The advance of technology, especially digital technology is a double-edged sword. There’s no doubt that new digital advancements mean more power, more speed, and more efficiency. But at the same time, big technical advancements also mean more complexity, and complexity can sometimes take more time and effort to effectively understand and implement.
There’s a very real risk that a complex technology infrastructure can overwhelm the people meant to benefit from it if they’re not properly prepared to deal with it. One solution to this issue is to use a low code development platform, instead of a traditional software or network infrastructure. But how is this going to make things any easier for a business, especially a growing one that needs technology to keep up with it? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Low Code?
Low code is both a design philosophy and a standard for digital transformation that is growing in popularity. Despite what the name “low code” suggests, this doesn’t mean that it is a poor or sub-standard technology that is implemented in a business setting. “Low code” refers to the amount of coding and programming knowledge required to operate the software and, more importantly, make changes with it.
Traditional programming and software engineering is considered “high code.” It requires a high amount of study, proficiency, and experience to create software that does what people need it to. As with any other skill, programming the traditional high code way means having an expert skill set, and this type of staff, while in high demand across just about every business, are too few to meet the needs of the market.
“Low code,” on the other hand, takes the opposite approach. Low code emphasizes high technology that doesn’t require a high degree of skill. The intricate programming required to do the “heavy lifting” is automated in the background and doesn’t require programming knowledge.
A classic example is the traditional operating systems of the past versus the ones we use today. The original DOS, or disk operating system, required knowing intricate commands that needed to be laboriously typed, without error, and either memorizing or referring to a list of commands to perform even basic functions like transferring data to another user. Today, people can click on an icon and “drag and drop” the intended file or data to a recipient, without any need to understand the high-level coding that makes this possible.
What Is A Low Code Development Platform?
A low code development platform is one where the low code philosophy has been embedded into the platform right from the start, to make it easier for people to interact with the system, and not require a high degree of coding knowledge. However, because it is a platform, a low code development platform means that people can perform high-level coding tasks—such as creating new apps—without having to rely on a small pool of programmers.
What Are The Benefits Of Low Code Development Platforms?
A low code development platform provides many benefits for businesses, but the three biggest advantages are:
Ease of use: Because you don’t have to be a programmer to create apps and functionality on a low code platform, this means that anyone willing to learn the systems will find it very easy to use and create sophisticated software.
Efficiency: The creation of apps and other functions within an enterprise can be done more efficiently since it no longer requires a small pool of highly skilled personnel. This means even changes can be done rapidly and gives businesses great agility in responding to trends and needs.
Scalability: Whether it’s big or small, or needing to accommodate changing sizes, a low code development platform can scale to the needs of the enterprise.
Who Is Low Code For?
A low code development platform is useful to anyone who is:
- A citizen developer creating new software and content for others
- Small businesses that want software that is competitive with large enterprises
- Medium enterprises looking for efficient internal solutions
- Large businesses that don’t want to always rely on a high-in-demand programming team
What Can You Create With Low Code?
A low code development platform limits you only by your willingness to invest in the time. With the commitment, you can create software across a huge range of different industries, including:
Retail: software that helps customers to make purchases
Manufacturing: Internal processes and operations can be streamlined and maintain compliance with industry standards.
Management: Human Resources can reliably track and monitor employee data
Customer Service: Software that can facilitate both customers’ needs and help employees to more efficiently address those needs.
Public Sector: Different government agencies and vendors have different requirements for organizing information, maintaining lines of communication, and sharing or tracking data efficiently but securely.
Mobile: Software that works not just on desktop or laptop computers but has the ease of use and connectivity necessary for mobile devices.