What are low-code platforms?
Low-code platforms are systems that enable you to build applications and processes with little-to-no coding. Low-code development platforms make use of visual interfaces with simple logic and drag-and-drop features rather than using extensive coding languages. Such intuitive tools make it possible for users without any formal knowledge of coding or software development to build applications for a wide range of purposes like mobile apps and business apps.
Low-to-no-code platforms are gaining popularity at a very rapid pace because it is seen as a fast and easy alternative to traditional software development. These platforms make it easy for both - professional developers and non professional ‘citizen’ developers to develop apps of varying complexity to meet business demands for development, automate processes, and accelerate digital transformation.
What are the features of low-code platforms?
Visual modeling tools
Building apps through the use of visual methods and models tends to be faster than developing using code. Low-code platforms have visual modeling capabilities and use built-in components to represent any information in a form that is readable to everyone - from regular business users with zero technical skills to dedicated development team.
Out-of-the-box functionalities
The best low-code platforms offer out-of-the-box (OOTB) functionalities that get rid of the need to build core modules for apps from scratch. As an example, some low-code platforms include modules for data management or modules for customer facing apps, like service management or sales processes management.
Drag and drop interfaces
Every low-code platform worth it’s salt has drag-and-drop abilities. This is one of the most critical features for enabling an easy development process. Citizen developers as well as professional developers benefit quite a lot from the convenience drag-and-drop features provide during the development of applications.
Reusability
A major part of low-code development’s OOTB functionality is the usage of pre-configured modules and functionality for apps. These modules possess common core functions that are required for various applications and they can be reused to develop different solutions at a far quicker pace. It is critical for a low-code platform to make it possible for users to reuse prebuilt or newly-developed modules, plug-ins, and entire applications to develop necessary apps at a faster pace.
Cross-platform accessibility
Multi-device compatibility is a very important feature in low-code platforms. Along with the ability to use the low-code platform on any device running major operational systems, its cross-platform compatibility empowers users to develop apps that can also run on all core platforms and devices.
Security
Irrespective of how functional and user-friendly a low-code platform is, if it’s not secure, it is not an acceptable solution. They low-code software development platform that you pick should provide the proper level security to protect the apps you are building and the platform as a whole before you start using it.
Scalability
Low-code platforms need to be scalable. You should be able to use them to build new apps that can handle an increase in users as your business grows, whether that be fifty new users or a thousand.
Reporting and monitoring
Applications built through the use of low-code platforms can monitor workflows and processes to keep track of their effectiveness. They can also track the performance of other apps, and are quite useful for the purpose of carrying out analysis.
Application lifecycle management
Low-code platforms simplify and streamline several stages in the software development lifecycle like debugging, testing, and deployment. Such platforms offer users access to information about the apps built on these platforms and their development and provide them with the ability to go back to previous iterations if it is required for better application lifecycle management.
What are the reasons to use low-code platforms?
Quicker go-to-market time and faster application delivery
Through intuitive visual builders, ready-to-use code snippets, form and report templates, and built-in connectors, low-code software development platforms make it possible for you to develop new applications with a much faster time to market. This is critical because of the growing speed of business transformation, developers need to be able to increase their productivity and develop applications faster than ever before.
Lower costs
Low-code platforms make it possible for citizen developers to build powerful applications. This means that a lower level of formal programming expertise would be required and organizations would be able to build apps without needing to hire a larger number of expert developers. It also makes it possible for non professional developers to build applications without needing to rope in your tech team all the time, thus reducing the dependency on costly resources and allowing them to focus on tasks which are complicated and actually require their attention.
Better customer experience
With the speed and flexibility that low-code platforms offer, you are now able to quickly adapt to changes in market demands and customer needs. The speedy delivery of up-to-date apps or effortless updates of existing apps in line with your customers’ needs will make it possible for your to enhance your customer experience substantially.
Reduces dependency on your tech team
As businesses grow, they need more solutions to be developed at a faster pace, which causes their tech teams to get overloaded. Low-code software development platforms enable business users and citizen developers to build their own apps without relying on your tech team, thus eliminating the need to employ risky apps and share sensitive data with third parties.
Accelerates digital transformation
Businesses undergoing digital transformation are aiming to automate their processes in order to keep pace with the changing expectations and needs of the market and the evolving business environment. Low-code platforms help businesses develop the core technologies that they need when they are going through the process of digital transformation and helps them accelerate their transformation cycle.
