People who either do not know how to code or don’t have time to code usually opt for no-code/low-code development platforms. And according to a report, 84% of large enterprises have already turned to low-code for its inherent ability to reduce strain on IT resources. This is also because when compared to traditional approaches, low-code platforms simplify, speed up, and lower the cost of application development. This alone is quite tempting to the IT functions of a company.
But going low-code/no-code won’t just free up your IT team, though. It can also benefit your entire business operations. Let’s understand how exactly this can be achieved.
Rise of the Intelligent Enterprise: Low Code vs No Code
In today’s business world, the digital transformation of an organization plays a vital role in its growth and innovation. Digital disruption, undoubtedly, is one of the largest forces affecting the modern business world and it will continue to influence it for years to come, if not decades. In essence, at some stages software development still need skilled developers to deploy complex and highly customized solutions. But in certain situations where quick solutions are needed, the simplicity of low-code and no-code platforms can be employed.
“Low-code” and “no-code” are two very similar concepts. While the low-code approach requires at least some basic understanding of programming, the no-code approach allows business users to create apps without prior coding knowledge. To state simply, low-code platforms are intended for developers, while no-code platforms inherently target non-tech business users.
Further, note that low-code/no-code lets you connect your hard-to-reach systems, making it effortless to centralize your data for easy access. This way, you can efficiently empower teams, easily spot inefficiencies, and quickly take corrective actions. Therefore, we should acknowledge that there is a place for no-code in IT, but also, explicitly accept that no-code platforms can stifle customization and reduce the number of use cases available for the application.
Advantages of Low-Code/No-Code Applications
The benefits of opting for low-code/no-code solutions are extensive. Let’s look into a few important ones,
1. Efficient Governance:
A low-code/no-code platform allows IT and DevOps teams to manage a portfolio of applications more efficiently while maintaining complete compliance and governance capabilities. Such platforms also decrease the reliance on third-party apps for quick fixes and allow for a collaborative work environment.
2. Faster Development and Launch Cycle:
No-code and low-code development speed digital transformation by eliminating complexities from the system. This makes it easy for us to build modern business apps faster. Here, the web-based drag-and-drop functionalities, as well as reusable application components and in-built libraries aid in the application design process. Thereby, shortening our product launch cycles.
3. Promotes Cost Savings:
Overall, low-code/no-code development platforms save money. As we no longer need expert coders for full development but could use experts in a field with some fundamental programming training. Also, this approach to software development reduces the need for hiring more developers.
4. Stronger Collaboration:
Instead of technical and non-technical departments working in silos, no-code/low-code app development brings disjointed teams together and lays the groundwork for common goals and language. You’ll be surprised to know that all it takes to kick-start the process is a simple meeting with every stakeholder involved.
5. Innovate at Scale:
A low-code platform can do the one thing that traditional development approaches don’t: simplifying application development. And when everyone across the board knows exactly what it takes to build a custom app, they become more willing to exchange ideas. Thereby giving way to innovation in the development stages.
This process also results in simplification, which means that your IT team worries less about technical nuances and focuses more on high-value development details.
Low-code/no-code: Challenges
One thing is unmistakably clear low-code/no-code development presents a slew of undeniable benefits. But it is not all good, there are some challenges too that we must account for,
1. App development limits
No-code/low-code platform builders have limited options when it comes to customization and more advanced features. At the initial phase, you don’t really know what direction your product development stages will take.
But as time passes and you want to add new functionality to meet your business goals, you may quickly realize that your low-code platform does not offer such an option. That’s why this becomes a crucial factor when choosing a platform.
2. Security and risk
It’s no hidden fact that when it comes to security, low-code and no-code projects rely heavily on their platform providers. With an application based on low-code/no-code, you have neither full control over data security or access to source code. Thus, you cannot have the same level of security as standalone development technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we must account that low-code/no-code technology offers a modern agile way of developing and improving business applications. It’s a viable option for a variety of use cases and situations in the ever-adapting business world. And as most of the organizations that leverage citizen integrators have zapped development time by at least 50%, software development is no longer siloed with the IT department.
Lastly, the next generation of the software development process will be focused on building advanced features using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Low-code/no-code development technologies will also adapt accordingly, giving more power in your hands. Thus, from a future standpoint, such a platform will definitely boom in the marketplace soon.