Whether you're a developer or a non-technical user, facts about low-code and no-code platforms are always interesting to talk about. Some think this is just a trend, some understand the edges. Low-code and no-code platforms have been making waves in the world of software development. Providing a faster and more efficient way to build and deploy custom applications.
Aside from that, the platform allows developers to deliver applications quickly and leaves end users without coding. Its presence answers current needs, and it's no wonder the market is getting wider.
On a global scale, the low-code and the no-code market had a worth of 11.45 billion USD in 2019 and is predicted to experience a growth rate of 22.7% annually from 2020 to 2027.
Why is it growing so fast? In the digital age, businesses need more web applications. Plus, they need faster app creation as needs grow. Some developers cannot meet the businesses 'needs, so they switched to low-code platforms.
As traditional app development shifts to low-code and no-code platforms, we should have clues about this trend. So this post will explain the market, myths, and facts of no-code and low-code platforms.
Understanding Low-Code and No-Code Platforms
These platforms are designed to make app development more accessible and efficient. With drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and other tools that allow both technical and non-technical users to create sophisticated applications. Low-code and no-code platforms are often used together and are shortened to LCNC.
Low-code platform
It is an alternative to hard-coding applications. You can use the platform even if you don't understand the details, but it provides basic coding.
IT professionals and businesses can create applications using visual building tools instead of programming languages. Typically, these platforms have components that users can drag and drop to create applications. Plus, it allows frontend and backend code to be submitted quicker for testing.
Adopted from IBM, low-code platforms work on the principle of lowering complexity by using visual techniques such as process modelling. Visual tools are used to structure workflows, interfaces, and more. Behind those visuals can divert into code.
No-code platform
This platform enables people without coding skills to build applications. No-code uses a RAD (Rapid Application Development) approach and is treated as part of modular plug-and-play low-code development.
The basic difference between low-code and no-code platforms is the use of code. Low-code has the same approach as no-code, but developers can use manual coding for high-level customization. In a no-code platform, developers don't need to add code.
Examples of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms
Low-code examples
Applications that support low-code development are website development, cloud-based technology, and assessment management software. For example, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.
No-code examples
No-code is ideal for standalone applications that need speed. For example, self-service applications, calendar planning, and management facilities for simple automation applications. For example, such as Microsoft PowerApps, OutSystems, and Salesforce Lightning.
Low-Code and No-Code Market Overview
Gartner is projecting that in 2024, low-code application development will be responsible for more than 65%. From the report, we can conclude that low-code and no-code will impact the world's technological developments.
During the pandemic, the growth of LCNC platforms had indeed declined, but the emergence of technological transformation is expected to boost platform demand. Also, small and medium enterprises are facing the challenge of funding constraints, so instant platform adoption is likely to increase. It’s also supported by several vendors that offer sophisticated platforms for industrial automation, such as ChatGPT.
In March 2022, India will have 150 players in the LCNC market. This data makes the APAC region the largest market for LCNC. Furthermore, a report says that only 0.5% of the world's population knows how to code. 85% agree that a no-code platform will make their life easier.
These data show that the world is moving rapidly towards low-code or no-code and underlines that this will continue to grow in the coming years.
8 Facts about Low-Code & No-Code Platforms
There is a lot of confusion about LCNC platforms circulating in the wider community. Here is a summary of facts about the platforms that every business should understand:
1. Low-code & no-code platforms can be used by all skill levels
Some believe the platform is only for developers and should not be used by other staff. Some believe that low-code platforms are unsuitable for developers because they are too simple.
In fact, the low-code platform can be used by all skill levels. Staff can use the platform without interfering with the developer. On the other hand, developers can use the platform to speed up application delivery.
2. Low-code platform can be used for complex apps
The most popular misconception is that low-code platforms are only for simple applications. They are not suitable for complex and large-scale applications. Some examples of complex applications that use low-code platforms, such as:
- Cybero: It has 2.1 million users.
- AutoScout24: It’s the largest existing vehicle market in Switzerland.
- Qoins: This is a successful financial management app helping customers pay off over $12 million in debt.
3. The platforms come with many customisations
You are wrong if you think the LCNC platform is rigid. The LCNL platform offers much customisation with extensive coding. Typically, the LCNL platform is built with the most popular programming languages.
The main benefit of the LCNL platform is its flexibility and ease of use. Users can create and modify their applications whenever they want. More than that, some platforms even have special elements for adding code.
4. No-code platform can be used for AI or ML
Sometimes, this myth sounds like a fact. No-code platforms are not for you when you want to create your own AI or ML algorithms. But a platform like Google Vision would be great if you want to use existing AI or ML.
5. Low code reduces testing
In fact, testing is one of the biggest time drains in app development. After completing the application, you still need bug testing, compatibility, and other tests. And one of the biggest advantages of a low-code platform is that testing time is drastically reduced.
Low-code platforms use templates to build applications. Basically, templates are pre-built and pre-tested web applications so that the template can reduce the time for testing.
6. Low code brings consistency to developers
Building an app requires multiple development teams. The trick is that every developer has different coding habits and styles. Some people are neat, while others have their style.
When you take a low-code approach, each developer adapts to the patterns and templates on the platform. In turn, each developer must have consistent quality and comply with the standardisation provided by low-code platforms.
7. Low code offers companies significant resource savings
Simple and easy to use are two perfect words for a low-code platform. Users can adopt existing templates and use the drag-and-drop feature to build applications. As a result, it will reduce barriers, including organisational resources.
In addition, low-code applications reduce application maintenance costs. Plus, because developers can complete tasks faster, they understand areas to innovate.
8. Low code can increase enterprise agility
Forbes mentions that organisational agility is a key pillar of low-code development. The strong reason for this statement is that a low-code platform offers ease and speed in building applications. This point allows organisations to shift and change priorities in the application-building process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low-code and no-code platforms are becoming increasingly popular in today's world. They offer businesses the ability to rapidly develop and deploy applications and technology solutions quickly and easily.
These platforms allow anyone to create powerful applications with minimal technical knowledge, reducing development time and cost. Furthermore, they enable businesses of all sizes to implement the latest technologies without having to hire expensive software engineers.
Low-code and no-code platforms are a great way to accelerate digital transformation in any organisation. If you ever have a business idea in mind using low-code & no-code platforms, we are more than happy to assist you. With the right development strategy, VirtualSpirit ensures your business stays on top of the competition. So, what are you waiting for, let’s talk!
