The Rise of Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC) in Software Development
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Introduction
The IT departments of businesses are under constant pressure to reinvent their digital presence and revamp a company’s digital space. With a potential reach of 5.18 billion people (64.6% population) worldwide, businesses are realizing the hidden potential of investing in a digital space. Recruiting and searching for technical skill sets are seeing an exponential rise. However, there is also an acute shortage of technical skills and resources in the market.This leads to a strain on development talent who are expected to develop complex software solutions in less time. The best solution to this arising problem is Low Code No Code (LCNC) in software development. Let us have a look at what LC/NC is and why it is the perfect solution for modern-day software development.
What is Low code No Code?
Low Code/ No Code application development refers to a new type of development technique that reduces traditional or pro-code-writing requirements or removes( in the case of no-code software development) it completely. In Low Code software development, code writing is still a part of the development process but in a more augmented and simplified manner. On the other hand, in No Code development, the coding is eradicated completely with the help of various prebuilt development platforms.
According to Gartner’s recent research, by 2025, 70% of the new applications built for businesses would constitute LowCode and No Code Technologies. It is a major growth from recorded 25% in 2020. Developers are preferring LCNC technologies for their ease of use and accessibility. They no longer need to wait for the company to provide heavy infrastructure and expensive software. They can directly access coding platforms hosted on the cloud thus saving the company a lot of money and overhead charges. Another advantageous attribute of LCNC development is that it allows developers to complete projects in less than half the amount of time it would take via a conventional approach. This further allows businesses to focus on areas of expertise and direct resources to more important aspects while digitally transforming day-to-day operations.
Advent of LCNC
Low-code and no-code development platforms are a boon for businesses that lack the resources to hire entire software development teams or outsource to software development companies that either lack the knowledge or the time to code. On the other hand, these LCNC frameworks are built on existing coding languages such as Python, C++, PHP, and Java, and end users need only be concerned with the final interface. Users are given a visual software development environment where they can simply drag program components, link them, drop them, and run tests. As a result, end users get a familiar paradigm to build, test, and even deploy apps that are totally focused on simplicity of use.
Many agree that Visual Basic is one of the earliest precedents of modern-day low-code integrated development environments (IDE). One can also call the spreadsheet the most commonly used LCNC platform in the 1960s. Non-procedural and non algorithmic spreadsheets made computation accessible to the general public who lacked knowledge of programming.
Advantages of LCNC
LCNC promises several advantages such as:
Faster development cycles
Low-code development encourages shorter developmental cycles which are extremely beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises. The web-based, drag-and-drop features, reusable components, and built-in libraries are extremely economical and convenient for businesses of all sizes. As a result, businesses may deploy their apps more quickly and make quick updates.
Flexibility in Tenancy
While traditional coding is strict with tenancy deadlines, LCNC platforms provide flexibility when it comes to incorporating last-minute changes or modifying the scripting language and behavior of the LCNC platform as per needs.
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LCNC Platforms allow developers to present their concepts and maps in more than just theory. The flexibility of these platforms allows developers to get additional resources from management by showcasing intended progress in brief.
Increased Efficiency
Since Low-Code and No-Code require less development work, they are effective at increasing the efficiency of routine tasks. The LCNC way of coding, allows IT departments to create their own copies of popular programs or quickly add new features. Businesses can also solve their own operational problems without the help of many programmers.
Elevated Customer Experience
Easy integration of Low Code developed applications and features elevates the customer experience. It does so by making it easier to add services, updates, and latest features quickly and conveniently. It also reduces applications from crashing down while maintaining a uniform omnichannel experience.
Cloud readiness and lower IT Infrastructure needs
The majority of LCNC apps are cloud-ready and deployable, offering on-demand scalability This leads to significantly lower requirements for initial IT infrastructure investments. By decreasing IT headcount, LCNC enables quicker innovation in less time and with less manpower.
Effective Management
LCNC platform allows IT and DevOps teams to easily manage a portfolio of apps more successfully while maintaining all compliance and governance capabilities. Low code encourages smooth teamwork and lessens reliance on other programs for quick fixes.
Easy to understand
Traditional codes are often difficult to understand as they are written by several developers and often are not easy to read and interpret. Debugging such code also delays the time to market. Low-code and no-code platforms are different as they are easier to understand which further simplifies identifying configuration/script bugs and fixing them.
Freedom of configuration
LCNC platforms provide an extra ounce of freedom when it comes to customizing their products. The platforms provide a greater number of parameters for real-time configuration in any business scope giving end users a better opportunity to model their requirements.
Enhanced Agility
Since most businesses are looking to transform into a digital environment that is continually growing and adapting, they are opting for development techniques that are time-saving. It takes too long to construct applications using a conventional development strategy.
Disadvantages of LCNC
On the flip side, LCNC platforms have a few disadvantages as well. Here are a few to keep in mind while considering LCNC development for your next software project:
Reduced flexibility
While LCNC solutions have flexibility when it comes to adding new features, they lack customization capabilities. The built-in plugins limit developers from customizing software according to their needs. Here the conventional approach and a more open architecture come in handy and are therefore preferred over the LCNC development.
Security risks and features
As the application providers have no control over the source code, LCNC platforms significantly rely on their platform providers to reduce IT risks and security issues. If, for some reason, these platform providers stop offering their services, applications won’t be able to remedy security flaws because there won’t be any security updates accessible. Additionally, companies that rely on LCNC providers run the danger of having their systems and data exposed to security breaches. This only applies to LCNC items purchased from suppliers; it does not apply to products created in-house.
Vendor lock-in
Businesses find LCNC platforms difficult to switch from. This means that businesses are more likely to be dependent on a sole LCNC Provider for their IT development needs. As an LCNC solution limits a company in customization, businesses might prefer the more conventional models, especially when looking for customizable features and future scalability options.
Differences between Low Code No Code
There are minute differences between the two new developmental styles of Low Code and No Code. These differences, however small, should be kept in mind by businesses looking to develop their next IT project within the LCNC Framework.
| Low Code | No Code | |
| 1 | Low Code needs little technical knowledge of codes for app development. | Any IT professional, with or without knowledge of coding, can develop in No Code framework |
| 2 | Customization in applications is very convenient for businesses and can be achieved via unique tools | Pre-designed templates provide limited customization capabilities |
| 3 | Developers have larger share of control over the application | Applications are designed for user control and mobile responsiveness, with less control to developers. |
| 4 | Longer Development cycle than No code with End to end development | Limited developmental capabilities |
Low Code No Code Use Cases
The LCNC technology is actively being employed in development of every kind of application, website and software, in various industry verticals. Examples of them are:
- Digital banking – LCNC Platforms are used to create secure, advanced applications compatible with various operating systems.
- Customized Tools and workflows – to develop custom tools and workflows tailored to their specific needs.
- Data Management – LCNCs platforms help design interfaces to visualize data creatively without the need for coding.
- E-Commerce – Entrepreneurs and newfound business owners often use these platforms to set up online stores quickly and economically.
- Customer Relationship Management(CRM) System – CRM systems are instrumental in managing customer interactions, customer support processes and project deadlines.
- Prototyping and MVP Development – Enterprises effectively use LCNC to launch initial versions of their software products and get critical feedback from their customers.
- Automated Workflows – LCNC platforms are ideal for automating workflows and performing monotonous tasks and automotive tasks.
- Training and Learning programs – Educational institutions can develop digital learning platforms, employee onboarding programs and training portals quickly and conveniently.
Avenues that are in need for rapid application development, customization, and automation without extensive coding knowledge, can best use LCNC and avail all its benefits.
Conclusion
Low Code/ No Code is gaining popularity as we speak. It is safe to say that LCNC development will be the go-to software development in the coming years. Low code platforms are not only economic and sustainable but also faster and more convenient. Even though LCNC development does not require a full-fledged development team, it does require developers who can guide the company in the best application of LCNC development. There are many software development IT firms that provide developers, best equipped with knowledge of this latest development trend. One such reliable software development company is OpenXcell. Hiring developers with OpenXcell provides the best insights into the most economical development of software solutions in the shortest possible time.
