Low-code application development has revolutionized the way organizations build business applications by enabling faster delivery with minimal hand-coding. As per Gartner, the low-code development tech market is poised to grow from $13.8 billion in 2021 to $187 billion in 2030. But what exactly is low-code, and why has it become so popular?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about low-code app development and using low-code platforms to drive digital transformation in your organization.
What is Low-Code Development?
Low-code development refers to building applications using visual, drag-and-drop interfaces and model-driven logic instead of traditional hand-coding. Rather than writing thousands of lines of complex code, developers can use pre-built templates and reusable components to quickly build apps for web, mobile and more.
Leading low-code platforms include:
- Mendix
- OutSystems
- Appian
- betty blocks
- Zoho Creator
These platforms abstract away much of the complexities of traditional coding using intuitive visual interfaces. Many also leverage AI, machine learning and process automation under the hood.
Low-code platforms can be used by professional developers as well as business users and citizen developers with no prior coding experience. They empower organizations to build apps faster and be more responsive to changing business requirements.
Types of Low-Code Platforms
There are several categories of low-code platforms, each suited for developing different types of applications:
General Purpose Platforms
General purpose low-code platforms like OutSystems, Mendix, Appian can be used to build complex, enterprise-grade applications. They support developing custom workflows, rich UIs, integrations, and ensure scalability.
Mobile Application Development Platforms
These platforms like betty blocks simplify building native mobile apps for iOS and Android. They provide pre-built, reusable UI components conforming to mobile interface guidelines.
Business Application Platforms
Platforms like Zoho Creator and Quickbase help business users easily automate workflows, design business apps and analyze data without coding. They include options for forms, reports, dashboards more.
Departmental Solutions
Some code platforms provide solutions tailored for specific departments like IT, HR, marketing rather than general purpose app dev. Platforms like Appian and KiSSFLOW excel here.
Benefits of Low-Code Development
Let‘s discuss some of the major benefits driving adoption of low-code platforms:
Faster Application Delivery
Low-code development speeds up app delivery by 5-10X on average. Instead of coding functionality from scratch, developers can reuse available templates and components to save significant time.
Lower Development Costs
Low-code solutions require less manual coding effort so organizations end up saving 40-60% in app dev costs. Citizen developers also augment productivity further reducing expenses.
Improved Agility & Innovation
With low-code, companies can seamlessly experiment, test ideas and build apps addressing emerging needs. Streamlined workflows and automation also provide better agility.
Higher Productivity
Low-code abstracts away tedious coding tasks freeing up developer time for strategic initiatives. It also empowers business users to build their own apps to solve problems faster.
Enhanced Collaboration
With low-code tools facilitated by visual models and flowcharts, business and IT teams can better collaborate to deliver apps tailored to line-of-business needs.
Expanded Skills Availability
Low-code platforms expand the pool of skills available for development by enabling citizen developers to support professional developers in app delivery.
Real-World Use Cases
Low-code platforms serve a wide spectrum of use cases across industries. Some examples:
Internal Business Applications
Streamlining workflows for finance, HR, admin functions via custom apps and databases.
Customer-Facing Applications
Self-service portals, customer support and contact center apps.
Operational Support Applications
Apps to support warehouse management, inventory control, field workforce enablement.
Data Analysis Applications
Apps for sales forecasting, campaign analysis, supply chain insights using analytics.
IoT Applications
Apps processing and visualizing real-time sensor data from industrial equipment etc.
The rapid delivery and ease of integration with modern platforms like cloud, AI and RPA make them suitable across domains.
How Enterprises Are Adopting Low-Code Globally
Low-code adoption is growing at a blistering pace around the world:
United States
Low-code usage stands at 60% amongst US organizations currently and is projected to reach 74% by 2025. Financial services firms are leading adoption.
Europe
About 35% of European companies actively use low-code platforms today. Germany, Switzerland and Nordic countries top the list.
Asia Pacific
APAC countries like India, China, Australia, Singapore and Japan are aggressively embracing low-code with adoption rates doubling over the past year.
Clearly low-code is transitioning from an emerging to mainstream trend across regions.
Choosing the Right Low-Code Platform
With so many low-code platforms to pick from, here are key capabilities to evaluate when selecting one aligned to your needs:
Application Scope & Complexity
Assess if the platform can support simple apps or highly complex enterprise applications with cutting-edge functionality.
Cloud & Mobile Capabilities
Cloud-native platforms provide unlimited scale, mobile enablement ensures anytime-anywhere access.
Integration & Workflows
Evaluate how easily the platform integrates with databases, legacy systems and supports automating multi-step processes.
Security & Compliance
Verify adherence to regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR based on your industry and geo focus.
Support & Community
Mature platforms offer learning resources, expert guidance and community forums critical for success.
Choosing a leader like OutSystems or Mendix aligns you for long-term scalable adoption aligned to innovation needs.
Critical Success Factors for Low-Code Projects
To maximize the outcomes of low-code application development in your context, here are some best practices:
Start Small, Deliver Value
Don‘t attempt overly complex apps initially. Focus on a pilot project driving swift ROI.
Involve Business Stakeholders
Encourage hands-on participation from business teams for optimal product-market fit.
Upskill Developers & Users
Conduct low-code training covering platform features as well as application lifecycle best practices.
Design Modular, Scalable Data Models
Plan for future expandability right from the database layer upwards.
Leverage Templates & Examples
Utilize existing templates and samples to fast-track development avoiding reinvention.
Automate Testing & Deployment
Embed test automation and streamlined releases for faster iterations aligned to CI/CD DevOps.
The Future of Low-Code Application Development
The low-code revolution has firmly taken hold globally. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies.
Key trends shaping the future evolution of low-code include:
Increasing Sophistication of Apps
Low-code platforms will empower building apps rivaling traditional coding capabilities across scales.
Expanded Skills Availability
Low-code usage will extend from professional developers to business technologists and even end users.
Integration With Emerging Tech
Seamless integration capabilities with cloud, AI/ML, IoT, blockchain and other innovations.
Coexistence With Traditional Code
Rather than pure replacement, low-code will synergize with hand-coding via comprehensive dev platforms.
The simplicity, speed and disruptive power of low-code makes it an unmissable step to digitally transform your organization.
