What is Low Code?
Low Code is a type of development platform that allows users to create applications with little or no coding.
Contrary to what you might think, Low Code is not a new technology. It has been around for decades, but it is only now starting to gain mainstream popularity. The rise of Low Code can be attributed to the increasing demand for digital transformation. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses need to be able to quickly develop and deploy new software applications to stay competitive.
The benefits of Low Code
There are many benefits to using Low Code platforms, for both developers and businesses. For businesses, Low Code can help to reduce the time and cost of application development, as well as improve the speed of innovation. For developers, Low Code can provide a rapid way to prototype and test new ideas, as well as build applications more efficiently.
How Low Code works
Low Code platforms typically provide a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create complex applications without any prior coding experience.
Low Code platforms also often come with ‘building blocks’ (a wide range of built-in features and integrations), which can further speed up development.
The different types of Low Code platforms
There are several different types of Low Code platforms available on the market today.
Each type has its own set of features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs. The three most popular types of Low Code platforms are visual, declarative, and conventional.
Visual
Visual Low Code platforms allow you to create applications by dragging and dropping components onto a canvas. This makes it easy to create complex applications without having to write a lot of code.
A limitation of this approach though is that you will be limited to the components available. If something you need to do isn’t possible, you’re out of luck.
Declarative
Declarative Low Code platforms let you create applications by writing code in a declarative language. This approach is more flexible than visual platforms, but it can be more difficult to learn.
There are some similar limitations to the Visual approach, you will be limited to what capabilities have been provided to you.
Conventional
Conventional Low Code platforms are traditional development environments that have been adapted to support Low Code development.
Our own appDB platform is an example of this approach.
Potentially much less limitations as you can ‘jump out’ of low-code when needed and achieve anything that the underlying development environment is capable of. This type of platform is though best suited for experienced developers who are looking for a more flexible way to develop applications.
How to choose the right Low Code platform for your business
If you’re looking to build business applications quickly and without a lot of coding, a low-code development platform could be the right solution for you.
But with so many low-code platforms on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business?
Here are a few things to consider
- Think about what kind of application you want to build. Some low-code platforms are better suited for certain types of applications than others. So, first decide on the application you want to build and then research which platforms are best suited for that kind of application.
- Consider who will be using the applications you build. Some low-code platforms are better suited for non-technical users while others are better suited for professional developers.
- Think about your budget. Low-code platforms can vary widely in price, so it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a platform before making a decision.
Finally, take some time to try out different low-code platforms before settling on one. Most platforms offer free trials, so you can explore their features and see which one is the best fit for your needs.
What does the future hold for Low Code?
Many experts believe that Low Code will play a major role in the future of software development.
With Low Code, businesses will be able to quickly and easily build the applications they need, without having to invest in costly and time-consuming traditional coding projects. This could lead to a major shift in the way software is developed, with Low Code providing a more agile and cost-effective solution for many businesses.
Of course, Low Code is not without its challenges. Some developers believe that Low Code platforms can lead to a “lock-in” effect, where businesses become dependent on the platform and find it difficult to switch to another solution.
Low Code also has its limitations, and it’s not suitable for every type of project. But for many businesses, Low Code could be the key to unlocking faster, easier, and more cost-effective application development.
Only time will tell how Low Code develops, but it is certain that this technology is here to stay and evolve.
Need any help?
If you want to learn more about Low Code and how it might benefit you, drop us a message. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and help you find a solution that is right for your business.
