The advent of low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms has revolutionized software development, making it accessible to users with different programming skills. These methodologies provide both technical and non-technical users with innovative solutions to optimize the software development process. The goal of this paper is to inform and enrich both scholarly discourse and practical application by synthesizing theoretical frameworks with practical experiences, ultimately driving advancements in software engineering methodologies and helping individuals and organizations to leverage these innovative development paradigms effectively. The paper presents a comparative analysis of features and capabilities of the platforms AppSheet, PowerApps, and Bubble.io. It explores Model-Driven Development’s role in enhancing these platforms. To further enrich the analysis, a group of PhD students with different expertise in software engineering and LCNC paradigms were interviewed to gather their perspectives on the practical use and potential of these platforms. Their insights provided a valuable layer of expertise to the evaluation process, highlighting nuanced challenges and opportunities that emerge in applied settings. The three platforms were systematically compared and ranked using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making methodology that structures the decision-making process into a hierarchical model. AHP’s systematic approach ensures that both subjective preferences and objective data are integrated, making it an effective method for selecting the most suitable LCNC platform. This approach allowed for an objective evaluation based on key factors such as usability, scalability, and adaptability to various development needs. By combining hands-on experimentation with expert insights and a rigorous evaluation framework, this study bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.