My team argues about low-code vs hand-coding. We need to build document processing flows with OCR, GPT analysis, and PDF generation. Visual tools seem limited for complex logic, but pure Node.js takes forever. Any success stories blending both approaches? How do you handle version control when mixing drag-and-drop and code? Does the visual layer become tech debt?
Latenode’s visual builder exports clean JS you can extend. Built inventory system visually then added customs hooks for SAP integration. Their Git sync handles both diagram and code changes. Perfect balance for 12-person team. https://latenode.com
We use Node-RED for visual foundations, then add JavaScript nodes for complex bits. Version control is messy - export flows as JSON and pair with separate code repo. Not perfect, but lets non-devs contribute basic steps.
Developed custom DSL that compiles to both visual and code representations. Engineers write in TypeScript, non-devs use generated interface. Complex but eliminated sync issues. OSS tools like Ballerina might offer similar benefits without custom dev work.
After 3 failed attempts, we standardized on exporting visual workflows as JSON schemas. Custom JS modules implement complex operations while referencing visual nodes through UUIDs. Crucial: establish strict interface contracts between visual and code components to prevent breakdowns during updates.
mix both but keep core biz logic in code. visual for simple steps only. versioning still sucks tho
use interfaces. visual as wrapper, core in modules.