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The Rise of Low-Code Development

Discover how low-code development platforms are revolutionizing the web development arena. Learn about the benefits and challenges of low-code development, explore real-world examples of platforms. Stay ahead of the curve and unlock the potential of low-code development for your business.
The ever-changing landscape of web development has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, marked by the rapid rise of low code development platforms. These platforms are transforming the way businesses approach web development, providing a simpler and more accessible means for non-technical professionals to create web applications without having to write a single line of code. In this article, we will delve into the ascent of low code development and its profound impact on the web development arena.
Contents:
Definition of Low code Development.
Low code development entails the creation of web applications using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools instead of traditional coding practices. This approach empowers businesses to expedite and optimise the web application development process, eliminating the need for having a team of developers. By utilising low code development platforms, businesses can construct applications using pre-built components, templates, and integrations.

Low code development platforms are purposefully designed to simplify the web development journey, making it easy for non-technical professionals to fashion web applications effortlessly. This methodology proves especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that do not have large IT departments or the means to hire a team of developers.
The Rise of Low-Code Development
Low code development has been steadily gaining traction for several years and shows no signs of deceleration. According to Gartner, low code application development is projected to account for over 65% of all application development activities by 2024.

This growth is fueled by various factors, including:
  • the escalating demand for web applications,
  • the scarcity of skilled developers, and
  • the necessity for accelerated development cycles.
As businesses increasingly rely on web applications to support their operations, the demand for web developers has skyrocketed, making it harder for companies to locate and employ qualified professionals.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the adoption of low code development. A survey conducted by OutSystems reveals that 60% of organisations escalated their usage of low code platforms during the pandemic.

Low code development platforms offer an optimal solution to this challenge by enabling businesses to create web applications without the requirement of an extensive developer team. This approach is particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses lacking the resources to maintain a full-time development team.
Examples of Low-Code Development Platforms
The market boasts a variety of low code development platforms, each possessing distinct features and capabilities. Let us explore a few examples of these platforms and how they are being utilised by businesses. Some of the best low code development platforms are:
Salesforce Lightning Platform serves as a low code platform that empowers businesses to create customised web applications and mobile apps using pre-built components, templates, and drag-and-drop tools. This platform offers an array of tools for creating personalised workflows, automating processes, and integrating with other applications.

Businesses of all sizes, ranging from small startups to large enterprises, leverage Salesforce Lightning Platform. For instance, Univar Solutions, a prominent chemical distributor, utilised Salesforce Lightning Platform to establish a tailor-made CRM system that streamlines its sales process and delivers a more personalised experience to its clients.
Microsoft Power Apps stands as another prominent low code development platform. This platform encompasses a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, enabling users to fashion custom workflows, automate business processes, and construct personalised user interfaces.

One of its key attributes is its integration with various Microsoft products, including Office 365 and Dynamics 365. This seamless integration empowers businesses to create highly customised web applications tightly integrated with their existing Microsoft tools.

Microsoft Power Apps caters to businesses of all sizes. For example, Mercedes-Benz USA employed Microsoft Power Apps to build a customised application that streamlines its sales process and offers a more personalised experience to its customers.
Google App Maker is a cutting-edge low code development platform that empowers businesses to create tailor-made web applications through the utilisation of pre-built templates, drag-and-drop tools, and connectors. This platform provides an extensive array of tools, enabling the creation of personalised workflows, seamless integration with other applications, and efficient automation of processes.

Businesses of all scales, ranging from little startups to big enterprises, harness the power of Google App Maker. For instance, Intuit, a leading provider of financial software, leveraged Google App Maker to create a customised application that enhances the management of customer data for its employees, streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.
Benefits of Low-Code Development
Utilising low code platforms for web application creation brings forth a multitude of advantages. Here are some key benefits worth noting:
Faster Development Cycles
Low code development platforms enable businesses to create web applications at a much faster pace compared to traditional development methods. This proves particularly advantageous for businesses requiring fast creation of applications to meet customer demands.
Lower Costs
Low code development platforms typically offer more affordable alternatives to hiring a team of developers for custom web application creation. This allows businesses to save costs while still producing high-quality applications.
Easier Maintenance
Low code development platforms often come equipped with built-in maintenance tools, streamlining the process of updating and maintaining web applications over time.
Better Accessibility
Low code development platforms facilitate the web development process, making it more accessible for non-technical professionals to create web applications.
Faster Development Cycles
Low code development platforms enable businesses to create web applications at a much faster pace compared to traditional development methods. This proves particularly advantageous for businesses requiring fast creation of applications to meet customer demands.
Lower Costs
Low code development platforms typically offer more affordable alternatives to hiring a team of developers for custom web application creation. This allows businesses to save costs while still producing high-quality applications.
Easier Maintenance
Low code development platforms often come equipped with built-in maintenance tools, streamlining the process of updating and maintaining web applications over time.
Better Accessibility
Low code development platforms facilitate the web development process, making it more accessible for non-technical professionals to create web applications.
Challenges of Low-Code Development
While there are numerous benefits associated with low code development platforms, it is important to acknowledge the challenges they may present. Here are some significant challenges to consider:
Limited Customization
Low code development platforms typically offer a predefined set of components, templates, and integrations, which may limit the ability to create highly customised web applications.
Limited Scalability
Certain low code development platforms may face limitations in handling large-scale applications, impeding scalability.
Learning Curve
Despite their user-friendly design, low code development platforms still require a learning curve. This can pose a challenge for businesses when initially adopting low code development.
Security Concerns
Low code development platforms rely on pre-built components and templates, which may introduce security vulnerabilities compared to traditional development methods.
Limited Customization
Low code development platforms typically offer a predefined set of components, templates, and integrations, which may limit the ability to create highly customised web applications.
Limited Scalability
Certain low code development platforms may face limitations in handling large-scale applications, impeding scalability.
Learning Curve
Despite their user-friendly design, low code development platforms still require a learning curve. This can pose a challenge for businesses when initially adopting low code development.
Security Concerns
Low code development platforms rely on pre-built components and templates, which may introduce security vulnerabilities compared to traditional development methods.
Conclusion
The rise of low code development platforms has significantly transformed the web development landscape, providing businesses with easier and more accessible means to create web applications. These platforms offer a range of benefits, including accelerated development cycles, cost-effectiveness, and simplified maintenance. However, challenges such as limited customization, scalability constraints, a learning curve, and security concerns should also be taken into account.

As the demand for web applications continues to grow, it is highly likely that low code development platforms will become even more prevalent in the future. Businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve should consider investing in these platforms to efficiently create high-quality web applications in a timely manner.
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