All You Need to Know about Low Code and No Code Platforms

Organizations have had two alternatives to meet the requirement of new information systems for many years. They can either build a new system from the scratch or buy it from an external vendor. Today, thanks to evolving technology, we have a third alternative available that gains ground quickly in the corporate world. It is known as the Low code/no code (LC/NC) application development approach. 

These days, most organizations give priority to developing and deploying applications quickly and without compromising on quality. Here, a shortage of skilled resources in the internal IT team and a backlog of maintenance work can act as a big hurdle. These two issues weigh heavily, especially when there is a need to come up with user-friendly applications. The Low code/no code approach helps organizations resolve these issues. 

The term ‘low-code’ refers to the visual software development approach that uses graphical user interfaces. The low-code platform has user-friendly tools for enabling professional developers to build enterprise-level applications quickly. As the low-code platform is not based on traditional programming languages, it contributes to making 65 percent of applications in a short time.  

No-code is also a RAD (Rapid App Development) approach for developing applications. But, no-code has complete dependence on visual tools that separates it from the low-code platform. Self-service apps for business users, mobile and web apps, etc. can be built using a no-code platform. As the name suggests, the no-code platform is free from any scripting or manual coding. 

Market Research

A Forrester report has predicted that the market of low-code platforms can cross over $21 billion in the next five years. A recent Gartner survey has come up with a possible whooping growth rate of 165 percent every two years and forecasted that LCNC platforms will be used in over 70 percent of application development processes globally by the year 2025. 

Looking at the increasing importance of LCNC platforms in developing enterprise solutions and bringing digital transformation to core business processes, these estimates look quite achievable. Let’s discuss the role of low-code, no-code platforms in both digital transformation and enterprise software development. 

Digital Transformation

Low-code development platforms can effectively accelerate digital transformation solutions. The drag-and-drop feature enables developers to build frontend apps on the fly. Also, LC/NC platforms support an innovative approach and empower teams to build high-quality app solutions for transforming everyday business processes. 

Enterprise Solution Development

As a viable and quick option to the traditional software development approach, the low-code no-code can offer a high level of scalability. Enterprise apps built by using LC/NC platforms are adaptable to upgrades and simple in terms of maintenance necessities. The low-code no-code platform also speeds up the development of enterprise applications. 

Benefits of LCNC Platforms

Worldwide, the adoption of LCNC platforms keeps on increasing to leverage various benefits. Here are some key benefits of low-code or no-code development platforms for modern enterprises. 

• Reduced Development Cost

LCNC platforms enable companies to cut down development costs significantly. Apart from bringing automation to the enterprise-grade application development process,  these platforms are capable of working with different tools. It makes it possible for developers to come up with a feature-rich app without spending much time.  

• High Business Agility

One of the biggest benefits of a low-code, no-code platform is it can give variation to the app development process by showing high adaptability. Users can make applications that can run across all the major platforms and it is possible to design compatible applications with the help of an LC/NC platform. 

• Better Governance

The low-code no-code platform can readily reduce the coding requirements and related complexities. As a result, users can have more control over the development process and they can come up with a customized app at a rapid pace. Also, the LC/NC platform offers fast change and you can easily meet regulatory requirements with improved governance. 

• More Productivity

The low-code development enables users to come up with more apps in a relatively short time. For example, developers need to spend some days or even minutes building apps that they could build after spending months using traditional tools. In a way, the LC/NC method can increase productivity. 

• Quicker Transformation

Transformation is the need of the hour in today’s competitive edge. If you want to make the most of the digital world, it is imperative to transform processes. Low-code development process can easily remove complexities while building robust business apps and makes it possible to come up with apps that are capable of transforming as per the changing needs. 

• Easy Change

Apps developed by using the LC/NC platform are capable of adapting to new requirements. It is easy to change such apps in line with the company’s diverse and complex requirements regularly. As a result, entrepreneurs can keep pace with a fast-changing business scenario and get a competitive edge. 

Implementation Challenges or Cons

The advent of LC/NC platforms has assisted us to get rid of lengthy development cycles and spending more bucks. But, these platforms have some hidden bottlenecks or downsides that we need to consider.

• Lack of Freedom

Vendor lock-in and limitation of moving the code or product from one platform to another platform can reduce freedom significantly. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the policies before selecting the LC/NC platform for your project. 

• Customization Limitations

Customization choices are different from the perspectives of enterprises and LC/NC platforms. For example, some low-code no-code platforms have limited alteration possibilities while some other can access the source code easily to make changes. 

• Rigidity of Components

Low-code platforms usually include many templates and components but it is necessary to adjust them properly to meet the requirements during app development. However, at times, it makes it difficult to apply the business logic due to the rigidity or limitation of components. 

Choosing the right LC/NC application development partner can assist you to overcome these challenges effectively while leveraging all the benefits. 

Popular LCNC Platforms

As per the Gartner report, low-code no-code platforms are segregated into four categories. Here are the top platforms on the basis of this report. 

Salesforce- As a component-based application development framework, Salesforce Lightning can make apps with the help of components that act as visual pieces.

Outsystems- It is an omnichannel low-code platform that enables developers to build applications across different mediums. It is capable of rapid app development.

Microsoft- Microsoft Power Apps is a useful service for developing customized business apps quickly. It has pre-built artificial intelligence components.

Mendix- It is a platform that can be used as a no-code environment or an interface for professional developers. It enables developers to build applications for iOS and Android.

ServiceNow- It is a highly powerful platform to build and deploy business applications. It is easy to understand and it has a user-friendly interface.

Appian- It is a low-code platform with native deployment tools and integration options. It is designed for building business process management apps for all sizes of companies. 

Concluding Lines

Low-code no-code approach has assisted companies to maintain competitiveness by adapting to changing business needs effectively. Considering the current business scenario, upcoming trends, and advancing technology, we can assume that low-code platforms will play a vital role in accelerating digital transformation. 
Solution Analysts provides enterprise application solutions based on Out systems Low-code No-code platform. We follow all the standards of enterprise app development to come up with customized and user-friendly applications. Visit our website or simply mail us at info@solutionanalysts.com.