Do you know what Low Code is? With the acceleration of digital transformation and the need to optimize operations, several technological resources are gaining prominence in corporate day-to-day life. Low Code is one of these trends.
To give you an idea, according to Gartner, investment in this technology is expected to reach US$27 billion in 2023 — 19.6% more than in 2022. But, much more than knowing what Low Code is, we need to understand its role in business growth. In other words, in practice, how can it be applied to boost your business performance?
If you’ve come this far, you’re probably looking for more information on the topic. So stay tuned and follow the content we’ve prepared for you.
After all, what is Low Code?
Low Code is a agile and simplified software development method, as it requires minimal coding effort. It emerged in 2014 to classify development platforms into GUI (Graphical User Interface) — Graphical User Interface.
Low-code platforms use a visual development model in which the user performs all interactions through graphic elements on the screen. In this way, everything is summarized as “drag and drop” of the components on the screen, requiring little code for implementation. This feature simplifies and speeds up the development process, in addition to being more accessible for those with less coding experience.
Furthermore, with Low Code, development is more efficient, saving time and money. It is important to say that this agile development strategy can be used to produce a variety of corporate solutions: from the simplest to the most complex.
Discover the benefits of Low Code
As we have seen, developers benefit greatly from the use of Low Code technology. But, with a broader analysis, it is easy to see that companies are positively impacted by its implementation. Check it out!
Development speed
Because it requires little manual programming, developers can create applications much more quickly. After all, there is no need to write thousands of lines of code and complex syntax when developing applications with integrations, data and responsive interfaces.
Additionally, the features offered by Low Code simplify the life cycle of projects. One example is sending notifications that alert the professional of possible failures in a process.
All of this is done through real-time performance dashboards, which provide developers with an easy-to-understand view of important metrics. The end result is a better user experience.
Ease and accessibility in development
Ease and accessibility in development
Flexibility
Flexibility is an important advantage of this method, since each company and project has its own needs. In this sense, Low Code has a great capacity for adaptation, helping to develop solutions according to the demands of the end user.
One example of this is the possibility of integration, either automatically or through the editing of custom codes, with external systems and services — such as databases, APIs, and payment systems. This way, a company can connect its application to different data sources and functionalities, without having to worry about the complexity of technical details.
Low Code and No Code: understand the differences
Users who do not understand what Low Code is may end up confusing it with No Code. This is because both are approaches that simplify and accelerate the process of creating applications, systems and workflows for a company.
The main difference between them is the amount of coding required! Low Code still requires basic coding knowledge and uses visual aids and graphical interfaces to speed up the development process. No Code, as the name suggests, is a development approach that does not require manual coding.
No-code platforms can be an interesting option for professionals with no programming knowledge. In this case, the project is carried out using simpler and more intuitive visual interfaces.
Where and how can Low Code be used?
Low-code platforms can be used in different projects and in many different ways. Understanding this potential is the first step to implementing this methodology and adding value to your business. Below, we have listed some examples that may inspire you. Read on!
Internal application development
Imagine a company needs an internal application to manage technical support requests. With low-code platforms, developers can quickly create an application with custom forms to submit requests, track ticket status, and generate reports, for example.
Corporate process automation
Low Code can also be useful in automating corporate processes. Imagine a company that wants to improve the process of approving internal documents, reducing the time required for these activities.
With this technology, it is possible to create an automated workflow that forwards these documents to the right people based on predefined rules. All through trigger configurations with the conditions and actions that the flow should perform.
Rapid prototyping
Now, imagine a startup that needs to develop a mobile app to connect customers with service providers. With a low-code platform, developers can quickly create prototypes using pre-built libraries of mobile components. This is a great way to ensure that the team can focus on more strategic tasks for the user experience and core features of the app.
Development of analysis dashboards
Low Code is a great resource for creating dashboards to control and monitor KPIs in real time. This is because, with the integration resources, developers can create interactive visualizations of tables and graphs quickly and efficiently.
Low Code in practice: the real impact of this approach
Low-code has a wide application in today’s world, being useful for both everyday users and businesses. But turning our attention to business needs, what kind of solutions can you create without relying on code?
It is possible to list a variety of systems with different objectives: control, monitoring, governance, scalability and even mission-critical applications. Check out some examples:
Replacing legacy systems quickly
With digital transformation, many companies need to replace old systems with more innovative and efficient applications. In this sense, Low Code is a great ally.
Want a practical example? With the help of a low-code platform, Scheider Eletric managed to create 60 applications in less than 2 years. Thus, it was able to modernize its operation without interrupting processes.
Building a custom ERP
Does your company have very specific processes and demands? Some sectors have complex workflows and needs, making the task of finding the ideal management system challenging.
However, with the help of a Low Code platform, it is possible to develop a system that is suited to what you really need: CRM, ERP, logistics processes and inventory control, for example. And the best part: all of this is done quickly and easily.
The best Low Code platforms to use in your company
So far, you understand what Low Code is and how low-code platforms have intuitive tools that optimize the software development steps.
This type of resource is extremely valuable for the digital evolution of companies. In fact, a Gartner study pointed out that, until 2024, 65% of application development projects will rely on Low Code platforms. And what platforms are we talking about? Below, you will find out about the most widely used ones on the market today.
OutSystems
Outsystems is global leader in low-code development. It is omnichannel, which means that it is possible to create applications with various types of media. In addition, it has real-time performance dashboards and efficient security features.
It is interesting to note that the platform is constantly evolving and already has features for Generative AI. Project Morpheus creates applications in minutes and can revolutionize corporate life.
High-Performance Low Code
Outsystems offers a “High-Performance Low Code” platform. This is the only category of Low Code that allows you to develop complex, strategic and essential applications for your client and your own company.
Furthermore, “High-Performance Low Code” platforms have no limits in terms of end-to-end application development and updates. There is no need for additional licenses, no scalability issues and in the future there is no need to redo data for future updates.
Microsoft Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is Microsoft's platform for creating customized business applications quickly and easily. In addition to being very intuitive and functional, it has Artificial Intelligence features. Another advantage is the ease of data integration and connection with various types of systems.
Low Code is the future of software development. Take advantage of this trend!
Do you understand what Low Code is? After all the information presented, it is possible to see that this is a trend with great potential for the business world.
Companies of all sizes and segments can take advantage of the benefits of rapid and simplified development. This way, they can solve different challenges and achieve greater productivity.
And, since you have shown interest in the topic, I suggest reading our content about agility and Low Code.
