In the last few years, low-code platforms have been exploding onto the application development scene. The market is hot and many companies are using low-code as part of their digital transformation strategy. Read on to discover more about what low-code is, how it works, how you can use low-code applications and some tips on what to look for when selecting a low-code solution.
What Is Low-Code?
Low-code refers to software development platforms that allow users to create and deploy applications with minimal coding. These platforms typically provide a visual drag-and-drop interface for building application components and a set of pre-built modules that can be easily integrated into the application. Low-code platforms are often used for building business applications, such as workflow systems and data management systems, and are aimed at non-technical users or developers who want to create applications quickly and easily.
In the past, custom in-house business application have been expensive and time consuming to develop. Because of this, off-the-shelf SaaS solutions have emerged. Compared to in-house development, subscription fees were more cost effective and people could subscribe and be using the software quickly. The problem with this solution is when a company needs some other feature or functionality from the software. Perhaps they get it, but usually at a cost. Often the feature is added to a features list and may or may not ever get implemented. Additionally, companies are often paying for more features than they’d ever use. Companies don’t operate the same. All companies need invoice processing, but rarely is it implemented the same way at any two companies.
Low-code has opened the door to bringing bespoke business application development back in-house. Allowing companies to build the applications they want and need faster and more cost effectively than ever before.
How Does Low-Code Work?
Low-code platforms allow users to create applications without having to write extensive amounts of code. The process generally works as follows:
- Drag-and-Drop Components: Users can create applications by selecting pre-built components such as UI elements, database connections, and business logic from a library and assembling them visually on a canvas.
- Automated Code Generation: Under the hood, the low-code platform generates the code necessary to bring these components together into a functioning application.
- Customization: Users can further customize the application’s behavior by adding custom code or logic to the generated code, typically in a high-level, graphical language that abstracts away the complexity of traditional programming languages.
- Deployment: Once the application is built, it can be deployed and run on a variety of platforms, including web, mobile, and cloud.
- Maintenance and Updates: Low-code platforms typically provide tools for updating and maintaining applications, such as version control, testing, and debugging.
The goal of low-code platforms is to make application development faster, more efficient, and more accessible to a wider range of users, including non-developers, by abstracting away much of the technical complexity involved in traditional software development.
How Can I Use Low-Code Development Applications?
Low-code development platforms can be used in a variety of ways by companies to streamline their software development process and create custom applications faster. Some of the ways a company can use low-code include:
- Rapid Application Development: Companies can use low-code to quickly develop custom applications without having to wait for a long development cycle. This can be especially useful for companies with limited IT resources or those that need to develop applications quickly to respond to changing business requirements.
- Citizen Development: Low-code can be used to empower business users and other non-technical stakeholders to create their own custom applications, reducing the dependence on IT departments.
- Agile Development: Low-code can be used to support agile development methodologies by allowing teams to quickly prototype and iterate on new ideas and requirements.
- Integration: Low-code platforms can be used to integrate existing systems and data sources, making it easier for companies to create end-to-end business processes that span multiple applications.
- Customization of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Applications: Low-code platforms can be used to customize commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) applications to better fit the specific needs of a company.
Overall, low-code development platforms offer a flexible and scalable solution for companies looking to streamline their software development process and create custom applications faster.
How To Select The Right Low-Code Development App For Your Company
Choosing the right low-code development platform is crucial for ensuring a successful application development process and achieving the desired business outcomes. Here are some tips to help you select the right low-code app for your company:
- Assess Business Requirements: Identify the specific needs and requirements of your business, such as the types of applications you need to build, the level of customization required, and the desired deployment platform.
- Evaluate Platform Capabilities: Make sure the low-code platform you choose has the capabilities to meet your business requirements. Evaluate its drag-and-drop interface, code generation capabilities, security features, and integrations with other systems.
- Consider Ease of Use: Look for a platform that is easy to use and requires minimal training. The goal is to enable non-technical users to create custom applications, so make sure the platform has a user-friendly interface and is intuitive.
- Look for a Scalable Solution: Choose a low-code platform that can grow with your company. Make sure the platform can handle increasing complexity and the needs of a growing organization.
- Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Consider the total cost of ownership, including licensing, maintenance, and support costs, to ensure the platform is within your budget.
- Consider User Community: Look for a low-code platform with a user community, as this can be a valuable resource for getting help and support as you develop your applications.
- Test Drive: Finally, consider taking advantage of free trials or demos to test the platform and make sure it meets your needs before making a decision.
By considering these factors, you can choose a low-code development platform that is right for your company and helps you achieve your business goals.
What Does The Future Of Low-Code Look Like?
The future of low-code development looks very promising, with several trends and expectations shaping the direction of the technology. Here are a few of the key trends and expectations:
- Increased Adoption: The adoption of low-code technology is expected to continue growing as more and more organizations seek to streamline their software development process and increase their ability to respond to changing business requirements.
- Wider Range of Use Cases: Low-code is expected to be applied to an even wider range of use cases, from custom application development to digital transformation and process automation.
- Integration with Emerging Technologies: Low-code platforms are expected to integrate with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, and machine learning, making it easier for organizations to create innovative applications that leverage these technologies.
- Focus on Citizen Development: Low-code platforms are expected to continue to focus on empowering non-technical users and business stakeholders to create custom applications, reducing the dependence on IT departments.
- Expansion into New Markets: Low-code is expected to expand into new markets, including emerging economies, where the need for efficient and cost-effective software development is particularly acute.
Overall, the future of low-code development looks very promising, with continued growth, innovation, and adoption expected in the coming years.
