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Franco Scozzatti - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Genexus Analyst at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Consultant
Top 10
While designed to support back-end development, this solution may not have the full capacity to cater to front-end development requirements
Pros and Cons
  • "I find the implementation process of GeneXus to be easy."
  • "The front-end with GeneXus is not as good as the back-end."

What is our primary use case?

The GeneXus solution is used in various applications, and I apply it in many enterprises, including banks and insurance companies. It is also useful in social and medical enterprises.

What is most valuable?

GeneXus is a programming language that allows for the automatic insertion, updating, and deletion of information in the basic data while enabling automatic high and low modifications in the database. This feature frees up time to customize the application for other, potentially more complicated tasks. Utilizing GeneXus allows faster and cheaper program development, resulting in lower costs due to increased speed. Additionally, GeneXus offers good integration with third-party tools, which can enhance customization on the front-end, although with added complexity compared to normal. The front-end with GeneXus is not as good as the back-end.

What needs improvement?

GeneXus is a language that is more inclined to back-end than front-end. So, I would say that the front-end part needs improvement.

One such area of the solution to be improved is its ability to consume web services, while the other one is to make the solution's integration with other systems quicker. Though the solution's integration is good, it is also a little complicated, but not much. You have an option called "Object" in GeneXus, which can be of the same comportment or the same behavior.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for around twelve years now. So, I use this solution at work. Basically, I work with GeneXus 18. Also, I am a freelance developer for GeneXus.

Buyer's Guide
GeneXus
October 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I think the stability of the solution depends on the environment. For instance, if you are developing a bank, GeneXus is a good option. However, for an application where the front-end has more complex components that need to be connected with one another, GeneXus may not be a very good choice. Basically, it is an untold thing that GeneXus only allows you to view data on the screen and doesn't enable communication between other screen components unless a page reload is requested. However, you can have integration for a chat or chatbot.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, I rate this solution an eight out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

I find the implementation process of GeneXus to be easy. You can develop it on Java with Apache or on Internet Explorer. The primary languages used in GeneXus are Java and .NET. While on GeneXus, I worked on Java and employed Apache Docker, which was a simple process. Once you have a machine configured with Apache Docker, GeneXus can perform several functions automatically.

I am not directly involved in the deployment task of the solution, but GeneXus enables the deployment of applications to the cloud for cell phone applications. I do not have any experience in deploying GeneXus on Azure or any other cloud-based solutions other than deploying it through Apache. We have servers in the enterprise in Argentina, and Apache is readily available. Essentially, servers and data centers for Apache are located in Argentina. Also, at times, some may have their own servers. In short, the GeneXus I use is deployed using servers by Apache. When you have established connections with an Apache server across three different development environments, you can choose to put the classes in a specific environment.

In my experience, I can only speak based on what I've encountered in terms of the time required to deploy a solution. When I work on a task that I've experienced before, it's typically easier for me to complete it. However, I may not always be able to replicate the same level of ease always.

What was our ROI?

I think that the reimbursement part for using GeneXus depends on the environment in which it is used. For example, it may not be suitable for custom development, but it can be convenient for big companies. The return on investment for using GeneXus is favorable for big companies.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

People tend to work with GeneXus if it's cheap, but GeneXus does have licensing policies. I don't know for sure, but I think I heard that just the license of GeneXus costs around 3,000 dollars per year. Moreover, the cost of resourcing work in GeneXus may make it more expensive than other programming languages.

What other advice do I have?

In my experience, GeneXus is a good programming language, but it has a different policy for developing applications compared to other languages. It's somewhat similar to Flutter. In fact, Flutter is a copy of GeneXus. Moreover, GeneXus has been in existence for thirty years or more.

Overall, I rate this solution a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Carlos Fernando Franco - PeerSpot reviewer
Software Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
You can quickly build a whole solution with fewer resources and developers
Pros and Cons
  • "I like the testing models, which allow me to create unit or interface tests of my programs. It helps us avoid missed deadlines because we can detect all the errors before deploying the new versions of the solution. And I also like the integration with coding managers like DevOps or Jenkins. It enables us to do versioning."
  • "The graphical interface could be improved. I also notice some performance problems on hardware that should be more than adequate. GeneXus uses a lot of RAM and other computer resources."

What is our primary use case?

GeneXus is a framework for developers. We are currently doing a project for a big insurance company in Mexico. There isn't much of a market for GeneXus here in Canada, but South American and Central American countries use it GeneXus.

My client's software is a bit outdated, so they are migrating using GeneXus in three units. We work locally in Canada, but we coordinate with different Mexican states. The GeneXus server solution allows us to integrate all the coding work and project management on one server then the project manager deploys all the changes to the customer's server.

How has it helped my organization?

GeneXus focuses on business rules more than coding, so it's easy for developers to build solutions quickly. That is the most powerful aspect of GeneXus. You can quickly build a whole solution with fewer resources and developers.

What is most valuable?

I like the testing models, which allow me to create unit or interface tests of my programs. It helps us avoid missed deadlines because we can detect all the errors before deploying the new versions of the solution. And I also like the integration with coding managers like DevOps or Jenkins. It enables us to do versioning.

What needs improvement?

The graphical interface could be improved. I also notice some performance problems on hardware that should be more than adequate. GeneXus uses a lot of RAM and other computer resources.

I sometimes wonder if the solution is secure enough against hacking. We don't set any configurations within GeneXus for that. They use another extension in GeneXus called GeneXus Access Manager, but that is the only layer of security on the project. 

I don't use that feature too much, but I'm not sure it's 100% secure. I create all the code on all the solutions using GeneXus and put extra layers of security using an external service, like a group SSL certificate provider. I use that on the client's side to avoid any problems. We want a good firewall on the server to ensure nothing will happen with the data.

For how long have I used the solution?

I started using GeneXus from version 7.5 around 18-20 years ago.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

GeneXus is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

GeneXus is scalable. 

How are customer service and support?

GeneXus support is excellent. You can create a ticket by providing them with your credentials and license number, and they respond quickly. 

How was the initial setup?

I am not involved in deployment. I know the process. However, it is not part of my job in my current role. I don't know exactly how the client is handling deployment, but I know it's easy because you can use the native capabilities in GeneXus to create your deployment units on various servers. You can deploy IIS servers. The deployment time depends on the project size. A large project will take longer, but one person could complete this process in around four hours.

The only maintenance is periodic upgrades. We typically wait until there is a stable version to upgrade to the latest major release. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost of a GeneXus license is extremely high. At the same time, one person using the solution can do the work of three Java or data developers. I think that's why they charge so much. It's too expensive, which is one reason it isn't widely used. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate GeneXus eight out of 10. I deduct two points because GeneXus is weak in areas like GUI and performance relative to competing solutions. The price is also too high. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
GeneXus
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about GeneXus. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
814,763 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Nelson Hernandez Guerra - PeerSpot reviewer
Developer Senior Genexus 16 Analyst at Migrate Brasil
Real User
We intend to increase our usage of the solution in the future
Pros and Cons
  • "With the solution, I can work a normal day. I can plan my work and any other activities for days ahead."

    What is our primary use case?

    I've been a certificated senior GeneXus analyst since 2020. I work with GeneXus every day. I have experience with APA, web servers, receiver web, ADI with servers, developer applications, and web and mobile.

    How has it helped my organization?

    In my organization, I use agile methodology. I was working in several different fields for six to eight hours every day. Now, with the solution, I can work a normal day. I can plan my work and any other activities for days ahead.

    What is most valuable?

    Right now, I'm working with many companies in Paraguay on an application that generates invoices. 

    What needs improvement?

    The product could be improved by implementing APA and API user call with the web receiver.

    Working in the booth and in full estate with no frogging would be an improvement for me in the area of finances.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using this solution for three years.

    .

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution runs smoothly. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is scalable. In our company, 16 to 18 people use this solution, and we intend to increase our usage of the solution in the future.

    How was the initial setup?

    For me, the initial setup, implementation, and deployment of the solution were easy.

    What was our ROI?

    We see a good return on investment.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The solution is very expensive.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    Before choosing the solution we evaluated a JavaScript option, which was free until the spring.

    What other advice do I have?

    We have a team of 20 to 30 people on the product's maintenance team.

    I would give the product an overall rating of 10 out of 10.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    XavierEspinoza - PeerSpot reviewer
    Internal System Coordinator at Red CEDIA
    Real User
    Top 5
    Helps to build systems and evolves with technology but generates errors
    Pros and Cons
    • "GeneXus evolves with technology."
    • "The tool needs to be tuned before being used. You need some experience to get the best out of the tool."

    What is our primary use case?

    The tool helps to build systems that work to capture and check data. 

    What is most valuable?

    GeneXus evolves with technology. 

    What needs improvement?

    The tool needs to be tuned before being used. You need some experience to get the best out of the tool.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working with the solution for 20 years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I would rate the product's stability a ten out of ten. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    I would rate GeneXus' scalability a ten out of ten. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The tool's setup is straightforward. 

    What was our ROI?

    We have seen ROI with GeneXus' use. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The tool's price is good. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I would rate GeneXus an eight out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Backend Developer GeneXus at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
    Real User
    Top 20
    Supports several languages, improves productivity, and scales well
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable feature is that GeneXus works with several languages. It's possible to develop chatbots and other functionalities."
    • "GeneXus is a wonderful tool for the backend. It's the best in the world, but for the frontend, GeneXus needs to improve. There should be easier steps for managing various aspects, such as alerts and messages to show to the end-users."

    What is our primary use case?

    I am a senior GeneXus developer. I am responsible for developing the requirements that customers give me. Customers explain to me their needs related to software development, and I implement these requirements in the platform. I use the platform for developing all the requirements that customers have.

    How has it helped my organization?

    GeneXus improves productivity by automating the work of a developer. For example, to connect to a database, you don't need to make a connection manually. GeneXus allows you to use several libraries for connecting, for example, to Oracle. In most cases, it's easy to do general tasks. For example, for a table, if you have to do administration for insert records, update records, or delete records, you can do it with GeneXus easily. GeneXus can automate these tasks.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable feature is that GeneXus works with several languages. It's possible to develop chatbots and other functionalities. Mobile device development is another feature that GeneXus offers for developers.

    What needs improvement?

    GeneXus needs to be improved from the frontend aspect. When you work with GeneXus and try to develop the frontend part of an application, it's difficult to manage some aspects. GeneXus is a wonderful tool for the backend. It's the best in the world, but for the frontend, GeneXus needs to improve. There should be easier steps for managing various aspects, such as alerts and messages to show to the end-users.

    GeneXus could be improved to bring more collaboration between developers. They can add more tools to easily collaborate and manage versions. It could be enhanced for source control and team management and collaboration. GeneXus has a suite called GeneXus Server for this purpose, which allows collaboration and source management control, but in comparison to other implementations of the Git source code, it's not easy for developers. If they can add more features related to collaboration and source control, it would be good.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using GeneXus for eight years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    GeneXus is very stable. The performance in GeneXus is good when you develop with good practices. If you have a table with 40 million records and you don't use indexes, for example, the system will be slow. When you use GeneXus appropriately, it gives you a good performance.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    Its capability to scale is good. The reason for that is that GeneXus works with artificial intelligence. GeneXus is a low-code platform. For that reason, when you work with GeneXus, you can add more and more functionalities.

    I've easily scaled an application in the past. I started with a small project that required six or seven functionalities, but the customers in the process gave us more and more requirements, and now, the application is big. You can start with small products, and after two or three years, the functionalities can get much bigger. For example, you have a company with several models. One day you decide that your system needs electronic signatures, and you request GeneXus developers to add a model that works with electronic signatures. In GeneXus, you can easily create tables and screens for managed information. When you realize you want a bigger system, it's easily scalable.

    In the company where I work, there are 100 developers of GeneXus. I am looking into expanding the usage of GeneXus in the future. I am reviewing the functionalities of GeneXus 18 because I am very interested in learning all of its features. The new instance of GeneXus that corresponds to GeneXus 18 seems to be the best version of GeneXus, and I plan to learn GeneXus 18.

    How are customer service and support?

    I work alone in most cases. In the case of an error in development, I consult my teammates. When the complexity of the applications is high, sometimes, I take the help of GeneXus support.

    I had to consult GeneXus support last month because I was trying to connect an Oracle database with a tool of GeneXus called Business Process Deployer, which is for integrating and managing the business process of a company, but it wasn't working. I communicated with GeneXus support to resolve the problem. They helped me, but I am waiting for the final response to that problem because the problem is very complex. In the case of a complex problem, you need to provide several pieces of information. In my initial ticket, I provided some information that I thought was needed, but GeneXus needed more information. I'd rate their support a 10 out of 10. It's very good.

    How would you rate customer service and support?

    Positive

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    When I started to work, I started with a platform called WebDev, which is similar to GeneXus. I don't know much about that tool because I worked with it for only six months.

    For me, GeneXus is the best. It's the only choice for me. It's very good if it's maintained with best practices. When I started using GeneXus, I didn't like it because I love native languages such as Java and Javascript, but when I realized that GeneXus works at the same speed as the other language platforms, I started to love it. It's a very good platform for developers.

    How was the initial setup?

    GeneXus provides an easy way for deployment. I've worked with GeneXus using Java generator and C# generator. With these two generators or modes, deployment is easy. To go to production with GeneXus, you simply copy the folder that GeneXus indicates and send it to the production server if you don't have automated DevOps tasks. If you have an automated environment, GeneXus works fine with Apache Jenkins or other tools for managing DevOps. It's a good experience.

    What about the implementation team?

    I deployed the GeneXus applications by myself. I also take care of the maintenance.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    I don't know much about the cost of licenses. GeneXus is licensed. I know that its licenses are generally per year, and in the past, the license for GeneXus was around $5,000, but I don't know what's the current price of the GeneXus license.

    If you don't need to work with mobile applications, there is no hidden or extra cost. The cost of the GeneXus license is based on the languages that you need to use. For example, if you decide to use the Microsoft .NET framework and C# language for a project, you need to buy a license for only C# language. You don't need to pay for other things. Similarly, you might need an Angular license for developing for mobile devices.

    What other advice do I have?

    I'd strongly recommend reading the GeneXus Wiki. There was an instance where I was developing with a component, but I didn't read all the documentation about that component. I, later on, had trouble and didn't know how to continue. For that reason, I recommend reading all the documentation on GeneXus Wiki. With the help of the practical tips shared by GeneXus developers, the results are guaranteed. GeneXus documentation is good in general.

    I'd rate GeneXus a 10 out of 10.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Chief Technology Officer at 2C Ingeniería y Sistemas Ltda.
    Real User
    Works extremely quickly in terms of enabling an application in a production environment
    Pros and Cons
    • "This solution works extremely quickly in terms of enabling an application in a production environment."
    • "It would be helpful to have additional assisted processing with training."

    What is our primary use case?

    Our primary use case of this product is for web development; solutions to provide web pages or web applications for our clients' customers. I'm the CTO and we are customers of GeneXus. 

    What is most valuable?

    After you go through the learning process, this solution works extremely quickly in terms of enabling an application in a production environment. The other great thing about GeneXus is that they keep up with the pace of technology. They are always providing an integration with new technologies such as chat bots or artificial intelligence solutions as soon as a technology emerges.

    What needs improvement?

    It would be helpful if the company would provide additional assisted processing with training, more instances where you can find training.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using this solution for 12 years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    This product is very stable. They release upgrades every two months, improving or adding new features and fixing any errors. 

    How are customer service and technical support?

    They offer immediate support, starting with the vendor or the company itself. The support is excellent. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is very simple when you're in an environment where you have to know a lot of things to set up an environment or a tool. It depends on the solution, but you could have a highly productive solution running in a couple of hours.

    What other advice do I have?

    I think this is an excellent tool and it enables me to easily deliver products. You can start with a fully functional prototype that in a couple of iterations will provide you with a productive solution.

    I rate this solution a nine out of 10. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free GeneXus Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: October 2024
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free GeneXus Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.