Virginie Taborowski
Content Specialist
Last updated on
14.8.24
Best Practice
What is low-code? Definition, meaning and application
8
min
Table of contents
Developing new applications is time-consuming and expensive, and there is also a lack of IT specialists. This is where low-code platforms come in, which also enable non-programmers to visually develop applications.
But what is low-code exactly? In this article, we give you an insight into what the term means, what low-code means and how it is used in various industries and areas.
What is low-code? definition
Low-code (German: “little code”) refers to the development of applications such as apps or software using intuitive tools. Instead of writing lines of code, users work with drag-and-drop editors.
Although low-code applications are based on traditional code, the application is simplified by a user-friendly interface so that even non-programmers (so-called “citizen developers”) can design apps and software systems.
The principle of low-code platforms is based on “What you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG, “What you see, you get”).
Typical elements of a low-code platform include:
- drag-and-drop editors
- modules
- forms
- data models
- workflows
- programming languages (for more complex adjustments)
In contrast to no-code (German: no code), low-code programming requires minimal programming knowledge if users want to make more extensive adjustments.
Why is low-code important?
Low-code providers often make their applications available as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), making them affordable for businesses of all sizes. The services enable companies to digitize and automate their processes without bearing high costs for software development or IT specialists.
This is particularly relevant at a time when the demand for fast and cost-effective software development is constantly growing. Low-code programming thus offers companies a flexible and scalable solution to meet the increasing demands of the market and remain competitive.
Below, we'll take a closer look at the key benefits of low-code:
Speeding up software development
In the past, companies only had the option to buy ready-made applications or hire programmers with expertise, both of which are expensive. Low-code applications offer companies a new option to develop their own apps, software, or databases. With drag-and-drop tools, applications can be implemented much faster than with traditional code — even by laymen.
Instead of writing thousands of lines of code, entire processes can be automated using a modular principle. Companies can therefore react more quickly to new requirements and do not first have to search for suitable specialists who are difficult to find anyway. One Forrester investigation has shown that low-code applications are developed 20 times faster than classic code programming.
Lowering developer costs
Experienced programmers are scarce and therefore expensive. The shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector is leading to high salary costs. If you want to develop innovations, you have to dig deep into your pocket. However, low-code platforms can also be used by non-programmers.
Citizen developers are employees who are tech-savvy and heavily involved in the company's developments. In contrast to traditional developers, citizen developers have no IT training. Nevertheless, they know basic rules of code and are primarily trained in using new tools and graphical interfaces. This knowledge and their affinity for technology enables them to design their own applications and applications using low-code.
Since Citizen Developers are already working for the company, employers can refrain from acquiring new employees. This lowers development costs enormously. At the same time, even low-code platforms are not nearly as expensive as an IT employee. Cost structures are therefore significantly reduced by using low-code, so that companies can invest more resources in innovation development and project work.
Increasing flexibility in companies
Low-code platforms enable companies to respond quickly and effectively to changing market and customer requirements. By closely involving citizen developers, who are deeply involved in day-to-day business, technical projects can be implemented without long briefings and waiting times. This reduces dependence on overburdened IT departments and enables specialist departments to implement their specific requirements independently and promptly.
Another advantage of low-code platforms is the ability to optimize workflows and business processes through rules and automation. This automates routine tasks, which not only reduces errors but also frees up valuable time for strategic activities. Companies thus gain agility and can use their resources more efficiently, giving them a competitive advantage.
By easily adapting low-code applications, companies can respond quickly to new challenges and opportunities. Changes and enhancements can be integrated with just a few clicks, significantly shortening development cycles.
How does low-code work?
Low-code platforms are based on model-driven design, automatic code generation, and visual programming. Users work with a graphical user interface (GUI) and use a module builder and drag-and-drop editors to move elements or functions to the right place in the application.
The modules are assembled on a visual level, while the required code is automatically written in the background of the platform. Users can delete or revise their development at any time without errors.
The platforms are structured in such a way that employees with strong departmental knowledge can use them without the need for programming knowledge. The systems often run as browser-based applications, but can also be used as apps for desktop and mobile devices.
Steps to use a low-code platform:
- Define requirements: Clarify what should be implemented in the project and how. Requirements must be defined in order to plan the steps leading up to the finished application.
- Outline workflow and develop modules: Outline the business processes to simulate the workflow in the system based on them. Working with modules that perform specific tasks in the workflow is typical of low-code development.
- Map the process in the low-code platform: Start developing the modules until they meet the defined requirements and map the process in the low-code platform.
Low-code offers a wide range of applications
Low-code programming is used in countless areas. The fields of application are barely limited, as more and more providers are focusing on different industries. Low-code platforms can therefore be used to digitize not only typical areas, but also classic sectors such as the metal industry, the brewing sector or the medical sector.
Use case — production:
Low-code platforms can be used to optimize production processes and improve quality assurance. For example, an application can be developed that collects and analyses real-time data from machines in order to increase production efficiency and identify potential failures at an early stage. This results in higher productivity and reduced downtime.
Use case — personnel management:
In the area of human resource management, low-code platforms can be used to create customized employee management tools. Such an application could automate vacation planning, time recording, and performance evaluation, for example. This allows HR departments to make their work processes more efficient and focus on strategic tasks instead of administrative activities.
Use case — process automation:
Low-code makes it possible to automate recurring business processes, increasing efficiency and reducing sources of error. An example of this would be accounting automation, in which Invoices automatically entered, checked and approved for payment become. As a result, manual effort is reduced and processing time is significantly accelerated.
Prospects and forecasts for low-code
According to one Gartner study The global market for low-code development platforms is expected to generate revenue of 187 billion USD by 2030. By 2024, it is expected that low-code will account for over 65% of application development. These forecasts illustrate the immense growth potential and increasing acceptance of low-code technologies in the business world.
To be successful with low-code, team members must have a deep understanding of their business processes and be able to translate them into technical solutions. Even though no traditional IT training is required, Low-Code is still aimed at tech-savvy users. These users can develop and implement solutions faster thanks to the intuitive usability of the platforms.
As low-code platforms continue to grow, younger generations are already used to using these technologies. This makes it easier to integrate low-code into companies, as new employees often already have the necessary skills and understanding of these platforms.
Published by experts in 2022/2023 Low-code manifest underlines that low-code technologies must become an integral part of every organization's strategy in the future. Companies that use low-code early on can secure decisive competitive advantages and react more flexibly to changes in the market.
Conclusion: Low-code is the future of application development
Low-code technology provides a fast, cost-effective, and flexible solution for developing applications. It also enables non-programmers to implement technical projects and companies to react more quickly to market requirements.
With the expected growth and increasing acceptance of low-code platforms, the technology will play a decisive role in software development in the future. Companies that adapt low-code early on can secure decisive competitive advantages.
