Why Low-Code Breeds Technical Debt

Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/730
What happens when low-code platforms promise speed but deliver complexity? In this episode, Dovydas Grigaitis—a seasoned consultant and self-proclaimed Power Platform skeptic—pulls back the curtain on the hidden costs of low-code development. From technical debt to the blurred lines between developers and consultants, Dovydas shares hard-earned lessons and practical insights that challenge conventional wisdom. If you're building with Power Platform or exploring AI-driven automation, this episode will sharpen your perspective and help you build smarter, more scalable solutions.
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Low-code isn’t always low-maintenance: Many canvas apps are built without scalable architecture, leading to costly rebuilds and technical debt.
- The developer-consultant hybrid is rising: In low-code environments, technical professionals must also be customer-facing to deliver real value.
- PCF controls unlock serious potential: From keyboard shortcuts to AI-powered OCR, custom controls can bridge gaps in Power Platform’s native capabilities.
- Model-driven apps as backend-as-a-service: With the right setup, developers can build custom React frontends while leveraging Dataverse for security, logic, and hosting.
- Flutter Flow vs. Power Platform: Dovydas highlights how other platforms better support transitions from low-code to pro-code development.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 PCF Gallery – A community-driven library of Power Platform component framework controls - https://pcf.gallery
👉 Flutter Flow – A visual app builder with exportable code for pro-code development
- https://flutterflow.io
👉Dataverse – Microsoft’s scalable data platform for model-driven apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-intro

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

فصول

1. Why Low-Code Breeds Technical Debt (00:00:00)

2. The Skeptic’s Lens: A Candid Take on Low-Code Development (00:08:27)

3. Engineering for Longevity: Why Quality Matters in Low-Code (00:14:30)

4. Consultant vs. Developer: A Redefinition for the Power Platform Era (00:18:31)

5. PCF Controls: Unlocking Custom Front-End Power in Model-Driven Apps (00:23:56)

6. Dataverse as a Backend-as-a-Service: A Vision for the Future (00:28:48)