Since my foray into the code world, I have always been looking for shortcuts, helps and tricks to understand it better. And, although I’m still at a B1 level of understanding, alternatives to classic development such as low code or no code sound, a priori, quite attractive. Is it a fundamental piece of the future, a quick way to find software solutions to complex problems… or is it a fad that will end soon?
Software development has always been a thing of the few. Well, not so few, although the data reveal that the current number of programmers in Spain needs to double in order to achieve all the objectives of digital transformation in the short term. The professional developer profile is increasingly in demand. Maybe, to remedy this, low-code platforms are gaining ground in the sector. Their promise? to develop complete applications with low (or even no) coding knowledge.
No, at Joppy we don’t think code is going away. But, like Artificial Intelligence, clean code and other best practices, they can be a useful ally for junior growth, middle establishment and more delegation possibilities for seniors.
What is low code development?
The term low code would not be understood without talking about low code technologies.
A development environment without the need to touch code or with the possibility, but which offers a visual interface based on drag and drop, that is, the visual definition of elements through a system of integration of blocks and elements.
It may seem a new term, but these environments appeared in Spain in the 90s. Below is an example of something that could be considered within these technologies.
Low code development platforms allow “citizen developers” (those with little or no coding knowledge) to develop their business applications without the need to take big data (in fact, these tools usually automatically connect all the backend and the DB) but also allow qualified developers to focus on more complex or strategic tasks.
Low Code vs No Code
Both systems are similar: visual interface, simple integration system… but while a low system gives you the option to change parts or the whole code, the no code ones do not offer that possibility. No code platforms are usually used for applications with few functionalities and are intended for end customers (i.e., not for use by other programmers or code connoisseurs).
Characteristics of low-code development
What does one of these environments have to have to be considered low code? Besides, of course, allowing at least small developments for minimal adjustments.
- It allows implementations for scalability. For example, through plugins, updates, patches…
- It is accessed through the cloud. So changes are shared by all, without the need for reprogramming.
- Powerful UI and UX development. Frontend capabilities on a mechanical scale.
- Reduces development time. As well as maintenance.
- Has high security standards (during creation and in the final applications).
- Connects with different backend services, such as databases or storage.
Example of low code platforms
Think you don’t know any of these technologies? You are closer to them than you think.
If I mention WordPress, you know what I’m talking about. This web application generation platform is one of the most powerful in the market. E-commerce, blogs, websites, interactive games? WordPress is an example of lowcode because…
- It allows customization through code, HTML and CSS.
- It is accessed through the cloud (unless you prefer to have it locally).
- Powerful UI and UX development. Have you seen their templates?
- Their plugins allow almost anything. There are even security-specific ones.
- You don’t need to be an expert developer to code.
But this is not the end of the list of low development tools. You may also be familiar with Figma, known as the “sketch of today’s designers”, Shopify, focused on e-commerce, Hubspot CMS (although this is no code) … in addition to those offered by Amazon, Microsoft and Google: HoneyCode, PowerApps, Appsheet.
Conclusion: yes, but not for everything
The possibilities of low code are many, as it is a way to democratize the creation of web applications in a world where everything is (and will be) increasingly digital. If this is combined with novelties such as ChatGTP and the rest of Artificial Intelligence tools… the options for its use increase.
Of course, anyone who has used low code tools knows that code is still necessary for complex, specific and highly customized projects. No, they are not going to make the techie disappear. But, as we’ve already discussed, they can help you focus on tasks where you can really shine.
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