Definition
Low-code enables faster development of custom applications with less programming effort. It uses a visual, model-driven language on a drag-and-drop graphical user interface. This allows people without extensive programming skills to actively participate in the development process. Low-code development reduces development time and is ideal for companies that need to respond quickly to market requirements.
What types of low-code platforms exist?
1. General-purpose Low-code platforms:
Platform providers such as Mendix offer comprehensive software and application development capabilities. They enable fast and flexible development with visual tools, ideal for both professional developers and non-developers.
2. BPMS Low-code platforms:
Specializing in business process management, platforms such as Pegasystems enable the automation and optimization of workflows. They provide process modeling and analysis tools to increase efficiency.
3. Ecosystem Low-Code-Funktionen:
Vendors such as SAP, Microsoft, and Salesforce are integrating low-code solutions into their ecosystems. These enable the development of custom applications that work seamlessly with existing business tools.
4. No-Code-Plattformen:
Platforms such as Quickbase, Unqork and Kintone are aimed at non-technical users. They offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built modules for easy creation of complex applications, ideal for small businesses and departments.
Benefits of Low-Code
Low-code development platforms have revolutionized the way organizations develop software. By allowing applications to be built with a minimum of traditional coding, they offer a number of benefits.Reduce costs
By using modern development platforms, companies can reduce their development and maintenance costs by reducing the need for specialized staff.Accelerate application development
Low-code allows applications to be developed faster. It reduces coding complexity and speeds time to market.Decrease the burden on IT
Easy-to-use development environments enable people without extensive IT skills to develop applications. This frees up IT departments to focus on more strategic tasks.Optimize applications for business needs
By simplifying the development process, you can more quickly and accurately translate business requirements into working applications.Improve collaboration between business and IT
Innovative development practices improve collaboration between IT and business by making the development process more transparent and accessible to all stakeholders.What can low-code be used for?
1. Software and Application Development:
This category focuses on the use of low-code platforms to develop software or applications. The goal is to speed up the development process and make it more accessible to people with limited technical skills. Individual applications can be created quickly and efficiently.
2. Digitization of workflows:
In this category, low-code platforms are used to automate and streamline business processes and workflows. These platforms are ideal for business process management (BPM) and workflow automation. They enable organizations to streamline internal processes, increase efficiency, and remain flexible to respond quickly to change.
3. Low-code functionality within existing applications:
Here, low-code complements existing business applications such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management). This allows business departments to make their own customizations and enhancements to the applications without relying on IT.
Who can actually develop with low-code?
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), aimed at both business users and professional developers, enable different user groups to develop applications using low-code technologies.
| Business developers | Professional developers |
| Business developers, also known as citizen developers, can use low-code platforms to quickly create their own customizations or applications without waiting for IT. However, IT maintains control over the enterprise application landscape to ensure security and compliance. | Professional developers translate business requirements into customized solutions. They are able to perform deep customizations and integrations, including code extensions, to meet specific and complex requirements. |
The difference from traditional development
Coding by hand or just developing? We compared low-code development with Java development. Find out how the two approaches differ and which one is better suited to your needs.
FAQ
What is the difference between low-code and no-code platforms?
The former offer a combination of visual programming and the ability to manually edit the code. This provides more flexibility for complex applications and requires some programming skills. No-code tools, on the other hand, are designed for non-programmers and allow the creation of simple applications using only visual tools without access to the underlying code. Low-code thus offers more customization and control, while no-code focuses on ease of use and simplicity, but is significantly limited in functionality.
Is low-code difficult to learn?
The complexity varies depending on the type of platform. They usually require some level of technical understanding. However, they are generally easier to learn and use than traditional programming languages.
What skills are required for low-code development?
It depends on the platform. More advanced low-code platforms require a development background and/or professional developers.
Is low-code going to replace professional developers?
No. This software method will not replace professional developers, but can be seen as a complement to traditional software development. It allows developers to work faster and with less effort, increasing their productivity. Business developers have the opportunity to support development activities.