Author: Matthijs Groen
Introduction
In realizing digital products, there are different approaches that organizations choose. Two prominent methods we discuss here are pro-code and low-code development. In this article, we examine the advantages of both approaches and outline an approach where low-code and pro-code are deployed together for optimal results.
The Efficiency of Low-code
Low-code is a form of software development that excels at streamlining process steps and standard tasks. This approach excels in tasks such as approvals, authorizations, and developing interfaces for data processing by back-office personnel. This approach emphasizes a standard user interface, with the focus on speed and efficiency. It offers out-of-the-box solutions for common challenges and is most productive when business processes align well with the standard operation of the low-code platform. Or when there is flexibility to adapt business processes to the tool. Mendix is one of the most widely used low-code development platforms at the moment.
Unlike standard (SaaS) products, in low-code you can often customize standard functionality to your own wishes and needs. However, major adjustments lead to a loss of some of the speed advantage.
The Power of Pro-code
Pro-code software development is used when standard solutions or low-code do not meet the unique requirements of a project. Complex algorithms and business logic, data transformation, unique user interfaces, and communication with hardware are typical examples of elements that require a pro-code approach for the desired result. In general, with pro-code there is more influence over all components of the software and therefore fewer limitations that you encounter. Even with pro-code, it is possible to achieve speed gains by cleverly using frameworks and open-source or cloud-native building blocks. Pro-code does not mean that all code must be written from scratch.
Both pro-code and low-code have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Importance of Balance: Better Together
The key to successful digital product development lies not in choosing exclusively between pro-code or low-code, but in finding the right balance between both approaches. By strategically combining the strengths of each method, organizations can achieve optimal results that would be difficult to attain with either approach alone.
When to Use Low-code
Low-code is particularly effective for:
- Standard business processes and workflows
- Rapid prototyping and MVP development
- Back-office applications with standard CRUD operations
- Approval and authorization workflows
- Quick deployment of business applications with standard UI requirements
When to Use Pro-code
Pro-code becomes essential when dealing with:
- Complex algorithmic requirements
- Custom business logic that doesn't fit standard patterns
- Unique user interface requirements that demand pixel-perfect design
- Integration with specialized hardware or legacy systems
- Performance-critical applications requiring optimization
- Data transformation and complex processing pipelines
The Hybrid Approach
The most successful digital transformations often employ a hybrid strategy where:
- Low-code platforms handle the standard business processes and administrative interfaces
- Pro-code solutions address the complex, differentiated aspects of the application
- Both approaches are integrated seamlessly to provide a unified user experience
This balanced approach allows organizations to:
- Accelerate time-to-market for standard features
- Maintain flexibility for unique business requirements
- Optimize development costs by using the right tool for each task
- Scale development teams more effectively by leveraging different skill sets
Best Practices for Integration
To successfully combine pro-code and low-code development:
- Assess Requirements Carefully: Evaluate each component of your application to determine whether it fits better with low-code or pro-code development
- Define Clear Boundaries: Establish clear interfaces between low-code and pro-code components to ensure smooth integration
- Standardize Communication: Use well-defined APIs and data formats to enable communication between different parts of the system
- Maintain Governance: Ensure consistent security, compliance, and quality standards across both development approaches
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between low-code and pro-code developers to share knowledge and best practices
Conclusion
The debate between pro-code and low-code development should not be about choosing one over the other, but rather about finding the optimal combination for your specific needs. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, organizations can create a development strategy that maximizes efficiency, maintains flexibility, and delivers high-quality digital products.
The future of software development lies not in the dominance of one approach, but in the intelligent orchestration of multiple development paradigms. Organizations that master this balance will be best positioned to adapt to changing business requirements while maintaining development velocity and quality.
As the development landscape continues to evolve, the ability to leverage both pro-code and low-code effectively will become an increasingly important competitive advantage. The key is not to view these approaches as competing alternatives, but as complementary tools in the modern developer's toolkit.