What is Low-Code?

So, what is Low-code? 

In its simplest form, low-code is a visual software tool that allows for faster and more manageable development of applications. Using graphical interfaces and drag-and-drop components, low-code expediates software development and increases its accessibility. By abstracting complexing coding languages, citizen developers – those without a formal coding background – can design their own applications. Furthermore, this user-friendliness fosters a greater level of collaboration between different teams.

So, what applications can low-code design? Low-code platforms are frequently used to efficiently design various business applications, such as marketing automation, customer relations management, tracking tools and much more. Comprehensive low-code application platforms can provide developers with the right toolset to build practically anything. 

Already utilised by a range of industries, low-code is a technological movement on the rise. Tech advisor Gartner forecasted that the low-code market would grow 23% in 2021, and would reach a total of $13.8 billion in the same year. Regardless of the excitement surrounding low-code though, it’s ability to empower both developers and non-developers alike is evident. In this article, we’ll explore why this is.

Like many innovations, low-code is the product of necessity

An ever-growing need for software – and a deficit in trained developers – has meant that businesses and other organisations require new means to develop their own applications. Low-code removes many of the technical obstacles associated with traditional coding, allowing both citizen and professional developers to design bespoke software solutions. And with speed being paramount in most industries, the ability to code quickly and effectively is highly sought after. Ultimately, the purpose of low-code is to empower others to reach their digital development goals – in the most efficient way possible. 

Low-Code simplifies development

There are a multitude of different benefits for low-code app development, with the list only growing as developers and businesses realise the potential of low-code platforms. 

One key benefit stands out in particular though: increased productivity and accessibility. This is due to the way low-code diminishes the complexity of software development. By using smart interfaces and logical drag-and-drop features, a more streamlined alternative is provided. More comprehensive platforms, such as Plant an Apps’, include a variety of pre-build modules and tools, allowing for even faster and more collaborative development. 

Rise of the citizen Developer

Leading on from this, the intuitive nature of a low-code platform enables citizen developers to create their own applications and software solutions. By removing many of the barriers associated with traditional coding frameworks, non-developers are empowered to pursue their own digital vision. In this way, low-code democratises app development and supports the self-efficiency of companies and organisations. 

However, this is not to say that low-code neuters the potential of experienced developers; it instead offers a more intuitive and productive development process, while still offering the freedom and agility that professional coders desire.

Introducing Plant an App

The new generation of low-code technology. Plant an App is a development platform that provides developers and IT teams with the speed and accessibility of low-code, but without compromising flexibility, or the potential for collaboration. 

Built from the ground up by developers, Plant an App boasts an abundance of different features on its platform. This includes four levels of software development and hundreds of pre-built tools. Combined with an accessible low-code platform, this allows you to easily sculpt your desired digital vision; in less than a week you could build a working prototype. The flexibility of Plant an App’s platform also allows for real-time collaboration during the development process. Citizen developers and business users can work on the same platform simultaneously, while API management assists in organising your different projects in one place. If your or your team have an idea, you can bring it to digital fruition.