--- sourceDocument: Yokohama Build or modify applications sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/yokohama/application-development Release : - yokohama ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Yokohama Build or modify applications ft:clusterId : - cadev bundleId : - cadev workflow : - Development, Data, and Analytics --- # Low-code versus pro-code development # Low-code versus pro-code development {#ariaid-title1} * Release version: Yokohama * * Updated January 30, 2025 * * ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 3 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Low-code versus pro-code development This content explains the differences between low-code, no-code, and pro-code development approaches on the ServiceNow AI Platform, guiding you on which builder to use based on your skill set and app complexity needs. It highlights how various ServiceNow tools enable different user roles---from business users to professional developers---to build applications efficiently. Show full answer Show less ## Low-code and No-code Development Low-code development uses graphical interfaces and configuration to enable users with limited coding skills to create powerful apps quickly. It reduces development time, requires fewer developers, and allows collaboration between system administrators and developers. No-code development is a subset aimed at citizen developers and business users, requiring no coding experience and designed for simpler apps. **ServiceNow low-code and no-code tools include:** * **Creator Studio:** Simplifies creation of basic request-fulfillment apps with forms and automated workflows, ideal for no-code users. * **App Engine Studio:** Builds a broader range of apps with low-code options for users who want more functionality without deep coding. * Additional tools like UI Builder, Guided Application Creator, Workflow Studio, and Table Builder help streamline low-code app creation. ## Pro-code Development Pro-code development is for professional developers who need full control to create complex, custom applications beyond low-code limitations. It requires coding expertise and supports building apps with unique branding and specific business logic. **ServiceNow pro-code tools include:** * **ServiceNow Studio:** A unified development environment integrating low-code and pro-code tools for efficient app building. * **ServiceNow IDE and SDK:** Use industry-standard tools like Visual Studio Code with the ServiceNow Fluent language and JavaScript modules. * Scripting, REST APIs, and Visual Studio Code extensions to support advanced custom development. ## Choosing the Right Builder * If you want to build simple apps without coding, use **Creator Studio**. * For more complex apps with low-code options but no deep programming, choose **App Engine Studio**. * Developers seeking a centralized, modern environment should use **ServiceNow Studio**. * Professional developers wanting full control and standard coding tools should leverage **ServiceNow IDE** and the **SDK**. ## Why This Matters Understanding these development approaches and tools helps you optimize app creation on the ServiceNow AI Platform, balancing ease of use, customization, and development speed according to your team's skills and business needs. This enables faster deployment, better collaboration, and tailored applications that support your organization's goals. Learn the difference between low-code and pro-code solutions on the ServiceNow AI Platform. ## Which builder should I use to create an app? {#low-vs-pro-code__id_rnl_5nv_gbc} Figure 1. Types of builders **Want to build an app easily, without code?**{#low-vs-pro-code__p_ils_j1k_ccc} Creator Studio specializes in helping you craft request-fulfillment applications without writing code. For example, an application to request office supplies by filling out a form, and someone approves or denies your request. For more information, see [Exploring Creator Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/IMuYcdW7PUUcwuGaWZVlUQ "Creator Studio makes creating apps easier by dividing their creation into simple steps. In this section, we'll explain each one.").{#low-vs-pro-code__p_glw_j1k_ccc} **Need a more general app but still want low-code options?**{#low-vs-pro-code__p_kyz_j1k_ccc} App Engine Studio lets you build a broader range of apps than Creator Studio without being a programming pro. For more information, see [Exploring App Engine Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/JCQCgInMpPCguU_mgM5ZAQ "Learn how you can use the low-code app development tool, App Engine Studio (AES), to build powerful applications using guided setup, predefined templates, and workflows.").{#low-vs-pro-code__p_rtc_k1k_ccc} **Are you a developer who wants more control in a centralized user interface?**{#low-vs-pro-code__p_jhv_k1k_ccc} Build apps smarter and deliver them faster with the new ServiceNow Studio. ServiceNow Studio empowers platform developers with a modern, unified environment for building on the ServiceNow AI Platform. ServiceNow Studio features streamlined navigation to applications and metadata, integrated low-code tools, efficient tracking and packaging of development work that accelerates development processes and enhances productivity. For more information, see [Exploring ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/TUIsjdH~hIF4rSF7iRRuLA "ServiceNow Studio delivers a cohesive, efficient experience for platform developers to create, modify, and extend apps. ServiceNow Studio is a single place that you can go to do development work, delivering value to your business faster.").{#low-vs-pro-code__p_xpy_k1k_ccc} **Are you a developer who wants to use industry-standard development tools and processes?**{#low-vs-pro-code__p_gmb_l1k_ccc} The ServiceNow IDE and ServiceNow SDK support developing applications in source code with ServiceNow Fluent, creating JavaScript modules, and using third-party libraries. ServiceNow Fluent is a domain-specific programming language for creating application metadata in code.{#low-vs-pro-code__p_jjf_l1k_ccc} The ServiceNow IDE is an implementation of Visual Studio Code for the Web on the ServiceNow AI Platform. The ServiceNow SDK uses Visual Studio Code Desktop locally. For more information, see [Building applications in source code](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/NZvoSqmUdToPQ43Dq2OslQ "Create and develop custom applications in source code using familiar development tools and processes.").{#low-vs-pro-code__p_ryj_l1k_ccc} ## What is low-code development {#low-vs-pro-code__section_t2m_rnl_nvb} Low-code development is a new approach to app creation that allows users with limited coding experience to create powerful apps. Low-code development platforms rely on graphical interfaces and configuration instead of manual coding. These new low-code development platforms enable more people to create and deploy apps quickly and efficiently. ## Benefits of low-code development {#low-vs-pro-code__section_err_snl_nvb} Low-code app development streamlines the development process to build more apps faster. Low-code solutions require fewer developers, and allow non-developers to build apps. Pre-built templates provide developers a head start building apps. System administrators can manage app development from a single location and collaborate with other developers. Decrease the time that it takes to deploy apps using predefined workflows in the ServiceNow AI Platform. ## ServiceNow no-code and low-code development tools {#low-vs-pro-code__section_gfh_cks_nvb} * [Creator Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Oa9Yiy4iIYJEP_WMR~qYew "If you've ever wanted to create an application but you don't know how to code, then Creator Studio was designed for you!") * [App Engine Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Fmj9brHb9IK_I4bR7EEMGw "ServiceNow App Engine Studio (AES) is a guided, low-code tool for developing rich web applications to store information, automate business processes, and solve business problems. Work that was once assigned to administrators can now be delegated to employees with little to no training using AES.") * [UI Builder](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZYDneu8Ka~yQVRKSVpU3Vw "UI Builder is a web user interface builder. Use UI Builder to build pages for App Engine Studio generated workspaces or custom web experiences using Next Experience Components and custom web components.") * [Guided Application Creator](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/vq_TmPZlmm_aUK2Uxdmk3w "Guided Application Creator is an intuitive development interface for building applications on the ServiceNow AI Platform. It provides a step-by-step process to guide you through your initial application construction.") * [Table Builder](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/JsMfOwk2pZuxROkx9vgGWQ "Table Builder enables you to create, design, and administer tables and forms visually from a single user interface.") * [Flows in Workflow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=exploring-flows&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-build-workflows&ft:locale=en-US) * [Workspace Builder](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/UWMRVbooyRy4OLmx233ikg "Edit a workspace in Workspace Builder to make customizations in App Engine Studio (AES).") * [Exploring Decision Tables](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=decision-designer-overview&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-build-workflows&ft:locale=en-US) {#low-vs-pro-code__ul_pwh_fks_nvb}For more information on low-code development tools, see [Building low-code applications](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/X3AxOafOhpa9dxz9A3K6SA "Create and manage custom applications in a simple, low-code environment."). ## No-code development tool example {#low-vs-pro-code__section_zg1_hcd_rvb} Creator Studio makes creating basic request-fufillment apps easier by dividing their creation into simple steps. You can create forms for users to request catalog items and use form submissions to initiate automated playbooks. Find out more in [Creator Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Oa9Yiy4iIYJEP_WMR~qYew "If you've ever wanted to create an application but you don't know how to code, then Creator Studio was designed for you!"). Figure 2. Create app an app in Creator Studio ## What is platform development {#low-vs-pro-code__section_h4g_zbb_2dc} If you're comfortable with the ServiceNow AI Platform and some development tools, use the new [ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/iUE6GlRkuvpmGBBCbQcw8w "ServiceNow Studio provides a unified experience for all ServiceNow development activities, enabling admins and developers to extend base system solutions and create custom apps with ease. Use ServiceNow Studio to build apps and app files with integrated tools, access and edit app metadata in scoped and global apps, and package app changes for deployment, all in one powerful development tool.") to access all of the builders and development tools in one place. ## Platform development tool example {#low-vs-pro-code__section_lkw_hcb_2dc} Figure 3. Create an app in ServiceNow Studio ## What is pro-code development {#low-vs-pro-code__section_rgt_rgm_nvb} Pro-code development is used by developers to create complex apps that can't be built with a low-code tool. Traditionally, pro-code development is used to create apps from scratch using custom code to solve a business need. Developers need to have knowledge of coding and how to use programming languages to build apps. ## Benefits of pro-code development {#low-vs-pro-code__section_u3n_3rm_nvb} The advantage of pro-code development is being able to create custom apps without the limitation of a tool. You can build custom apps unique to your business needs without limits. Developers can create apps with a custom look and feel to match your company's branding. ## ServiceNow pro-code development tools {#low-vs-pro-code__section_vlf_qks_nvb} * [ServiceNow IDE](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/WXH~scy09LlIq5Ys8eHepQ "Create and develop scoped applications in source code in an integrated development environment (IDE) on the ServiceNow AI Platform to improve collaboration across development teams and accelerate application development.") * [ServiceNow SDK](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/FkpT~ktH_lNP0BluJhpg4g "Create and develop scoped applications in source code locally in Visual Studio Code Desktop and upload changes to an instance using the ServiceNow software development kit (SDK).") * [Scripting](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_Script&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-api-reference&ft:locale=en-US) * [REST APIs](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_RESTAPI&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-api-reference&ft:locale=en-US) * [ServiceNow Extensions for Visual Studio Code](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/__kO~tHpJtVK5vsHMUV8GQ "Edit your ServiceNow applications in Visual Studio Code with the help of the ServiceNow Extensions for VS Code.") {#low-vs-pro-code__ul_ydl_rks_nvb}For more information on pro-code development tools, see [Building pro-code applications](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/vZ30k2X04ysAjJQngWfMaA "Create and manage custom applications from scratch using classic pro-code tools."). ## Low-code versus no-code {#low-vs-pro-code__section_exn_h4l_nvb} The terms low-code and no-code tend to get used interchangeably, but they aren't exactly the same thing. While both low-code and no-code solutions provide tools for simplified app development, the differences are worth considering. Low-code : Low-code platforms are designed for professional developers and non-technical business users. They require very little training or experience and use visual-based modeling to streamline the development process. They also allow people with coding experience to dive deeper, coding by hand when needed. No-code : No-code platforms require no development experience, and are designed specifically for citizen developers and business users. No-code solutions open app development up to essentially everyone, but can lead to shadow IT---unsanctioned app development within an organization.