In the modern-day, building applications for business is not as complicated as it was thanks to low code. Thanks to low code platforms coding an application won’t be necessary. You merely draw it, a process similar to developing a flowchart. Low code development makes you able to bring new, powerful, and quick applications.
Overall, low code allows people to develop applications even if they are not experts in programming. In 2014 first time this term appeared, when Forrester analyzers invented the concept.
People have been programming with little knowledge in the niche since several decades ago. Still, now there are low code tools people can work with without, practically, having an idea about programming. The low code programming serves especially for web and mobile apps development.
Low code development tools have made so much more comfortable the application development process, meaning that businesses that opt for using a low code platform will increase their agility. Developing an application is a complex task, but low code development makes the procedure more accessible to everyone.
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What is Low Code Development Platform?
When we mention “low code development,” we’re talking about tools that let us create applications in a very intuitive way, with minimal code development or even creating applications without knowing how to program.
Low code platforms count with robust interface and with components which are pre configured. To create their entrepreneurial software, the user only has to “drag and rope” the different elements. Also, they’re designed so they can integrate with other software without extra configuration.
Low code development’s primary purpose, as we mentioned above, is making the software development accessible for everyone, even people who don’t know anything about programming. Now any employee, especially those who know the business better, can work in the development of mobile or web applications that cover the exact necessities of their organization.
Even if the development is simple most of the time, a developer’s assistance would be necessary so the application can be perfection.
Characteristics of a Low Code Development Platform
Visual Modeling
In most cases, the processes directly related to application development are often portrayed visually. However, the visual models used for low code platforms are easier to understand, which means anyone can take advantage of it to polish their application’s design with ease.
Drag-and-drop Interfaces
When using low code, you can drag-and-drop distinct elements, so the application development becomes a more visual process, meaning that the task will be finished in lesser time. Working with long strands of code can consume too much time in most cases.
Instant Mobility
In the modern-day, it is necessary for applications to be compatible with multiple platforms. This is known as “cross-platform” functionality, and that means it must work in mobile devices and computers as well. Coding can make this a bit challenging to complete, but low code development makes it happen automatically without using extra resources.
How to Choose a Low Code Development Platform
This innovative concept is now everywhere, meaning that there’s plenty of room to choose from. So you can choose the platform that suits you better, it would be best if you considered the following aspects:
- Deployment: There will be three different options to choose for deployment: local, in the cloud, or hybrid.
- Developer type: You need to have in mind who will be the end-user of the low code tool.
- User experience: Depending if your application is focused on B2C or B2B, they will need different user experience complexity.
- Orientation to a specific sector: There are more generic low code tools, while there are others that focus on a specific activity.
- Partners: When it comes to choosing a low code tool, you must pay attention to the support the partner is providing after the product has been acquired. Are they qualified to solve your doubts?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Low Code
All software or development methodology has benefits and drawbacks. Some of the benefits are higher productivity and lesser production time. Still, it’s worth noting which are the advantages and disadvantages of low code software, and why, in most cases, it is crucial for businesses.
Advantages of Low Code
Low code development has many advantages you should be aware of. These will work differently, depending on the necessities of your business.
Lesser Development Time
Since most of the code has already been designed (except for the personalized adjustments), time will be reduced drastically.
Maintenance Time Reduction
The maintenance of applications is crucial, and this applies to low code as well. But, since it doesn’t count with higher levels of code, its maintenance will be more comfortable.
Cost Reduction
This is simple logic. If the development and deployment time are shorter, the cost will be reduced.
Higher Productivity
When developers have a product that’s easy to implement, they will have more opportunities to focus on their creativity so they can maximize the software’s performance.
Distance of the IT Group with Different Groups
Since a simple development environment exists, it’s possible to imply in that same environment other areas of the business with more correlation to the company’s development so that you can have more support for the creation and design of the software.
Other Advantages may be:
- If there is less code, it will be easier to adapt it to changes.
- Since it is more straightforward, the IT personnel can focus on improving the product since technical details put fewer limits on the productive aspect and creativity.
- Any business application must integrative with other corporative solutions. These platforms easily solve the integration with other systems, either with web services, APIs, and other mechanisms.
However now no longer the whole thing is perfect. There are drawbacks to low code development you must be aware of if you want to choose this kind of tool.
Restricted Joining
In the present day, there are an excessive number of programming and items that can be consolidated to make your advanced change system. All code tools can not be integrated with all softwares. It would help if you thought about what software you will integrate with your low code platform in the future, so you don’t have a bad experience later. You must think about this thoroughly, especially if these tools are developed for the business’ core.
Not Enough Personalization
It’s very likely that once you acquire your low code software, you won’t have in mind particular necessities that may surge in the long or short-term. That is the reason you should pick the device with more personalization choices since it is strange to adjust your business to the impediments of the low code platform.
Security and Traceability
There is a vast difference between creating your own software and using a low code platform. When you use low code software, parts of it will be unknown. This implies you should face a few challenges because of the absence of control, which can cause security and discernibility issues in the long haul.
Bottom Line
Low-code development won’t supplant the conventional method of creating applications and programming. Presently, what you should know is the point at which you will be keen on utilizing them. If you start from the business’ digital transformation, key moments where low code will be essential and beneficial for it will exist.
For example, you can use low code to launch concept tests so you can implement an idea faster, instead of working in a lengthy and costly development.
Low-code can be hugely beneficial for your business, depending on how you choose to focus it.
