Why Low-Code Breeds Technical Debt

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES 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 Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith