What are Low Code Platforms?
The low code development platform is a software that provides programmers and app developers with an environment where they can build and design application software via Graphical User Interface (GUI) and configuration instead of following conventional computer programming process. These platforms majorly focus on designing and developing applications of a certain kind, such as user interfaces, databases, business processes, etc.
The fact that low code app development platforms reduce the amount of using hand coding has made it one of the main reasons that app developers prefer them. This, in turn, leverages product delivery, minimizes cost, and allows more people to contribute to the development of the app, even if they do not possess professional programming skills.
Benefits of Low Code Development Platforms
Let us brush through some of the advantages of building applications on low code platforms:
1. Reduction in cost
A typical application for a large business takes not less than six months to develop, and on top of that, costs big bucks. One of the main reasons behind the success of low code development platforms is that they are cost effective as compared to other app development platforms. Low code platforms work wonders for those who have a limited budget and are looking for something that offers various functions at the same time. Adopting the low code approach cuts down the overall expenditure of the app development, as well as, the time spent on it.
2. Higher functionality
Another benefit that app developers swear by is the ability to create applications composed of high-level functionalities, all with the help of low code platforms. Also, this helps them in creating mobile and web applications with a deep understanding of the application’s performance.
3. Hassle-free maintenance
Mainstream mobile app development is high maintenance, hands down. It does not end with the deployment but is followed by various updates, bug fixes, improvements, and much more. Low code platforms tend to make it easy for the developers to quickly handle updates and make necessary fixes without any hassle. There’s very little to test when it comes to low code applications, and hence, speeds up the entire app development cycle.
4. Vastly accessible
It is a given — low code applications use less bandwidth that is required to install and run it. This is advantageous for the application users living in developing countries or in remote areas where the accessibility of the internet is not at all impressive. Also, as low code applications are developed with a much more ease than standard applications, their release in the market can be made quicker and economical. Presumably, this will help in increasing the app installs as the users from a low-income background will be able to enjoy them as well.
5. Less reliance
In today’s time, it is clear how much reliable clients are on app developers for every intricate detail that goes into app development. Low code platforms are transforming the times. With the use of such platforms, users can reduce their app dependency on developers and designers because low code platforms focus majorly on providing the tools suitable for an application’s visual development. A basic knowledge of HTML is sufficient to operate these tools because of their drag and drop interface.
To put it in a nutshell…
Low code platforms fit this quote the best: “skip the hard work, do the smart work.” You can get a lot done with low code platforms. With their assistance, developers get more time to create apps and less time to waste on the nitty-gritty. Not to forget, they reduce time to market as well. These highlighted benefits (and many more) are the reasons behind the increased demand for low code development platforms in the current market. Let us know about your experience with low code platforms in the comments!
Source: Mobile App Daily, Your Story, CIO, OutSystems
Rachit Agarwal
