As digitization accelerates, low-code solutions emerge as a swift and flexible alternative to the traditional development cycle. In 2022, discussions around low-code solutions increased by 18% year on year, reflecting a growing interest in reducing development times and promptly addressing pressing business needs.
While low-code solutions offer cost-effectiveness, speed, and adaptability, their effectiveness varies across tasks. Businesses commonly find them most beneficial in the following areas:
In the following sections, we outline what low-code solutions are, their capabilities, and how to leverage them effectively as a growth tool for your business.
Low-code development platforms empower individuals with limited to no coding expertise to create software applications, typically through a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Some low-code platforms, known as ‘no-code’ solutions, require no development knowledge. Examples include website builders like Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix.
Other low-code solutions for mobile app development either demand a basic coding understanding or aim to enhance developer productivity, as seen with tools like Chartio or Canonic.
A third category exists, allowing usage without code but benefitting from coding knowledge or a more advanced application of systems-based thinking. Examples include workflow automation tools like Zapier or low-code analytics platforms.
All three categories fall under the low-code umbrella, often called ‘low-code no code’ or ‘LCNC’ in other contexts.
Low-code solutions provide several benefits compared to the traditional development cycle:
Low-code application development tools are more cost-effective than hiring full-time developers or outsourcing to a development agency.
Workflow automation tools like Zapier can significantly reduce development time, saving weeks compared to extensive customization. This leads to increased employee productivity.
Low-code mobile app development solutions empower individuals with diverse skill sets to contribute innovative ideas, not solely relying on extensive coding knowledge.
Being largely cloud-based, low-code solutions allow businesses to leverage the benefits of cloud hosting without the complexities of a time-consuming migration.
Low-code application development enhances business agility by enabling teams to make efficiency improvements without extensive coding expertise. This results in quicker releases of new Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
By employing low-code solutions, enterprises can swiftly digitize without incurring substantial upfront costs, fostering increased business agility, and optimizing workloads for enhanced productivity.
The advantages of low-code are not confined to internal applications. A recent Statista survey indicates that Microsoft Power Apps and Google AppSheet were the most widely used low-code solutions in 2022. Constructing external-facing applications through low-code solutions serves as an ideal approach to:
According to Allied Market Research, the global low-code development platform market, valued at $11.5 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $125.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 27.4% from 2022 to 2031.
The surge in demand for low-code solutions, accelerated by the global pandemic, has led to a plethora of options in the market. To simplify your decision-making process, we recommend the following five platforms:
1. OutSystems:
Known for rapid application development capabilities.
Features a visual development environment and extensive integration options for streamlined web and mobile app development.
2. Microsoft Power Apps:
An industry-grade platform accelerating the software development cycle.
Stands out with seamless connectivity to Microsoft’s ecosystem, making it ideal for teams invested in Microsoft products.
3. Appian:
Focuses on workflow automation and business process management.
Offers a unified platform for designing, executing, and optimizing business processes.
4. Mendix:
User-friendly with a collaborative approach between developers and business users.
Provides pre-built widgets and connectors for accelerated app development.
Known for flexibility and scalability, adapting to evolving business needs.
5. Hooper:
Next-generation platform for rapid application development and process automation.
Designed with innovative features and an intuitive interface for accessibility by both business and IT users.
Supports multi-platform application development, empowering teams to rapidly digitize their digital core with minimal developer intervention.
Leveraging Hooper’s transformative potential can eliminate productivity bottlenecks and facilitate the design of workflows through its highly intuitive ‘drag and drop’ visual designer. With a global clientele, Hooper is an asset for executing rapid application development (RAD) strategies and processes.
To maximize the benefits of low-code application development tools, it’s essential to understand both their capabilities and limitations. While low-code solutions excel in delivering agility at a cost-effective point, they have shortcomings in two critical areas:
Software engineers and developers possess the expertise to integrate robust security measures into applications, mitigating risks from cyberattacks. In contrast, non-developers using low-code solutions may lack this knowledge, unintentionally creating apps with vulnerabilities.
Low-code solutions may not provide exceptional functionality and could pose challenges in scalability. If achieving market leadership in functionality is pivotal for your business, low-code solutions may hinder progress, especially in customer-facing applications.
Employing low-code solutions in scenarios demanding extended functionality or heightened security introduces a level of technical debt to your business. While low-code solutions offer cost savings in the short term, failure to upgrade or replace them at the appropriate time can impede long-term growth.
In conclusion, businesses should prioritize low-code development because:
Enable quick digitization, automate crucial processes, and optimize employee time.
Test innovative concepts without incurring substantial costs and lengthy development times.
Democratize the technical aspects of your business, fostering idea generation from diverse contributors.
Facilitate a smooth cloud migration using low-code solutions.
These advantages position low-code development as a crucial tool for enhancing business agility. The ability to respond promptly to business needs, build, test, and adapt with remarkable speed sets it apart from full-scale customized development.