Low Code App Development – Everything You Need to Know

Low code development is seen as a game changer in the development industry. Low code development is currently being used in 77% of organisations, worldwide. The popularity of low code development is on the rise and 65% of the application development activity all over the world will be done through low code development in 2024.

In this article, we will discuss what low code app development is, its challenges, benefits and impact on the app development industry.

Importance of Low-Code Development

Low-code development platforms have revolutionised the software development landscape by allowing users to create applications with minimal hand-coding, using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop components. This approach is crucial for accelerating the development process, especially in organisations with limited coding resources.

It empowers non-developers, such as business analysts and project managers, to contribute directly to the creation of software solutions, reducing the bottleneck often caused by a shortage of skilled developers. Moreover, low-code development enables faster iteration and deployment, allowing businesses to respond more quickly to changing market demands and user needs. This agility is important in today’s fast-paced digital economy, where time-to-market can be a significant competitive advantage.

Challenges of Implementing Low-Code Development

While low code development is growing rapidly, there are several challenges that are associated with the integration of this system for application development.

Following are some of the challenges your organisation might have to face:

Shadow IT Risks

One of the primary challenges of implementing low-code development is the risk of shadow IT, where departments or individuals create applications without the oversight of the central IT department. This can lead to a lack of governance, resulting in security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and data silos. Without proper management, these unsanctioned applications might not align with the organisation’s overall IT strategy or security protocols, potentially exposing the company to risks.

Limited Customisation & Flexibility

While low-code platforms are designed to simplify the development process, they can sometimes lack the flexibility required for highly customised solutions. Complex applications with unique business logic, intricate workflows, or specific performance requirements might still require traditional coding approaches. As a result, organisations may find themselves constrained by the limitations of the low-code platform, potentially leading to a hybrid development approach that requires both low-code and traditional development skills.

Learning Curve & Skill Gaps

Despite being more accessible than traditional coding, low-code platforms still require users to have a solid understanding of application logic, data flows, and design principles. For non-technical users, there can be a significant learning curve to effectively utilise these platforms. Additionally, while low-code tools simplify development, they don’t eliminate the need for some level of technical knowledge, which can create a gap between what non-developers can achieve and what is needed for more advanced applications.

Vendor Lock-In

Another challenge is the potential for vendor lock-in. Many low-code platforms are proprietary, and once an organisation commits to a specific platform, migrating to a different system can be difficult and costly. This dependency on a single vendor for updates, security patches, and continued innovation can be risky, particularly if the vendor’s roadmap diverges from the organisation’s needs or if the vendor’s platform doesn’t scale well as the organisation grows.

Integration Complexities

While low-code platforms often include tools for integration with existing systems, achieving seamless interoperability can be complex. Integrating low-code applications with legacy systems, third-party services, or more complex IT environments can sometimes require custom coding or workarounds, which may negate some of the benefits of using a low-code platform in the first place. Ensuring that low-code solutions are well-integrated into the broader IT ecosystem is essential, but it can be challenging.

Benefits of Low-Code App Development

While the challenges can seem daunting, the benefits associated with low code development trumps these challenges. Let’s dive into all the benefits you can enjoy with low code development.

Accelerated Development Speed

One of the most significant benefits of low-code development is the rapid speed at which applications can be developed and deployed. With pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and reusable components, developers can build applications much faster than traditional coding methods. This speed is particularly beneficial for businesses needing to respond quickly to market changes, customer demands, or internal process improvements. Faster development cycles also mean quicker time-to-market, giving companies a competitive edge.

Reduced Development Costs

Low-code platforms can substantially lower the cost of application development. By reducing the need for extensive manual coding, businesses can minimise the reliance on highly skilled (and often expensive) developers. Additionally, the faster development process reduces the overall project timeline, which in turn decreases labour costs. For organisations with limited budgets, low-code development offers a cost-effective way to create robust applications without compromising on quality.

Increased Collaboration Between IT & Business Teams

Low-code platforms empower non-developers, such as business analysts and other stakeholders, to participate more directly in the application development process. This increased collaboration between IT and business teams ensures that the final product more accurately meets the organisation’s needs and objectives. By enabling closer cooperation, low-code development reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and misalignment between the technical and business aspects of a project.

Enhanced Agility & Flexibility

Low-code platforms allow businesses to be more agile and adaptable to change. Whether it is tweaking an existing application to meet new requirements or quickly developing a new solution, low-code development enables organisations to pivot with ease. This flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where the ability to quickly adapt to new opportunities or challenges can be a significant advantage.

Lowered Maintenance Burden

Applications built on low-code platforms typically require less maintenance than those developed using traditional methods. The standardised components and automated processes in low-code environments reduce the likelihood of bugs and errors, leading to more stable applications. Additionally, updates and changes can be implemented more easily, reducing the ongoing maintenance burden on IT teams and allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Empowerment of Citizen Developers

Low-code platforms enable citizen developers—non-technical employees with a deep understanding of business processes—to create applications tailored to their specific needs. This empowerment allows organisations to leverage their employees’ domain expertise, leading to more innovative solutions and a faster response to business challenges. By enabling more people within an organisation to contribute to app development, low-code platforms foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Scalability & Future-Proofing

Many low-code platforms are designed to scale with the business, offering the flexibility to start small and grow the application as needed. This scalability ensures that applications remain relevant and useful as the organisation evolves. Additionally, low-code platforms often integrate the latest technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, which helps future-proof applications and ensure that businesses can continue to innovate without being held back by outdated technology.

Conclusion

Low code development has made a distinctive difference in the way applications are being developed. The simplicity that this allows is encouraging organisations all over the world to get an application developed. If you are looking to get a low code application developed, FuturByte has got you covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.