App Development | Microsoft Power Apps

But wait, there’s one more question to be answered. Which app development approach is the best one to bring your app idea to life? Hint: you’ll probably want to use low-code app development software .

You have your business strategy and KPIs in hand. You’ve sketched out functionality and design. You’ve read every article on the Internet about how to develop an app. And that’s it, you’re now fully ready to build the app of your dreams.

Before you start creating your app, let’s explore your options to find the one that’s best for you.

How to make your choice easier

Easy to code: If you know how to code or can quickly learn programming languages, it might be easy, but it still could take days or weeks depending on how complex your app is. The same is true for hiring someone else to write the code. Using a low-code platform doesn’t require any coding knowledge or experience.

Customizable: If you have a highly complex app for a specialized business, doing it yourself or hiring a pro are great options for building out all your specific wants and needs. Low-code app development software often includes built-in features and data management that can handle most customization needs. You could also get the app as far as you can with an app development software, then hire technical help for further customization.

Fast: Developing an app is no quick feat, unless you already know what you’re doing. Working with outside help could be fast if everything goes smoothly, but often takes longer than expected due to onboarding, availability, and feedback rounds. The beauty of using app software is that it automates many of the development processes, from coding to connectivity, cutting work that might take days/weeks/months into significantly shorter turnarounds.

Scalable: Most apps are scalable, meaning they can be redesigned to add functionality or serve a different audience—but it’s much easier with app development software. The software’s reusable code can quickly be modified to change the scope of the product without requiring extra resources.

Connected: Many apps rely on specific connectors to pull data into apps. App development software often has these connectors built in, making it easy to access data from popular services and other data sources you already use. Setting up these connectors may be challenging if you’re coding the app yourself or working with a company who doesn’t have easy access to connectors.

AI-enabled: Some app development software has advanced functionality that uses pre-built AI components to easily automate manual processes. This is helpful when you’re building a productivity app because AI tools can speed up repetitive tasks like extracting text and visual information from images and documents. AI capabilities aren’t always available when coding your own app or working with a vendor.

Affordable: If you already know how to code, developing it yourself is the most affordable option to build an app, since the labor is free. Using low-code app development software is often the next cheapest option—you’ll be doing most of the work yourself, but you’ll likely be charged subscription fees for the software. Hiring an app development company is usually the most expensive option, because you’re paying for custom work and will have to pay them every time you want to make revisions to your app.