What is Low-Code, No-Code Development? How Can It Support My Business Application and Software Product Development Needs?
When a business undertakes a new software project, it may do so to create a product for consumers, or for business users, or it may do so to upgrade an existing solution. Whatever the established goal for that mobile app, web app or software solution, it is important to understand the rapidly advancing state of technology, and to consider the foundation for your business or consumer solution. Building on outdated or inflexible technologies is a recipe for failure. But when an organization sets out to plan its approach, the choices and options can be daunting. Will you design your tools and features for smart phones, tablets, laptops or desktops, or perhaps for all of those devices? Once you have made the decision about user access, you will have to decide on a development approach. And THOSE options can be overwhelming. Still, if your business has done any research on the subject of software and application technology, you are well aware of the opportunities inherent in the technology market, and your business will want to leverage those opportunities to generate revenue, extend market reach and customer visibility and enhance enterprise growth.
One of the emerging software development techniques is the Low-Code, No-Code approach (LCNC). According to the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Technology (iJRASET), ‘The prominent advantage of low-code no-code development, particularly for proficient developers, is that it's quick. Prebuilt modules reduce the time taken to implement application functionality, so developers can spend time on tasks that need more originality or that have greater precedence for the business. Low-code development can also help developers integrate a function with an external platform without learning about the ins and outs of that external platform.’
In this article, we will discuss the opportunities and benefits of the low-code and no-code development approach, and the factors a business must include when considering one or both of these options. The information contained in this article will provide a foundation for understanding the LCNC approach and how it might serve your needs in designing and developing a software solution, a mobile application, etc., or in upgrading existing technology to meet new requirements.
‘As you consider the benefits, of low-code/no-code development, keep in mind that the choice will ultimately be made based on the usecases you need to satisfy.’
What is Low-Code and No-Code Development?
Let’s start with the basics. First, it is important to understand that Low-Code and No-Code development are not the same thing. So, let’s take a look at No-Code vs. Low-Code development.
Low Code Development Definition
This approach supports the development team by decreasing the amount of ‘from scratch’ coding required, and creating a foundation of reusable code with components that become building blocks for future development. This development approach allows programmers to leverage low-code user interface components roughly 80% of development tasks, thereby limiting the manual coding efforts to 20% of developer time. Because the Low-Code approach requires a knowledge of other tools and development skills, it is typically used by professional programmers with coding skills and knowledge. A Low-Code development platform allows developers to extend component libraries and web frameworks to address specific use cases. Developers can work faster and more precisely with proven tools and combine coding and programming experience with tools designed for rapid software development.
No Code Development Definition
The No-Code approach utilizes a visual workflow in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), eliminating the need for manual coding. This technique creates a kind of ‘snap in’ system of components that developers can use and reuse to solve problems and create features and functionality. This closed system of tools restricts the developer by limiting use to pre-existing capabilities and user interface tools. The No-Code approach can provide a start-up with quick results and foundational features and allow them to enter the market and build visibility.
Now that we have a better understanding of no code vs. low code software, let us consider the popularity of these techniques and how technology research firms and publications see these development techniques.
- According to the world-renowned technology research firm, Gartner, ‘ low-code platforms will be used in 65% of application development by the end of this year.’
- Gartner suggests that, ‘the key differentiating factor between low-code and no-code development is the target audience. As low-code development still requires technical skill and coding knowledge, low-code development platforms are primarily suited to developers. These platforms help good developers code faster.’
- ResearchGate provides a comprehensive overview of capabilities and limitations of these techniques to help you understand the differences between low-code and no-code development, and when it is best to use each approach.
- According to Gartner, the low-code/no-code market has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 23% since 2018 and is accelerating.
- Mendix states that 44% of organizations now have at least one low-code application in production.
- Salesforce reports that 69% of businesses will adopt low-code platforms within a year
If you are considering the Low-Code, No-Code approach, and wondering if these platforms will satisfy your needs, you may wish to review this list of business use cases. Low-code/no-code app development can be useful for:
In-House Business and Operations
Business Applications
This development approach can address human resource (HR), benefits management, field service operations and logistics, inventory, purchasing, finance, sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Contact Management, Order Management.
Workflows
Low-Code, No-Code development can easily support internal workflows and integrated workflows for internal/external processes to support supplier relationships, partners and clients.
Technology and Database Management
Enterprise Resource (ERP) systems, SQL and other databases, mainframe applications, REST/SOAP APIs
Business Process and Workflow
Document processing, signature and approval, order processing, invoicing, help desk support, contract review and management
Service and Resource Monitoring
Monitor and track fleets, assets, resources and manage and monitor inventory, building and facility sensors, etc.
Consumer Applications
Cross-Platform Access
Provide access via mobile app, web and/or desktop, with responsive navigation and user experience (Ux)
Prototype and Minimum Viable Products (MVP)
Quickly design and develop products for proof of concept and user feedback.
Service Scheduling, Customer Feedback and Other Tools
Create surveys and forms for customer feedback, create calendars and scheduling for service appointments, design reports, dashboards and data visualization templates like graphs and charts.
Reporting and Monitoring Tools
Weather and environmental monitoring, sensors, meters, etc.
In this section, we described and defined low-code and no-code development and provided use cases for no code vs. low code software, to help businesses understand how these approaches might satisfy their needs.
Why Should You Choose (Or Not Choose) LCNC Development For Your Project?
Let’s spend a little time talking about the benefits of the low and no code tools. When we are exploring low-code vs. no-code, it is important to have a basic understanding of how each of these platforms can help you achieve your goals. Ultimately, you will need to develop a clear set of requirements to define the parameters, features and functionality of your new app or solution.
In this section, we will review the benefits of choosing a low code and no code development. As you review these benefits, keep in mind that the choice of low code vs. no code will ultimately be made based on the considerations noted in the section above, and on the use cases you need to satisfy.
The benefits noted in this section represent both Low-Code and No-Code advantages, and are meant to provide an overview.
A recent survey of businesses revealed several primary reasons for using the Low-Code/No-Code approach.
- Accelerate Digital Innovation and Transformation
- Reduce Current IT Backlog and Increase Responsiveness
- Reduce Dependency on Professional Technology Skills, and Increase Developer Productivity
- Protect Against Technology Churn
- Improve Time to Market
