citizen development Archives | Comidor Platform All-in-one Digital Modernization Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:05:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.comidor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-Comidor-favicon-25-32x32.png citizen development Archives | Comidor Platform 32 32 What Sets Pro-Code Development Apart From No-code/Low-code And Why It Matters https://www.comidor.com/knowledge-base/low-code-platform/pro-code-development/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:55:53 +0000 https://www.comidor.com/?p=38470 The rise of no-code and low-code platforms has dominated software development. People with minimal technical expertise can build applications quickly and efficiently using these platforms. In fact, the global low-code development platform market is projected to reach $187.0 billion in revenue by 2030, up from $10.3 billion in 2019. It is expected to grow rapidly […]

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The rise of no-code and low-code platforms has dominated software development. People with minimal technical expertise can build applications quickly and efficiently using these platforms. In fact, the global low-code development platform market is projected to reach $187.0 billion in revenue by 2030, up from $10.3 billion in 2019. It is expected to grow rapidly at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.1% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2030. Amidst this technological revolution, pro-code development maintains its critical importance and unique value proposition.

In this post, we’ll explain what sets pro-code development apart and why it remains the chief innovator in the software development industry.

Before explaining pro-code development, let’s take a sneak peek into why no-code and low-code development platforms are taking over software development.

The Advantages of Low-Code and No-Code Solutions

No-code and low-code platforms cater to a rising demand for fast application development without extensive coding skills. Here’s what drives their appeal:

  1. Accessibility for Citizen Developers: Business analysts, IT consultants, marketers, and entrepreneurs can create functional applications without relying on specialized IT teams.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: These platforms reduce development time using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates.
  3. Prototyping and MVPs: They’re ideal for quickly creating minimum viable products (MVPs) or testing ideas before committing to full scale.
  4. Cost Savings: The platforms bypass traditional development processes, allowing businesses to save costs on hiring and managing development teams.

Although no-code and low-code platforms solve many business challenges and offer significant benefits for many use cases, they may have certain limitations. In the next section, we’ll dive into when and why pro-code development might be the right choice for more complex or customized software development projects.

What is Pro-code Development

Pro-code development refers to the traditional approach to software development that requires professional developers to write custom code from scratch using programming languages like Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript. Unlike no-code or low-code platforms, which simplify the development process with drag-and-drop features or pre-built templates, pro-code development allows for complete flexibility and customization.

Pro-code is typically used for complex applications that require high levels of customization, performance optimization, or integration with other systems. It offers more control over the software’s functionality, design, and scalability, making it the go-to option for large-scale enterprise applications, specialized industry software solutions, and projects with unique technical requirements.

Pro-Code Development vs Traditional Development

The terms pro-code development and traditional development are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences depending on the context. Here’s a breakdown:

Pro-code development refers to the use of professional coding practices to build software applications. It is typically carried out by skilled developers who have extensive technical knowledge.

Traditional development typically refers to the older methods of software development, often relying heavily on manual coding and more conventional software engineering practices. Over the years, traditional development methods have evolved to include frameworks and libraries, but the core remains focused on writing custom code to build applications.

pro-code development vs traditional development infographicWhat Sets Pro-Code Development Apart?

Pro-code development stands out for several key reasons, including its ability to offer highly customized solutions, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Its flexibility and control make it ideal for addressing complex technical requirements and delivering tailored results.

Let’s dig deep.

In-Depth Professional Coding

What sets pro-code development apart is its comprehensive approach to software that goes beyond writing lines of code. It involves a deep understanding of architectural design, technology ecosystems, and complex problem-solving that no-code and low-code platforms can’t fully replicate.

Professional developers possess the ability to create scalable solutions that can handle complex business logic and integrate sophisticated algorithms. Their expertise allows them to create innovative solutions that adapt to unique organizational needs.

Example:
If a business needs software that allows them to reach customers via email, and offers effective collaboration that precisely fits their business, they’d go for professional development. However, if they want an off-the-shelf software, they can rely on service desk software that offers them the same features without coding or professional development, which is more cost-effective and time-saving for businesses.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the primary advantages of pro-code development is its unmatched flexibility. Of course, no-code and low-code platforms allow developers to create applications quickly. However, the majority of the no-code/low-code platforms offer standardized components that may work well for only basic applications.

However, when businesses outgrow the pre-defined capabilities of these platforms, they may require pro-code intervention to scale or integrate.

What sets pro-code development apart is that it offers full control over user interface and experience design. Professional developers can design applications from scratch, tailoring each component to fit a brand’s precise specifications.

According to Attrock, anyone can create a basic website using website builders even with zero coding skills. However, these tools make room for people with programming knowledge to insert their customized codes to match their brand style.

So, for advanced users, off-the-shelf solutions may not fully address their needs. But pro-code development allows you to create bespoke software designed to streamline business processes.

Additionally, what sets pro-code development apart is that it can build custom APIs and integrations that pre-built platforms can’t accommodate yet.

Example:
In the health sector, custom medical software must handle sensitive patient data and still comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Telemedicine platforms require custom encryption, secure data transmission, and integration with complex hospital management systems. These are things that pre-built platforms can’t address.

Performance and Optimization

Applications built with no-code or low-code platforms may hit performance bottlenecks as they grow. These tools aren’t always designed to handle high traffic. However, what sets pro-code development apart is its ability to create scalable solutions.

Professional developers can design architectures that can efficiently handle increasing user load, API calls, and database interactions. They can also fine-tune application performance at the granular level — something that low-code platforms typically can’t do.

Memory management and algorithm efficiency are domains that require advanced technical expertise. While no-code platforms may generate functional applications, they may not have what it takes to create high-performance, enterprise-grade applications. With pro-code development, developers can optimize every layer of an application, from front-end rendering to back-end processing. This can result in faster load times and better user experiences.

Security and Data Compliance

Security is a crucial consideration for any business dealing with sensitive data. While low-code and no-code platforms offer general security features, they may not always be tailored to meet the specific security needs of every organization.

On the other hand, what sets pro-code development apart is that it gives organizations complete control over how data is managed, encrypted, and transmitted.

Professional developers can proactively combine web and cyber risk data to implement security measures, such as real-time monitoring, penetration testing, and secure coding practices to safeguard applications.

Also, industries have stringent compliance requirements, such as HIPAA (healthcare), PCI-DSS (finance), and GDPR that pro-code developers can meet with precision.

Ownership and Longevity

One consideration with no-code and low-code platforms is the potential for vendor lock-in. Organizations using these platforms may face challenges when trying to migrate or adapt their applications if the vendor alters features, pricing, or operations.

However, pro-code development ensures that businesses own the codebase, enabling them to migrate or improve the application as needed. Also, what sets pro-code development apart is that you can maintain it over decades, so it’s more sustainable in the long run.

It’s important to note that pro-code development has a higher upfront cost. However, it eliminates recurring license fees associated with no-code and low-code development.

Innovation and Competitive Edge

No-code and low-code platforms thrive on simplicity and uniformity, which comes at the expense of innovation. Pro-code development allows businesses to go beyond the limits of what is possible in their domain.

Pro developers are at the forefront of technological innovation, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and advanced Cloud Computing. These emerging technologies require expert-level coding skills, which sometimes are beyond the capabilities of low-code platforms.

As such, what sets pro-code development apart is its ability to design cutting-edge business solutions using specialized coding expertise. It also enables features that competitors relying on cookie-cutter platforms can’t replicate.

Pro-code development also facilitates experimentation, providing an opportunity for developers to build and test new ideas without compromise. This adaptability makes pro-code an invaluable platform for businesses seeking to lead rather than follow in their industry.

Pro-Code vs. No-Code & Low-Code: Is There a Collaborative Potential?

Interestingly, the future of software development isn’t entirely reliant on what sets pro-code development apart. It’s about understanding how pro-code, no-code, and low-code development can complement one another.

For instance, pro developers can leverage low-code to quickly build prototypes or internal tools before migrating to pro-code for custom, production-ready applications.

Also, businesses can experiment with low-code development to define their specifications, while professional developers can refine and optimize the final product.

This synergy allows organizations with a growth mindset to benefit from the speed of low-code development while leveraging the expertise of professional coding. Pro developers have all it takes to transform low-code solutions into enterprise-grade applications.

Comidor: A Perfect Balance of Low-Code, No-Code, and Pro-Code Capabilities

At Comidor, we understand that every business has unique needs and challenges. That’s why we offer a versatile platform that seamlessly blends low-code and no-code capabilities with the option to write pro-code when needed, ensuring that you can address a wide range of requirements—whether you’re looking for speed, customization, or scalability.

Low-Code & No-Code Capabilities

Comidor’s low-code and no-code tools empower users to quickly design and deploy applications without needing extensive coding expertise. With intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates, even those with minimal technical background can create functional applications in record time. These features make it easier for businesses to automate processes, improve efficiency, and develop solutions that match their needs—without getting bogged down in complex coding tasks.

Flexibility to Write Code When Needed

However, we also recognize that certain projects require deeper customization and technical precision. That’s why we give you the flexibility to write pro-code whenever needed. Whether it’s creating advanced business logic, designing custom integrations, or developing unique features that go beyond the platform’s built-in capabilities, our platform allows developers to seamlessly incorporate code into their applications.

This combination of low-code/no-code simplicity with the power of pro-code gives businesses the best of both worlds: fast development for routine tasks and flexibility for complex, custom solutions. Whether you’re scaling quickly or building highly specialized applications, Comidor’s platform adapts to your needs, making it the ideal solution for businesses looking to innovate and stay ahead in the market.

With Comidor, you don’t have to choose between speed and customization. You get both. And with the ability to scale and optimize as your business grows, your applications will always be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Explore the future of application development with Comidor →

Conclusion

No-code and low-code are valuable platforms, especially for non-technical people like marketers. However, what sets pro-code development apart is that other platforms can’t replace the creativity and expertise that professional developers bring to the table.

That being said, the future of software development isn’t embedded in replacement but integration. It requires us to leverage the strength of no-code, low-code, and pro-code development to create more powerful, flexible, and innovative business solutions.

Hence, your business must evaluate its needs carefully, considering factors like security, customization, and long-term scalability.

The post What Sets Pro-Code Development Apart From No-code/Low-code And Why It Matters appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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How Low-Code & No-Code Solutions Are Solving the Software Crisis https://www.comidor.com/knowledge-base/low-code-platform/low-code-platforms-software-crisis/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:09:05 +0000 http://192.168.1.9:8888/?p=418 The post How Low-Code & No-Code Solutions Are Solving the Software Crisis appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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Even with all the tools and techniques at their disposal, modern businesses face significant challenges in effective and efficient software development, often called the “software crisis.” This phrase encapsulates the difficulties organizations encounter in meeting the increasing demand for new software solutions, exacerbated by a shortage of skilled developers and the high costs associated with traditional development processes. These challenges lead to delayed product releases, skyrocketing costs, and hindered innovation.

When looking for a software crisis solution, low-code and no-code platforms emerge as promising alternatives and supplements to traditional software development. These innovative platforms allow for the development of advanced software with minimal coding, enabling faster delivery times, reduced costs, and broader participation in application creation.

In this post, let’s take a detailed look at how modern low-code and no-code solutions are solving the so-called “software crisis”, and how you can pick the right solutions based on your business needs. First, let’s understand what a software crisis is, and how these solutions can solve it.

What is a Software Crisis?

According to Wikipedia, The ‘software crisis’ was a term used in the early days of software engineering before it was a well-established subject. The term was used to describe the impact of rapid increases in computer power and the complexity of the problems that could be tackled. In essence, it refers to the difficulty of writing correct, understandable, and verifiable computer programs. The roots of the software crisis are complexity, expectations, and change.

Software Crisis Evidence

The causes of the software crisis were linked to the overall complexity of the software process and the relative immaturity of software engineering as a profession. The crisis manifested itself in several ways:

  • Projects running over budget.
  • Projects running over time.
  • The software was of low quality.
  • Software often did not meet the requirements.
  • Projects were unmanageable and code was difficult to maintain.

Software Crisis Results

Developers’ disappointment eventually leads to:

  • Poor productivity – In the initial stages of a project, developers typically write 50–100 lines of code per day, depending on how much functionality needs to be built
  • Poor quality and reliability – 10–50 errors per 1,000 lines of code is considered a rough estimate for the number of defects in code written without rigorous quality controls
  • Slow-moving and costly growth – 60-80% of the total cost of software ownership can be attributed to maintenance activities
  • Project failure – 1 of every 3 large projects is failed before ever being completed and only 1 in 8 finished software projects is considered successful

Software Crisis Solution

We need better and more software development solutions to focus on such points as:

  • Independence from infrastructure, operating systems, databases, communication protocols, and proprietary structures to unleash the programmer’s power.
  • Independence from developers and developer teams to gain control of software investment
  • The multi-layered and distributed structure that reinforces the collaboration of independent software teams
  • Expandable architecture to permit growth
  • Compatibility with agile software and application development methodologies
  • Integrate harmoniously business processes and methodologies
  • Put Customer, first

What are Low-Code and No-Code Platforms? 

Low-code and no-code platforms represent a shift in the way software is developed, making it faster and more accessible than ever before. These platforms reduce the traditional barriers to software development by minimizing the need for extensive coding, thereby accelerating the development process. Low-code development platforms provide a visual approach to software development. By using graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional hand-coded computer programming, these platforms enable professional developers to design applications faster. They still require some coding to enhance the application’s functionality beyond the basic features provided by the platform. 

On the other hand, no-code development takes the principles of low-code one step further by enabling a completely code-free setup. It allows non-technical users to build applications using drag-and-drop tools and a visual development environment. No-code platforms are designed so that anyone, regardless of their technical skill level, can create tools or applications without writing a single line of code. 

Both types of platforms embody the principle of democratizing technology creation, and citizen development providing tools that simplify the process of application development. They help organizations rapidly adapt to changes, solve technical problems quickly, and allow employees to focus on higher-value work that can’t be automated. 

Advantages of Low-Code/No-Code Development

The growing adoption of low-code and no-code platforms is driven by several compelling advantages that these technologies bring to organizations.

Let’s explore the three key benefits of leveraging low-code and no-code tools.

Increased Speed and Agility

Low-code and no-code platforms streamline the software development process, enabling faster creation, deployment, and modification of applications. This increased speed allows businesses to respond more swiftly to market changes and customer needs.

Cost Efficiency

These platforms help cut down the costs associated with software development. By lowering the barrier to entry for creating applications, companies can save on hiring specialized software developers and reduce the overhead costs of extensive development projects. Moreover, the ease of maintenance and updates further drives down long-term expenses.

Democratization of Development

Perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of low-code and no-code platforms is their ability to make software development accessible to a broader range of people within an organization. These platforms enable “citizen developers” — non-technical users who can build applications that automate tasks and solve business problems. This democratization not only fosters innovation across all levels of the company but also alleviates the pressure on IT departments to meet all the software needs of the business​.

For example, when faced with content management system (CMS) choices like Drupal vs WordPress, citizen developers can rapidly prototype and test custom solutions to determine which platform better suits their specific needs or even bypass these traditional CMS options altogether by creating completely custom solutions.

Challenges of Low-Code/No-Code Development

With all the pros come some cons, too. Understanding these challenges is essential for successfully implementing and maintaining low-code/no-code solutions in business environments.

Here are some notable drawbacks of this tech:

Limited Customization

One of the main limitations of low-code and no-code platforms is the degree of customization they offer. These platforms often rely on pre-configured templates and drag-and-drop components that can restrict developers from making specific, detailed customizations that are possible with traditional coding.

Vendor Lock-in

Using low-code/no-code platforms can sometimes result in vendor lock-in, where a company becomes dependent on a specific platform’s tools and services. This dependency can limit flexibility and control over the development process and make it difficult to migrate to other solutions without considerable effort and cost.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Security is a concern with low-code and no-code platforms, especially as they enable non-technical users to build applications. These platforms must ensure that they provide robust security features to protect sensitive data and comply with regulations like GDPR.

Performance and Scalability Challenges

While low-code and no-code platforms are designed for speed and simplicity, they may not always handle high-performance demands or scale effectively as business needs grow. Performance bottlenecks and scalability issues can arise, particularly with complex applications that serve a large number of users or require significant data processing.

Could Low-Code/No-Code Platforms Be a Convincing Software Crisis Solution?

The role of software is changing. It is no longer about magic things from hobbyists and techies. Instead, commercially driven software projects are becoming more business-focused, and the emphasis has shifted from technical to business-added value. Software must be delivered rapidly, and development shall be driven by business value rather than technical needs. Business people need models to describe the business processes to be automated independently from the software that will be used. Furthermore, businesses are becoming more and more automated, and subsequently, the automation software should no longer be closed, encrypted, and hand-coded.

To survive and thrive, businesses must constantly find ways to innovate and differentiate themselves; to do things better, faster, and cheaper; and to engage customers in new ways. They need a faster way to deliver applications—and low-code development platforms offer some much-needed light at the end of the tunnel.

Low-code development is not the next programming generation or a new programming language. It’s rather the second phase of the normal evolution of technology as we have seen so many times before. Car technology offers a great example of how technology advances from the entry level, where a skilled driver is needed due to technology complexity and instability, to a mature level, where there is no need for an external or highly qualified driver. The system automatically does all the work.

Related Technologies: aPaaS and RAD

Currently, 2 other modern programming technologies and trends are related to low-code and share features and characteristics similar to low-code, the aPaaS, and the RAD

  • aPaaS (Application Platform as a Service) is a term popularized by Gartner. The analyst firm defines it as a “Model-driven graphical development environment, typically producing metadata that is interpreted at runtime”.
  • RAD (Rapid Application Development) is generally defined as a programming model that allows products to be developed faster and of higher quality through the use of visual programming environments, prototyping, and early, reiterative user testing of designs; the re-use of software components and more

The Inherent Value of Low-Code Platforms

So, does it mean that the conventional programming languages are coming to an end? No more magic in Java?  Not. Low-code development is based on platforms developed on conventional programming languages like Java and therefore Java, C++, and other rich programming languages shall survive for a long. Simply future business applications are to be developed not by brilliant developers with poor knowledge of business anymore, but by knowledgeable business experts with adequate knowledge of technical programming. To achieve that goal a Low-code platform should have at least, visual development tools, model-driven architecture, application repository, ready-to-use connectors, built-in business methods, metadata to object translation capabilities and need to be a cloud platform and mobile-ready.

The inherent value of a low-code development platform is that it brings IT and operations together, moving the focus to the business needs and goals, enabling more rapid, iterative, and collaborative development, offering business agility, productivity, effortless integration, faster deployments, business orientation, effective lifecycle management and finally better ROI.

Is it enough to transform software into a more business-friendly form? It’s more than likely to happen and in any case, it’s more than enough, to intrigue any business to consider low-code as the next IT platform for its operations.

How Major Organizations Have Broken Through the Software Crisis with Low-Code Software Crisis Solutions

To illustrate the practical benefits and implementation strategies of low-code and no-code platforms, let’s explore a couple of case studies from companies that have successfully leveraged these technologies.

First up is Gen Re, a global life and health reinsurer, that utilized a low-code platform to modernize its IT infrastructure efficiently. Within the first nine months, they developed 30 applications, replacing outdated systems like Lotus Notes. This transformation not only enhanced their operational efficiency but also allowed them to scale more effectively, showcasing the rapid deployment capabilities of low-code platforms.

Then there’s Toyota, which embraced a low-code approach to streamline its software development processes. Starting with smaller projects, they achieved a 30% reduction in work hours, which led to the expansion of this initiative across 23 companies within the Toyota Group. This example highlights how low-code platforms can significantly improve development productivity and facilitate the modernization of legacy systems.

How Comidor Addresses the Software Crisis

Comidor, a leading low-code platform, is helping organizations navigate the complexities of the software crisis by offering rapid application development and streamlining business processes. By leveraging low-code technology, Comidor allows businesses to quickly build, deploy, and scale applications, reducing the traditionally high costs and long timelines associated with software development. Let’s explore how Comidor has addressed the software crisis through its innovative platform, backed by real-world case studies.

Case Study 1: Legacy Systems Modernization

A significant challenge for many organizations is the burden of legacy systems that are costly to maintain, hard to integrate with new technologies, and unable to meet evolving business needs. A global enterprise recognized this issue and sought a solution to modernize its outdated IT infrastructure.

By adopting Comidor’s low-code platform, the company was able to streamline the modernization of its legacy systems. Comidor allowed them to quickly integrate their old systems with new applications, eliminating the need for expensive, time-consuming rewrites. Through a combination of business process automation (BPA) and custom workflows, the company could modernize key processes, enabling smoother operations and better customer experiences.

This transformation not only reduced operational costs by approximately 30% but also gave the business the flexibility to innovate faster, reducing dependency on complex and outdated software. With Comidor, the company was able to deliver modern, scalable solutions without the risk and burden typically associated with legacy system overhauls. By accelerating development timelines, they quickly adapted to changing market demands, proving that low-code can be a highly effective software crisis solution in the face of legacy challenges.

→Read the Legacy Systems Modernization case study

Case Study 2: Order Management System Transformation

An international retailer with a large and complex order management system (OMS) faced increasing pressure to improve customer experience, streamline processes, and ensure real-time visibility across multiple channels. Their existing OMS was outdated, unable to integrate with modern systems, and was slow to adapt to new customer demands.

To address this challenge, the retailer turned to Comidor’s low-code platform for a solution. The platform enabled them to build a custom order management system that seamlessly integrated with existing systems while providing real-time updates on inventory, customer orders, and shipment tracking. With Comidor’s easy-to-use interface, the retailer was able to quickly develop and deploy an enhanced OMS, dramatically improving operational efficiency.

The new system reduced order processing times by 40% and improved customer satisfaction by providing quicker and more accurate order information. Additionally, the retailer saw a reduction in IT dependency, as the low-code platform allowed non-technical users to manage and customize the system, reducing the bottleneck of relying solely on IT teams for every change.

This successful transformation demonstrates how Comidor’s low-code solutions can significantly improve operational efficiency and customer-facing applications while solving critical software challenges. The ability to modernize legacy systems and rapidly deploy custom solutions helped the retailer stay competitive and meet the needs of an increasingly demanding marketplace.

→Read the Order Management case study

Choosing the Right Platform as a Software Crisis Solution

Selecting the appropriate low-code or no-code platform to solve software crisis is crucial for organizations. Here is a rundown of the key factors to consider when choosing a platform that best fits your organization’s needs:

1. Business Requirements

Start by clearly defining the specific needs and goals of your business. Consider:

  • the problems you aim to solve with the platform
  • the types of applications you plan to develop
  • and who will develop them

2. Platform Capabilities

Next, evaluate different platforms based on their strengths and capabilities. Look for features such as:

    1. Ease of use: Ensure the platform has an intuitive interface that suits both developers and non-technical users.
    2. Customization: While low-code and no-code platforms offer pre-built templates, some level of customization is often necessary. Check how much flexibility the platform offers to meet your specific needs.
    3. Integrations: Consider how well the platform can integrate with your existing IT infrastructure and other business systems. Seamless integration is essential for maintaining smooth operations and data consistency across applications.
    4. Scalability: The platform should be able to scale as your business grows and as application usage increases. Ensure it can handle larger user bases and more complex applications over time.
    5. Security: Given the potential security risks, choose a platform that offers robust security features and compliance with relevant regulations.
    6. Reviews and Case Studies: Look at reviews and case studies to see how other companies have implemented and benefited from their chosen platforms. Pay attention to any challenges they faced and how they were overcome.

Finally, sign up for a platform trial before fully committing to a platform. This allows you to test the platform with a small, manageable project to see how well it meets your needs in a real-world scenario. Evaluate the platform’s performance, user satisfaction, and the quality of the end product.

Wrapping Up

Low-code and no-code platforms have emerged as vital tools in addressing the software development crisis, enabling businesses to navigate through the challenges of traditional software creation. These technologies have democratized software development, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals within organizations. Business analysts and project managers can now engage directly in building solutions without deep programming knowledge.

By leveraging low-code and no-code platforms, businesses can not only solve today’s software crisis but also set the stage for the future. A future where technology creation is more aligned with business strategy, more responsive to changes, and more inclusive of diverse perspectives within the organization.

Ready to Transform Your Business with Low-Code Solutions?

The post How Low-Code & No-Code Solutions Are Solving the Software Crisis appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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In-House vs. Outsourcing Software Development: Pros and Cons https://www.comidor.com/knowledge-base/low-code-platform/in-house-vs-outsourcing-software-development/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:17:43 +0000 https://www.comidor.com/?p=37977 For the majority of modern businesses, using someone else’s platform is not good enough. Ideally, they want to develop a software platform of their own that they can adjust to their own customers and business needs. Software customization is the name of the game in 2024, and there are two ways to approach this: You […]

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For the majority of modern businesses, using someone else’s platform is not good enough. Ideally, they want to develop a software platform of their own that they can adjust to their own customers and business needs. Software customization is the name of the game in 2024, and there are two ways to approach this:

  • You build your software on your own. 
  • Hire someone to do it for you

Like always in the business world, there’s no such thing as a superior or inferior solution. To understand what each of these decisions brings, here are some pros and cons of in-house vs. outsourcing software development.

In-house Software Development

A lot of entrepreneurs value self-reliance above everything else. This is why they’re so invested in the idea of handling things in-house. In their mind, if you want something to be done right, you do it yourself.

While outsourcing is definitely the way the modern business world works, for people who prefer in-house software development, this is nothing more than a temporary solution. Why is this the case? Well, to understand this, you have to dive a bit deeper into the benefits and downsides of in-house software development. Here are some of the most prominent of these pros and cons.

Advantages of in-house software development

  • Direct control: The single biggest advantage of in-house software development is the fact that you’re directly supervising the entire process. This gives you more control to tweak various features and even control the pace at which the product is developed.
  • Close collaboration: When everything is done in-house, collaboration is tighter, and communication is more reliable. This means that separate teams all work toward the same goal. For instance, your marketing team knows which features to advertise, and your customer service knows who to contact when there’s a problem.
  • Tighter security: Some of the info involved in development is particularly sensitive, which is why you don’t want to risk people who haven’t undergone your own vetting process having access to these files.
  • Risk mitigation: When handling the project on your own, it’s much easier to mitigate challenges and ensure project success. Still, this will definitely take extra skill and effort.

Disadvantages of in-house software development

Self-reliance: The biggest disadvantage of in-house software development is that you have to do it all on your own. You need to decide on teams, supervise them, and, in some scenarios, even micro-manage them.

Higher costs: In order to create a development team, you need to hire specialists. This hiring process is already quite expensive, but you also have to wait until they become a real team, provide them with all the equipment, and assign an executive to supervise them. Upfront costs are quite high, and it pays off only if you have huge long-term plans.

Occupying your time and attention: Whenever you have to handle things that are not in your area of expertise, you’ll spend a disproportionally long time doing research. You’ll also stress yourself out and diminish your productivity on other tasks. Micromanaging is always a massive drain on your energy and resources.

Overall, in-house development gives you more control but takes more time, attention, energy, and money. Is it worth it? You’re the only one who can answer that question since it’s nearly impossible to quantify the value of direct control.

Leveraging Low-Code Platforms in In-House Software Development

In the realm of in-house software development, the emergence of low-code platforms has introduced a compelling solution to streamline and expedite the development process. Low-code platforms empower businesses to create applications with minimal manual coding, significantly reducing the reliance on traditional programming methods. Incorporating low-code platforms into the in-house development process brings forth several notable benefits, including acceleration in development cycles, enhanced business agility cost efficiency, and collaboration among cross-functional teams by providing a centralized environment for ideation, development, and deployment. What’s more, low-code platforms democratize the software development process by empowering non-technical users, often referred to as citizen developers, to create and customize applications.

By harnessing the power of low-code development, organizations can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility, and innovation, driving digital transformation and gaining a competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Platforms like Comidor further amplify these benefits by offering a comprehensive suite of low-code development tools and capabilities, empowering businesses to rapidly build, deploy, and iterate on custom applications to meet their evolving needs.

Outsourcing Software Development

Outsourcing software development usually means finding a specialized agency and entrusting them with the task of creating an app or a platform for your company. While this gives you less direct control over the development, it will usually lead to a superior end product, deliver it quicker, and allow you to focus on this task.

It’s also worth mentioning that software development is one of the most outsourced tasks. People prefer to find customer service specialists, an HR agency, and a B2B marketing company to outsource, which allows them and their in-house team to focus on core tasks – those that are generating revenue.

With that in mind, here are some advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing software development.

Advantages of outsourcing software development

The advantages of outsourcing software development are quite numerous, which is the main reason why so many people opt for this development route. Some of the most important advantages are:

  • Cost savings: By outsourcing, you have an easy job outsourcing to a region with a much cheaper qualified workforce. You see, coding and development are universal languages, and just because a developer may not be a native English speaker, this doesn’t mean that their competence is brought into question.
  • More choice: There’s a reason why having the ability to choose globally is so advantageous for enterprises all over the globe. First of all, you get to see all your options, which means that you’ll have the privilege of making a better-informed choice. Second, you get the availability of global talent, which means that you get much better offers.
  • Specialized focus: While you may have a department in your enterprise that specializes in development, the cost of setting it up and the time until they get enough experience will be too difficult to manage. This way, you just outsource these specialized tasks straight to industry veterans.
  • Faster time to market: As we’ve already mentioned, even if you did this in-house, it would take you a lot longer to complete the task. Not to mention that this would distract you from your regular tasks, making you less efficient in these fields.

Overall, outsourcing saves time and money, as well as allows you to direct all your attention toward core (money-making) tasks instead of having your attention scattered all over the place.

Disadvantages of outsourcing software development

While outsourcing deals should be fairly straightforward, it’s not without its uncertainties and challenges. Here are some disadvantages of outsourcing your software development.

  • Hidden costs: Sometimes, when you’re offshoring, you may face different challenges caused by language and cultural barriers. This may lead to miscommunication and hidden costs, which can be quite significant and cause you a sizable setback.
  • Lack of in-depth understanding of your business: Your software developer is an outside entity, which means that their understanding of your industry may be limited. However, this challenge is not exclusive to software development – it’s a challenge that everyone you outsource to, from marketing to HR will have to deal with.
  • Lack of adequate supervision: When hiring outsiders, chances are that you’ll only sporadically read reports and have limited insight into what’s going on. Now, some businesses outsource to get faster time to market but what this may cause is a compromised quality of the product.
  • Dependency on a third party: Sure, this one may be a bit controversial, but you can “coerce” your team into working faster. You can only plead with the outsiders. No matter what the contract states, it’s up to them whether they’ll follow your suggestions.

Some of these challenges are quite significant, but others can be solved quite easily.

In-House vs. Outsourcing Software Development Infographic | ComidorWrap up

Ultimately, it’s nearly impossible for anyone outside of the project to determine what’s better: in-house vs outsourcing software development. Just keep in mind that some of the smaller teams don’t even have the option of doing things in-house, which means that they can either outsource or abandon the idea of developing their own platform.

Still, if there is the right answer, it’s important to analyze all your options and carefully evaluate every factor before making a decision.

The post In-House vs. Outsourcing Software Development: Pros and Cons appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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How to Achieve Citizen Development with No-Code / Low-Code https://www.comidor.com/blog/low-code/citizen-development/ Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:11:07 +0000 https://www.comidor.com/?p=31762 The post How to Achieve Citizen Development with No-Code / Low-Code appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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Have you ever wished you could create a business application without having to wait on your IT department to one? Well… what if we told you that you could? That’s right — anyone at any level of a business can build applications. This process is known as citizen development, and it’s definitely something your business won’t want to miss out on. Read on to learn more about what citizen development is and how you can achieve this in your business.  

What Is Citizen Development? 

There are times when you’ll be unable to wait on your IT team to build an entire application. That’s where citizen development comes in. Citizen development is the method in which users with little to no coding experience are able to create applications using No-Code development platforms.  

Citizen developers can build applications quickly to meet essential business needs. In a sense, developers are designing their own solutions right at their fingertips.  

These applications can assist businesses in automating and managing workflows and business processes. This can increase employee productivity, drive more accurate results, and give more focus to improving working relationships.  

Citizen Development with No-Code / Low-Code | Comidor

How To Achieve Citizen Development 

So, how exactly do you achieve citizen development in your workplace? For this application development method to transpire, developers need access to easy-to-use platforms. No-Code/Low-Code platforms are the ideal solution.    

Using this kind of platform, developers no longer need extensive coding knowledge to create applications. Instead, No-Code/Low-Code platforms that include No-Code App Builders, like Comidor, allow citizen developers to create, implement, and manage business applications in one convenient hub with little to no coding.  

Citizen developers can easily build applications to handle every business process, from marketing to project management to people management. By investing in a No-Code/Low-Code development platform, businesses become privy to endless application possibilities without the dreaded wait time of a coded application build.  

Why You Need Citizen Development 

You may be wondering, “Why should I utilize citizen development?” Well, there are a few benefits to having citizen developers that you won’t be able to pass up.  

Address Need for Applications 

As continuous growth occurs, business needs are ever-changing. To meet these needs, applications have emerged. Coding applications from scratch is a time-consuming process that can’t keep up with the demand for new or improved applications. It only makes sense to turn to citizen developers who can quickly build, implement, edit, and manage applications. With citizen development, your business applications can keep up with changing needs.  

Decrease IT Backlog 

In such a technology-first world, IT departments have a prominent place in business. They handle everything from building new software or applications to dealing with technological issues that occur in the workplace. This means, unfortunately, that IT departments can quickly become overwhelmed with a constant uptick in requests. By moving the application building process over to citizen developers, your IT department can focus on the most important task at hand — making sure your equipment is running smoothly.  

Enjoy Business Agility 

No-Code/Low-Code development platforms bring a new meaning to the term “agile.” Since they can automate workflows and business processes fast and with agility, your business is able to run smoother than before. Gone are the days of delayed communication or inaccurate data. Citizen developers can create applications that utilize notifications, automated movements, and real-time data to monitor and analyze projects every step of the way.  

Boost Productivity 

In addition to business agility, applications built by citizen developers have a magical way of boosting productivity. With automated tasks designed with each specific team in mind, employees can focus more of their time and attention on big picture items or fostering client relationships. Team members will have more time in the day to collaborate and move projects through the pipeline at an increased rate.  Citizen Development with No-Code | Comidor

Comidor No-Code/Low-Code Platform for Citizen Development 

Ready to join the citizen development movement? Comidor is here to help! With our easy-to-use No-Code/Low-Code development platform, it’s never been easier for citizen developers to create applications. Choose from a variety of pre-existing applications or build your own with simple drag-n-drop functionality.  

Contact us today to learn more about how you can join the application revolution with our platform! 

Create applications on fly with Comidor App Builder

The post How to Achieve Citizen Development with No-Code / Low-Code appeared first on Comidor Low-code Automation Platform.

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