What is low code?

Low code is a novel approach to software development to enable novice developers to create their programs and applications.

Try Vtiger Developer Edition

How does low code development differ from the normal coding process?

There are certain steps in software development that are common for both low-code and normal coding processes. However, low-code offers you the advantage of speed and simplicity.

A normal coding process consists of the following steps:

  • It starts with specifying the requirements for the app. With the requirements as a baseline, the outline is developed, and the application is coded.
  • The new application then undergoes a battery of tests to verify its conformance to standards. Post successful evaluation, it is deployed and monitored for troubleshooting new problems and developing upgrades.

While low-code development starts in the same way as the normal coding process, i.e., requirement specification and design development, the rest of the process is significantly simpler.

  • The components of the application are automatically generated parallelly with the system design.
  • The application is then subjected to various tests and deployed if it meets the required standards.

Updates are a cinch with low-code platforms as it is way easier to implement than the normal coding process.

Low-code vs. No-code

low code

  • Low-code platforms need some amount of programming.
  • Low-code platforms also offer the capability of adding customized functions.
  • Low-code platforms have a high learning curve when compared to low-code platforms.
no code

  • Even those without coding skills can create applications using no-code platforms.
  • No-code platforms provide only limited customization capabilities.
  • Anyone can use no-code platforms to build apps.

Low-code Platform Use cases

Integrations

Low-code platforms make the process of developing integrations easy. Manual coding of integrations is always an option, but it needs programming expertise. A Low-code platform democratizes this process with its ease of use.

UI design

An intuitive UI offers users a great advantage in their day-to-day operations. But designing a UI can be a challenge for most people who are not well versed with best practices in UI. Low-code made this design process incredibly simple, allowing anyone to design a UI that suits their unique style of working.

Prototypes

Low-code platforms enable you to develop new apps way quicker than normal coding. This is ideal for creating prototypes in order to verify proof of concept. Low-code allows businesses to smartly evaluate the viability of software solutions in solving something without investing a lot of resources into it.

APIs

Creating APIs manually involves a lot of work. It becomes even more challenging if they are to be developed for legacy apps. Low-code platforms help developers overcome this challenge by building APIs automatically using existing code as the base.

Advantages

Amplifies productivity by providing much-needed agility for business processes.

Boosts ROI on developers as they will be able to accomplish more with less time.

Improves data quality by adding custom validations.

Provides application security and data protection needed for a custom application.

What is VTAP?

Vtiger Application Platform (VTAP) empowers developers and administrators to extend CRM functionality.

It is a low code platform that enables you to build apps and features that meet the requirements of your business and adapt them quickly to the changing needs of your customers.

Try VTAP

FAQs

Low-code platforms have greatly reduced coding requirements in app development. It is specifically aimed at business users who want software solutions for their problems. Low-code is so easy to use that anyone can develop applications using it with just a few hours of training.

The fact of the matter is, low-code platforms can be used to develop complex applications too. However, it will need a team of highly skilled developers, just like the normal coding process.

This is a popular myth regarding low-code. The truth is, low-code platforms can be leveraged to build powerful applications with complex functions. Building such complex applications will no doubt need some excellent development skills. It can be used in any kind of software, so it is not meant for large enterprises alone. It can be used in any kind of software, so it is meant for all enterprises irrespective of the size.

No-code is nothing but an evolved version of low-code. But this does not necessarily make it superior to low-code. While no-code does allow one to develop applications without any coding, the functionality of the applications developed using it will be quite limited.