Low-code versus pro-code development
Summarize
Summary of Low-code versus pro-code development
This guide clarifies the differences between low-code, no-code, mid-code, and pro-code development options available on the ServiceNow AI Platform, helping you select the right app-building approach based on your technical skills and business needs.
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App Building Tools and User Roles
- Creator Studio: Enables process owners and line of business owners to build simple request-fulfillment apps without coding, ideal for straightforward tasks like office supply requests.
- App Engine Studio: Allows citizen developers to create a broader range of apps using low-code tools, without requiring coding experience.
- ServiceNow Studio: Provides a unified environment for citizen and platform developers to build apps using integrated low-code tools alongside traditional coding, streamlining app development and delivery.
- ServiceNow IDE and SDK: Designed for source code developers comfortable with programming, these tools support pro-code development using JavaScript modules, domain-specific languages (ServiceNow Fluent), and third-party libraries, enabling complex custom apps.
Low-code Development
Low-code development leverages graphical interfaces and configuration to enable users with limited coding skills to build powerful apps quickly. It accelerates app creation by reducing reliance on developers and offering pre-built templates and workflows within the ServiceNow AI Platform.
Key low-code tools include Creator Studio, App Engine Studio, UI Builder, Guided Application Creator, and Workflow Studio, which collectively simplify app design, automation, and deployment.
No-code versus Low-code
No-code platforms, such as Creator Studio, require no development experience and target business users and citizen developers by offering guided, step-by-step app creation. They are ideal for basic apps but can increase the risk of unsanctioned app development ("shadow IT").
Low-code platforms, while still user-friendly for non-technical users, also accommodate professional developers who may want to extend apps with custom code, offering more flexibility and control.
Mid-code Development
Mid-code development, facilitated by ServiceNow Studio, is suited for users familiar with the platform who want access to all builders and development tools in one place, combining low-code ease with coding capability.
Pro-code Development
Pro-code development is intended for developers building complex, custom applications that require extensive coding beyond what low-code tools can provide. It allows for tailored app design, unique business logic, and custom branding without constraints.
Pro-code tools include the ServiceNow IDE, SDK, scripting APIs, and Visual Studio Code extensions, enabling full control over app creation through source code.
Practical Guidance for ServiceNow Customers
- Choose Creator Studio or other no-code tools for simple, form-based apps requiring minimal technical skills.
- Use App Engine Studio or ServiceNow Studio for broader app development needs, especially when combining low-code with some coding is beneficial.
- Opt for ServiceNow IDE or SDK and pro-code approaches when building complex, highly customized applications needing full programming control.
- Understand that low-code accelerates development and broadens who can create apps, while pro-code offers ultimate flexibility for unique business requirements.
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. For more information, see Exploring 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.