Slowly but steadily, low-code platforms have established themselves in the software development industry. What began as a trend has clearly become a fixture thanks to the ease of use and effectiveness present in almost every one of these platforms, which provide the simplest way to build flexible, high-quality technologies.
The numbers speak for themselves. More than 65% of application development will be low code by 2024, according to Gartner. The global research and advisory company also predicted that low-code technologies would grow by 23% in 2021 alone. So, maybe it’s time to start paying attention to low-code platforms.
What Is a Low-Code Platform?
Low-code platforms are an easier, more efficient way of creating applications and programs. The method leverages a visual approach of coding, which, as you can probably guess by the name, involves very little actual coding — in some cases none at all.
Typically, low-code platforms involve graphical interfaces, in which the user can use drag-and-drop functions and other tools to build their applications. Both developers and laypeople alike can simply select the features and move them to where they want them.
9 Advantages of Low-Code
1. Minimal Learning Curve
Low-code platforms don’t require the user to have prior knowledge of coding. That means practically anyone can use them, whether or not they’re a developer. And given the intuitive interface, it’s not difficult at all to get up to speed quickly when you’re using one of these tools.
2. Quick Development
Ultra-quick development is one of the main reasons why so many businesses embrace low-code platforms today. When you use these tools, as opposed to more traditional software development, you’re saving a huge amount of time by using a simplified, streamlined, and accessible method. Low-code, in other words, means fast turnaround.
3. Optimal User Experience
The drag-and-drop features of low-code platforms, coupled with an overall intuitive and easy-to-use layout, make these tools straightforward for users with all levels of coding experience. Even those who have extremely limited knowledge of programming can access these platforms and build high-quality software using them, just as expert developers can. The user experience leads to a better process overall.
4. Reusability
One reason why development is so fast with low-code platforms is that the pre-created components are reusable across many different types of projects. The pieces are functional for a wide variety of apps and other software, which, again, means a more straightforward and considerably faster development process.
5. Scalability
Most businesses need solutions with the ability to grow. They may need to accommodate additional users and employees as they become more widely used and the organizations themselves expand. Fortunately, low-code platforms are usually scalable. That means they can grow with the businesses and adjust to meet the increase in demand, all without the costs that are often associated with software development.
6. Easy Maintenance
When you need to update higher-code platforms, you’ll require the expertise of software developers — who most likely built the products in the first place — to make improvements. But low-code platforms can be easily updated, upgraded, and maintained by users with little knowledge of programming, meaning that practically anyone with access can make improvements at any point.
7. Safety
Many low-code platforms are highly secure, which is, of course, one of the most important considerations in today’s world, one that is rife with hackers and cybercriminal activity. Still, before you decide to utilize one of these tools, make sure you know the platform’s level of safety and the measures taken to guarantee high security so you have maximum protection.
8. Compatibility
Low-code platforms are typically compatible across multiple devices and all major operating systems. This is an important benefit because they need to accommodate users with different skill sets who are turning to a wide range of devices to create their products. It also means that these products will be able to run on multiple operating systems.
9. Low Cost
Using low-code platforms means that you’ll save money, particularly compared with their higher-code counterparts. Not only will you need fewer tools to bring your project to fruition, but quicker development will lead to more products being created within a given time period — and greater productivity — which in turn leads to a higher profit for your business.
When Should You Use a Low-Code Platform?
Low-code platforms are ideal for contexts in which you need to develop an application or program quickly — much more quickly than it would take to use higher-code methods. Because the interface is so intuitive and user-friendly, developers can turn around products more efficiently. You can use low-code platforms for multiple levels of expertise.
While low-code platforms accommodate projects of some complexity, they’re not ideal for extremely intricate projects. They can, however, be used for applications and programs that are meant to be integrated with existing programs.
Examples of Low-Code Platforms
There are numerous high-quality low-code platforms on the market today. These are just some of the many examples.
- Appian
- Boomi Flow
- Caspio
- Creatio
- FileMaker
- GeneXus
- Google App Maker
- KISSFLOW
- Mendix
- Microsoft PowerApps
- Nintex Workflow Cloud
- OutSystems
- Quick Base
- Salesforce Lightning
- TrackVia
- VisionX
- Visual Lansa
- Zoho Creator
The app and software market is highly competitive. In order to find a niche and continue to grow as a business, you need to streamline and improve your development process.
Low-code platforms aren’t the ideal solution for every project imaginable, but many products, particularly those requiring a fast and efficient turnaround, will benefit from this method of development. There are many advantages, ranging from an exemplary user experience to cost savings. The low-code market itself is growing rapidly, and chances are, there is a solution for you and your organization.
