Since the onset of websites and apps, businesses have had two options for marketing themselves. They could either buy an existing website/application and make it their own or hire skilled developers to create something specifically for them. This process has taken way longer and has increased the demand for web development services across the world. Time changes, and so does technology.
The latest development tools provided under the low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms provide users with advanced solutions designed to help with a wide range of application and website creation processes with ease and efficiency. So advanced are these tools that some think the tools might eventually totally knock out professional developers.
But what does this mean for business owners like you? Do you benefit from these platforms? Should you start using them?
Before delving into that, let’s learn what are Low code and No code platforms.
What Do Low-Code and No-Code Platforms Stand for?
Low-Code Platforms
They are tools that help ease the process of developing websites and applications using low-code platform technology. Rather than long strings of programming codes, users create software applications by dragging appropriate components using their mouse and dropping them into the system.
Some basic coding may be needed to advance functionality, whereas basic development is just based on ideas inside a developer’s head. Appsmith and Xano are the few low-code platforms worth mentioning. There is also Appian.
No-Code Platforms
Tools for providing functionality to users who cannot code are known as no-code platforms. Such users can use them to automatically develop websites and applications through visual interfaces. If you drag objects in front of yourself with low-code tools, the platform will automatically create the coding afterwards. It allows the creation of professional applications with no more than technical knowledge.
While I could go on and on about all the impressive no-code platforms out there, here are a few of them starting from Web Flow, then Bubble, and lastly, Glide.
What Difference Lies Between Low-Code and No-Code Platforms?
Both platforms are very comparable to each other in making things easier for the one using them to create a mobile or web app. The main difference lies in the coding experience required to use each platform without facing any issues.
In order to use a Low-code development platform, you might need some coding knowledge to incorporate advanced functionality into your creations. If you are not looking for something super intricate and complex, then using either of the platforms would be suitable for you. No-code platforms require no prior coding experience to use them.
Both the low-code and no-code platforms provide you with a visual canvas on which to pour out your ideas and imagination. All there is to do is handpick the elements from a broad range of already programmed elements and position them onto the canvas in any way you’d like.
When you compare these features with the traditional way of programming, which requires a complete understanding of programming languages, frameworks and whatnot, you really have to appreciate how impressive these platforms are.
The Working Process of No-Code and Low-Code Platforms
At one stage, every one of us has obviously tried to develop a website or an app. It is a lot of work!
On the verge of giving up, businesses have realised the need for a trained developer, extensive spending and a long wait. Happy to inform you that this is not the case anymore.
Low-code and no-code development platforms work on the basis of a model-based building. They acquire the ability to develop visually using automatic code generation. There are a few important steps to follow when using one of these platforms to create something meaningful on your own.
Initially, determining and clarifying your business needs and goals will give you an image of the possible targets and achievements for your application.
Next, plan out the modules and operation of the app that you wish to create for your business. The best plan would be to create every module independently and combine them all toward the end.
At the end of it all, you just have to bring your vision to life. With detailed descriptions, puzzle-solving, and visually blending everything into a coherent whole, it’s good for you. The Low code no code (LCNC) tools take care of the web interface and the back end on your behalf so that you can acquire your desired spec. Evaluate your final product intensely!
The platforms can easily manage the technical aspects of your business and in the meanwhile you can focus on your products or services that gets your business to your desired destination.
What Might Be Driving the Popularity of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms?
Let’s be honest. These tools have become very popular because they offer their users a host of advantages.
- Save Costs:
The software development market, in its present state, announces that the development of applications costs huge amounts of money. These platforms allow you to develop your own software at lower costs or prices.
- Save Time:
Planning, designing and developing software in the traditional way can take weeks, if not months. These platforms enable you to create and launch mobile/web apps in days or even hours.
- Make software user-friendly:
There’s no need for you to be a technical expert when using LCNC platforms. If you can use a computer easily, you can definitely handle these.
- Scale however you like:
You can upgrade, expand or completely change your software however you please and whenever you please as your business grows.
Which Platform Suits Your Business?
As you weigh your options, choosing the right platform for your business can seem overwhelming. The idea is to match the tool to your needs. If you are a small business owner, or an entrepreneur then obviously a no-code platform would be a good choice. These platforms help in building simple projects such as a simple website, landing page, or internal tool. Tools such as Webflow, Bubble, and Glide are beginner-friendly and don’t require any kind of technical expertise to use.
On the other end of the spectrum, Low code platforms are better suited for businesses that need some customization in addition to some coding skills. Tools including Appsmith, Xano and Appian allow a higher degree of flexibility, and thus they are appropriate for custom applications, workflow automation, and medium-sized projects.
You just have to consider your intentions for use, the complexity of the project, and your budget. If you are not too sure, go for a no-code platform, and scale as your needs increase.
The Impact of Low-Code/ No-Code on The Future
There is a high possibility that, in the future, LCNC development platforms will be more and more involved in the process of developing software because of continuously evolving changes. We will surely see these tools being used in collaboration with old-fashioned coding practices, which will result in quicker development processes and better maintenance.
This indicates that business owners have gotten a higher probability of non-stop growth. Giving a chance to these platforms can mean an easier way to manage digital transformation and achieve an edge over the competition.
Conclusion: An Ally, Not A Threat
No-code and low-code services create a permanent change in the way web and mobile applications will be built- a complementary mode of development. So far, these platforms only work well on simpler or relatively less-complex projects. Still, the need for skilled personnel will forever exist as incorporated apps come with their unique sets of features that may require maintenance later on.
Should you use these platforms, then? Of course. Low-code and no-code platforms provide an effective and adaptable option. You may open up new business opportunities and maintain your competitiveness in the current digital setting.