In today’s world, organizations across the globe are looking for technologies that will allow them to be more agile and responsive to emerging technology trends. An answer to these needs are low-code platforms – visual development tools, boosting the pace of development projects.
No matter if you are a senior developer, business analyst, or company executive – this guide comprises everything you need to know about low code development.
What is low-code?
Low-code is a software development approach that helps businesses and organizations deliver digital transformative solutions faster by minimizing the amount of coding required.
Rather than relying on complicated and highly technical development environments, low-code platforms allow their users to create custom apps with intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces. It lowers the bar of entry into the IT market, both for companies as well as for novice developers. Low-code applications are thus a tempting alternative to conventional software development, which is one of the main reasons for its recent growth in popularity.
Low-code features
Pre-build components
Low-code platforms offer a range of ready-made components ranging from simple UI elements, like buttons and dropdown menus, to more complex components, such as data grids and charts. These pre-built components can save developers significant time and effort and allow them to focus on the parts of applications that really matter.
Declarative Tools
Low-code software includes declarative tools which are used for automating business processes through things like visual models and business rules. Savvy low-code developers can save users time and clicks while creating consistency of processes and increasing data integrity in the development project.
Automated workflows
Low-code platforms are also equipped with automated workflows, which can greatly help streamline development processes. These workflows automate repetitive tasks, such as testing and deployment, which can save developers significant time and effort.
Built-in integrations
Built-in integrations with various third-party services and APIs within low-code solutions allow developers to quickly and easily connect their applications with external services, such as payment gateways or social media platforms.
Drag-and-drop interface
Writing code that is high-quality and free of bugs is not only complicated, but also incredibly time-consuming. Low-code technology offers developers an intuitive and simplified drag-and-drop UI, so they can create many components visually, resulting in faster time-to-launch.
Pros and cons of low-code
Benefits of low-code
Lowering the entry barrier
One of the key benefits of low-code development platforms is that they democratize programming.
Even though low-code might not be as easy to learn as its no-code counterpart, they still make software development much more accessible. Low-code platforms make it so that almost anyone at any level in an organization can actively participate in creating software applications.
Increasing Efficiency
Low-code platforms can significantly reduce the time it takes to develop applications.
With pre-built templates and drag-and-drop tools, developers can create applications 30% faster than traditional coding methods. This increased efficiency can save companies time and money, and allow them to release applications to the public much faster.
Lowering development Costs
Low-code solutions can also greatly reduce development costs.
In all branches of business, time is money. This is especially true in the IT market, where talented people are hard to come by and often require six-figure salaries. This means that time savings gained from using low-code methodologies will also reduce strains on the company’s budgets.
Improving Agility
Low-code platforms increase business flexibility by allowing developers to quickly make changes and updates to applications. Organizations can create apps much quicker if they see market demand for certain services and stay competitive.
Enhancing User Experience
Thanks to pre-built user interface components like buttons and dropdown menus, low-code platforms allow developers to create applications with a consistent look and feel. This can lead to a better user experience and increased user satisfaction.
Challenges of low-code
Limitations in customization
While low-code platforms offer pre-built templates, they may not always provide the level of customization required for complex applications or highly specialized workflows.
Vendor lock-in
Paid low-code platforms are often proprietary, which can lead to vendor lock-in scenarios. In some circumstances, it can severely limit the ability to migrate the data or the codebase to other platforms in the future, even if you can export your data and code.
User-based pricing
User-based pricing model results in your costs scaling up with the product’s adoption by the users in your company. Every account is charged, which makes your low-code application expensive to maintain in the long term.
Technical debt
Rapid software development using proprietary low-code platforms may result in technical debt down the line, which can make it difficult to maintain and update applications over time.
Integration with legacy systems
Integration with legacy systems, such as old databases or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, often requires a substantial amount of custom coding. This means that a good portion of the low-code platform’s functionalities might be underused in projects dealing with legacy software.
Limited ownership of your sensitive data and code
Your sensitive business data is typically stored in a cloud managed by the low-code platform, so you have limited ability to control what happens when something is changed or deleted.
What is a low-code platform?
Low-code application platforms (LCAPs) provide developers with a visual environment to create applications for a wide variety of uses utilizing graphical interfaces and ready-made components. With included productivity tools like drag-and-drop modelers, pre-built templates, and intuitive UI, low-code platforms allow developers to design and deploy software apps much faster, allowing organizations to create digital solutions more efficiently.
Why is low-code so popular?
Low-code development has piqued the interest of numerous developers and executives in recent years because it greatly speeds up the development process by simplifying the most boring and repetitive tasks it involves. Programmers can thus solely focus on doing creative and challenging work that will be at the core of the application that they are working on.
From a business standpoint, low-code development allows for faster iteration and prototyping, enabling organizations to respond to changes in market demands and adapt to user feedback quickly.
Low-code development has become a powerful tool for digital transformation, empowering businesses to innovate and stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Low-code vs no-code
Low-code and no-code development methodologies are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two.
Low-code app development provides a visual development environment that simplifies the coding process, but still requires some coding expertise. These platforms allow developers to drag and drop pre-built components and templates to build applications quicker but allow them to add custom code on top of it. This approach is thus ideal for experienced developers who want to speed up their work and focus on interesting parts of their profession.
No-code development, on the other hand, requires virtually no coding expertise. No-code platforms provide a simple visual interface and intuitive UI that enables users to create applications using drag-and-drop elements. No-code platforms greatly simplify the development process and allow citizen developers to work on software apps, but offer much less flexibility and scalability in comparison to low-code solutions. This development method is therefore suitable for businesses that want to create rather simple applications for internal uses without involving robust IT teams.
To sum that up, while both low-code and no-code development methodologies offer benefits, they are better suited for different scenarios. Low-code is best for complex business and SaaS applications that require a high level of customization and scalability, while no-code is good for simple, internal applications that can be built quickly and with minimal effort.
Ultimately, the choice between low-code and no-code development depends on the specific needs of the business and the resources available.
Low-code vs high-code (traditional software development)
Low-code and high-code development are like two different sides of the same coin. These are two approaches to software development, with one being a natural evolution of the other.
Low-code development aims to allow users to create software applications quicker and more efficiently using visual development tools and pre-built components and visual modeling tools. It is beneficial for businesses as well as developers themselves. Programmers can use ready components for simple tasks like user login logic or elements of UI like buttons and dropdown menus while having the option to manually program more complex business logic.
On the other hand, high-code development involves more manual coding and requires a very higher level of technical expertise. High-code development provides greater control and customization, but is nevertheless a lengthy and complex process. This makes it ideal for advanced and robust applications where software performance, scalability, and innovative approach are top priorities.
The decision between low-code and high-code development will depend on the specific business scenarios, as well as the skills and resources available to the development team.
Low-code use cases
For quite some time low-code development platforms were thought to be suitable only for simple proof-of-concept work and MVP products. Anything more robust than that and you will be better of with traditional development methodologies.
That is no longer the truth.
Modern open-source low-code platforms offer a great deal of modularity, scalability, and performance which make them a tempting alternative for a wide variety of uses.
One of the most common use cases of low-code platforms is the development of internal business applications. Companies can use low-code tools to create business apps that automate business processes, track inventory, manage customer data, and more, without needing to devote such large amounts of time and resources to individual projects.
Another popular use case of low-code development tools is in the creation of mobile applications. With how popular mobile devices have become in the last decade and how important they are in modern sales funnels, businesses are now looking to create mobile apps quickly and easily. Low-code platforms provide a fast and efficient way to develop mobile applications thanks to a wide selection of ready-made front-end elements optimized for mobile applications and progressive web apps.
Low-code platforms have also proven their use in the development of ecommerce websites. Companies selling their goods online can use low-code platforms to set up on their websites features like shopping carts, product catalogs, and payment processing methods, without requiring extensive coding expertise.
Who can build with low-code?
Low-code for professional developers
Low-code platforms allow senior developers to focus on the parts of programming projects that really matter.
The drag-and-drop nature of low-code and its fast deployment capabilities enable developers to put together not just a prototype but a working solution really fast. By having key functionalities up and running faster, product owners can see if the project is moving in the desired direction. And in the end, this is what really matters – delivering working software solutions more effectively.
Arkadiusz Drysch, Stratoflow CTO said this:
“Senior developers understand that the key aspect of their profession is to deliver value. Low-Code platforms are designed to do just that – create production-ready software faster. If a low-code platform can meet the project’s design objectives, senior developers can simply deliver the project more efficiently and at a lower cost.”
Low-code platforms are not only making the job of software developers more efficient, but also more fun and challenging. Using ready front-end elements, senior programmers can focus on more advanced business logic – in other words, they can focus on this part of the project that requires more creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
Arkadiusz Drysch added this:
Clever senior developers are also able to squeeze more out of low-code platforms, such as using standard functionality as a basic front-end for an application, creating custom code for more advanced business logic, and integrating it all through APIs.
Non-technical business users
For non-technical business users and executives, two things are the uppermost priority – time-to-market and project effectiveness.
And once again this is where low code platforms show their strengths as they provide product owners and decision-makers with tools aimed at improving productivity, and agility as well as greatly lowering the cost of development.
These benefits enable executives to meet the growing demand for digital solutions and respond quickly to changing business requirements. They can order tweaks to core functionalities almost on the spot and have the changes implemented much faster. Low-code platforms allow for rapid prototyping and iteration, enabling organizations to adapt to changing market conditions and always stay ahead of the competition.
Michał Głomba, Stratoflow CEO, had this to say about low-code platforms and their role in modern business:
Low-code platforms enable power users to extend and adjust the functionality of their key, everyday software like you adjust your shirt and suit. Smart low-code platforms make this possible without requiring you to learn new, frequently proprietary concepts and languages, but rather staying close to expression and formula languages used by business users on a daily basis.
Non-technical business users
For non-technical business users and executives, two things are the uppermost priority – time-to-market and project effectiveness.
And once again this is where low code platforms show their strengths as they provide product owners and decision-makers with tools aimed at improving productivity, and agility as well as greatly lowering the cost of development.
These benefits enable executives to meet the growing demand for digital solutions and respond quickly to changing business requirements. They can order tweaks to core functionalities almost on the spot and have the changes implemented much faster. Low-code platforms allow for rapid prototyping and iteration, enabling organizations to adapt to changing market conditions and always stay ahead of the competition.
Michał Głomba had this to say about low-code platforms and their role in modern business:
Low-code platforms enable power users to extend and adjust the functionality of their key, everyday software like you adjust your shirt and suit. Smart low-code platforms make this possible without requiring to learn new, frequently proprietary concepts and languages, but rather staying close to expression and formula languages used by business users on a daily basis.
How to choose low-code development platform
Choosing the right low-code development platform is crucial to ensure that the software development process is efficient, effective, and delivers the expected results. With the growing number of low-code application platforms available, it can be challenging to select the best one for your needs.
Firstly, consider the types of applications you want to build. Not all low-code platforms are created equal, and some may be better suited for specific use cases than others. Check what technologies they are based upon, and what is their data ownership policy.
Secondly, think about the level of customization you require. Some low-code platforms provide a lot of flexibility and allow for extensive customization, while others have more limited capabilities. Determine how much custom code will you need, and choose a platform that can accommodate your requirements.
Thirdly, evaluate the level of support offered by the platform. Ensure that the vendor provides excellent support and offers regular updates to the platform. Some low-code platforms even allow for building custom plugins and publishing them on the open workshop. That might also be worth looking into.
Finally, consider the cost of the platform. Some low-code platforms are open-source and free to use, while others require a subscription or a one-time fee. It is also very important to check whether there are additional fees for downloading data and taking your software elsewhere.
The future of low-code
The classic software development market is slowly nearing its complete maturity.
Software developers have at their disposal a wide variety of programming languages, from high to low-level ones as well as many advanced frameworks offering great flexibility or top-tier performance depending on business needs.
This is why low-code solutions aim to improve the efficiency and speed of development rather than push for cutting-edge software solutions.
And industries of all kinds have started to see a truly unique value in that approach. Instead of having to deal with lengthy and costly software development processes, they can pursue digital transformation much faster, always innovating to stay competitive.
Gartner estimates that spending on Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAPs) will grow by 12% in 2024. At the same time, spending on classic software development will increase by 9.3%
The discrepancy is pretty clear here.
The same study indicates that software technologies using little or no code is expected to reach $26.9 billion in 2023. All of these spendings are also likely to yield a substantial return on investments. The global low-code development market is predicted to generate a revenue of 187 billion USD by 2030, rising from $10 billion in 2019. It is also expected to grow at a fast pace of 31% CAGR, during the same period.
By 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies, up from less than 25% in 2020. – Granter
The digital revolution is not slowing down, and low-code platforms are only boosting it further. Between 2018 – 2023, more than 500 million apps will be created. That’s more than the previous 40 years combined.
Due to the scarcity of IT professionals and developments in low and no-code methodologies according to Tech Republic, nearly 60% of all custom apps are now built outside the IT department. Of those, 30% are built by employees with only limited development skills.
It really underscores the power of low-code platforms – making the power of digital transformation more accessible to everyone.
FAQ
What does low-code mean?
Low-code refers to a software development approach that utilizes graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and pre-built components to simplify the process of building applications without needing to write extensive amounts of code.
What is low-code application development?
Low-code application development is an approach to creating software that involves using visual interfaces and pre-built components. It is making building applications significantly easier thanks to the minimal coding required, saving both time and effort.
What are low-code platforms?
Low-code application platforms (LCAPs) are software development tools that allow users to create applications using a visual interface and drag-and-drop components, significantly reducing the need for traditional coding skills and speeding up the application development process.
Is low-code used by developers?
Low-code is ever more often used by developers, as it provides a more efficient and streamlined way to build applications, enabling them to focus on more complex aspects of development and reduce the time spent on repetitive coding tasks like front-end elements.
What is the difference between low-code and no-code?
The main difference between low-code and no-code is that low-code platforms require some degree of coding knowledge and allow for more flexibility in customization thanks to the ability to write custom code elements. No-code platforms on the other hand do not require any coding knowledge and have more limited customization options.
What is visual software development, and how does it work?
Visual software development is a process that involves using a graphical user interface (GUI) to create software applications, with drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built components that make it easier to build software without extensive coding knowledge or experience.
Instead of manually coding every aspect of an application, visual software development tools allow users to create applications by simply dragging and dropping pre-built components onto a canvas, then configuring the components using a visual interface. This can include features like buttons, forms, tables, and other UI elements, as well as more complex functionality like data integration, logic, and workflows.
What is an open-source low-code platform?
Open-source low-code platforms are freely available and can be customized to meet the specific needs of individual users or organizations, while normal low-code platforms are typically proprietary and have more limited customization options.
These platforms provide users with a more accessible and flexible way to develop applications, without requiring extensive coding skills or expensive licensing fees. They also often come with a range of features and functionality, such as data integration,
What is a citizen developer?
A citizen developer is a non-technical user who creates software apps using low-code or no-code development tools.
Citizen developers can come from a range of backgrounds, including business analysts, project managers, and product owners, and can use low-code platforms to participate in creating software applications without relying solely on traditional IT departments.
What is low-coding?
Low-coding is a software development approach that involves using visual interfaces and pre-built components to simplify the software development process, greatly reducing the overall amount of coding required.
How to build web applications with low-code?
Building web applications with low-code can be done in four steps:
- selecting a low-code platform that best suits your needs,
- defining product requirements in regard to specific functionalities and specifying which components can be simplified using low-code capabilities,
- developing your application with the help of drag-and-drop UI and prebuilt components,
- deploying and maintaining your application with the help of the low-code platform.
What are examples of low-code development platforms?
There are many low-code platforms currently on the market such as Appian, Mendix, Microsoft PowerApps, OutSystems, and Salesforce Lightning.
Having said that, in order to circumvent common low-code related problems such as vendor lock-in, lack of data oversight, and limited integration options, it is best to strive for open-source low-code alternatives such as Openkoda.
How to build an app without code?
Creating an app without any coding knowledge is possible by using drag-and-drop low-code solutions builders that allow people with little programming experience to design and customize enterprise apps by modifying their features and layout without the need for writing any code.
What is low-code automation?
The term low-code automation may be used interchangeably with low-code process automation, low-code workflow automation, and low-code business process automation (BPA) solutions.
What are the best low-code development platforms?
Some of the best ones paid options include Microsoft Power Apps, Appian, OutSystems,and Salesforce Lightning, all of which offer powerful features and flexibility for creating custom applications with minimal coding. There are also free alternatives like Openkoda which provide its users with greater integration options and limit vendor lock-in scenarios.
Why use Openkoda for low-code development?
Openkoda is an open-source low-code platform that can greatly accelerate the pace of software development projects without having to worry about technical debt, vendor lock-in, or losing data ownership. With Openkoda you create your own code, that you run anywhere.
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