Navigating the World of Low-Code Platforms

Embracing the Low-Code Movement

Low-code platforms have emerged as a game-changer in the dynamic realm of technology, offering many opportunities for faster software delivery and innovation. These platforms stand out for their ability to standardise components, processes, and solutions, granting access to pre-built components like data connectors. This broadens integration capabilities and paves the way to harnessing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

Opportunities Presented by Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms provide extensive benefits that cater to the evolving needs of software development. They enable accelerated software delivery, making the process faster and more efficient. These platforms ensure the standardisation and unification of components and processes, leading to consistent and streamlined workflows. Users can access cutting-edge technologies and pre-built components, enhancing the development scope. They also facilitate the automated creation of mobile applications and simplify user interface design, allowing developers to focus more on business logic and value.

The transition from no-code to low-code environments is seamless with these platforms, enabling rapid prototyping of user interfaces. Regular updates ensure that the platforms stay current with the latest technological advancements. They simplify governance and access control, making it easier to manage projects. The platforms offer reusable functionality, which can be adapted for various projects, and provide inbuilt high-level security to protect data and applications.

While low-code platforms are designed with accessibility features, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that they can be used by a diverse range of individuals. The process of maintenance and updates is streamlined on these platforms, significantly reducing the time and effort required for their management. Cloud-optimised solutions and deployments enhance scalability and reliability, making them suitable for a variety of use cases. Furthermore, these platforms facilitate the sharing of data and logic, which is instrumental in fostering collaboration among teams. They offer cost-effective service models and flexible cloud pricing, making them accessible to a broad spectrum of users. Importantly, while low-code platforms allow non-technical users, including clients, to be more involved in the application development process, they do not alter the fundamental dynamics of software development. Instead, they provide a structured set of collaboration features and workflows. This structure supports continuous business input and feedback on working applications, making the development process more inclusive and aligned with business needs, without compromising the stability and predictability of the development workflow.

Navigating the Risks of Low-Code Solutions

While low-code platforms offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to recognize their potential limitations. These platforms may have restricted features and limited extensibility, which could be insufficient for certain project demands. They often utilise rigid logic and templates, potentially curtailing creative flexibility. A major concern is their close integration with the platform, which can limit migration opportunities and may necessitate a complete redevelopment in cases where the project or client expectations are not in alignment with the platform’s capabilities. A significant risk involves the emergence of detailed requirements after the initial platform assessment, which could lead to the need for app redevelopment, either on the same platform or an alternative solution, thus potentially invalidating the initial choice of platform or the use of a low-code approach entirely. Additionally, managing large workloads and extensive feature usage in bigger projects can independently incur higher costs.

The need for paid platform support and the possibility of unresolved platform bugs are also concerns. There are intrinsic limitations in application management and deployment, and these platforms may not be suitable for large, complex projects due to their web-based nature, especially for mobile apps. Another risk involves unintended client modifications, which may require extra-contractual considerations. Implementing business logic typically requires learning a new scripting language, which can be daunting for some clients. Documenting dispersed logic and frequent changes poses challenges, and the platform’s reliability heavily depends on its design and underlying processing.

Furthermore, losing clients to other software houses with more advanced low-code capabilities is risky. Even minor customisations might require a complete solution redesign, adding complexity to the project. Therefore, while low-code platforms are transformative tools in software development, they demand careful consideration and strategic planning to mitigate these risks effectively.

Evaluated Low-Code Platforms

For their completeness and versatility, we assessed platforms like Microsoft PowerApps, Oracle APEX, and Mendix. Other notable low-code platforms include:

• Appian
• Claris
• DWKIT
• Google AppSheet
• Looker
• OutSystems
• Robocoder Rintagi
• Salesforce Lightning
• Sisense
• Skyve Foundry
• Temenos(formerly Kony)
• SIB Visions VisionX
• Wix Editor X
• Yellowfin 9
• Zoho Creator
• Joget DX

Exploring No-Code Alternatives

The platforms below offer user-friendly solutions for those seeking even simpler application development options:

• Airtable
• AppGyver (bought by SAP), SAP Build
• Appy Pie
• AppSheet
• Betty Blocks
• Bubble
• Carrd
• Glide
• Gumroad
• Kissflow
• Memberstack
• Nintex
• Notion
• Outgrow
• Payhere
• Quickbase
• Shopify
• Stripe
• Umso (formerly Landen)
• Voiceflow
• Zapier
• Zudy Vinyl

Strategic Use of Low-Code Platforms

In summary, low-code platforms are optimally suited for a variety of applications. They excel in projects that emphasise business logic as workflows and are highly effective for system integrations governed by clearly defined rules and automation. These platforms are ideal for ad-hoc solutions and facilitating early proof-of-concept testing. Their data-driven approach to application design, especially in business logic, makes them a go-to choice for developers.

Additionally, they are well-suited for crafting simple solutions that address specific business problems. Low-code platforms can efficiently handle vaguely defined, problem-oriented requirements and adapt well to platform-supported authentication schemes. However, due to the centralised nature of data storage on these platforms, careful planning is essential for data protection. Depending on project needs, a specific assessment is recommended to determine the availability of third-party connectors. Moreover, even though these platforms are designed to be user-friendly, adequate training and practice are crucial for maximising their potential; this also applies to no-code platforms.