Low-code versus pro-code development

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 3 minutes to read

    • 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.

    Table 1. App builders
    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

    For more information on low-code development tools, see Building low-code applications.

    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.

    Figure 1. Create app an app in Creator Studio
    Select the Create app button

    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

    Figure 2. Create an app in ServiceNow Studio
    Create an app using either the Navigator icon or the Create button

    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

    For more information on pro-code development tools, see Building pro-code applications.

    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.