By Sharjeel Sohaib
•
10 Jan, 2023
Low-code development platforms give application development capabilities to business users, citizen developers, and project managers. This article provides insights on low-code development platform, why teams use it, the difference between low-code and no-code, notable use cases, and governance considerations while using a low code platform in an enterprise. What is a Low-Code Development Platform? A low-code development platform (LCDP) provides a development environment to create application software through a graphical user interface. Users can visually build applications through a model-driven, drag-and-drop interface. Unlike the traditional software development approach that involves selecting a programming language, frameworks, package repositories, and integrated development environments (IDEs), a low-code development platform abstracts these components. It enables app development through drag-and-drop application components, pre-built integrations, and native mobile or web apps with minimal coding. According to a leading consulting firm McKinsey, a low-code approach to app development saves up to 90% of development time. Difference between low-code development and traditional software development Low-Code Development Visual canvas-based Model-driven Business-user/End-user friendly Reusable components Out-of-the-box integration with 3 rd party cloud systems/services Native collaboration and SDLC tools Traditional Software Development Text-based (loops, functions, arrays, objects) Code-driven Professional software developer oriented Microservices API- or Code-based integrations developed by the IT department Leverages CI/CD tools managed by IT Unlike a traditional (and highly scalable) programming environment only usable by professional software developers, a low-code platform enables rapid application development that may be used by multiple user groups, including: Citizen developers Business analysts (and process analysts) Project managers (and program managers) Professional and Line-of-Business developers Why do enterprises use a Low-Code development platform instead of the traditional software development approach? The answer lies in three factors; speed and cost of development and innovation capability offered by the low-code development paradigm. However, it depends on the organizational context or the digital initiative as to what you may build using a low-code platform. Why Enterprises need a Low-Code Development Platform? Low-code development platforms help address strategic needs, including custom application development, business process automation, legacy modernization, rapid prototyping of new solutions, and digital transformation. Business Process Automation Low-code development platforms provide a way for business users to automate processes by applying business logic without the need for any programming knowledge. These platforms often come with Lego-like digital tools (like form-builder, user-friendly design canvas, process-manager, drag-and-drop controls, workflow builders, and advanced business logic) that make it easy to build and deploy applications to automate long-running business processes. It helps reduce the time and cost associated with automation and makes it more accessible to a broader range of users. Additionally, low-code platforms can often be integrated with other business systems and data sources, creating more comprehensive and seamless automation solutions. Custom Apps Low-code development platforms are also used to build custom apps. These are software applications for users in an organization to fulfill specific business needs. The platform allows choosing pre-built templates or creating a new blank app. Users can leverage the drag-and-drop interface and other tools to design and customize multiple types of apps, such as static or dynamic applications, single-page applications, and progressive web applications. Another way to view custom apps is whether it is a single-use case departmental app or a cross-functional application. The low-code development platform may be preferred for custom app development because it lets you conveniently add and configure forms, use databases, integrate with 3 rd party systems, and use workflow rules. Cloud and Mobile Apps The rise of mobile and cloud apps reflects the increasing shift towards digital and mobile-first business models. A modern low-code development platform allows business users to develop, test, deploy and maintain mobile applications for all operating systems, browsers, and devices in one platform. For instance, AgilePoint NX Mobile App Accelerator includes a low-code app development platform that enables users to create custom-branded native enterprise mobile applications for iOS, Android, or Windows devices without writing any code. They can then deliver their apps to business users within a few minutes, and the capability eliminates the need to hire mobile developers. Similarly, the platform enables you can create LOB apps spanning multiple systems using drag-and-drop tools. Low-code development platforms also help replace custom coding with model-driven development, drag-and-drop tooling, and reuse of services and app components. Model Driven Development Model-driven development (MDD) is a software development approach that focuses on creating and manipulating models of the desired software system rather than directly writing code. Model-driven development platforms shift the focus of software development activity from coding to modeling. Modeling, by definition, deals with higher-level changes in the application as a state machine instead of tactical coding manipulations. Unlike traditional Low Code platforms that generate code under the hood and thus result in the need to regenerate and redeploy the application, modern and model-driven platform architecture (as is the case with AgilePoint) allows business users and IT teams to make changes in the meta-data of the application model. The low-code platform’s run-time environment dynamically interprets and presents the application to its consumers. Enable Business and IT Alignment "The current software development paradigm is based on the divide between business and IT. Business users explain the requirements to developers who then translate these requirements into code, often resulting in communication degradation", says Jesse Shiah, Co-founder, and CEO of AgilePoint. One of the promising aspects of low-code development platforms is business and IT alignment. It is achieved through Involvement of IT in application development processes so that it can provide input on the technological implications of governance options, solution development, and maintenance. The alignment is also achieved by establishing a governance structure. This could include regular meetings between business and IT leaders, as well as the establishment of a steering committee or other mechanism for coordinating efforts and ensuring compliance. Low-Code Development Features that Provide Agility Drag and Drop Tools The drag-and-drop features of low-code platforms can help to simplify the process of building and customizing software applications, making it faster and easier for a wider range of users to create the solutions they need. These features typically involve using a visual interface to drag and drop pre-defined blocks or elements, such as forms, databases, and workflow rules, into the desired location within the application. Reusable Services and Components Reusable services and components are pre-built pieces of functionality that can be used as building blocks for creating software applications. Reusable services may include pre-built integrations with other systems or data sources, authentication and authorization functions, UI components, forms, and common capabilities that are needed by many different types of applications. What type of applications can I develop using an enterprise Low-Code development platform? Y ou can use low-code development platforms to build multiple types of applications. From an AgilePoint standpoint, you can build apps including: · Enterprise, mission-critical, and cross-functional BPM and automation applications · Hybrid apps combining digital process automation with RPA integration, e.g., UI-Path or Automation Anywhere · Departmental and collaborative workflow apps · Forms-based, cross-channel, digital application experiences without workflow · Business applications can run on mobile devices, tablets, or computers – whichever is best for the target audience. Another factor determining the type of apps you can develop is whether you use a Low-Code or No-Code development platform. Below we capture a few key differences between a Low Code and No Code platform. Difference between Low-Code and No-Code Development Platforms? A critical difference between low-code and no-code platforms is the level of customization and control. Low-code platforms allow users to customize applications, while no-code platforms generally do not offer this option. No-code platforms are suitable for users looking to build simple applications quickly but may not be as ideal for more complex projects requiring more customization. Another way to think is that a no-code platform is easier to use compared to a low-code development platform. However, the former is more restrictive and can only support single-use case apps. To sum up, consider the following factors when deciding between a no-code or low-code development platform. Extensibility: It is difficult or sometimes impossible to extend your No-code by integrating it with legacy systems. No-code platforms are suitable for single-purpose use cases where cross-functional automation is not a huge requirement. Governance: Low-Code platforms provide better and more elaborate governance and compliance tools within the platform. Deployment: Low-code platforms offer more deployment options for large companies or companies requiring regulatory compliance baked into their apps (think on-premises, hybrid-cloud, and private cloud). On the contrary, it is challenging to use no-code platforms except through vendor-offered SaaS models. User Experience: You can customize the user experience (UX) of modern Low code development, whereas it is not conveniently possible to do so in a no-code environment. Below we summarize the essential use cases of a Low Code development platform. Important Use Cases of Low-Code Development Platforms Low-code development platforms can be helpful in various situations where the need for custom software arises. Fig 1- Low Code Development Use Cases