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3 Times Faster: How Long Does it Take to Build a Low-Code App?

Specno
February 21, 2024

Build and deploy in a 3rd of the time – this is how long it takes to build a low-code app, why it’s so much faster and how to get started right now

How fast can you deploy a new build?

Cutting build and deployment down to a third is a remarkable competitive advantage. It allows you to rapidly test new ideas and products, get to market, and acquire early adopters at a pace your competitors just can’t keep up with.

In this post, we set out to explore the question: How long does it take to build a low-code app? And the answer is so astonishingly fast, you might want to get started on a new project right away.

But first, consider the time investment for normal app development…

First: How long does app development usually take?

Using standard code-based development, even with an Agile framework, a new product could take  3–12 months to develop:

  • 3 Months for a simple product, MVP, or prototype
  • 6 Months for a mid-level app (i.t.o. complexity)
  • 12 Months-plus for highly complex apps

See all the benefits of custom software.

But with low-code development, we can cut that down to a third…

How long does it take to build a low-code app?

Because low-code platforms have so much automation and integrations already built in, and the interface is visual, almost anyone on the team can contribute. And it cuts down development time significantly:

  • 8 Weeks to build a simple, fully functioning prototype
  • 10 Weeks to build a mid-level app
  • 12+ Weeks to deliver a complex build

That’s over 3 times faster than normal code-based building, and that’s using only a minimal amount of dev resources. If we have more resources available, and a client wants to move even faster, we can still cut those times down by half.

Why is it so much faster than normal code-based development?

Using low-code or no-code platforms is faster because it lets developers create apps visually by dragging and dropping components instead of writing lots of code. These platforms have ready-to-use parts and automation tools that save time. 

They also make it easier for team members to work together, allow rapid testing of ideas, and offer instant previews of the app. While it's speedy, remember that it might have some limitations compared to traditional coding in terms of customization and handling complex tasks.

See all the benefits of low-code development and get the right price with beneficial low code development cost.

What are low-code apps best suited for?

Prototyping and MVPs

Low-code platforms allow startups to quickly prototype ideas and create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to test concepts and gather feedback. See our guide to the ultimate MVP method for e-commerce.

Internal Tools

Businesses often require tools for internal processes like data management, task tracking, or employee onboarding. Low-code apps can rapidly address these needs without extensive development time.

Simple Customer-Facing Apps

If your app primarily needs basic user interactions, such as forms, data input, and basic workflows, low-code can deliver these functionalities quickly.

Process Automation

Low-code apps can streamline repetitive tasks and automate workflows, enhancing efficiency within an organisation.

Rapid Iteration

When you need to iterate on app features or adjust functionalities quickly based on user feedback, low-code development allows for rapid changes.

Proof of Concept

Before investing heavily in custom development, you can use low-code tools to validate your idea and gather data on its viability.

Small to Medium-Sized Businesses

SMBs often have resource constraints and may prioritize cost-effective and efficient solutions for their software needs.

Mobile Apps with Basic Features

For mobile apps requiring standard features like forms, simple databases, and user interactions, low-code development can be a faster alternative.

Note: Timelines are based on Specno app development times

The guide times we show here are based on our internal Specno turnaround and delivery timelines. Our dedicated team of driven developers can turn around finished products at a level that’s ideal for corporates and funded startups that need to move fast.

Naturally, we can’t vouch for anyone else in the industry but ourselves. And to get the full picture of timelines and options for launching a new product, see our guide to how long it takes to create a new app.

Get us to develop your app, low-code

There’s a lot that goes into developing an app that actually works the first time, and that’s why we at Specno spent years building one of the best multi-specialty app development teams, now including low-code.

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your next project

Specno Team