No-code, low-code, pro-code: Developing applications on SAP BTP

If you are interested in developing applications on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), you may be familiar with the no-code, low-code, and pro-code approaches. What do these terms mean and how do they affect your development process? Below, we explain the main differences between the three types of app development and introduce you to SAP tools and frameworks for each category. This way, you can decide for yourself which approach is best suited for your business scenario.

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No-code, low-code, and pro-code refer to the amount of code required to build an app. The approaches are not mutually exclusive, but rather form a spectrum with no-code at one end and pro-code at the other.

No-code

No-code development uses pre-built templates and components to create applications without writing any code at all. Application logic is defined by configuring the components and connecting them using graphical editors. No-code development is suitable for people who are not trained developers but want to create simple applications without programming knowledge or technical expertise.

Low-Code

Low-code development is located between no-code and pro-code. Again, graphical tools and drag-and-drop interfaces are used to create applications without writing code. However, there is an opportunity to customize the application or add complex logic by developers using their programming skills to a limited extent. Low-code development is best suited for developers who want to speed up the development process and reduce technical complexity, but still have some control over the code.

Pro-code

Pro-code development refers to the classic way to build an application. It involves writing the code from scratch or using programming languages and frameworks. The application logic is defined by the code itself. Pro-code development is suitable for trained programmers who want to have full control over the code and create complex or custom applications.

Approaches can be combined

For each approach, SAP Business Technology Platform offers different tools and frameworks that fit the type of application development. Remember, you don't have to commit to one approach for every project. You can also combine and integrate multiple types of development in one application to get the best of the different worlds.

SAP Build

If you're more on the no-code/low-code side of the spectrum, you should check out SAP Build and its various technologies. SAP Build bundles some no-code/low-code tools that can be used to create and manage applications, automate business processes and organize team collaboration. It consists of three main components SAP Build Apps, SAP Build Process Automation and SAP Build Workzone.

SAP Build Apps lets you design web and mobile applications using a graphical editor. SAP Build Process Automation allows you to create workflows and automations in a drag-and-drop canvas. SAP Build Workzone brings together all the business applications you use in a unified launchpad. SAP Build is also worthwhile for traditional developers, as it accelerates prototyping and simplifies certain activities in everyday work.

Frameworks for complex use cases

Although no-code/low-code tools are a great addition to application development tools, they have their limitations. If the use case becomes too complex, it is better to take a pro-code approach that gives you full control over your code. For such cases, SAP BTP offers two frameworks that are well suited for use: SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP) and SAP ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP).

Both allow developers to easily create OData services, which in turn can serve a user-friendly SAP Fiori UI without much additional effort. While SAP RAP is exclusively for ABAP developers, SAP CAP supports multiple programming languages and is therefore relevant to a larger group of developers. The frameworks aim to simplify and accelerate enterprise application development by providing tools, libraries and best practices.