Low code platforms

Low Code Platforms

Choosing the right platfom: how Verj.io compares

 

Low code platforms

The low-code market is filled with platforms promising speed and simplicity, but not all low-code solutions are built for professional developers. Many impose rigid frameworks, restrictive design models, or limit backend control, making them unsuitable for complex enterprise applications.

Verj.io is different. It combines the productivity benefits of low-code with the flexibility of full-stack development, ensuring that developers maintain complete control over UI, logic, integration, and deployment. This page compares Verj.io with other low-code platforms to help you understand the key differences and why Verj.io stands out for enterprise application development.

Approach
Target
Cost
Verdict
Verj.io (+)
Developer-focused, full-stack low-code
Developers & enterprises
Flexible pricing; enterprise-focused
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires development knowledge but flexible
AWS cloud, on-premise and hybrid
JavaScript-based scripting, API-based logic
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; supports complex workflows
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
High
HTML, JavaScript, & CSS support
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
JavaScript-based scripting
Highly flexible low-code platform; full API support
Requires technical knowledge for full flexibility
7
WaveMaker (+)
Model-driven, component-based low-code
Enterprises & developers
Moderate; enterprise licenses required
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; UI-driven but backend logic requires expertise
Cloud (SaaS) & on-premise (Docker, Kubernetes)
JavaScript & Java for extending applications
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Limited workflow automation
Cloud & containerised (Docker/Kubernetes)
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI builder
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Java-based backend logic
Faster UI development with drag-and-drop
More constrained by model-driven approach; less backend flexibility
6
OutSystems (+)
Full-stack model-driven low-code
Large enterprises needing scalable applications
High; enterprise-level pricing
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; model-driven with limited customisation
Cloud (SaaS), on-premise, hybrid
Limited; mainly within platform constraints
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; built-in workflow automation
Supports cloud, on-premise, & hybrid
Moderate
Visual drag-and-drop UI
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Model-driven backend with limited custom logic
Enterprise-scale with built-in DevOps and cloud options
Limited business logic control; vendor lock-in risk
5
Mendix (+)
Visual development, model-driven
Business users & developers for rapid apps
High; subscription-based per user
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; complex model-driven approach
Cloud-native (SaaS) & on-premise
Low-code with some customisation options
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; workflow automation built-in
Primarily cloud-focused but supports on-premise
Low
Visual model-based UI development
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Model-driven backend with microservices support
Strong support for business users; integrated workflow automation
Heavily model-driven, limiting customization
4
Microsoft Power Apps (+)
Citizen developer-focused low-code
Business users & IT teams
Affordable for Microsoft users; add-on costs apply
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; accessible for business users
Cloud-based (Microsoft Azure)
Limited; mostly within Power Platform
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; integrated with Power Automate
Cloud-only (Microsoft ecosystem)
Low
Drag-and-drop UI, templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Limited custom backend; dependent on Power Platform
Tight integration with Microsoft services; easy for citizen developers
Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem
3
IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation (+)
Enterprise low-code for process automation & AI-driven workflows
Enterprises needing workflow automation & AI-enhanced applications
Expensive; targeted at large enterprises
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; requires familiarity with IBM ecosystem
Cloud-based (IBM Cloud) & on-premise
Supports Java, JavaScript, and IBM APIs
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; advanced AI-driven process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with workflow modeling
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
AI-powered automation with decision management
Strong AI-driven automation; deep enterprise integrations; robust workflow capabilities
Requires IBM ecosystem; less flexibility outside AI-driven workflows
7
Zoho Creator (+)
User-friendly low-code for custom app development
Small to medium businesses automating workflows
Affordable; subscription-based
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; user-friendly with scripting for advanced users
Cloud-based deployment
Supports Deluge scripting for advanced logic
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; robust workflow automation features
Cloud-based only
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with customizable templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Supports complex workflows & scripting
User-friendly with deep Zoho ecosystem integration
Less flexible for full-scale development
4
Appian (+)
Enterprise-grade low-code for process automation & case management
Enterprises needing workflow automation & rapid app development
Expensive; enterprise & government focus
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; process automation expertise needed
Cloud-based (Appian Cloud) & on-premise
Supports Java, JavaScript, and API extensions
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; industry-leading process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI builder with responsive design
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Low-code workflow engine with BPMN-based automation
Strong BPM and workflow automation; excellent for process-driven applications
Less flexibility for custom development; primarily designed for automation use cases
7
Pega Platform (+)
Enterprise low-code for BPM & customer engagement
Large enterprises streamlining operations
High; enterprise-scale pricing
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Steep; enterprise-focused workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise deployments
Supports Java & API-based extensions
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; advanced process automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise
High
Model-driven UI with enterprise UX focus
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
BPMN-driven automation & case management
Powerful automation & customer engagement tools
More suited for BPM & customer workflows
6
Apex (+)
Low-code development within Oracle ecosystem
Enterprises & developers using Oracle databases
Included with Oracle Cloud subscriptions
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires SQL & PL/SQL knowledge
Cloud-based (Oracle Cloud) & on-premise
Extends via PL/SQL and JavaScript
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; integrated workflow automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Moderate
Browser-based UI builder with templates
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
SQL & PL/SQL-based backend logic
Seamless integration with Oracle services
Limited flexibility outside Oracle ecosystem
6
ServiceNow App Engine (+)
IT service management & enterprise app development
Enterprises developing IT & business process applications
High; ITSM-focused enterprise pricing
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; IT and process automation knowledge needed
Primarily cloud, on-premise available
Uses JavaScript & enterprise IT automation
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; enterprise-grade workflow automation
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Moderate
Pre-built UI components with drag-and-drop
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Strong IT workflow automation & system integration
Strong ITSM & enterprise integration capabilities
Focused on IT processes, not general app development
6
Retool (+)
Developer-focused internal tool builder
Developers building internal business apps
Moderate; business-friendly pricing
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Moderate; requires API and JavaScript knowledge
Cloud & on-premise (self-hosted available)
JavaScript & API-based logic
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Limited; relies on external automation tools
Supports cloud & on-premise deployment
High
Drag-and-drop UI with full-code customisation
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Backend powered by APIs & database queries
Great for internal tools; highly flexible API and database connectivity
Less suited for full-scale applications; mainly internal tools
7
Quickbase (+)
Business-oriented low-code for workflow automation
SMBs & enterprises needing rapid process automation
Subscription-based; business pricing
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
Learning curve
Deployment options
Extensibility custom code
Integration APIs
Easy; non-technical users can adopt quickly
Cloud-based only
JavaScript-based extensibility
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
Workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
UI development
Yes; workflow automation & process management
Cloud-only deployment
Moderate
Drag-and-drop UI with form builder
Backend development
Pros
Cons
Low code ranking1
Workflow-based backend with scripting
Great for business process automation & reporting
Limited customisation for complex applications
5
Verj.io (+)
Approach
Developer-focused, full-stack low-code
Target
Developers & enterprises
Cost
Flexible pricing; enterprise-focused
Learning curve
Moderate; requires development knowledge but flexible
Deployment options
AWS cloud, on-premise and hybrid
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript-based scripting, API-based logic
Integration APIs
Full API publishing & consumption
Workflow
Yes; supports complex workflows
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
HTML, JavaScript, & CSS support
Backend development
JavaScript-based scripting
Pros
Highly flexible low-code platform; full API support
Cons
Requires technical knowledge for full flexibility
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for developers needing low-code productivity without sacrificing control
WaveMaker (+)
Approach
Model-driven, component-based low-code
Target
Enterprises & developers
Cost
Moderate; enterprise licenses required
Learning curve
Moderate; UI-driven but backend logic requires expertise
Deployment options
Cloud (SaaS) & on-premise (Docker, Kubernetes)
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript & Java for extending applications
Integration APIs
API-first approach but tied to model-driven data
Workflow
Limited workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud & containerised (Docker/Kubernetes)
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI builder
Backend development
Java-based backend logic
Pros
Faster UI development with drag-and-drop
Cons
More constrained by model-driven approach; less backend flexibility
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Better for UI-heavy, rapid enterprise development but lacks backend freedom
OutSystems (+)
Approach
Full-stack model-driven low-code
Target
Large enterprises needing scalable applications
Cost
High; enterprise-level pricing
Learning curve
Steep; model-driven with limited customisation
Deployment options
Cloud (SaaS), on-premise, hybrid
Extensibility custom code
Limited; mainly within platform constraints
Integration APIs
API consumption & generation but model-driven
Workflow
Yes; built-in workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports cloud, on-premise, & hybrid
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Visual drag-and-drop UI
Backend development
Model-driven backend with limited custom logic
Pros
Enterprise-scale with built-in DevOps and cloud options
Cons
Limited business logic control; vendor lock-in risk
Low code ranking1
5
Verdict
Great for large enterprises but locks developers into a structured approach
Mendix (+)
Approach
Visual development, model-driven
Target
Business users & developers for rapid apps
Cost
High; subscription-based per user
Learning curve
Steep; complex model-driven approach
Deployment options
Cloud-native (SaaS) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Low-code with some customisation options
Integration APIs
Strong API support but within platform constraints
Workflow
Yes; workflow automation built-in
Cloud & on-premise
Primarily cloud-focused but supports on-premise
Customisation flexibility
Low
UI development
Visual model-based UI development
Backend development
Model-driven backend with microservices support
Pros
Strong support for business users; integrated workflow automation
Cons
Heavily model-driven, limiting customization
Low code ranking1
4
Verdict
Best for business-driven rapid prototyping, but limits deep customisation
Microsoft Power Apps (+)
Approach
Citizen developer-focused low-code
Target
Business users & IT teams
Cost
Affordable for Microsoft users; add-on costs apply
Learning curve
Easy; accessible for business users
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Microsoft Azure)
Extensibility custom code
Limited; mostly within Power Platform
Integration APIs
Limited API support; best with Microsoft services
Workflow
Yes; integrated with Power Automate
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-only (Microsoft ecosystem)
Customisation flexibility
Low
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI, templates
Backend development
Limited custom backend; dependent on Power Platform
Pros
Tight integration with Microsoft services; easy for citizen developers
Cons
Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem
Low code ranking1
3
Verdict
Strong for Microsoft users but lacks broader enterprise flexibility
IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation (+)
Approach
Enterprise low-code for process automation & AI-driven workflows
Target
Enterprises needing workflow automation & AI-enhanced applications
Cost
Expensive; targeted at large enterprises
Learning curve
Steep; requires familiarity with IBM ecosystem
Deployment options
Cloud-based (IBM Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java, JavaScript, and IBM APIs
Integration APIs
Strong API & AI integration but tied to IBM Cloud
Workflow
Yes; advanced AI-driven process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with workflow modeling
Backend development
AI-powered automation with decision management
Pros
Strong AI-driven automation; deep enterprise integrations; robust workflow capabilities
Cons
Requires IBM ecosystem; less flexibility outside AI-driven workflows
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for AI-enhanced automation but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Zoho Creator (+)
Approach
User-friendly low-code for custom app development
Target
Small to medium businesses automating workflows
Cost
Affordable; subscription-based
Learning curve
Easy; user-friendly with scripting for advanced users
Deployment options
Cloud-based deployment
Extensibility custom code
Supports Deluge scripting for advanced logic
Integration APIs
Integrates with Zoho Suite & third-party APIs
Workflow
Yes; robust workflow automation features
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-based only
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with customizable templates
Backend development
Supports complex workflows & scripting
Pros
User-friendly with deep Zoho ecosystem integration
Cons
Less flexible for full-scale development
Low code ranking1
4
Verdict
Best for businesses needing easy workflow automation
Appian (+)
Approach
Enterprise-grade low-code for process automation & case management
Target
Enterprises needing workflow automation & rapid app development
Cost
Expensive; enterprise & government focus
Learning curve
Moderate; process automation expertise needed
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Appian Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java, JavaScript, and API extensions
Integration APIs
Strong API & third-party integrations for enterprise systems
Workflow
Yes; industry-leading process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI builder with responsive design
Backend development
Low-code workflow engine with BPMN-based automation
Pros
Strong BPM and workflow automation; excellent for process-driven applications
Cons
Less flexibility for custom development; primarily designed for automation use cases
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Best for workflow-heavy enterprise apps but less suited for general-purpose low-code development
Pega Platform (+)
Approach
Enterprise low-code for BPM & customer engagement
Target
Large enterprises streamlining operations
Cost
High; enterprise-scale pricing
Learning curve
Steep; enterprise-focused workflow automation
Deployment options
Cloud & on-premise deployments
Extensibility custom code
Supports Java & API-based extensions
Integration APIs
Enterprise system integrations & API support
Workflow
Yes; advanced process automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
Model-driven UI with enterprise UX focus
Backend development
BPMN-driven automation & case management
Pros
Powerful automation & customer engagement tools
Cons
More suited for BPM & customer workflows
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Great for enterprise workflow & customer engagement
Apex (+)
Approach
Low-code development within Oracle ecosystem
Target
Enterprises & developers using Oracle databases
Cost
Included with Oracle Cloud subscriptions
Learning curve
Moderate; requires SQL & PL/SQL knowledge
Deployment options
Cloud-based (Oracle Cloud) & on-premise
Extensibility custom code
Extends via PL/SQL and JavaScript
Integration APIs
Strong API & database integration within Oracle Cloud
Workflow
Yes; integrated workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise deployments
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Browser-based UI builder with templates
Backend development
SQL & PL/SQL-based backend logic
Pros
Seamless integration with Oracle services
Cons
Limited flexibility outside Oracle ecosystem
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Best for Oracle users who need rapid application development
ServiceNow App Engine (+)
Approach
IT service management & enterprise app development
Target
Enterprises developing IT & business process applications
Cost
High; ITSM-focused enterprise pricing
Learning curve
Moderate; IT and process automation knowledge needed
Deployment options
Primarily cloud, on-premise available
Extensibility custom code
Uses JavaScript & enterprise IT automation
Integration APIs
Extensive IT system integration & automation APIs
Workflow
Yes; enterprise-grade workflow automation
Cloud & on-premise
Supports both cloud & on-premise
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Pre-built UI components with drag-and-drop
Backend development
Strong IT workflow automation & system integration
Pros
Strong ITSM & enterprise integration capabilities
Cons
Focused on IT processes, not general app development
Low code ranking1
6
Verdict
Best suited for IT & service management applications
Retool (+)
Approach
Developer-focused internal tool builder
Target
Developers building internal business apps
Cost
Moderate; business-friendly pricing
Learning curve
Moderate; requires API and JavaScript knowledge
Deployment options
Cloud & on-premise (self-hosted available)
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript & API-based logic
Integration APIs
Strong API & database connectivity
Workflow
Limited; relies on external automation tools
Cloud & on-premise
Supports cloud & on-premise deployment
Customisation flexibility
High
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with full-code customisation
Backend development
Backend powered by APIs & database queries
Pros
Great for internal tools; highly flexible API and database connectivity
Cons
Less suited for full-scale applications; mainly internal tools
Low code ranking1
7
Verdict
Ideal for internal tools but not a full-stack development platform
Quickbase (+)
Approach
Business-oriented low-code for workflow automation
Target
SMBs & enterprises needing rapid process automation
Cost
Subscription-based; business pricing
Learning curve
Easy; non-technical users can adopt quickly
Deployment options
Cloud-based only
Extensibility custom code
JavaScript-based extensibility
Integration APIs
Strong integration with third-party services
Workflow
Yes; workflow automation & process management
Cloud & on-premise
Cloud-only deployment
Customisation flexibility
Moderate
UI development
Drag-and-drop UI with form builder
Backend development
Workflow-based backend with scripting
Pros
Great for business process automation & reporting
Cons
Limited customisation for complex applications
Low code ranking1
5
Verdict
Best for process automation & workflow-heavy apps
1Ranks the platform on the No Code to Pro Code software development spectrum. A low score indicates that application developers are required to use very little program code. A higher score indicates that more program code is needed. In general, the higher the score, the more flexibility and control developers have over the applications they build. For example, a completely No Code approach would score 0, whilst a solution written entirely in a programming language would score 10.

The Software Development spectrum

The software development spectrum ranges from no-code to pro-code, with low-code sitting in between. No-code platforms enable users to build applications through drag-and-drop interfaces without writing any code, making them ideal for simple business solutions. Low-code blends visual development with some coding, allowing for greater customisation and integration while still accelerating development.

At the far end, pro-code refers to traditional software development using languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, offering full control, scalability, and deep customisation for complex applications. Organisations often adopt a hybrid approach, using low-code for rapid development while relying on pro-code for advanced functionality and flexibility where needed.
Approach
Description
Pros
Cons
No Code
Drag-and-drop, visual development with minimal technical knowledge required.
Fast development, easy for non-developers.
Limited flexibility, not suitable for complex apps.
Low Code
Mix of visual development and coding for customization.
Faster than pro-code, but still allows customization.
Some platform constraints.
Pro Code
Full control over the software using traditional coding.
Maximum flexibility, no vendor lock-in, scalable.
Slower development, requires skilled developers.
Ebase Technology Ltd
The Granary, Crowhill Farm,
Ravensden Road, Wilden
Bedford MK44 2QS

Registered in England, company no. 3850999

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