Low Code Application Development
Overview
Low-code is a visual approach to software development. With low-code, you can abstract and automate every step of the application lifecycle to streamline delivery of a variety of solutions. By breaking down traditional silos of business and IT (promoting continuous collaboration), your organization can develop solutions that meets the needs of your business.
The key differences between low-code and traditional codes are their target users and their output capabilities.
While low-code/no-code application development platforms enable developers, citizen developers, and business users to quickly develop apps using drag-and-drop interfaces, custom app development methodology utilizes conventional methods for developers to create robust apps.
Due to high technicalities and the over complex nature, the custom application development platforms usually produce a lot of bugs, making it difficult for users to use the apps. In contrast, enterprise low-code platforms generally do not produce bugs while building apps. This leads to smooth running and hassle-free apps created by this system.
Low-code platforms are way cheaper as compared to their traditional counterparts. This is primarily because, with low-code platforms, a company pays only to access the specified service, not its development from start to finish.
With traditional coding, maintenance is a big headache as the updates or revision will require a dedicated in-house or third-party development team to implement changes. Likewise, software revision, in this case, is a cumbersome process for which the teams have to plan, design, and test, followed by training users on new changes.
Contrary to this, low-code platforms being aPaaS (application platform as a service), are typically run and maintained by the company that owns the platform. This makes the process of maintenance simpler as all the updates and improvements to the software are handled by the hosting company instead of the business subscribing to the service.
This is especially beneficial for companies with small or non-existent IT departments as this allows them to benefit from well-maintained software without having the need to pay for a third-party vendor or an in-house team.
The Benefits of Low Code Application Development
Low code application development is a software development approach that enables the creation of applications with minimal coding efforts. With low-code application development, developers can build applications using visual interfaces, drag-and-drop components, and pre-built templates. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to develop applications, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to accelerate their software development process.
One of the key benefits of low-code application development is that it enables businesses to quickly create and deploy applications, even without a dedicated team of developers. With pre-built components and templates, businesses can create applications that meet their unique needs without starting from scratch. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors and improves the overall application quality.
Another advantage of low-code application development is that it makes it easier for developers to collaborate and share code. With pre-built components, developers can easily reuse code from existing applications and share code with other team members. This makes it easier for businesses to develop and maintain applications over time, ensuring they remain up-to-date and relevant.
Low-code application development is also more cost effective than traditional software development approaches. With pre-built components and templates, businesses can significantly reduce the cost of development while improving the final product’s quality. This makes low-code application development an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses that may need more resources to invest in a dedicated team of developers.
However, there are some challenges associated with low-code application development. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the application meets the business’s unique needs. While pre-built components and templates can be a great starting point, businesses will still need to customize the application to meet their specific requirements. This can be time-consuming and require some coding expertise.
Another challenge of low-code application development is ensuring the application is secure and reliable. While pre-built components and templates can be a great starting point, businesses will still need to ensure that the application is secure and reliable, particularly if it handles sensitive data or is critical to business operations. This requires a thorough understanding of security best practices and some coding expertise.
Despite these challenges, low-code application development is a promising approach that can help businesses accelerate their software development process and improve the quality of their applications. With pre-built components and templates, businesses can quickly create applications that meet their unique needs while reducing the cost of development. However, it is important for businesses to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of low-code application development and ensure that the approach is the right fit for their unique needs.