The coding environment has changed since the arrival of low-code solutions and is changing even more with the arrival of natural language processing (NLP), like ChatGPT. It is important to know the scope of both solutions and determine which one is better (if there is one winner) and why.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot developed by a company named OpenAI. It is amazing to read about its learning capacities and multiple uses like nutrition, marketing, finance, programming, and more.
In regards to programming, it makes it easy for a person that doesn’t have any coding skills to actually write code by having a natural conversation with the user about what they want to do.
Low-Code / No-Code Solutions
On the other hand, low coding requires a minimum level of programming skills by offering an intuitive UI with draggable elements that the user can customize and give functionality. Depending on the solution you work with, you can even access predefined templates to customize to your business needs.
In my experience as a developer, I have tried the MS Power Apps tool, and what I like the most is that they’re taking advantage of widespread tools like PowerPoint and Excel, which have become part of day-to-day for the users. You can see the UI has a slide, and all the elements you can drag and drop are very similar to what many of us are familiar with. And at the top of the screen, there is a bar with an fx() icon to give the action happening on a select event. If you have used Excel spreadsheets before, you will notice how the syntax is very similar to formulas.
Now that we have a big picture of what both types of solutions can do for you, let’s analyze them from different edges:
Saving time:
-ChatGPT: It will be your go-to tool if you need a quick solution for an active problem, but if you have a complex problem that requires asking multiple times, it might be time-consuming. Also, you might need to take some time to still test the solution or to analyze from different generated solutions, so if you rely on ChatGPT, you need to keep in mind your testing time.
-LowCode/NoCode: This type of solution offers you an easy way to quickly get functional applications in production environments around 50% of the time compared to traditional development. Also, users can use templates to start a solution without starting it from scratch. Moreover, we need to highlight that low-code solutions typically come with automation capacities that will be time-saving for the users.
Customizing:
-ChatGPT: Users can customize their ask by expressing in their own words what their needs are, as the model might trigger different solutions by just tweaking the ask with a couple of words.
-LowCode/NoCode: Users can use templates but will have to spend some time customizing. At times, these options are limited.
Budget:
-ChatGPT: If you’re a freelancer, a learner, a student, or a developer in your early career, you might find it helpful. For developing robust applications, traditional development could find it as a good first resource to pre-asses problems.
-LowCode/No Code: It is ideal for small businesses as it will empower users to achieve more. Traditional development supported by ChatGPT might be a better fit for big companies with more robust systems.
Troubleshooting:
-ChatGPT: It will be a good resource for a quick ask, but the model is not prepared to have the critical thinking of a human being (yet). Keep in mind this thing next time you use it.
-LowCode/NoCode: Troubleshooting would require some knowledge and familiarity with the tool.
Coding Skill needed:
-ChatGPT: No coding skill needed. In fact, it is an excellent resource if you’re learning to code and need assistance or a quick resource if you’re coding solo. You can consider ChatGPT your new Peer Programming partner.
-LowCode/NoCode: Although this solution requires minimum or no programming skills, you still need some logic skills to elaborate a solution.
Learning Curve:
-ChatGPT: Since ChatGPT works through a natural conversation with the user, you don’t need to learn.
-LowCode/NoCode: Although its interface may be intuitive, you still need training for particular uses.
Reliability:
-ChatGPT: One of the risks that I see with NLP is that a completely different solution can come after tweaking a couple of words in the request, and as we mentioned before, the user still needs to test the solution.
-LowCode/NoCode: What you see is what you get.
The winner is…
It would depend on what you’re looking for; if you already have coding experience (either low entry or experienced), you will have a powerful coding partner with ChatGPT. It will help you to find a quick, customizable solution.
Suppose you don’t have coding skills and/or are looking for a reliable solution that helps anybody in your company to improve their productivity by relying on predefined solutions. In that case, a low code is the type of solution.
No matter what your case is, remember the beauty of learning and use technology to improve your productivity and knowledge!
