By Stephen Ledwith June 27, 2025
Choosing between low-code and traditional development is less about technology — and more about context.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Low-Code | Traditional Development |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to Launch | Very Fast | Slower but flexible |
| Cost | Lower initial investment | Higher but scalable |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Best For | Internal tools, MVPs | Core systems, complex products |
| Who Builds | Business users, Citizen Devs | Engineers |
Ask These Questions
- How complex is your problem?
- Do you need to scale globally or handle massive traffic?
- Who will maintain this solution long-term?
When Is Low-Code the Right Choice?
According to Mendix, a leading platform in the low-code space, these scenarios are ideal for low-code development:
Process Improvement and Automation Apps:
Streamline and digitize internal manual workflows, such as approvals, document routing, or reporting dashboards.Web-Based Portals:
Quickly launch portals for customers, suppliers, or vendors that require secure, role-based access and forms.Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Native Mobile Apps:
Low-code tools like Mendix allow you to build responsive cross-platform apps without starting from scratch.Core System Extensions Using Microservices:
Modernize legacy systems by building new modules as microservices that integrate with your existing stack.IoT-Enabled Smart Apps:
Leverage low-code to build apps that interact with connected devices, collect sensor data, and trigger workflows.
“Low-code allows IT and business teams to co-create applications that truly support business goals.”
— Mendix Low-Code Guide (Source)
Combine These Insights with Organizational Context
Before deciding, consider:
- Do you need to iterate fast, or are you building long-term infrastructure?
- Is your team made up of skilled developers or multidisciplinary business roles?
- Are you integrating deeply with legacy systems or APIs?
💡 Low-code shines when time-to-value, collaboration, and rapid prototyping are critical.
My Take
In most enterprise settings, a hybrid approach wins. Use low-code for fast-moving, non-core systems. Rely on traditional development for the backbone of your platform.
