Did you know that technology is changing how low code development works? That’s right; there are now software development tools that will help you build applications without having to write any code. You can quickly get your project started, test it out and make further adjustments before even considering writing a single line of code.
This guide will look closely at low-code technologies in your business today.
What exactly is Low-code?
Low code is a software development methodology that uses an interface of graphical programming tools, such as Process designer. The approach allows you to create applications without writing a single line of code. Instead, you use an interface to create apps.
Why is Low-code popular?
You will reduce the time required to build the application from weeks or months down to days or hours. Your heavy lifting occurs in the backend by IT professionals.
Besides being easy for non-technical users to learn, a low-code develop apps to:
- Satisfies the market demands
- Simplify processes
- Facilitate digital transformation
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What is Low-code software development?
Low-code platforms involve creating software using a simple drag-and-drop tool. The drag-and-drop modelers, pre-built templates, and intuitive UI allow low-code platforms developers to:
- Design and deploy apps
- Allow organizations to scale
- Improve the profitability of the business
- Achieve maximum returns
The software uses low code, meaning written without an expert programmer. Contrast this with traditional, where the code is by experts and must be changed when it becomes obsolete.
Low-code technologies create digital solutions for businesses on all levels of size, from small start-ups to large corporations. They allow companies to build their software without hiring an expensive programmer.
Low-code development allows users to build almost any type of application they need in minutes. You save companies time and money by not requiring them to hire programmers who may not have experience with the specific type of application.
Low code development features
Low code development has many features that make it easier for developers, designers, and other professionals to work on projects. Here are a few of its key features:
- Graphical modeling tools
Visual modeling tools are the most promising features of low code development. These tools make it possible to build models for various purposes.
Some of the most common ones are:
- User Interfaces (UIs)
- Business Processes
- Database Structure
Low-code systems are equipped with visual modeling and use built-in modules to reflect the details you understand.
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- Functionality “out of the box.”
These are some ready-made components of applications that the platforms provide. For example,
- Implementation of the organizational structure of a company
- An email client
- Sales process management
- Calendar
If there is more out-of-the-box functionality, it is easier and cheaper for the user to make decisions. The more complex functions that are pre-configured and ready to use. The easier and time saving it will be for user for making a decision. For instance, putting in place a company’s organizational structure, an email client, a calendar, etc.
- Interface with drag-and-drop
A drag-and-drop interface is a user-friendly feature that allows users to interact with the software by dragging and dropping items on the screen. The user drags and drops the objects such as text, images, video, audio, and other related files from one location to another.
The drag-and-drop functionality allows users to add more functionality to the software in an easy way. Users can also add new features to an existing application without reworking it from scratch.
- Security
Security in a low-code development environment is needed. When you are building your app with low code development, you don’t need any security features because of technology that won’t be able to create malicious code.
- Scalability
Low code development allows for scaling up or down the number of services working together for the system to grow and shrink. You can scale your application by adding new features and functionalities without worrying about programming errors.
What will the Low-code development industry look like in 2022?
The Low-Code development market will grow by USD 35.73 billion from 2022 – 2026.
The growth in the low-code industry will be driven by
- Increased adoption of agile methodologies by software developers and project managers
- Improving demand for automation for IT support and service operations.
- Increased adoption of cloud computing technologies in the IT industry
- Growing interest from financial institutions to develop enterprise applications using low-code platforms.
- Growing demand from manufacturing organizations to integrate mobile apps into their existing business processes.
The Gartner latest estimate on the global low-code development technologies industry highlights the following key trends:
- The market for low-code development technologies will top $13.8 billion in 2022
- The remote production occasioned by COVID-19 will increase low code adoption
- In 2023, the low-code development technology will feature Low Code Application Platforms (LCAP)
Integration of API
With the help of API integration, businesses can easily integrate their existing systems with low-code platforms. Organizations can also create web applications using APIs and then deploy them on the low-code platform. For example, a business can use an API to connect to another system like Salesforce or SQL database for data management purposes. With the use of API Builders, you can create your own API logic and queries
The benefits of API integration with low-code platforms are
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Easy integration
- Secure environment
Types of Low-code development platforms
There are many different types of LCDPs available today, but they all have one purpose: To make it easier for developers to build applications with less coding required.
According to Forrester, there are five categories of low-code platforms:
- General Purpose
The platform allows you to build your applications in the cloud, on-premise, or hybrid. The LCDPs comprise tools, libraries, and services you can use for your applications.
- Process
Process LCDPs allow you to create business processes in an automated fashion, allowing employees to work more efficiently while increasing productivity. They are also vital for companies that need to manage their IT infrastructures.
- Request Handling
LCDPs allows you to send requests to external systems (such as CRM or ERP) based on business rules defined in the application. For example, suppose a customer adds an item to a shopping cart; this data will be sent over via an API call back into the system.
- Request Handling
LCDPs for mobile devices include:
- Mobile App Builder
- PhoneGap is a tool that allows developers to create apps using HTML5 and JavaScript.
- Xamari, an Android developer toolkit
- Request Handling
LCDPs for databases include Oracle API, IBM API, Microsoft API, and SAP API.
What distinguishes no-code development from low-code development?
The difference between the two platforms is that low code development uses coding language to create a program that other software developers can use. A no-code project does not use any coding language.
The most important thing to note about these two types of programming languages is that they are different in terms of their purpose and scope.
No code platform that lets you create simple solutions without having to know how to program, but these solutions are only minimally complicated. You can create infinitely complex solutions on low-code platforms.
How do low-code and business process management differ from one another?
BPM is a set of ideas and know-how developed through time to improve processes. Low code enables businesses to create clear and practical applications in how they operate.
Businesses can create apps at less cost and with little resource investment by combining BPM and Low-code.
BPM and low code complement one another. Without the bpm concept, it is impossible to develop low code in a high-quality manner. As a result, these complementary strategies work well together.
How should you pick a platform for low-code development?
There are two main factors to consider when choosing a low-code development platform:
Who will be working on it?
The first thing to consider is who is going to work on it. If you have a team of developers, your choice will be easy. If not, you need a low-code platform best fits your needs.
You can hire consultants or do a software development project. But if you’re just starting, then hiring consultants may be more cost-effective than hiring individual developers.
⋙ The low-code platform aims to make things simple. These low-code development tools will push it to a new level.
What use cases are there?
Secondly, the low-code platforms vary widely in their feature sets. Some are for creating structured workflows and automating repetitive tasks, while others are more focused on creating shorter, more streamlined forms.
For instance, go for one with many features if you want to improve your user interface
What can you build with low code? You can create many types of applications using low-code development. Here are some examples:
- Workspace
- Legacy modernization
- Operation improvement
How do you decide on your first low-code project?
Many platforms offer a program for the first project that ensures complete assistance and a significant decrease in the risks for the project that the project platform developer takes on. Try to find such apps.
Begin with understanding all the issues low-code can solve, taking a closer look at your digital transformation strategy, and determining where each project fits.
Advantages of Low-code development platforms
Low-code development platforms offer many benefits that make them ideal for almost any type of project. Here are the three key benefits:
- Shorter time to market
You can build your product faster and with less effort. That means you can be out in the market and generate revenue sooner. If you’re building a business, that’s a huge advantage.
- More Control
Working with low-code platforms gives you more control over how your application looks, feels, and functions. You’ll be able to design it exactly the way you want it.
- Lower cost
Low-code platforms are often more cost-effective than traditional development platforms. You won’t have to hire a team of developers or pay for expensive software licenses.
Do you have big plans for your company’s technological development, look no further.
Low-code – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What does low code mean?
Low code means the platform is easy to use and requires little to no programming. It is ideal for those less familiar with the technology and IT departments who want to deploy new applications quickly and easily.
Low-code platforms also allow developers to build their custom functions, which can be integrated within their applications or sold as a service.
What are examples of Low-code?
Nectain is a low code platform that is organized on DIY (Do It Yourself) principles. Allowing users to easily design and build their own solutions and processes without extensive coding knowledge using Low-code tools
The platform provides a very extensive set of ready-to-use complex functions, such as Organizational Structure Management and IDP, out of the box, allowing you to create complex business applications without the need for complicated database design.
Other low-code platforms include:
- Kissflow Work Platform
- Pega Systems
- Besagi
- Creatio
Is low code the future?
Low code is the future of software development, and it’s coming to your company sooner than you think.
The Gartner predicts the following trends for low code future use:
- About 50% of enterprises will adopt low-code for app development by 2023
- Creating 450 million applications by spending $21.2 billion
- The first step towards innovating faster and better.
How do I learn low code?
All you need is a basic knowledge of coding. You can take some courses online. You will customize your app in addition to dragging and dropping the pre-made templates.
What distinguishes the terms “low-code” and “low-coder”?
Low code is a development platform that allows you to create, share, and maintain your business apps without needing to code them yourself.
The low-coders are citizen developers who:
- Have a basic knowledge of coding
- Able to create their apps using business logic
- Use LCDPs
