Low Code Platform
Low-code is a software development approach that requires little to no coding in order to build applications and processes.
A low-code development platform uses visual interfaces with simple logic and drag-and-drop features instead of extensive coding languages.
These intuitive tools allow users with no formal knowledge of coding or software development to create applications for many purposes like mobile apps and business apps.
These platforms have become increasingly popular as a fast and easy alternative to traditional software development. Both professional developers and “citizen developers” (non-professional developers) can use a low-code platform to create apps of varying complexity to meet business demands for development, automate processes, and accelerate digital transformation.
Features:
Visual Modeling Tools
Creating apps using visual methods and models is faster than developing using code. Powered with visual modeling capabilities, low-code platforms use built-in components to represent any information in a form that is readable to anyone – from regular business users with no tech skills to professional developers.
Out-Of-The-Box Functionality
Leading low-code systems provide OOTB (out-of-the-box) functionality, which eliminates the need to build core modules for apps from scratch. For example, some low-code platforms include modules for data management or modules for customer facing apps, such as service management or sales processes management
Drag-And-Drop Interfaces
Every established low-code platform has drag-and-drop abilities. It is one of the most useful and important features that enables an easy development process. Both citizen developers and professional developers benefit from the convenience drag-and-drop features provide during the creation of applications.
Reusability
One major aspect of low-code development’s OOTB functionality is the usage of pre-configured modules and functionality for apps. These modules have common core functions needed for several apps, and they can be reused to develop different solutions more quickly. It’s essential that a low-code platform allows users to reuse prebuilt or newly-developed modules, plug-ins, and entire applications to develop necessary apps faster.
Cross-Platform Accessibility
Multi-device compatibility is a useful feature of low-code platforms. In addition to the ability to use the low-code platform on any device running major operational systems, its cross-platform compatibility allows users to build apps that can also run on all core platforms and devices.
Security
No matter how functional and user-friendly a low-code tool is, if it’s not secure, it is not a sufficient solution. Make sure that your low-code development platform offers proper security to protect the apps you are building and the platform as a whole before you start using it.
Scalability
Low-code systems should be scalable. It should be able to build new apps that can handle an increase in users as your business grows, whether that be twenty employees or a thousand.
Reporting and Monitoring
No matter how functional and user-friendly a low-code tool is, if it’s not secure, it is not a sufficient solution. Make sure that your low-code development platform offers proper security to protect the apps you are building and the platform as a whole before you start using it.
Application Lifecycle Management
Low-code tools simplify and streamline several stages in the software development lifecycle, such as debugging, testing, and deployment. They give users access to information about the apps created and their development and give them the ability to revert to previous versions if needed for better application lifecycle management.