Low-code platforms give firms simple, visible tools to streamline their software development process. 

According to Gartner, low-code development will be used in 65% of mobile app development projects by 2024. 

Low-code platforms undoubtedly continue to be a wise investment for many corporate customers even if low-code development challenges the conventions of traditional software development. 

Businesses that want to grow must find novel ways to increase production. Investing in low-code platforms might be a contemporary answer to this problem. 

Continue reading to find out more about low-code development and which low-code platforms can best improve your software projects.

What Is Low-Code Development?

A software method called low-code development makes it simpler to design software by giving users drag-and-drop capabilities through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). 

Classic programming tends to be a sophisticated routine, even though it may not be precisely like the green blobs you may have seen in The Matrix. 

In contrast, a low-code platform’s GUI frequently uses component-based design and pre-made templates. You may just plug in the modules that are most appropriate for your goal rather than manually entering a series of brackets, punctuation, and word strings.

However, some coding is permitted, especially in low-code development. Less experienced users can personalize their program on low-code platforms a little bit more than they could on no-code systems, where no coding is possible. 

In either case, these two approaches to software app development services increase productivity and cut down on time. After all, time is money. 

A fundamental software project necessitates the use of at least one suitable programming language and the implementation of a number of software concepts, such as for-loops and object-oriented programming. 

Integrated development environments (IDEs), frameworks, and package repositories are frequently essential components of a traditional software project. 

If you want to check out the top best Javascript IDEs for frontend development. Here’s a complete guide for you! 

The accessibility of low-code development platforms (LCDPs) is, nevertheless, what sets them apart the most. Mobile app developers, or business users with little to no coding skills, may create functioning, feature-rich apps using low-code platforms. 

Advantages of low-code development

The simplicity of access is the main advantage of low-code and no-code development. But a lot of similarly desired advantages come along with this access. 

Here are some of the main advantages of low-code development.

Scalability 

Both low-code platforms and low-code apps are simple to create. As a consequence, intelligent business solutions are continuously delivered without the requirement for experienced developers. 

Software development processes that are simpler encourage higher productivity and lower expenses. Naturally, this implies that there is more room for scaling. 

Low-code platforms also guard against technological churn, when companies are forced to update outmoded goods and procedures in order to sustain growth. 

Legacy debt and technology churn are strongly connected. When technology can no longer serve business objectives, legacy debt must be overcome, which is a significant problem in information technology (IT). 

Fortunately, low-code platforms are well-suited to handle both of these difficulties. Naturally, low-code and no-code systems don’t rely on industry-standard programming languages or practices. 

As a result, enterprises might find security in utilizing low-code app development services to modernize their software development lifecycle. 

Agility 

Low-code platforms for agility enable quick application development. This implies that companies using LCDPs can quickly release apps. 

This shortens the time it takes to launch consumer apps, boosting ROI through rapid feedback and decision-making. 

Agile methodology development will still benefit you if you choose to employ low-code platforms to create internal bespoke apps and business procedures. However, there will be many fewer iterations. 

The additional time you free up might be used to focus on initiatives and tasks that are more important to your business. 

Capability

Digital transformation and LCDPs go hand in hand. Low-code platforms avoid the requirements of conventional coding by using reusable components and a visual approach. 

Such an innovative approach to development will undoubtedly cause a stir in the market. In actuality, it has already. 

Additionally, since low-code technologies are widely available both practically and symbolically, business data may be distributed around all departments within the organization. 

This capability opens the door for cross-silo cooperation at the organizational level, enabling teams to cooperate across multiple business activities. 

Use Cases of Low-Code Platforms

There are several justifications for using low-code development. Here are a few examples of the kinds of things you can create with low-code and no-code platforms.

Applications for Mobile

Businesses must acknowledge that they operate in a digital-first world. Most consumers—if not all—are searching for software that will satisfy their requirements. 

Mobile apps for business-to-consumer (B2C) may improve brand recognition and customer experience across the board. 

Of course, creating a mobile app is not a simple operation. However, low-code development enables it. 

“Insurance firm VGZ Cooperative created a mobile app for its clients using the well-known low-code platform Mendix.”

Custom Apps

Reaching clients isn’t always a business’s main issue; sometimes it’s handling organizational constraints.

When it comes to creating internal workflows, LCDPs can be useful. For instance, the Tennessee Department of Health created an IT asset management system using Caspio’s low-code platform. 

Currently, the department’s own bespoke program, which only took two months to develop, is used to handle almost 20,000 state assets!

Microservices

Microservices are replacing many monolithic programs in the technology industry. Based on ideas like loose coupling and service orientation, there is a compelling argument for microservices. 

62% of businesses reported utilizing or preparing to deploy microservices in 2017. But transitioning is challenging. 

Low-code platforms can in fact significantly speed up this process. You may re-build the architecture of your application using business capabilities and high-impact functions found in low-code platforms.

Data Science  

People are less willing to acknowledge that data play a larger role in daily life. It is the lone factor that distinguishes extremely reliable business intelligence from decent intuition. 

Generic software may not always be adaptable enough to accommodate the data-related operations that you need to carry out for the purpose of your firm. Low-code platforms have a role in this. 

A robust low-code tool with data engineering capabilities is called VisionX. From fleet management for ski resort vehicles to the setup and asset management of quantum computers, the LCDP has some rather specialized applications. 

10 Best Low-Code Platforms

Given your solid expertise in low-code programming, you may be considering purchasing a low-code platform for your own use. 

The following platforms have received positive reviews from a variety of software development communities.

Zoho Creator 

Marketers are already aware of Zoho because of its superior visual customer relationship management (CRM) solution. The platform is versatile and user-friendly since it combines a variety of functionality with a visually pleasing user interface.

By importing files, databases, and data from cloud storage, Zoho Creator users may create useful apps. They can then customize the user experience with the included tools.

Important characteristics:

• Scalability and rapidity
• Multidisciplinary analytics
• AI facilitates automation and migration
• Applications adjust to the size of mobile screens
• Connects to further Zoho programs
• Strong selection of pre-built app templates
• QuickBooks and Salesforce have built-in integrations.

Bubble.io

A low-code app builder called Bubble.io produces, hosts, and builds mobile-friendly, fully functional online applications and MVPs (an important part of mobile app development). Citizen developers may create basic prototype apps for a marketplace or SaaS product as well as further tweak the functionality of their software and communicate with a variety of other programs via APIs and JavaScript plugins.

More than 80 languages may be used to translate applications made using Bubble. Additionally, you can control search engine optimization, monitor app use limitations, and integrate Stripe & Braintree to simplify payments.

If you don’t know it yet, Salesforce integration with Stripe is becoming a new sensational topic across the market so far. Read all about it here! 

Key characteristics:

• Fits the dimensions of smartphone screens
• Various fields and templates for ready-made applications
• QuickBooks and Salesforce have built-in integrations.
• 1,000 plugins for external service connections
• Logins to social media
• Integration of APIs with Cloud Services
• Individualized Reporting Notifications
• Integration with Payment Gateway

Quickbase

The LCDP database and RAD (rapid app development) framework for building data gathering and storage apps is called Quickbase. Through pre-built application connectors, it connects well-known cloud services like NetSuite ERP, Salesforce, Box, and Gmail. 

In addition to granular roles, permissions, corporate user management, and a strong user experience, Quickbase provides security measures. Its automated processes boost output and reduce workloads so personnel may focus on other goals.

Important characteristics:

• Tools for centralized data payments
• An efficient CRM development solution
• Automation of process and data management using a form-based interface
• Robust interactions with third parties and a prebuilt app marketplace

Microsoft’s PowerApps

A low-code RAD (rapid app development) option is Microsoft PowerApps.  The service’s remarkable functioning is mostly due to the pre-built artificial intelligence components. Microsoft Power Apps offer over 200 connections that may be used to combine data from many platforms.

It is advantageous for enterprises to be able to protect internal resources inside of a single ecosystem. Any Microsoft product-using organization may expand using Microsoft PowerApps. For users of other systems, developed apps must be interoperable with Microsoft platforms.

Important characteristics:

• Personal branding
• App templates to speed up app building
• Strong collection of features
• A vast array of themes and user interface (UI) options
• Strong mobile abilities

OutSystems

Developers may create and manage their apps using the RAD (rapid app development) platform OutSystems. It facilitates the project’s overall cost reduction by accelerating the development of apps. Additionally, code is easier to maintain, which makes it simpler to provide top-notch customer support after launch. Real-time performance dashboards and strong security measures are among the platform’s useful features.

Important characteristics:

• App performance and use statistics are reported in real-time.
• Full scalability using APIs
• completely secure functioning
• capable of flexible integration
• thorough visual development
• Autonomous DevOps
• Scalable building
• Archiving data offline
• dependable app store with pre-built connections and parts

Appian

Native deployment tools and DevOps integration options are provided by Appian. For businesses of all sizes, citizen developers may create business process management (BPM) software. Businesses may improve and streamline internal processes with the help of BPM software.

Appian serves as a platform for managing business processes. It is often used and offers several case studies to support its dependability. Large businesses can benefit from it since it streamlines internal processes and increases productivity while working on development projects.

Important characteristics:

• Recurring data updates
• Monitoring real-time processes is very easy to debug
• Team cooperation and integrated task management engine for complex logic decisions
• Services for the platform using local AI
• Platforms for AI and ML are integrated with Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.

Mendix

Mendix is a RAD platform that is cloud-native and offers a number of tools for creating, testing, and deploying apps. Model-driven engineering (MDE) is used, which places a focus on abstract modeling.

Mendix is a crucial tool that is dependent on other reliable systems. As a result, it develops into a powerful tool for organizational scalability. This scalability won’t affect performance because of the integrated automation and machine learning algorithms that keep everything organized. Mendix furthermore makes utilization of automation and artificial intelligence techniques to guarantee that programs work properly.

Important characteristics:

• Check for compatibility
• Source vigilance
• Reused components
• Prebuilt layouts, a large app marketplace, and many connections
• Integrated Scrum
• Single-click deployment and continuous integration
• Integrated analytics
• Automated testing of software

Kissflow

The cloud-based low-code app development tool Kissflow automates business processes and tracks performance. Kissflow’s rule-based methodology eliminates the need for coding while allowing customers to customize procedures.

Kissflow makes it simpler to create process requests, examine items that require user input, and approve pending tasks. Users of RAD are given a visually appealing drag-and-drop interface by Kissflow.

Important characteristics:

• Drag and drop field editing and adding functionality
• Access to the whole ticket history
• Tracking potential
• Easily accessible internet thanks to cloud hosting
• Convenient access
• Synchronization and security of data
• Ability to submit documents and requests electronically

Salesforce Lightning

The Salesforce Lightning solution combines RAD and data. This implies that Salesforce’s whole feature set is combined with low-code app development. App Builder, Lightning Flow, SalesforceDX, and Heroku are just a few of the technologies that make up the Salesforce Lightning Platform, an all-in-one platform that substantially speeds up software development.

Salesforce Lightning along with Visualforce and Apex, play a crucial role in business and will be most useful to businesses that already use the Salesforce app development Platform. You may create internal apps to let teams access certain resources or release apps to meet the demands of a specific customer.

Read about: The role of Apex, Visualforce, and Lighting in Salesforce development more in-depth with our blog.

Important characteristics:

• Pre-built apps and components are widely available in the AppExchange marketplace.
• Utilizing Lightning App Builder’s reusable objects and parts, as well as Process Builder and Schema Builder, to create sophisticated automated logic
• Built-in kanban boards
• Features for identity configuration and deep security

Betty Blocks

Betty Blocks is a no-code, drag-and-drop tool for creating business apps that let users design procedures for their apps. By allowing for the reuse of some components across many projects, it promotes quick production and flexibility. The platform doesn’t need to be deployed and is purely web-based.

As a platform for creating citizen apps, Betty Blocks markets itself. Its major goal is to provide independent citizen developers access to its user-friendly platform so they may create apps on their own.

Important characteristics:

• Toolkits and actions for app logic definition
• Builders of web pages and visual modeling
• A medley of several web services
• Incorporating mailboxes
• Mixed with an existing building
• Data modeling templates

Let DianApps Help You Employ Low-Code Platforms Seamlessly

It might be difficult to select the ideal platform for your business. Therefore, while developing a software solution on a minimal code platform, you must take into account the requirements of your business and qualified software developers. Because of this, low-code and no-code development needs complete attention. Hire an app development company like DianApps to concentrate on providing the knowledge necessary to steer your company in the proper way.

Web and mobile apps are created by our skilled professionals with a thorough grasp of programming languages, server-side technologies, low code/no code platform-specifics, and security issues.