No-code and low-code software development is revolutionizing the way that businesses of all sizes create software, websites, and applications. In the past, one must learn code to create any of the above, but with these new tools, almost anyone can do development work.  In this post we will do a deep dive, to review what these tools are, how they came about, how they are used and the future of software development because of them. 

Now more than ever before employees with a deep understanding of their company’s requirements and no programming experience can unleash their creativity by building tailor-made forms or websites – adding valuable functionality to existing sites in record time.  Businesses can reduce not only how much it costs to develop the new software but they can also get it implemented faster.

No-code tools are revolutionizing the development of applications, allowing business users to make complex creations with ease. Underneath all its convenience lies some serious coding magic; no-code providers enable this user experience through data abstraction and encapsulation techniques that hide complexity from view. Now anyone can feel like a developer by simply dragging and dropping components – technology makes anything possible!

Is there a program out there without code?  NO!  We’re not implying that you can build any software program or application without code.  We’re saying you can use no-code or low-code tools to build it with.  But let us be clear.  Every program we know of is built with code.  Let’s start with some definitions to help set a foundation for the rest of the article on.

Definitions of No-Code and Low-Code

No-code software development provides the power of rapid application development without a single line of code! No-code is an innovative approach to software building that allows anyone, regardless of coding experience, to quickly create feature-rich programs. 

With no-code, the dream of creating custom software is now a reality! Anybody can use platforms like Bubble, TrackVia, Triggre, Workato and more to make their vision come true without knowing traditional programming languages. This innovative method has made coding accessible and user friendly – bridging gaps between techies, coders and nonprogrammers alike! The future looks bright for those brave enough to venture into this exciting space with creativity in hand.

Low-code technology is revolutionizing application development, letting people of all backgrounds create complex business applications. Instead of using traditional coding languages, users can drag and drop components with a visual interface to make solutions tailored for their enterprise needs. Benefits are felt by everyone from professional developers to those just starting out or nontechnical decision-makers!  The main difference between low-code and no-code is there is a little coding involved, and some programming knowledge is helpful because of it!  Because of the programming needed, this isn’t no code, and not full on coding, so it could have easily been called a bit of coding, or little coding, but low-code is the generally recognized term.

Differences Between No-Code and Low-Code

No need to be confused.  We know it can be hard to tell the difference here between development with the two different similar solutions.  Low-code and no-code platforms provide two distinct levels of technology access. Non-programmers can choose the path that best suits their experience level, ranging from basic task customization to plugging in prewritten code snippets with minimal effort. The intended outcome is clear: simple solutions for teams looking to build powerful applications without having the deep programming skills necessary.

Low-code and no-code platforms are both options for those looking to quickly create an application with limited coding knowledge. On one end of the spectrum, there exists pure no code–allowing non-programmers to deploy applications without any technical know-how whatsoever. Yet on the other side lies low code which grants intermediate or advanced users some freedom in customizing their app using prewritten lines of the easy-to-understand script.

Non-programmers benefit from the usability of no-code software blocks but may find difficulty when it comes to more complicated tasks. For those with IT backgrounds and coding experience, low code platforms provide a powerful solution for adding discrete functions as well as robust integration capabilities such as application development testing, extensibility, and legacy app support.

Low-code and no-code platforms are an evolution of rapid application development, giving more power to non-programmers. This approach can leverage a wide range of languages – from the advanced object-oriented Java and C++, all the way through graphical-based systems for novice users.

How No-Code and Low-Code Tools Came To Exist

Low-Code: Technology has come a long way since the 1970s, and low-code development platforms show just how far. Trace their roots all the way back to when Fourth Generation Programming Language (4GL) was first introduced – an era spanning 3 decades between its creation in the ‘70s and fruition in ‘90s.

Programming languages have come a long way – from the early days of C to today’s development powerhouses such as Java and Python. From BASIC and Pascal, through ALGOL and COBOL, all the way up to modern 3GLs like PHP & Perl or versatile favorites like C# – these building blocks are essential for crafting great code.

Platforms like ABAP, Unix Shell, SQL, and PL/SQL offer the power to create applications using 4GL techniques. Oracle Reports and R expand this capability by allowing you to generate sophisticated reports with more dynamic results than ever before.

In 2016, a market research institute introduced “low-code development” as an overarching term for the existing technology solutions that enable rapid application building. However, it’s important to note this wasn’t brand new territory – low-code was already in play before then.

Low-code development has been around for some time, though it was not officially adopted as a term until 2016. By streamlining the traditional coding process and providing an easy entry point to software engineering principles, low-code initiatives are paving the way for greater levels of innovation in web development projects.

No-Code: Visual programming revolutionized app development by enabling the use of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This breakthrough opened up a new world for developers, allowing them to create powerful applications in mere weeks instead of months. As such, visual programming served as an essential milestone on the path toward no-code platforms and gave users unprecedented control over their digital environments.

In the 1970s, a new way of learning was ushered in with the introduction of “What You See is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) editors. This revolutionary technology allowed users to view their project take shape before their very eyes as they added and edited content, creating an intuitive approach for mastering digital design skills. A prime example would be Microsoft Word which has become ubiquitous today.

Building on the foundation of traditional programming languages, low-code and no-code platforms have revolutionized application development. Low code solutions like Outsystems are characterized by their visual components which empower developers to create powerful applications with a fraction of the time and effort compared to coding them from scratch. Of course, understanding how these modular parts interact is still essential for effective operation – requiring an intimate knowledge of at least one programming language.

While technology has come a long way, bridging the gap between human logic and computer logic still remains a challenge. Enter no-code: an innovative approach that promotes problem-solving through simplified components. From sophisticated financial dashboards to powerful web3 apps – there are innumerable applications of this revolutionary method reducing tedious coding steps in software development.

Why Does The World Need No-Code and Low-Code Solutions?

Technology is progressing rapidly, and no-code/low-code solutions are leading the charge. These tools give anyone access to powerful software regardless of coding proficiency or time constraints, effectively shattering any barriers long associated with programming.

No matter your skill level or experience, no-code platforms have opened the door to faster software development. This is a game changer for businesses of all sizes, as startups can build MVPs more cost-effectively and enterprises are relying less on IT departments with 60% of custom apps coming from outside. With these solutions come major time and money savings while delivering an excellent end product – even those who know how to code still opt for no-code and low-code tools.

No-code and low-code technologies are revolutionizing how software can be created, offering a new opportunity for aspiring makers to participate in shaping the future. This form of economic empowerment is encouraging inclusion and allows people from all walks of life to realize their ideas using the easy to use tools that make programming accessible – regardless if they have prior coding experience or not!

2020’s COVID-19 pandemic was a wakeup call to companies, who found that their digital capabilities had fallen behind. To meet the demands of both customers and employees, businesses were forced into rapid modernization – upgrading existing applications while developing new ones as quick pathways around process gaps.  Matt Hubbard, head of operational excellence at TrackVia, a low-code app-building platform says, “…business people aren’t trying to write code. They’re trying to solve problems with apps.”

Speed Kills!  Fast Development Tools

The biggest benefit to both types of development tools here is the ability to be agile.  You can go from concept to prototype to fully finished software, in days, weeks or months instead of a year or more.  Forget the cost savings for a moment, just having the solution in place so much faster is a competitive advantage and can save businesses in a variety of ways.  In either a bear or bull market, that’s a big deal!

No-code and Low-code solutions allow teams to rapidly advance from a prototype’s inception, streamlining the process and involving more stakeholders in their development. This eliminates any need for time-consuming handoffs between designers and developers so that product ideas can quickly be brought to life.

So how much faster is no-code and low-code development over traditional coding?  10 times faster is the generally accepted rate, meaning it is 90% faster than traditional coding and again you don’t have to have a special coder to create the new software, you can have someone who is an expert at whatever the software will do which means a reduced chance of needing revisions once the software is launched.  The higher accuracy rate of the software combined with the faster creation of the software makes low-code and no-code very attractive to small and large businesses alike.

You Saved How Much?

How much can you save by switching over to low-code and no-code development?  100x or more!  How?  Building a functional app not only requires top-tier coding knowledge, but also an entire team of developers to pull off. With salaries well over $100K/year in the United States alone, it’s no wonder why tech companies burn cash at such alarming rates – there are large overhead costs associated with assembling and maintaining teams of talented professionals.  The new systems allow you to completely bypass most of this cost by having frontline field staff, normally at a much reduced rate create the software they need or you can hire companies like Low Code Road to do it for you at a fraction of what you would spend employing the team of coders. Even if you do have the need for coding on low-code builds, a business can reduce the number of coders they employ and the coders can finish their work much faster with the low-code systems.

No-code tools can be a game changer for development teams, providing tremendous cost savings and increased efficiency. By offloading more mundane tasks to designers or non-technical employees, engineers are freed up to focus on the work that really matters – only they can do! By collaborating and aligning business, product, and technical teams in iterative feedback loops, organizations gain agility with higher efficiency. This creates a tighter bond between the three departments while encouraging more frequent refinement of goals.

As we already discussed in the section above, this style of development is much faster for both no-code and low-code solutions, and now you know it’s also 100 times or so less expensive.  So businesses get the software they need ten times faster for 1/100 or so the cost.  Beyond that implementation of the software in 90% less time can also bring forth other financial savings and/or help increase revenue generation.  The financial impact is extremely significant any way you look at it.

Can Enterprise Businesses Benefit from No-Code and Low-Code Solutions?

Low-code and no-code development are revolutionizing the way businesses build apps. Enterprises can create complex projects in days or hours – far shorter than traditional processes require! Low code offers cost savings too, reducing resource training needs while keeping budgets low. Get ready to experience a whole world of faster and more efficient app creation possibilities with these innovative technologies.  Enterprise businesses can very much benefit from these tools and have already started incorporating them into the fold.

Enterprises can now simplify the app-building process thanks to low-code and no-code software. Low code helps reduce some of the technical strain, but those looking for a complete tech-free experience may want to look into no–code solutions that require little more than their own creativity.

Unleash your inner app-builder and take charge of the digital transformation! With no code solutions, core business users can now build their very own apps without any technical skills. Whether you prefer a drag-and-drop interface or using text builders to type in field names, there is something for everyone – not to mention readymade templates that let you get an app up and running quickly with minimal effort.  Discover how empowering it feels when you’re able to create tech magic from scratch today.

No-code software has the ability to revolutionize enterprises, allowing non-technical users access to create applications based on their own requirements. This creates more opportunities for IT staff by granting them time and resources to focus on difficult tasks that require enhanced skill sets.

Both of these development styles offer a breakthrough in the ability to quickly, easily, and securely create business apps. Beyond reducing time-to-market and cost savings for enterprises, this revolutionary platform features cross-platform compatibility with powerful data integration capabilities that make customizing applications—and adding their desired level of security layers—a breeze. On top of all this? Senior management approval is only one click away.

What About Security With Software Developed By These Tools?

No-code and low-code solutions give platforms the ability to shield users from complex, behind-the-scenes actions while allowing them to make quick changes or modifications without risking security. These features offer a secure yet convenient experience for all.

One of the main risks of low-code and no-code software can be found in storage, namely in the cloud.  The best solution is to store the software application completely on servers that are controlled directly by the business or enterprise.  No one wants their data to be breached, stolen or deleted either on accident or by hackers.  Businesses can increase safety by utilizing public-key cryptography, digital signature techniques, and ISO 27001-compliant platforms businesses can reduce the likelihood of a security breach – ensuring their data remains safe.

No matter the development tool, security should always be top of mind. To ensure a secure environment that can also foster collaboration, organizations need an application security architect on their team – someone with expertise in both technology and security who is able to identify potential vulnerabilities early and establish necessary controls. As Jason Kent from Cequent puts it,”The most successful organizations have somebody like this.”

Will No-Code and Low-Code Eliminate Coders In The Future?

No!  If you are an experienced programmer of languages including Java, C++ or Python then rest assured – this doesn’t have to change when using a low-code platform. Low-code and no-code tools provide quick automation for mundane development tasks but they do not replace the real code needed to build powerful applications. You can use your programming skills and create innovative solutions on these platforms with ease; just be sure that whatever tool you’re using allows easy modification so as not to compromise the flexibility and sophistication required for enterprise-level applications.

Businesses looking to solve problems, improve processes and create new use cases will never run out of opportunities. As a result, the demand for developers with low-code skills is at an all-time high! In fact, research from IDC predicts that there will be 3.2 times more growth in this area than the general developer population between 2021 and 2025 alone – resulting in a compound annual growth rate exceeding 40%. Not only are these solutions great for writing code faster but many come with process mining features that automatically discover potential improvements so you can focus on creating powerful applications.

Companies today are heavily investing in solutions that foster efficient collaboration between IT teams and non-technical stakeholders. Low-code platforms with strong workflow capabilities enable this by providing visual diagrams business users can understand, which allows for a more productive development process. Furthermore, these tools grant the ability to rapidly build apps and incorporate feedback from all parties quickly so applications work as intended – ultimately aligning with agile principles of breaking down large pieces of workload into smaller sprints. With low-code technology, companies have the potential to benefit from better communication between their departments.

Despite labor shortages, software developer jobs are still in demand—and with the help of low-code platforms, coders can use their experience and expertise to generate applications and features faster than ever.

Taking advantage of no-code and low-code platforms can help introduce people to the world of coding. These user-friendly, cost-effective solutions provide an accessible entry point for those hoping to learn more about programming while also equipping less experienced users with powerful problem-solving tools that rival even seasoned coders.  Don’t forget that all no-code and low-code solutions are built on actual code and when things go wrong or new tools need to be developed, those “mechanics under the hood” called in to fix the issues will certainly need to be coders.  Coders have a bright future ahead that is only strengthened by the growing existence of these development tools.