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Why Do We Need Low-Code Platforms?
Low-code platforms have become essential in modern software development to meet the increasing demand for quicker and more efficient application creation. These platforms facilitate quick development, testing, and iteration of new ideas, which is crucial for staying competitive.
By using low-code development, businesses can rapidly create minimally viable products (MVPs) and adjust their products based on user feedback. This allows quicker identification and implementation of the best solutions, ultimately leading to efficient scaling.
What Is a Low-Code Platform?
A low-code platform is a user interface with a specific set of commands. Each action is represented by a block, and users can arrange these elements as they wish and establish connections between them. Most programming in such platforms relies on drag-and-drop technology, allowing users to quickly create algorithms for specific tasks. Additionally, low-code development involves working with databases, configuring relationships between different data entities, integrating APIs, and more.
Low-code solutions are user-friendly and efficient because they consist of pre-made building blocks, are easily visualized, work across different devices, and can scale as necessary. These characteristics make low-code platforms quite accessible and effective. The pre-designed algorithms are generally beneficial for various types of businesses and help expedite the development of new modules.
The visual programming aspect of low-code platforms means that the entire structure of the application can be seen during its construction, reducing the likelihood of errors in the connections between program blocks.
The History of Low-Code Solutions
The concept of visual programming emerged in the 1990s with the advent of Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools. These initial tools aimed to simplify the process of creating code in response to the complexities of traditional programming interfaces. However, changing the architecture of such applications required regenerating the code and manually reapplying changes.
Low-code platforms have transformed the traditional approach by substituting extensive generated code with a universal, scalable system. Through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), developers can easily find the right place to integrate new functionality within the program, allowing structural adjustments without the need to modify the code. The system automatically handles the code embedded in basic blocks via APIs, making it easier to incorporate new features.
A key aspect of low-code platforms is the generation of code rather than manual coding, resulting in more stable, predictable, and high-quality outcomes. A good low-code builder also offers the flexibility to modify any part of the code, ensuring it aligns with specific customer requirements.
Components of a Low-Code Platform
A low-code platform typically includes three main components:
- Standard Functionality: This includes business logic blocks, integration with various services, database management, and artificial intelligence support. Users receive this functionality in a ready-to-use form or with minimal customization required via APIs.
- IDE – Integrated Development Environment: This visual environment enables users to build business logic using pre-made blocks, primarily through drag-and-drop actions.
- Manual Coding: Necessary for complex or specific tasks, manual coding components are integrated into the business logic via APIs.
Low-code platforms range from simple solutions for template-based applications to comprehensive development environments with visual programming languages.
Tasks Solved by Low-Code Solutions
Low-code platforms can address several key tasks:
- Reducing Costs: Low-code solutions reduce development time and resources, providing a more cost-effective strategy for software development. This is especially advantageous for startups and small businesses.
- Extending Interfaces: They facilitate the extension of internal company services or CRM systems.
- Rapid Adaptation: They enable rapid customization of interfaces to align with business needs.
- Personalization: They allow programs to be personalized to meet the specific requirements of individual employees.
These are just a few of the capabilities of low-code solutions, which continue to evolve, offering new advantages.
Applications of Low-Code Technology
Low-code solutions have gained significant popularity in CRM systems and electronic document management platforms. These systems are often created to allow clients to customize them, expanding the market for such solutions.
Low-code platforms can also be used to automate internal company processes, including accounting. Their seamless integration capabilities facilitate the enhancement of existing processes. Additionally, low-code platforms enable the automation of routine tasks, data transfer, and the unification of employee access to various systems.
Furthermore, low-code technology facilitates quick adjustments to business logic, enhancing customer interactions through applications and websites.
Why Use a Low-Code Platform?
Low-code approaches are becoming increasingly popular as a quick and simple alternative to traditional software development. Both non-technical users and developers are turning to low-code or no-code technologies to create applications of various levels of complexity, solve business problems, and automate processes.
By 2025, the low-code development market is expected to reach $45.5 billion, driven by the increasing demand for faster and more adaptable software development solutions. According to Gartner, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies by 2025, a substantial increase from less than 25% in 2020. This rapid adoption emphasizes the growing significance and effectiveness of low-code development in meeting modern business requirements.
