Understanding Low-Code and No-Code Development
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.’
‘If you are considering the Low-Code, No-Code approach, and wondering if these platforms will satisfy your needs, you may wish to develop business usecases to better understand how this type of app development can be useful.’
In this article, we will explain low-code and no-code development and how it can be used in business to achieve your goals.
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.
‘Low-Code/No-Code 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.’
Explore our complementary articles: ‘MVP Software Development: Everything You Need to Know (The What, Why and How),’ ‘Mobile App Development is Important to Business, So Are Mobile App Programmers,’ ‘What are the Pros and Cons of Flutter Programming?,’ and ‘What is Laravel Programming; What Are Its Benefits and Challenges?,’ ‘Hybrid Mobile Application Development: The What, Why and How,’ and ‘What is MEAN Stack, What MEAN Stack is NOT, Why Choose MEAN Stack Development and How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers,’ ‘What is Low-Code, No-Code Development? How Can It Support My Business Application and Software Product Development Needs?’
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