Developing software is a very complex process. It requires hiring expensive technical resources. McKinsey and Oxford’s join study suggests that half of all large IT projects—defined as those with initial price tags exceeding $15 million—massively blow their budgets. On average, large IT projects run 45 percent over budget and 7 percent over time, while delivering 56 percent less value than predicted.
Therefore, Low-Code and No-Code platforms have started gaining popularity. Simple automation can be done without much manual coding with the help of Low-code/No-Code platforms, which can lead to faster delivery of application within less time.
What are Low-Code and No-Code Apps?
Low-code & No-code is a rapid application development (RAD) approach. These apps have the pre-written codes and template which can be used for developing automation and building applications with little or no knowledge of programming.
Difference between Low-Code and No-Code
Low code – It enables automation through visual process flow like drag and drop and pull-down menu interfaces. Some handholding is required by developers in the form of manual coding or scripting. Examples of low code applications include robotic process automation, appraisal management software, external plugins’ integration, mobile and website application development, business process management platforms, cloud-based next-gen technologies, such as machine-learning libraries, and legacy app modernization.
No Code – As per name, it doesn’t need any code. It contains pre-made designs and interface can be changed as per the requirements. It will not restrict the app development as per the pre-made design, it will provide flexibility to make changes and develop an app as per your business requirement. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective mechanism to build an application for the business in short span of time. Examples of these No-Code applications are self-service apps for businesses, apps for mobile, workflows builders, content management platforms and dashboards.
List of some of the current Low-Code No-Code platforms, along with their usage.
1. Analytics & Predictions Platforms
- Amplitude
- Obviously
- Mixpanel
2. Forms, Rules, and Workflow – For automations
- K2.com
- Quick Base.com
- InRule
- Decisions
- FlexRule
- Kissflow
- Pipefy.com
3. For Admin Tools – Admin tasks can be made easier with these platforms
- Retool.com
- Skuid.com
4. Developing Application without coding knowledge
- Claris FileMaker
- Salesforce Lightning
- Outsystems
- Appian
- Pega
- Microsoft PowerApps
- Radzen
- com
5. Software Deployment
- Netlify
- Heroku
- Firebase
6. Connectors and API Automation
- Zapier
- IFTTT
- Unito
- Airtable
- Segment
Above are some available platforms in the market, which provide similar business benefits.
Benefits of Low-Code and No-Code Applications
Democratization of technology: Both low-code and no-code solutions can be used by different kinds of users, which reduces dependency on hard-to-hire, expensive coders, and developers.
- Increase Productivity: Low-code/no-code improves the velocity of development, reduce the timelines from months to days which helps in faster rollouts of products.
- Cost-effectiveness: Low-code/no-code is more cost-effective than traditional development approach, as it includes small teams, few resources, and low maintenance & infrastructure costs. ROI is also better due to quick agile releases.
- Consistency in Architectural Designs: As coding is less required or not required for development, it ensures design and code consistency. It is also beneficial during debugging applications, so instead of understanding framework developers can spend their time in troubleshooting the issues.
- Build than buy: Cost effective in-house customization can shift the needle from “buy” to “build” in the buy vs build dilemma.
Author
Hari G
