Low code/no code development refers to a software development approach that requires minimal or no coding to create a piece of software. With visual workflows and drag-and-drop features, low code/no code platforms have revolutionized the way companies and developers build software.
What exactly are these platforms? How are they helping businesses leverage software more efficiently? Are they going to stay or vanish in the future? Let’s explore answers to these questions in this blog.
Low code vs no code development platforms
A low code development platform is a set of tools that enables software development with little manual coding. A no code development platform is one that creates software with no coding requirements. Often, both low code and no code development solutions are packaged in the same platform.
However, there are some platforms that are truly no code and some that absolutely do require a bit of manual coding. The main distinction then lies in the target user of these platforms.
Low code development platforms are intended for personnel with some programming expertise. No code development platforms are intended for users with no programming background who need limited functionality in their software. Because no code platforms come with a complete package of only pre-built components, they stifle customization capabilities. Therefore, most businesses opt for low code development platforms.
Examples of popular low code development platforms include Microsoft PowerApps, Salesforce Lightning, and Zoho Creator. While tools like Webflow, Appy Pie, and Bubble are commonly used by non-IT personnel for no code development.
Low code/no code development is on the rise
The low code/no code development approach has been around for a while. However, with the emergence of COVID-19 and the large dispersal of organizations thereof, a lot of businesses attempted quicker digital transformation using the low code/no code technologies.
A KPMG survey across Global 2000 organizations revealed that after the emergence of the pandemic, over 26% of executives considered low code/no code as their most important automation investment. Prior to the pandemic, only 10% of businesses considered investing in low code/no code development.
Considering how low code/no code platforms accelerate the process of application development and delivery, it is no surprise that the market for these platforms is rapidly increasing. According to Statista, as of 2020, the global market for low code platforms generated revenue of 12.85 billion US dollars. With a CAGR of over 26%, it is estimated to cross 65 billion US dollars in 2027.
Why are businesses investing in low code/no code development?
It removes the barrier to entry into the market by reducing development costs
Traditional software development is both a time-consuming and a resource-intensive affair. It requires businesses to hire a specialized team of experts in design, development, and testing. The hired team then works together for months to deliver a piece of software. Therefore, only established businesses with access to a lot of capital could build software.
However, with the rise of low code/no code platforms, any small business or even a single entrepreneur can easily translate their idea into a functional app. As a result, rapid application development using low code/no code tools has eliminated the barriers to entry into the market for businesses with limited capital and human resources.
It facilitates faster time to market with quick development and deployment
For a majority of startups and small businesses, a faster time to market is indispensable if they don’t want to lose out to the competition. The unexpected shift in consumer preference to online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of how businesses that rolled out apps faster were at an advantage over the ones that lagged behind.
Even in general, the success of a startup is considerably dependent on how quickly they are able to solve an existing or impending problem.
Low code/no code platforms offer ready-to-use components that are pre-tested. Therefore, without having to invest time in creating code and testing it, businesses can plan and launch a software solution in the market much faster compared to traditional software development.
It ensures higher customer satisfaction by enabling quick iterations
No software application is immune to the need for iteration. Whenever an app is launched, the app owner keeps a keen eye on what the users are liking about it and what needs to be improved. The success of popular web and mobile apps largely comes from regular iterations based on user reviews and feedback.
In the case of a traditionally built app, implementing changes is time-consuming as you have to write new code and because of how each component is related to the other. However, if you build your app using a low code/no code platform, making iterations is a lot quicker. That’s because these platforms consist of pre-built modules that work well together. So you can make changes to your app quite easily, with little risk of incompatibility.
Challenges of low code/no code app development
One of the biggest challenges of low code/no code development is little scope for customization. There’s a limit to the kind of and the number of templates available to be used in these platforms. If you have a very specific use case for your app, it might be hard to find a platform that satisfies the design and development needs of your app.
Secondly, rapid app development using low code/no code platforms compels you to rely on the security and governance measures implemented by the platform owners, leaving you with no ownership over the source code. This may prove to be risky in unpredictable scenarios like the platform being acquired by a third party or mismanagement of critical customer data.
Lastly, low code/no code development platforms may not be equipped to meet the scaling needs of an application. These pre-built templates may not work so efficiently when the user base expands substantially.
We can help you overcome these challenges and maximize your low code/no code development ROI
Despite some challenges, the low code/no code approach is going to become a significant part of the future of software development. It makes building software more accessible and empowers small businesses to leverage the benefits of software without heavy investments.
The key to driving success with your low code/no code investment is to identify the right platform that will serve your business goals without having to compromise on the security or the functionality aspects.
iView Labs is an experienced software development company that specializes in creating a winning low code/no code technology strategy for small to medium scale businesses. If you are a business decision-maker who wants to create efficient apps with minimal time and money investment, our team would love to guide you.
Just drop your project details here and our consultants will help you choose the right platform and the right strategy for rapid app development.
To know more about iView Labs, kindly log on to our website www.iviewlabs.com and to get in touch with us with your queries and needs just write us an email on info@iviewlabs.com and sales@iviewlabs.com. Download the latest portfolio to see our work.