Low-code versus pro-code development
Summarize
Summary of Low-code versus pro-code development
This content explains the differences between low-code and pro-code development approaches on the ServiceNow AI Platform, helping customers select the best app building experience based on their role and technical skills. It highlights the tools available for various user types, describes the benefits and characteristics of low-code, mid-code, and pro-code development, and clarifies the distinction between low-code and no-code platforms.
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Choosing the Right App Builder
- Creator Studio: Enables process owners and line of business owners to create simple request-fulfillment apps without coding.
- App Engine Studio: Designed for citizen developers to build a broader range of apps using low-code tools.
- ServiceNow Studio: A unified development environment suitable for citizen and platform developers, combining low-code tools and source code capabilities with features like Build Agent for conversational app creation.
- ServiceNow IDE and SDK: For source code developers to build complex apps using ServiceNow Fluent language, JavaScript modules, and third-party libraries, supporting advanced customization and development.
Low-code Development
Low-code platforms enable users with limited coding experience to create apps quickly through graphical interfaces and configuration, reducing the need for extensive developer resources. Benefits include faster app deployment, use of pre-built templates, centralized management, and streamlined collaboration. ServiceNow's low-code tools include Creator Studio, App Engine Studio, UI Builder, and Workflow Studio.
No-code versus Low-code
No-code platforms require no development experience and are primarily aimed at citizen developers and business users, making app creation accessible to nearly everyone. However, no-code solutions can increase the risk of shadow IT due to unsanctioned app development. Low-code platforms cater to both business users and professional developers by offering visual modeling and the ability to add custom code when necessary.
Mid-code Development
Mid-code development is for users comfortable with the ServiceNow AI Platform and some development tools, providing access to all builders and tools within ServiceNow Studio. This approach bridges the gap between low-code and pro-code development.
Pro-code Development
Pro-code development targets developers who build complex, custom applications using programming languages and advanced tools without the constraints of low-code platforms. Benefits include full customization, unique app functionality, and the ability to align apps closely with business branding. ServiceNow pro-code tools include the ServiceNow IDE, SDK, scripting capabilities, REST APIs, and Visual Studio Code extensions.
Learn the difference between low-code and pro-code solutions on the ServiceNow AI Platform.
Which app builder should I use?
Use the following table to choose the app building experience that matches your role and technical background.
| Tool | Users | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Creator Studio: Build an app without code. | Process owners, line of business owners | Build request-fulfillment apps without writing code. For example, create an application to request office supplies: a user fills out a form, and an approver accepts or denies the request. For more information, see Exploring Creator Studio. |
| App Engine Studio: Build a range of apps using low-code tools. | Citizen developers | Build a broader range of apps than Creator Studio without writing code. For more information, see Exploring App Engine Studio. |
| ServiceNow Studio: Build and deliver apps in a unified environment. | Citizen developers, Platform developers | Build apps in a unified development environment. ServiceNow Studio provides streamlined navigation, integrated low-code tools, and built-in tracking and packaging so you can develop and ship apps faster. Use Build Agent in ServiceNow Studio to create and update apps with a conversational interaction. For more information, see Exploring ServiceNow Studio and Build Agent in ServiceNow Studio. |
| ServiceNow IDE and ServiceNow SDK: Build apps in source code. | Source code developers | Develop applications in source code with ServiceNow Fluent, create JavaScript modules, and use third-party libraries. ServiceNow Fluent is a domain-specific programming language for creating application metadata
in code. Use Build Agent in ServiceNow IDE to create and update apps in source code with a conversational interaction. The ServiceNow IDE runs Visual Studio Code for the Web on the ServiceNow AI Platform. The ServiceNow SDK runs Visual Studio Code Desktop locally. For more information, see Building applications in source code. |
What is low-code development
Low-code development is a new approach to app creation that allows users with limited coding experience to create powerful apps. Low-code development platforms rely on graphical interfaces and configuration instead of manual coding. These new low-code development platforms enable more people to create and deploy apps quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of low-code development
Low-code app development streamlines the development process to build more apps faster. Low-code solutions require fewer developers, and allow non-developers to build apps. Pre-built templates provide developers a head start building apps. System administrators can manage app development from a single location and collaborate with other developers. Decrease the time that it takes to deploy apps using predefined workflows in the ServiceNow AI Platform.
ServiceNow no-code and low-code development tools
- Creator Studio
- App Engine Studio
- UI Builder
- Guided Application Creator
- Table Builder
- Flows in Workflow Studio
- Workspace Builder
- Exploring Decision Tables
No-code development tool example
Creator Studio makes creating basic request-fufillment apps easier by dividing their creation into simple steps. You can create forms for users to request catalog items and use form submissions to initiate automated playbooks. Find out more in Creator Studio.
What is mid-code development
If you're comfortable with the ServiceNow AI Platform and some development tools, use the new ServiceNow Studio to access all of the builders and development tools in one place.
Mid-code development tool example
What is pro-code development
Pro-code development is used by developers to create complex apps that can't be built with a low-code tool. Traditionally, pro-code development is used to create apps from scratch using custom code to solve a business need. Developers need to have knowledge of coding and how to use programming languages to build apps.
Benefits of pro-code development
The advantage of pro-code development is being able to create custom apps without the limitation of a tool. You can build custom apps unique to your business needs without limits. Developers can create apps with a custom look and feel to match your company's branding.
ServiceNow pro-code development tools
Low-code versus no-code
The terms low-code and no-code tend to get used interchangeably, but they aren't exactly the same thing. While both low-code and no-code solutions provide tools for simplified app development, the differences are worth considering.
- Low-code
- Low-code platforms are designed for professional developers and non-technical business users. They require very little training or experience and use visual-based modeling to streamline the development process. They also allow people with coding experience to dive deeper, coding by hand when needed.
- No-code
- No-code platforms require no development experience, and are designed specifically for citizen developers and business users. No-code solutions open app development up to essentially everyone, but can lead to shadow IT—unsanctioned app development within an organization.