-Code/No-Code versus Pro-Code Custom Development

Introduction

As the technology is evolving, you might have encountered a situation where some clients prefer low-code platforms like Microsoft Power Platform, which allows users to create apps with minimal coding. Others rely on pro-code technologies like .NET & SPFx, which offer full control and flexibility but require deep programming knowledge.

In this article, I have shared the comparison of strengths and trade-offs of these 2 approaches, as choosing the right technology or platform depends on factors like speed, requirement complexity, and customization needs. After going through this comparison, you will be able to decide which best fits your next project.

S.No.	Parameter	Pro Code (SPFx + React) Solution (Custom)	No Code / Low code Solution (Microsoft Power Platform)
1	Advantages	More control and flexibility in development.	Coding expertise is not required. As such, with no/minimum coding or logic, the functionality can be achieved.
		Multiple developers can work simultaneously using Git version control in Azure DevOps.	Maintainability, Updates, and Enhancements are easy to make as compared to pro code solutions.
		SPFx allows easy integration with other Microsoft (Microsoft 365) products & APIs (e.g. - MS Graph)	The UI/UX experience (design) is easier to handle and make changes.
		Hosting/Deployment is straightforward, and the app gets deployed within the security boundary of the tenant.	The development will be faster in Power Platform as compared to SPFx + React.
		Industry-standard web stack tooling – SPFx uses standard web stack tooling with node, NPM, TypeScript, and any JavaScript framework (e.g. - React)	No requirement to provision different servers as part of the infrastructure.
			Allows easy integration with other Microsoft (Microsoft 365) & Power Platform products.
2	Disadvantages	Professional/Advanced coding & development skills are required for this approach.	The users need to be assigned licenses in Power Platform.
		Infrastructure - Servers are required for development.	It might be possible that we might be using some premium connectors, which will also add up to the overall cost.
		Use of open-source components and libraries that might be restricted/not allowed in the environment.	The low code platform misses the flexibility that a pro code solution provides (e.g. - with customization, all functionalities can be achieved, however with low code/no code solution, it might be possible that a particular functionality cannot be achieved, and some workaround needs to be implemented like custom connectors or open-source solutions).
		Code Maintainability - The code base needs to be maintained. In addition, as the code grows, it adds complexity to implementing any change requests & enhancements.	App Performance - Iterating over millions of records in couple of seconds or minutes is somewhat complex in Power Platform.
			Till now, the Git version control is an experimental feature in Power Apps. So, multiple developers must create the same copy of the app and need to work separately and then integrate the code.
3	Dependency / Risk	Environment readiness - Coded machines are required and then the environment needs to be set up for development.	Power Platform environment readiness and access to team members.
			Availability of controls and connectors required during the development process.