Learn the difference between low-code and pro-code solutions on the Now Platform.

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 Now Platform.

ServiceNow low-code development tools

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

Low-code development tool example

App Engine Studio (AES) is designed to address enterprise low-code development needs by putting the power of the Now Platform in the hands of low-code developers. Guidance-driven flows and easy-to-customize templates help citizen developers come up to speed quickly.

Figure 1. AES landing page
AES landing page

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.

Pro-code development tool example

ServiceNow Studio provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)-like interface for application developers to work on custom applications in one centralized location. It offers a simple way to create, review, and update application files from a tabbed environment.

Figure 2. ServiceNow Studio sample app
A sample search results tab displaying seven matches for the string SAMPLE in the current application.

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.