The term low code was first used by Patrick Moreau, who ‘low coded’ his way to a successful real estate website that attracted over 30,000 people and $10 million in commissions as a result of its user-friendly simplicity. Low code is the latest application development trend in the industry.
It was born from the idea that automated tools are a better way to build mobile applications than hand-coded software in traditional code. Low-code platforms offer an innovative solution for app development. They are going to be popular with startups who need to build a prototype in record time or with large companies looking to develop only one app.
So, let’s eagerly dive into the world of low-code app development platforms and see how we can build a mobile application in minutes instead of months.
Table of Contents
What is Low Code?
Low code is a software development technique that emphasizes rapid application prototyping, rather than full-fledged application development. Low code applications are written in a subset of the programming language that the underlying framework supports.
In general, low code has been described as the lowest level of abstraction available to a developer, but it can also be used to refer to any type of application or system that doesn’t use existing, full-fledged frameworks or libraries.
Why use low code?
Low code is great when you’re:
- Starting with app development
- Looking to save time and money on your next project
- Trying to build something unique or different from what’s already out there
How does low code work?
Low code app development is a software development model that uses a minimal set of features to build an app. It reduces the amount of code required to create an app, which in turn makes it easier to understand and maintain.
Low code apps are also referred to as “micro-apps”, “small apps”, or “lean-back experiences”. The idea behind low code is simple: instead of writing out every single detail about how your app works, you can use visual programming tools like drag and drop flow charting, and wireframing to create your app’s functionality.
Once you have created your app’s structure using low code techniques, you can add more complex functionality as needed.
What’s The Difference Between Low Code And No Code?
Low code means that you have fewer lines of code than traditional software development. Low-code tools are designed to reduce the amount of code needed for business processes and improve the quality of your application.
Low-code tools are often used in combination with traditional programming languages to automate manual processes, allowing developers to focus on building more complex applications. No-code solutions rely on simple programming concepts like loops and conditional statements, which can be implemented using a drag-and-drop interface.
You don’t need any previous experience with coding or software development to create a no-code solution; The major difference between low code and no code is it will take longer than low-code solutions because there are fewer tools available for creating apps and automating processes.
What Is Low Code Development?
Low code development is a software development methodology that focuses on rapid application development, rapid and flexible prototyping, and real-time collaboration. Low code development is a style of software design that differentiates itself from traditional high-level programming languages such as
- Java
- C++
- C# or hybrid languages like Ruby on Rails
Low code developers often use lightweight toolkits that allow them to focus on their core problem domain rather than using heavy frameworks or libraries. Low code development is sometimes referred to as “microservices-based” or “model-driven” application development.
It has been used by companies such as
- Basecamp
- Spotify
- Netflix
- Slack
- GitHub, and many others
A low code app is programmatic, meaning that it has no code on the document level, but rather on an event-based scripting language. Low-code apps are often built using off-the-shelf desktop development tools such as Visual Studio or Expression Studio.
Low Code App Development Features
Here’s a list of features:
- The ability to use a single code base for both front-end and back-end components.
- The easier learning curve for developers who aren’t familiar with HTML/JS/CSS.
- Ability to extend existing functionality without having to rewrite the entire app from scratch (e.g., add new features).
- It makes it easier for developers to create an app with less coding and more flexibility.
- It uses the programming language HTML5/CSS3/JS, which is already available in most browsers.
- The developer can use their existing knowledge of these languages to build an app from scratch.
- Quickly create apps with a drag-and-drop interface.
- Modify the functionality of your app with simple drag-and-drop gestures.
- Create custom forms and dialogs with no programming required.
Traditional Application Development Process vs Low-Code Development Process
Low code development has several advantages over traditional programming:
- It’s faster: Low code development is done in a fraction of the time compared to traditional programming languages like Java and C++, which can take weeks or months for even simple projects.
- It’s easier: Low code development does not require any programming knowledge, so anyone can become a developer.
- It scales: Low code applications can be easily extended as needed without requiring any additional resources from the original developer team.
Benefits of low-code development
The benefits of low code development include:
- Rapid creation of custom apps without the need for complex programming skills or knowledge.
- Rapidly create new features by adding new blocks and components to existing templates.
- Reduced time to market as you can create your app with just a few clicks.
- No need for large teams, as you can create your app alone in just a few minutes.
Low-Code App Development Platforms Explain
Low-code app development platforms are software tools that allow users to create and deploy applications with minimal coding experience. These platforms provide a visual interface and pre-built components that enable users to drag and drop elements into place, making it easier to build apps without having to write a lot of code from scratch.
Low-code app development platforms are popular because they can help businesses and individuals save time and money. With these platforms, developers can create applications faster and with fewer errors than traditional coding methods. Additionally, non-technical users can create apps with these platforms, eliminating the need for expensive development teams.
Low-code app development platforms are used for a variety of applications, including customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, and content management systems. These platforms are constantly evolving, and new features are added regularly to improve their functionality and ease of use.
Types of Low Code App Development Platforms
There are two main types of low-code app development platforms:
- General-purpose platforms: These platforms provide a wide range of features and functionality to build various types of applications, such as customer relationship management, human resources management, project management, etc. They are suitable for businesses that need to build multiple types of applications.
- Specialized platforms: These platforms are designed to build specific types of applications, such as mobile apps or workflow automation apps. They have pre-built templates and integrations tailored to the specific application type, making it easier to build apps quickly.
Additionally, some low-code app development platforms are cloud-based, while others can be installed on-premises. Cloud-based platforms offer greater scalability and flexibility, while on-premises platforms provide better security and control over the app and its data.
It’s important to consider your business needs and the types of applications you need to build when choosing a low-code app development platform.
List of Low Code App Development Platforms
Here is a list of some popular low-code app development platforms:
Microsoft PowerApps
Microsoft PowerApps is a low-code app development platform that allows users to create custom business applications for web and mobile devices. It is a cloud-based platform that offers drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and integrations with other Microsoft products like Dynamics 365, SharePoint, and Office 365.
PowerApps provides a range of features that allow users to create and deploy applications quickly and easily. These include:
- Visual app builder: PowerApps provides a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Pre-built templates: PowerApps includes a library of pre-built templates for various industries and use cases, such as customer service, sales, and project management.
- Data integration: PowerApps integrates with various data sources, including Microsoft Excel, Dynamics 365, and SharePoint, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: PowerApps allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
- Workflow automation: PowerApps includes built-in workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to automate business processes and reduce manual work.
PowerApps is a powerful tool for businesses looking to create custom applications without needing to hire a team of developers. Its ease of use, pre-built templates, and integrations with other Microsoft products make it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes.
Salesforce Lightning
Salesforce Lightning is a low-code app development platform that is part of the Salesforce ecosystem. It enables businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily using a range of pre-built components and a visual development interface.
Salesforce Lightning offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Drag-and-drop interface: The visual development interface in Salesforce Lightning provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Pre-built components: Salesforce Lightning includes a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- App templates: Salesforce Lightning provides a range of app templates that users can use as a starting point for their own custom applications.
- Lightning Design System: The Lightning Design System is a set of guidelines and tools for designing applications that look and feel like Salesforce products.
- Integrations: Salesforce Lightning integrates with a range of other software tools, including Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, and Dropbox, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Salesforce Lightning allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
Salesforce Lightning is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Salesforce Lightning offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
Appian
Appian is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to build custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Appian offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app designer: Appian’s visual app designer provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: Appian’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications quickly and easily, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Appian provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Appian integrates with a range of other software tools, including Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and SAP, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Appian allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
Appian is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Its low-code approach to development, pre-built components, and integrations with other software tools make it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes.
Mendix
Mendix is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Mendix offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual modeling: Mendix’s visual modeling environment allows users to create custom applications without needing to write code, using a drag-and-drop interface.
- Low-code development: Mendix’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Mendix provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Mendix integrates with a range of other software tools, including Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Mendix allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
Mendix is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Mendix offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
OutSystems
OutSystems is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
OutSystems offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual modeling: OutSystems provides a visual modeling environment that allows users to create custom applications without needing to write code, using a drag-and-drop interface.
- Low-code development: OutSystems’ low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: OutSystems provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: OutSystems integrates with a range of other software tools, including Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: OutSystems allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
- Artificial intelligence: OutSystems includes built-in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, allowing users to automate business processes and gain insights from data.
OutSystems is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, OutSystems offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
Quick Base
Quick Base is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Quick Base offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app designer: Quick Base’s visual app designer provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: Quick Base’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Quick Base provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Quick Base integrates with a range of other software tools, including Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and Slack, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Quick Base allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
Quick Base is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Quick Base offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
Google App Maker
Google App Maker was a low-code app development platform that allowed businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. However, as of January 2021, Google has officially discontinued the App Maker platform and is no longer offering support for it.
Before its discontinuation, Google App Maker offered a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app designer: App Maker provided a visual app designer that allowed users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: App Maker’s low-code approach to development allowed users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built templates: App Maker provided a range of pre-built templates that could be customized to suit different business needs.
- Integrations: App Maker integrated with a range of other software tools, including Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Google Maps, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: App Maker allowed users to create mobile applications that could be used on Android and iOS devices.
While Google App Maker is no longer available, there are many other low-code app development platforms on the market that offer similar features and capabilities.
Zoho Creator
Zoho Creator is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Zoho Creator offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app builder: Zoho Creator’s visual app builder provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: Zoho Creator’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Zoho Creator provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Zoho Creator integrates with a range of other software tools, including Zapier, QuickBooks, and G Suite, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Zoho Creator allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
- Workflow automation: Zoho Creator includes built-in workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to automate business processes and streamline operations.
Zoho Creator is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Zoho Creator offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
Bubble
Bubble is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Bubble offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app builder: Bubble’s visual app builder provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: Bubble’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Bubble provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Bubble integrates with a range of other software tools, including Google Maps, Stripe, and Zapier, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Bubble allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
- Workflow automation: Bubble includes built-in workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to automate business processes and streamline operations.
Bubble is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Bubble offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
Kissflow
Kissflow is a low-code app development platform that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily. It provides a visual development environment, pre-built components, and a range of integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps without needing to write a lot of code.
Kissflow offers a range of features to support application development, including:
- Visual app builder: Kissflow’s visual app builder provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create custom applications without needing to write code.
- Low-code development: Kissflow’s low-code approach to development allows users to build applications more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for highly-skilled developers.
- Pre-built components: Kissflow provides a range of pre-built components, such as user authentication and data management, that can be used to build applications more quickly.
- Integrations: Kissflow integrates with a range of other software tools, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack, allowing users to connect to and manipulate data from different sources.
- Mobile app development: Kissflow allows users to create mobile applications that can be used on Android and iOS devices.
- Workflow automation: Kissflow includes built-in workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to automate business processes and streamline operations.
Kissflow is designed for businesses looking to build custom applications quickly and easily. Additionally, Kissflow offers a range of deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises installations, to fit different business needs.
These platforms offer various features, such as drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and integrations with other software tools. They cater to different needs and industries, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best fits your requirements.
What Can You Build With Low Code?
Low code and microservice applications are growing in popularity, but many developers are still reluctant to move from traditional, high-level programming languages to the new generation of low-code development tools. There’s a reason for that:
To build a low-code application, you must first familiarize yourself with the underlying technologies and get comfortable with the concepts of service-oriented architecture (SOA) and microservices. But once you’ve done that, you’ll find that you can create a wide range of applications using low-code approaches. Here are some examples:
- Low-code applications for business users: You can create custom forms or reports based on data stored in your databases. The user interface is customizable and it’s easy to add new features or modify existing ones over time.
- Low-code applications for data scientists and analysts: They can access large datasets via APIs and perform complex calculations without writing any code whatsoever!
- Low-code applications for developers: These tools allow them to focus on building the core functionality of their application while leaving other tasks such as database management or server configuration to someone else.
Challenges in Low Code Development
- Understanding the technology stack and its limitations: To develop low code applications, you need to understand the technical constraints of each platform. You also need to understand the limits and potential of each platform. A good developer should be able to adapt his application based on a particular platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Testing, testing, and more testing: Even when a developer knows what he needs to do, he must follow through with testing, testing, and more testing. A low code application can have multiple functions that are dependent on other functions. He needs to make sure everything works as expected before pushing it out into production.
The learning curve of low code development is higher than the traditional coding languages. This is because low code developers have to learn how to use the tools, which are not easy to understand and follow.
Low-code mobile apps require more coding than traditional web applications, which makes them more complex to develop. Low-code mobile development requires a lot of testing, as it involves more interactions with users and their devices.
Conclusion
Low coding is the next generation of programming. It empowers developers, who can create complicated apps without writing a single line of code. By aiming to create as much flexibility or adaptability in a single app as possible, most low-coding platforms pack plenty of features and offer user-friendly options that don’t demand special knowledge or technical expertise.
The experience is generally simpler compared to traditional app development, and it offers more opportunities for individual expression. Whether you’re looking for a more efficient way to deploy mobile apps in-house or if you want to create something visually stunning that’s never been done before, low-coding might be just the right approach for you.
FAQs
What is a low-code app development platform?
A low-code app development platform is a software tool that allows businesses to create custom applications quickly and easily, without needing to write a lot of code. These platforms provide visual development environments, pre-built components, and integrations with other software tools, making it easier for users to build apps with minimal coding knowledge.
What are the benefits of using a low-code app development platform?
The benefits of using a low-code app development platform include faster app development, reduced need for highly-skilled developers, lower costs, improved collaboration and productivity, and greater agility in responding to business needs.
What types of applications can be built using a low-code app development platform?
Low-code app development platforms can be used to build a wide range of applications, including mobile apps, web apps, business process management (BPM) apps, workflow automation apps, and more.
What are some examples of low-code app development platforms?
Some examples of low-code app development platforms include Microsoft PowerApps, Appian, Mendix, OutSystems, Quick Base, Google App Maker, Zoho Creator, and Bubble.
How do I choose the right low-code app development platform for my business?
When choosing a low-code app development platform, consider factors such as the features and functionality offered, ease of use, integrations with other software tools, deployment options, pricing, and support and training resources. It’s also a good idea to try out different platforms through free trials or demos before making a final decision.
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