Everyone is looking for the answer to is low code the future of app development? You may be surprised by the answer. Must read to know everything.
Low-code platforms are projected to grow at a CAGR of 31.1% in the next ten years. Some of the most popular low-code platforms out there are Kissflow, OutSystems, SpringBoot, Appian, and Salesforce Lightning Platform, among others.
Low code and no code development platforms have proliferated in the software development ecosystem owing to the speed with which they deliver results.
What is low code development?
It is a visual way of development with minimum coding. According to Wikipedia, a low-code development platform (LCDP) is software that provides a development environment used to create application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional hand-coded computer programming.
Another definition by Forester states, “Low-code platforms employ visual, declarative techniques instead of traditional lines of programming. Both developers and non-developers can use these products, and they require less training to start.
Common features include reusable components, drag-and-drop tools, and process modeling. Individuals or small teams can experiment, prototype, and deliver apps in days or weeks.”
The user doesn’t code the application but draws it line by line and uses drag-and-drop features. These platforms present the bare minimum tools to give a user from a non-programming background the ability to bypass the complexity of thousands of lines of code.
These platforms are built to give developers with little or limited experience to create applications at fast rates. However, they are used by experienced developers as well.
Now, you know what is Low code development but do you know the future of app development? Must read and continue to get the answer.
Benefits of low code development
This approach to development builds apps quicker as the templates are already pre-built and easy to use.
Low code features not only include drag-and-drop functionality but also other time-saving capabilities like pre-built interfaces, business process logic, models, and easy-to-deploy APIs.
As a result, companies can complete full-stack development ten times faster. This is also beneficial for a company as resources and time are saved.
A company using low code can also cut down on hiring costs as fewer developers can handle the process. Even employees with no formal training can create low-code apps.
Steps are taken with the help of declarative tools through visual representation, making it easier for users to create apps.
Low code is more affordable for companies as they’re less expensive than traditional methods of writing code.
Low code enhances the development team’s productivity as less time is spent writing code. Developers can use intuitive features to build apps more quickly.
Low code is based on a model-driven design that has automatic coding, testing and deployment, workflows, and a logical/behavioral layer of abstraction. They facilitate changes, modifications, and upgrades as well.
Companies can easily integrate legacy frameworks and third parties in low-code platforms. They can work as business process management platforms and also provide for end-to-end integration of business data and architecture and come equipped with visual editors.
Now, you have the answer of what are the benefits of low code development, but are you still searching for the future of app development?
Drawbacks of low code
As enticing as the proposition sounds, low code is not considered the future of software development since it has its own disadvantages and challenges.
While the above-mentioned advantages have been widely touted as the reasons why low code is so popular, there are loopholes to watch out for.
Customization is not actually a strong suit of low code development. It’s difficult to integrate business processes with low-code platforms and organizations have to eventually change their own systems to fit in with low-code platforms.
This is because there are modular components in the platform and the user is locked into the cloud. This makes it hard for developers to customize it. If you need to add a specific feature, you’d need to create a customized code, but that can’t be created using drag and drop.
Compatibility is yet another issue. Low code development platforms are not capable of integrating any and every type of tool or suite a company may use for various departments and functions. Custom apps are designed to be compatible with existing and can accommodate the integration of new Android app developers’ platforms.
Another main reason why low-code development platforms are not as great as made out to be is because of security concerns. If the low-code platform is not reliable, security breaches can cause trouble.
These are shelf products, not customized software, which is why they are more vulnerable to hacker attacks.
If you’re creating an app using a low-code platform, you don’t have access to the source code so basically, you’re at the mercy of the platform for building an app.
You cannot develop a truly original and significant app with tailor-made functionality. If you need to build special features it may be expensive and you may be better off creating a custom app with traditional coding.
The quality of apps made with low code may not always be excellent. A company wants to create a high-quality app that caters to specific needs. The app must have manual coding to achieve customer needs, you’d best go with a custom app.
These are also not popular in coding because functionalities are limited to what the vendor provides. Pay-per-use low-code platforms can also add significantly to overall costs.
If the platform doesn’t operate with the cloud vendor, it is not an ideal choice either. The more the requirement of complex solutions for your problems, the less useful is low code.
Final Note
Low code development is certainly a big part of software development but it’s not the future of it.
In the end, a company must weigh the pros and cons of low-code development platforms. Also, the company should examine if they’re the right choice for their business requirements.
There certainly is a place and following for low code currently and into the future. Owing to the talent gap in the software and IT field, low code development has gained traction.
However, it serves limited purposes and can be used by companies when agility and time to market are their highest priority.
Hope you like the article – is low code the future of app development and that you have the answer now. If still you have any queries, feel free to reach out, and don’t forget to share the article.
