A Quick Guide to Low Code Development
"Time to elevate the way you create applications in the digital realm!"The tech world has been widely discussing, debating and examining 'Low Code Development' for years! Previously, people had a faint or little knowledge about low-code development. But that is not the case crossing the 2022-23 year mark. The current digital tick has pushed an explicit call, and the low-code development ideas, knowledge and advantages are at table-stake.
Let us address 'Why'?
The digital space seems to fast-evolve with numerous macro trends and notions. And the very fact has urged low-code application development into the spotlight.
The demand for highly skilled developers is one prime reason behind the surge. Likewise, remote working culture has become the new normal. Clearly, there is a spike around digital transformation.
Here is where a low-code application development approach helps enterprises enable an effortless process of building business-critical applications in no time.
What is a low-code application platform?
Straight as it sounds - a low-code application platform helps enterprises develop applications with little coding knowledge. In contrast to traditional development, users will just require a little/ no understanding of code to design and use their custom apps with low-code platforms.
"Doesn't that look great to steer through your favorite business app with zero hand-coding?"
Low-code application platforms typically come with modular components and drag-and-drop features. The feature throws an efficient and leisurely space to build applications, make prototypes and launch initiatives, speeding up your overall software creation.
Again, app development seems to cross borders, and anyone from your IT development team could partake in the design and innovation process, including professional developers, subject matter experts, business stakeholders, and decision-makers.
Features to look out for with low code development!
Go in awe with visual modelling!
The visual modelling feature is fun and equally productive when looking to build your customized applications. Typically, it includes drag-and-drop functionality with reflexive UI, which is of great use for both mature and citizen developers. The model-driven development lets you visualize how the app functions will work while building it and guarantees a one-click deployment.
Engage with reusable components!
A low code development platform allows users to customize and extend application components. Users can enjoy creating cross-platform applications using pre-configured modules, templates, logic and connectors. These reusable elements go pre-tested for performance and security, helping enterprises build apps with sound character and scalability.
Pull delicate collaboration tools!
Ever thought of how to streamline your app development process? With a low-code application platform, you can develop collaboratively with built-in tools for feedback loops, user stories, messaging, revision tracking and more. And what amazes us here is that everyone in the development process speaks the same language of development without any hassles.
Ensure a scalable environment!
Either way, if your organization need to create and deploy newer applications or augment existing ones, scalability is a factor to look at. And that is where a cloud-based low-code platform will deliver flexibility, support, and run-time and dev-time scalability on demand. It will help keep your enterprise agile, facilitating rapid changes and end-user improvements.
Enable secure data integration!
Secure data integration is the basis for robust applications. With a low-code development platform, you could easily integrate information from various sources, services or devices, including your legacy systems & devices. The feature will effortlessly help build and manage systems at a large scale and allow users to locate and share data across teams and projects.
Streamline project management!
A low-code platform helps each phase of the development lifecycle with tools that streamlines project operations and management. Users could seamlessly move applications through different lifecycle phases: -ideation, development, testing, deployment, and management. Enabling a low-code platform will rev the entire project, allowing teams to work iteratively and autonomously.
How do low-code platforms help professional developers and business developers?
With low code development platforms, professional developers: -
- Get a custom IDE with a high-level toolbox to support server-side, client-side and integration development.
 - Can extend apps with custom code and integrate data from multiple sources.
 - Use micro services, and translate business requirements into bespoke solutions.
 - Use custom, rapid and iterative application development.
 - Can bridge the skill gap or reskilling gap.
 
With low code development platforms, business developers: -
- Can build custom applications using a simplified development environment.
 - Reduce constraints or barriers to true innovations.
 - Can build high-impact solutions for specific requirements.
 - Can pick the right technology and processes that will allow more people to build secure software.
 
How to choose the right low-code app development platform?
After all, how do you pick the right low-code development platform when there are multiple vendors around? One thing is for sure, your low-code platform should help you meet the ever-growing demand for software solutions. Since these development platforms can vary in their use, look and feel and amount of security invested, here's a small checklist you can consider before locking your vendor.
Ensure collaborative IDEs
Check: -
- How the platform allows multiple developers to work on the same project?
 - How does the platform distribute work between mature developers and others?
 - How is work conflict resolution handled?
 - Ways to incorporate feedback from business stakeholders that help minimize re-work
 
Consider data integration and security
Check: -
- If the platform offers connectivity to external services, systems and data sources.
 - How securely is data integration accomplished?
 - How easily can you build a micro services-based solution?
 
App life cycle management
Check: -
- If the platform supports a full-development life cycle
 - How does the platform perform versioning, source control, and consistency checks?
 - If the platform supports the DevOps model.
 
User experience
Check: -
- If the platform offers frictionless support to users across various devices.
 - How effortlessly you can add an additional UX to an existing app?
 
Productivity
Check: -
- How does the platform back industry-standard interfaces and protocols?
 - If the platform is open and extensible with custom code and APIs.
 - How do developers create and share an enterprise-wide library of reusable components on the platform?
 - What abilities do the platform offer around workflow automation and data integration?
 
Cloud support
Check: -
- If the platform supports scalable development of cloud-native apps with the option to deploy on multi-cloud premises.
 - How comfortable is the platform to migrate applications from one cloud to another?
 - If the platform guarantees optimum information security?
 
Summing Up
From the departmental level to the whole enterprise, low-code platforms help enterprises across the globe alleviate major business concerns. While professional developers will always be crucial to organizations regardless of size, low-code development allows those developers to concentrate on more complex technology projects. In the same way, automation can be a liberating force from redundant and mind-numbing tasks. A low-code development takes the stress of everyday applications off professional developers and releases them to be the true inventors and creators.
Are you looking for a trusted low-code platform for application development? Teknowmics offers Iqxora as its flagship low-code platform - trusted by major global companies. The platform helps teams build workflows that contemporize their business processes and are custom-made to the technical ability of any end user. Come, connect, and we can keep you equipped in the modern era of digital transformations.