Low-code combined with traditional code. What are you paying attention to?
No matter how many possibilities low-code software development offers, sometimes a customer wants a functionality that is so specific that we still have to look for an alternative. In this blog, Tom Staes, our expert developer, tells you what to look out for then.
Custom code
It sometimes happens that a customer has a very specific requirement that the Mendix platform does not meet. Of course, with our knowledge and expertise, we always find a solution to this, but sometimes we are forced to fall back on traditional programming to develop custom software. However, this has four drawbacks.
1. Giving up on speed
Developing through low-code is much faster than traditional coding. So you lose one of the big advantages of low-code: speed.
2. Self responsible for maintenance
When you develop custom software, you also have to think about maintenance. If you develop something within a good low-code platform, the application evolves with the technology. Thus, it will not easily become obsolete, and the owner of the framework bears responsibility for ensuring that the application continues to work. With custom code, you have to make sure that your code stays in order and that the software keeps running.
3. Often not reusable
The chances of custom-made software being reusable are rather slim. This makes the cost-to-benefit ratio less than in low-code development. It is always worth considering staying within the low-code platform, perhaps with a clever workaround. That way, you get more benefit from your solution while the cost is lower. In some cases, we do manage to build a reusable solution. For example, our team developed a graphical component for a digital planning board, providing the planner with drag-and-drop functionality. By cleverly delineating the component, it becomes easy for the low-code developer to use that functionality – while the complexity of coding is housed within a component.
4. Specialist knowledge needed
With a low-code way of building software, you gain capabilities that the traditional way of developing software does not offer. Using blocks and building blocks, you recreate, through a graphical interface, your business processes. In each step, you add business logic. Because this is all done without any complicated programming language or code, almost anyone in your organization can use it. If you are going to work with custom code, then you do need to have the necessary specialist knowledge if you want to correct or modify something. That’s a lot easier with low-code.
Consider before you begin
Of course, you can choose to have a piece of software developed the traditional way. Our architects and consultants are happy to discuss the pros and cons of custom software in combination with the Mendix platform. They can also advise on possible alternatives, this way you can make an informed decision and avoid surprises.
Hands-on webinar on December 2!
On December 2, 2021, we will host a webinar, where we would like to tell more and show you the possibilities of the Mendix platform. It promises to be an interactive session where our experts will be happy to answer your questions.
Already know more?
Want to know more right now? If so, please feel free to contact us. At Mendify, we believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Our certified Mendix trainers are happy to share their knowledge and experience so that your IT department can also develop and maintain Mendix apps.