As the market demand for app development continues to grow, it is difficult for organizations using traditional development approaches to keep up with it. The fast pace of business requirements has created an environment of cut-throat competition as companies fall short of skill sets catering to the growing demands.
In this bleak atmosphere of the software world, low-code app development approach swooped down like a breath of fresh air. Since the time business strategy became more customer-oriented with graphical user interfaces, low-code development effort started getting momentum for developing web and mobile-based apps.
So basically what is low-code development?
Low-code development takes a visual approach to application development. It allows people to develop software graphically, design websites, applications, and even entire systems with little or no code in the process. This means that people with limited knowledge of technology can create applications using drag-and-drop components through a graphic user interface. As it requires less coding, developers can create, iterate and release applications in less than half of the time required with traditional methods. Due to this feature, low-code platforms are being used to build apps for disparate use cases – ranging from modernizing legacy applications to building smart apps for modern users.
Is it beneficial?
Low-code platforms allow developers to build complex software applications in rapid time without having to maintain large IT groups. This and many other benefits have contributed to its popularity. These are:
- Business IT Alignment – Low-code app development platforms enable close collaboration between developers, business analysts and subject matter experts. This helps organizations greatly reduce rework and cost overrun.
- Reuse code – Low-code approach enables developers to write code once for app functionality and then reuse it in as many applications wherever required.
- Faster time-to-market – As code can be reused, application building requires less developers and days, reducing its release time significantly. As the components are already tested for scalability, performance, and security, testing time also gets reduced.
- Versatile tech-stack – Low-code development platforms come with a broad set of tools and technologies, make app development process simple, easy and scalable.
- Clear IT backlog – The linear approach of conventional development models presents significant opportunities to reduce waste and fasten delivery. Low-code platforms streamline and speed up the development and delivery process, reducing IT backlog substantially.
- Makes Maintenance Easier – Traditionally, developers had to manually fix bugs and add new features. As low-code platforms come with pre-tested modules and fewer bugs to deal with, any feature can be added without worrying about compatibility.
What is the ideal application of low-code?
As with any new technology, implementing low-code platforms can be a successful strategy when used for the right business use cases. Here, we mention some key areas where low-code application can yield great benefits –
Digital transformation – Using low-code platforms, organizations can retool underlying business and operational processes and transform them into digital assets by developing custom applications. Enterprises can also accelerate the process of creating digital assets that can later unlock new business models.
Legacy Application Modernization – Migrating legacy applications to modern web and mobile-based applications using visual drag and drop interface of low-code platforms can greatly reduce the steep learning curve for legacy application developers to develop modern web and mobile applications.
Rapid Prototyping – By virtue of their visual drag-and-drop rapid application development methodology, low-code platforms enable the development of fully functional interactive prototypes. Ideas can be converted to prototypes and apps in a matter of hours or days.
What are you thinking?
There’s a reason why modern developers are choosing low-code platforms. Ultimately, its the means for them to get more done. With less time spent on repetitive work, they can spend more time creating and building innovative applications. From simple utility apps to critical business apps, a lot can be done with low-code development platforms.
