People have comprehended that application development has been a time-consuming and challenging experience for many years.
However, the advent of low-code and no-code development has simplified application development and reduced delivery time.
Despite the fact that most corporations have already been digitizing their workflows for years, when the Coronavirus pandemic forced millions of white-collar workers to work from home revealed exactly how hands-on many enterprises are.
Considering there will be more remote workers for the coming decades, reaching out to ask a coworker for information on a development isn’t quick or effective, even with the rapid modern digital technologies and resources.
As a result, many corporations have resorted to low-code and no-code development systems to address this issue.
Low-code and No-Code Drag-and-drop Concept – Image Source: DrapCode
These systems, which use drag-and-drop user interfaces (UI), enable non-programmers to establish corporate workflow solutions (applications) and then connect them into broader corporate operations.
Considering the extensive coding skills being exposed to so many new company users, how corporate apps will be produced is being questioned, particularly whether low-code and no-code development is the future of application development.
However, according to Gartner, “By 2024, 75% of large enterprises will be using at least four low-code development tools for both IT application development and citizen development initiatives.”
That being said, let’s take a deeper look at what exactly is low-code/no-code development and why low-code and no-code are considered as the future of application development.
Low-code and no-code systems can be traced back to older Rapid Application Development (RAD) technologies like Microsoft Access and Lotus Notes, which placed considerable development-like skills at the disposal of non-technical corporate users.
Phases in the James Martin Approach to RAD – Image Source: Kissflow Inc
However, unlike previous RAD tools requiring individuals or users to have a solid knowledge of both programming environments and corporate programs to construct functionalities, low-code and no-code choices are considerably more user-friendly with their drag-and-drop capabilities.
Because of the increased turnaround time necessary for programming and the limited number of competent application developers accessible, low-code and no-code systems have accelerated since their introduction.
These systems aim to make application development relatively accessible to a broader range of users.
They often attempt to assist enterprises in developing and deploying applications without the need for a programming or development crew.
To gain a better idea, let’s look at the definitions of these low-code and no-code systems.
Low-Code and No-Code Concept – Image Source: Medium
No-Code Development
No-code app development, as the name implies, does not entail any programming or coding. That implies you can know nothing whatsoever about coding and still design an application.
No code development aims at giving all of the resources and aspects needed to construct, design, and even deploy web apps without the need for any coding.
All no-code systems include a drag-and-drop UI that is intuitive and straightforward to use. They often function similarly to many other no-code tools, including Magento, Shopify, and WordPress.
No code platforms also offer automated plugins that allow users to incorporate external services into web projects without requiring any code.
As a result, it provides users with an equal opportunity to create sophisticated and adaptable web-based apps without programming.
This is also true for experienced developers; no-code systems are an excellent method to complete projects more quickly and with much fewer expenses and resources.
Low-Code Development
As the name implies, low-code development entails using as little hand-coding as possible to create web applications.
It also has most of the characteristics of a no-code system, including drag-and-drop UI, themes, plugins, templates, and other ready-made features.
Low-code development, however, is great for people who at least know programming languages or programming skills and are comfortable building applications in an integrated development environment (IDE).
Low-code allows developers to harness their existing skills to create apps without tiresomely hand-coding every part of the project and instead employing blocks of pre-written code to avoid duplication. Creating secure containerized environments as part of this approach is crucial, as it helps maintain the integrity of applications across these platforms, simultaneously addressing adaptability and security needs.
Benefits of Low-code and No-code Platforms
Long gone are the days when programming skills were vital for building applications.
Interested parties in any corporation can transform corporate and IT concepts into fully usable applications in a matter of hours by utilizing low-code and no-code development platforms.
This section will delve a little more into the top benefits of these rapidly rising and highly-liked application development systems.
Some of the advantages of low-code and no-code development are as follows.
Speed
The capacity to speed the deployment of new web apps is one of the essential benefits of low-code and no-code development.
In fact, according to John Rymer, “Low-code development platforms are emerging as a key strategy to accelerate app delivery to support digital business transformation. And they have the potential to make software development as much as 10 times faster than traditional methods.”
2021 Low-Code Development Survey – Image Source: Statista
Thus non-technical personnel without any coding skills can now easily design and generate new applications.
The low-code and no-code system’s best feature is that it permits the development of functional products and aesthetically striking designs in a short amount of time rather than weeks.
Drag-and-drop capability, pre-built UI designs, project management, and database design models are also some of the features that allow for the faster development of comprehensive, cross-platform programs.
Agility
With COVID-19 imposing new hurdles on corporate productivity, user experiences, and remote personnel, agility is no longer a choice. It is a top priority.
Agility allows businesses to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and new possibilities by incorporating modern, digital solutions to corporate challenges.
Low-code and no-code development assist businesses in pivoting to new digital efforts prompted by unexpected market upheavals and new contexts of consumer demands.
One can, for instance, provide cloud-based applications that interact with some old systems, allowing users to address the evolving demands of consumers easily.
You may deploy programs across additional platforms, allowing your clients to engage with your company however they see fit.
Low-code and no-code platforms also allow you to leverage agility-related technologies such as containers and microservices architecture.
Multiexperience Made Easy
Low-code and no-code platforms provide all you need to allow clients to engage with your company in their preferred manner.
This is referred to as Multiexperience by technological research and consulting firm Gartner, and it’s really a significant benefit of low-code and no-code development.
With low-code and no-code platforms, you can begin offering great multi-channel user interactions that challenge the competitors without the enormous expenditures and pricey software developers.
Multiexperience development provides virtual personal assistant (VPA), pre-built design templates, simple virtual agents, and other features that guarantee that your clients’ interactions with your company are consistent and relevant.
Support Devices for Multiexperience – Image Source: ResearchGate
Users can switch between multiple types of engagement or participation without needing to repeat tasks.
Low-code and no-code systems simplify the process of offering an ideal learning environment to every client directly, each moment.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced security is another critical issue that cannot be overlooked when it comes to low-code and no-code application development.
This is determined by the system’s security design as well as the hosting environment. It is critical to consider both sides while making application development decisions.
Businesses that prioritize privacy ensure that the appropriate security controls are implemented in all features and other operations sectors.
Successful IT firms are those that offer their workforce the skills and techniques that they need to develop and implement company respective IT applications.
With proper verification and validation techniques in effect, both the firm and its workforce can profit from the development of citizen-developer apps.
However, the increased desire for low-code and no-code corporate solutions does not imply that traditional programming is extinct.
Low-code and no-code platforms attempt to assist your programmers with basic solutions while relieving them of the burden of constantly correcting problems and updating old programs.
It allows them to devote more time to complicated applications that necessitate creativity or innovation.
Low-code and no-code development, as well as citizen-developer innovation, are intended to improve the synchronization of your company and IT. It facilitates the maximum collaboration between enterprise and IT or business units.
The development platforms enable both sides to utilize most of their distinctive skills and abilities.
Less Need for Traditional Legacy Systems
Traditional old systems are restrictive and difficult to use, making them ineffective.
The crew can only enter information into spreadsheets and submit it to the corporate headquarters for processing.
These procedures raise the possibility of error and hinder the overall process. The low-code and no-code development has disrupted the traditional systems and increased workplace flexibility.
Now with the growth of low-code and no-code, citizen app developers now work with openness and efficiency, resulting in almost no errors. The entire process is also faster and more reliable.
Furthermore, this entire system is adaptable to shifting customer or user requirements. The reliance is almost non-existent.
Reduced Cost and Time
Professional programmers are not only hard to find, but they are also expensive to hire.
In fact, according to an Indeed survey of hiring managers and technical recruiters, nearly 86% of respondents stated it’s difficult to locate and hire tech workers, with more than 36% stating it is “very” difficult.
Furthermore, application development is costly when you include the costs of designing and maintenance in your firm.
Low-code development eliminates the requirement for a full technical team. Hence all you need to do is select a development platform that specializes in low-code.
The development program not only does it lower employment costs but also saves your time commitment in producing programs, lowering entire application development costs.
According to Entrepreneur, entrepreneurs spend 40% of their working hours on activities that don’t really generate revenue, such as recruiting.
Additionally, unlike traditional ways, you don’t have to invest heavily in maintaining your applications once you’ve developed them.
As a result, low-code and no-code platforms provide improved problem-solving skills to non-IT individuals, enabling them to effortlessly and efficiently construct business applications that aid in their day-to-day tasks.
The technique decreases the entrance hurdle, the duration of implementation, and the expenditure.
This is due to the fact that comprehensive development does not necessitate the involvement of skilled programmers.
Shadow IT’s Demise
Low-code and no-code also get rid of shadow IT, which is when unapproved corporate personnel develop applications to utilize in their regular job, however, without the awareness or consent of the IT team.
Low-code and no-code platforms, with their emphasis on innovation for all, provide avenues for bringing secretive innovation out from the shadows.
Corporate users who create simple applications using low-code and no-code can adhere to established standards and avoid typical errors while developing applications.
Furthermore, user interfaces that are simple to utilize can enable corporate users to perform and monitor operations, while citizen developers can create their own apps.
The Future of Application Development
This section brings us to our original topic: why low-code and no-code are considered as the future of application development.
Continue reading to learn more about the future of application development.
Why Low-code and No-code are Considered as the Future of Application Development
Companies are actively embracing low code and no-code systems as a result of centralized IT, dispersed systems, constantly evolving technology, and laws.
The low-code development platform market is expected to increase from $13.2 billion to $45.5 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 28.1% during the forecast period, according to a 2020 research by MarketsandMarkets.
Low-Code Development Platform Market Forecast – Image Source: MarketsandMarkets
A low-code and no-code app development system simplifies software building by using definitions rather than complex programming.
It makes integration easier with packages and adapters, provides ready-made designs and segments for reusing the previous project, and allows interactive app development.
Furthermore, as previously stated in this article, the low-code and no-code platforms break the barrier between IT and corporate users, increasing income and improving end-user experiences.
The platforms enable firms to stay ahead of the competition by quickly building digital solutions using advanced innovations.
The low-code and no-code systems also enable IT to reduce operational/maintenance expenses, guarantee data security and privacy, and comply with a variety of laws and regulatory requirements.
The above case shows how important it is to get your services to the consumer as soon as possible.
Compared to traditional development, which is expensive and time-consuming, the low-code and no-code development are unquestionably better when it comes to putting your service to the digital world.
No-code and Traditional Development Comparison – Image Source: Quixy
Below are some of the ways low-code and no-code development may help entrepreneurs at various stages of their business operations.
If your venture is still in the initial stages of idea validation, the low-code and no-code strategy may be optimal for continuous corporate monitoring and reviewing.
Fast application development is among the most significant advantages of low-code and no-code platforms, which you may make use of at the prototype phase.
Likewise, firms can reach out to early adopters via simple programs or application designs by leveraging low-code and no-code.
If your company strategy does not necessitate specialized technologies and extensive coding capabilities, low-code and no-code development is an excellent choice for launching your products or services sooner and more efficiently.
Through the documentation, interaction, planning, implementation, and maintenance environment, low-code or no-code application systems serve as accelerators for rapidly creating digital products.
The platforms allow corporate users to not only develop applications but also analyze their commercial impact, making them the future of application development.
Conclusion
No-code and low-code platforms are the future of application development.
In the future, citizen programmers will undertake more web app developments by leveraging low-code and no-code systems, which provide the necessary control for application development throughout the organizational units.
Furthermore, according to a Business Wire analysis, the global low-code development platform market size is predicted to increase rapidly, with a growth rate of 44.4% by the end of 2022. According to IDC, over 500 million digital applications will be produced by 2023.
Low-code and no-code platforms do everything traditional systems do, but a few extra elements make them indispensable.
Corporations now have an option to the severe inefficiencies and expenditures of traditional design, with greater security, agility, increased innovation, and other benefits of low-code/no-code development we’ve covered in this piece, which they should surely go for.
As a result, there will undoubtedly be many more non-programmers creating web and mobile applications utilizing low-code and no-code systems in the near future.
And ultimately, low-code and no-code software development will outperform traditional coding methods.
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Jamsheer K, is the Tech Lead at Acodez. With his rich and hands-on experience in various technologies, his writing normally comes from his research and experience in mobile & web application development niche.
