Low Code Platforms

Analysis

Low Code Analysis

Low code platforms compared
 
Approach
Target
Cost
Verdict
Verj.io (+)
Developer-focused, full-stack low-code
Developers & enterprises
Flexible pricing; enterprise-focused
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires development knowledge but flexible
AWS cloud, on-premise and hybrid
JavaScript-based scripting, API-based logic
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; supports complex workflows
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
High
HTML, JavaScript, & CSS support
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
JavaScript-based scripting
Highly flexible low-code platform; full API support
Requires technical knowledge for full flexibility
7
WaveMaker (+)
Model-driven, component-based low-code
Enterprises & developers
Moderate; enterprise licenses required
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; UI-driven but backend logic requires expertise
Cloud (SaaS) & on-premise (Docker, Kubernetes)
JavaScript & Java for extending applications
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Limited workflow automation
Cloud & containerised (Docker/Kubernetes)
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI builder
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Java-based backend logic
Faster UI development with drag-and-drop
More constrained by model-driven approach; less backend flexibility
6
OutSystems (+)
Full-stack model-driven low-code
Large enterprises needing scalable applications
High; enterprise-level pricing
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; model-driven with limited customisation
Cloud (SaaS), on-premise, hybrid
Limited; mainly within platform constraints
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; built-in workflow automation
Supports cloud, on-premise, & hybrid
Moderate
Visual drag-and-drop UI
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Model-driven backend with limited custom logic
Enterprise-scale with built-in DevOps and cloud options
Limited business logic control; vendor lock-in risk
5
Mendix (+)
Visual development, model-driven
Business users & developers for rapid apps
High; subscription-based per user
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; complex model-driven approach
Cloud-native (SaaS) & on-premise
Low-code with some customisation options
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; workflow automation built-in
Primarily cloud-focused but supports on-premise
Low
Visual model-based UI development
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Model-driven backend with microservices support
Strong support for business users; integrated workflow automation
Heavily model-driven, limiting customization
4
Microsoft Power Apps (+)
Citizen developer-focused low-code
Business users & IT teams
Affordable for Microsoft users; add-on costs apply
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; accessible for business users
Cloud-based (Microsoft Azure)
Limited; mostly within Power Platform
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; integrated with Power Automate
Cloud-only (Microsoft ecosystem)
Low
Drag-and-drop UI, templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Limited custom backend; dependent on Power Platform
Tight integration with Microsoft services; easy for citizen developers
Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem
3
IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation (+)
Enterprise low-code for process automation & AI-driven workflows
Enterprises needing workflow automation & AI-enhanced applications
Expensive; targeted at large enterprises
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; requires familiarity with IBM ecosystem
Cloud-based (IBM Cloud) & on-premise
Supports Java, JavaScript, and IBM APIs
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; advanced AI-driven process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with workflow modeling
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
AI-powered automation with decision management
Strong AI-driven automation; deep enterprise integrations; robust workflow capabilities
Requires IBM ecosystem; less flexibility outside AI-driven workflows
7
Zoho Creator (+)
User-friendly low-code for custom app development
Small to medium businesses automating workflows
Affordable; subscription-based
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; user-friendly with scripting for advanced users
Cloud-based deployment
Supports Deluge scripting for advanced logic
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; robust workflow automation features
Cloud-based only
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with customizable templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Supports complex workflows & scripting
User-friendly with deep Zoho ecosystem integration
Less flexible for full-scale development
4
Appian (+)
Enterprise-grade low-code for process automation & case management
Enterprises needing workflow automation & rapid app development
Expensive; enterprise & government focus
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; process automation expertise needed
Cloud-based (Appian Cloud) & on-premise
Supports Java, JavaScript, and API extensions
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; industry-leading process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI builder with responsive design
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Low-code workflow engine with BPMN-based automation
Strong BPM and workflow automation; excellent for process-driven applications
Less flexibility for custom development; primarily designed for automation use cases
7
Pega Platform (+)
Enterprise low-code for BPM & customer engagement
Large enterprises streamlining operations
High; enterprise-scale pricing
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; enterprise-focused workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise deployments
Supports Java & API-based extensions
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; advanced process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise
High
Model-driven UI with enterprise UX focus
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
BPMN-driven automation & case management
Powerful automation & customer engagement tools
More suited for BPM & customer workflows
6
Apex (+)
Low-code development within Oracle ecosystem
Enterprises & developers using Oracle databases
Included with Oracle Cloud subscriptions
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires SQL & PL/SQL knowledge
Cloud-based (Oracle Cloud) & on-premise
Extends via PL/SQL and JavaScript
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; integrated workflow automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Browser-based UI builder with templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
SQL & PL/SQL-based backend logic
Seamless integration with Oracle services
Limited flexibility outside Oracle ecosystem
6
ServiceNow App Engine (+)
IT service management & enterprise app development
Enterprises developing IT & business process applications
High; ITSM-focused enterprise pricing
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; IT and process automation knowledge needed
Primarily cloud, on-premise available
Uses JavaScript & enterprise IT automation
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; enterprise-grade workflow automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Moderate
Pre-built UI components with drag-and-drop
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Strong IT workflow automation & system integration
Strong ITSM & enterprise integration capabilities
Focused on IT processes, not general app development
6
Retool (+)
Developer-focused internal tool builder
Developers building internal business apps
Moderate; business-friendly pricing
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires API and JavaScript knowledge
Cloud & on-premise (self-hosted available)
JavaScript & API-based logic
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Limited; relies on external automation tools
Supports cloud & on-premise deployment
High
Drag-and-drop UI with full-code customisation
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Backend powered by APIs & database queries
Great for internal tools; highly flexible API and database connectivity
Less suited for full-scale applications; mainly internal tools
7
Quickbase (+)
Business-oriented low-code for workflow automation
SMBs & enterprises needing rapid process automation
Subscription-based; business pricing
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; non-technical users can adopt quickly
Cloud-based only
JavaScript-based extensibility
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; workflow automation & process management
Cloud-only deployment
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with form builder
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Workflow-based backend with scripting
Great for business process automation & reporting
Limited customisation for complex applications
5
Verj.io (+)
Approach
Developer-focused, full-stack low-code
Target
Developers & enterprises
Cost
Flexible pricing; enterprise-focused
Learning curve
Moderate; requires development knowledge but flexible
Deployment options
AWS cloud, on-premise and hybrid
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript-based scripting, API-based logic
Integration APIs
Full API publishing & consumption
Workflow
Yes; supports complex workflows
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
HTML, JavaScript, & CSS support
Backend development
JavaScript-based scripting
Pros
Highly flexible low-code platform; full API support
Cons
Requires technical knowledge for full flexibility
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
WaveMaker (+)
Approach
Model-driven, component-based low-code
Target
Enterprises & developers
Cost
Moderate; enterprise licenses required
Learning curve
Moderate; UI-driven but backend logic requires expertise
Deployment options
Cloud (SaaS) & on-premise (Docker, Kubernetes)
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript & Java for extending applications
Integration APIs
API-first approach but tied to model-driven data
Workflow
Limited workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud & containerised (Docker/Kubernetes)
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI builder
Backend development
Java-based backend logic
Pros
Faster UI development with drag-and-drop
Cons
More constrained by model-driven approach; less backend flexibility
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
OutSystems (+)
Approach
Full-stack model-driven low-code
Target
Large enterprises needing scalable applications
Cost
High; enterprise-level pricing
Learning curve
Steep; model-driven with limited customisation
Deployment options
Cloud (SaaS), on-premise, hybrid
Extensibility custom code
Limited; mainly within platform constraints
Integration APIs
API consumption & generation but model-driven
Workflow
Yes; built-in workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports cloud, on-premise, & hybrid
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Visual drag-and-drop UI
Backend development
Model-driven backend with limited custom logic
Pros
Enterprise-scale with built-in DevOps and cloud options
Cons
Limited business logic control; vendor lock-in risk
Low code ranking1
5
Verdict
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Mendix (+)
Approach
Visual development, model-driven
Target
Business users & developers for rapid apps
Cost
High; subscription-based per user
Learning curve
Steep; complex model-driven approach
Deployment options
Cloud-native (SaaS) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Low-code with some customisation options
Integration APIs
Strong API support but within platform constraints
Workflow
Yes; workflow automation built-in
Cloud & on-premise
Primarily cloud-focused but supports on-premise
Customisation flexibility
Low
UI development
Visual model-based UI development
Backend development
Model-driven backend with microservices support
Pros
Strong support for business users; integrated workflow automation
Cons
Heavily model-driven, limiting customization
Low code ranking1
4
Verdict
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Microsoft Power Apps (+)
Approach
Citizen developer-focused low-code
Target
Business users & IT teams
Cost
Affordable for Microsoft users; add-on costs apply
Learning curve
Easy; accessible for business users
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Microsoft Azure)
Extensibility custom code
Limited; mostly within Power Platform
Integration APIs
Limited API support; best with Microsoft services
Workflow
Yes; integrated with Power Automate
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-only (Microsoft ecosystem)
Customisation flexibility
Low
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI, templates
Backend development
Limited custom backend; dependent on Power Platform
Pros
Tight integration with Microsoft services; easy for citizen developers
Cons
Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem
Low code ranking1
3
Verdict
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation (+)
Approach
Enterprise low-code for process automation & AI-driven workflows
Target
Enterprises needing workflow automation & AI-enhanced applications
Cost
Expensive; targeted at large enterprises
Learning curve
Steep; requires familiarity with IBM ecosystem
Deployment options
Cloud-based (IBM Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java, JavaScript, and IBM APIs
Integration APIs
Strong API & AI integration but tied to IBM Cloud
Workflow
Yes; advanced AI-driven process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with workflow modeling
Backend development
AI-powered automation with decision management
Pros
Strong AI-driven automation; deep enterprise integrations; robust workflow capabilities
Cons
Requires IBM ecosystem; less flexibility outside AI-driven workflows
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Zoho Creator (+)
Approach
User-friendly low-code for custom app development
Target
Small to medium businesses automating workflows
Cost
Affordable; subscription-based
Learning curve
Easy; user-friendly with scripting for advanced users
Deployment options
Cloud-based deployment
Extensibility custom code
Supports Deluge scripting for advanced logic
Integration APIs
Integrates with Zoho Suite & third-party APIs
Workflow
Yes; robust workflow automation features
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-based only
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with customizable templates
Backend development
Supports complex workflows & scripting
Pros
User-friendly with deep Zoho ecosystem integration
Cons
Less flexible for full-scale development
Low code ranking1
4
Verdict
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Appian (+)
Approach
Enterprise-grade low-code for process automation & case management
Target
Enterprises needing workflow automation & rapid app development
Cost
Expensive; enterprise & government focus
Learning curve
Moderate; process automation expertise needed
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Appian Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java, JavaScript, and API extensions
Integration APIs
Strong API & third-party integrations for enterprise systems
Workflow
Yes; industry-leading process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI builder with responsive design
Backend development
Low-code workflow engine with BPMN-based automation
Pros
Strong BPM and workflow automation; excellent for process-driven applications
Cons
Less flexibility for custom development; primarily designed for automation use cases
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Pega Platform (+)
Approach
Enterprise low-code for BPM & customer engagement
Target
Large enterprises streamlining operations
Cost
High; enterprise-scale pricing
Learning curve
Steep; enterprise-focused workflow automation
Deployment options
Cloud & on-premise deployments
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java & API-based extensions
Integration APIs
Enterprise system integrations & API support
Workflow
Yes; advanced process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
Model-driven UI with enterprise UX focus
Backend development
BPMN-driven automation & case management
Pros
Powerful automation & customer engagement tools
Cons
More suited for BPM & customer workflows
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Apex (+)
Approach
Low-code development within Oracle ecosystem
Target
Enterprises & developers using Oracle databases
Cost
Included with Oracle Cloud subscriptions
Learning curve
Moderate; requires SQL & PL/SQL knowledge
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Oracle Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Extends via PL/SQL and JavaScript
Integration APIs
Strong API & database integration within Oracle Cloud
Workflow
Yes; integrated workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Browser-based UI builder with templates
Backend development
SQL & PL/SQL-based backend logic
Pros
Seamless integration with Oracle services
Cons
Limited flexibility outside Oracle ecosystem
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
ServiceNow App Engine (+)
Approach
IT service management & enterprise app development
Target
Enterprises developing IT & business process applications
Cost
High; ITSM-focused enterprise pricing
Learning curve
Moderate; IT and process automation knowledge needed
Deployment options
Primarily cloud, on-premise available
Extensibility custom code
Uses JavaScript & enterprise IT automation
Integration APIs
Extensive IT system integration & automation APIs
Workflow
Yes; enterprise-grade workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Pre-built UI components with drag-and-drop
Backend development
Strong IT workflow automation & system integration
Pros
Strong ITSM & enterprise integration capabilities
Cons
Focused on IT processes, not general app development
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Retool (+)
Approach
Developer-focused internal tool builder
Target
Developers building internal business apps
Cost
Moderate; business-friendly pricing
Learning curve
Moderate; requires API and JavaScript knowledge
Deployment options
Cloud & on-premise (self-hosted available)
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript & API-based logic
Integration APIs
Strong API & database connectivity
Workflow
Limited; relies on external automation tools
Cloud & on-premise
Supports cloud & on-premise deployment
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with full-code customisation
Backend development
Backend powered by APIs & database queries
Pros
Great for internal tools; highly flexible API and database connectivity
Cons
Less suited for full-scale applications; mainly internal tools
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Quickbase (+)
Approach
Business-oriented low-code for workflow automation
Target
SMBs & enterprises needing rapid process automation
Cost
Subscription-based; business pricing
Learning curve
Easy; non-technical users can adopt quickly
Deployment options
Cloud-based only
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript-based extensibility
Integration APIs
Strong integration with third-party services
Workflow
Yes; workflow automation & process management
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-only deployment
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with form builder
Backend development
Workflow-based backend with scripting
Pros
Great for business process automation & reporting
Cons
Limited customisation for complex applications
Low code ranking1
5
Verdict
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
1Ranks the platform on the No Code to Pro Code software development spectrum. A low score indicates that application developers are required to use very little program code. A higher score indicates that more program code is needed.

In general, the higher the score, the more flexibility and control developers have over the applications they build. For example, a completely No Code approach would score 0, whilst a solution written entirely in a programming language would score 10.
 

The Software Development development spectrum

The software development spectrum ranges from no-code to pro-code, with low-code sitting in between. No-code platforms enable users to build applications through drag-and-drop interfaces without writing any code, making them ideal for simple business solutions. Low-code blends visual development with some coding, allowing for greater customisation and integration while still accelerating development.

At the far end, pro-code refers to traditional software development using languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, offering full control, scalability, and deep customisation for complex applications. Organisations often adopt a hybrid approach, using low-code for rapid development while relying on pro-code for advanced functionality and flexibility where needed.
Approach
Description
Pros
Cons
No Code
Drag-and-drop, visual development with minimal technical knowledge required.
Fast development, easy for non-developers.
Limited flexibility, not suitable for complex apps.
Low Code
Mix of visual development and coding for customization.
Faster than pro-code, but still allows customization.
Some platform constraints.
Pro Code
Full control over the software using traditional coding.
Maximum flexibility, no vendor lock-in, scalable.
Slower development, requires skilled developers.
Ebase Technology Ltd
The Granary, Crowhill Farm,
Ravensden Road, Wilden
Bedford MK44 2QS

Registered in England, company no. 3850999

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