Table of contents

• What is the difference between low code and traditional code?
• Pros and cons of low code vs coding
• Graphite: Enhancing traditional development workflows
• Comparison table
• Conclusion

The low-code vs coding debate is central to how modern software is built. Low-code platforms promise faster delivery using visual tools, while traditional coding relies on hand-written logic for full control and customization. This guide examines the advantages and disadvantages of low code compared to traditional approaches, with examples, tooling, and use cases.

What is the difference between low code and traditional code?

Low-code development uses drag-and-drop interfaces and prebuilt components to speed up app creation. Platforms like OutSystems and Mendix allow users to build apps with minimal code, making it accessible for both developers and non-developers.

Traditional coding, on the other hand, means building applications entirely through manual programming using languages like Java, Python, or C#. This approach offers unmatched flexibility, performance, and customization.

Pros and cons of low code vs coding

Advantages of low-code platforms

• Speed: Apps can be developed much faster using templates and reusable components.
• Cost-efficiency: Smaller teams and less development time reduce overall cost.
• Accessibility: Business users can contribute to development.
• Maintenance: Hosting, updates, and scaling are often handled by the platform.
• Integration: Built-in APIs and services simplify data exchange with systems like Salesforce.

Disadvantages of low-code platforms

• Limited customization: Complex logic or UI may not be supported.
• Vendor lock-in: Apps may be tied to one provider's platform and runtime.
• Performance limitations: Abstracted code may not scale or perform as well as custom code.
• Opaque security: Harder to review or customize underlying security controls.
• Still requires some coding: More complex workflows typically need scripting.

Advantages of traditional coding

• Full control: Every element can be tailored to exact specifications.
• High performance: Code can be optimized for speed and resource use.
• Technology choice: Use any language or stack appropriate to the project.
• Flexible integration: Easily connect to legacy or unusual systems.
• Security and compliance: Custom implementations support unique needs and regulations.

Disadvantages of traditional coding

• Slower to build: Writing everything from scratch takes time.
• More expensive: Requires skilled engineers and larger teams.
• Maintenance overhead: Your team is responsible for patches, upgrades, and ops.
• Complex process: Tooling setup, code reviews, CI/CD all add complexity.

Graphite: Enhancing traditional development workflows

While traditional coding offers extensive control and customization, it often comes with increased complexity, especially in code review processes. Tools like Graphite are designed to streamline these workflows, making traditional development more efficient. Graphite is a developer platform that integrates seamlessly with GitHub, providing features that accelerate code reviews and improve code quality. Key functionalities include:

• Stacked pull requests: Allows developers to create and manage a series of dependent pull requests, facilitating incremental code changes and simplifying the review process.
• Graphite CLI: A command-line interface that streamlines Git operations, enabling developers to manage pull request stacks directly from the terminal.
• Pull request inbox: Offers a unified dashboard to track all pull requests, their statuses, and review requirements, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
• Graphite Merge Queue: Automates the merging process by queuing pull requests, running necessary checks, and merging them in order, reducing conflicts and maintaining branch stability.
• Insights and reports: Provides real-time metrics on development workflows, helping teams identify bottlenecks and optimize their processes.
• Diamond AI reviewer: Graphite's AI-powered code review tool, Diamond, delivers immediate, context-aware feedback on pull requests. It identifies bugs, logical errors, and style issues, offering actionable suggestions to improve code quality.

Comparison table

Conclusion

When deciding between low-code platforms and traditional coding, context matters. Low-code works well for quick apps, MVPs, and internal tools where speed and usability outweigh deep customization. Traditional coding is best for performance-critical, highly customized, or long-term strategic systems. For most organizations, the answer isn't either-or. Teams often use both—building core systems with traditional coding while supporting internal teams and rapid needs with low-code. Tools like Graphite further enhance traditional workflows by accelerating code reviews without compromising quality.