Code to convenience - How Rapid Development streamlines Enterprise Solutions

This article is approximately a 2-3 minute read. - The length of a typical smoke break.

For those who don't know, Rapid Application Development is a methodology that aims at building fast, scalable and secure applications and has been around from as early as the 1970's. RAD's focus is on iterative development, prototyping and user feedback. It's typically low-code and traditionally lowers the time it takes to bring applications to market.

What I'll be referring to in this article is 微软 's Power Apps. - A low-code development suite for business solutions. With its initial release in 2018, this technology has since made significant strides in mainstream development allowing practically anyone to start building custom business solutions and applications.

The market interest can clearly be seen by an upward trajectory in the past 5 years.

"But, wait. You said anyone?" What does that mean for actual software developers?

While Power Apps has democratised development, empowering anyone to build solutions. - Low-Code certainly does not equate No-Code.

For instance, my latest project with has required that I keep the Software Development Life Cycle in mind. Database architecture, development, relationships and performance were crucial regardless of whether the data was in T-SQL or DataVerse.

As a software developer, I've experienced first-hand how Power Apps can streamline development processes without compromising on quality.

Let's investigate the contrast in logic expressions within Power Apps vs. Python (which is known to be pedantic for its structural requirements) and JavaScript (Arguably the most famous programming language).

Single line logic expression in Power Apps:

If(Age >= 65, "Eligible for Discount", "Not Eligible")        

Logic expression in Python:

def check_discount(age):
    if age >= 65:
        return "Eligible for Discount"
    else:
        return "Not Eligible"

result = check_discount(Age)

        

Logic expression in JavaScript:

function checkDiscount(age) {
    return age >= 65 ? "Eligible for Discount" : "Not Eligible";
}

const result = checkDiscount(age);        

Now, you tell me. Which is easier to read for Angela - the associate Business Analyst?

Power Apps makes debugging and maintaining code much simpler. Further empowering YOU the Accountant, the Auditor, Business Analyst to be stronger technically. And giving the Software Developer the opportunity to focus on more strategic tasks, such as system integration, architecture design, showcasing the product and creating relationships with stakeholders. Leading to a more integrated roles. - Now isn't that just lovely?

Of course it is lovely. Now, let's hear the catch.

Catch #1: It's not that easy

We've heard the saying, "If it's that easy everyone would be doing it". While Power Apps does offer a low-code/no-code approach, it's important to note that a solid understanding of underlying principles is still beneficial, individuals would need to combine technical expertise and understanding of the end product to be able to deliver a comprehensive product. I, personally would strategically pair developers and business analysts here and allow their roles to intertwine where necessary.

Catch #2: Limited customization and scalability:

More complex, custom UI/UX solutions may need more than the typical out of the box features whereas you have the flexibility to basically build anything in JavaScript. Although, do not be fooled, I have been able to pull off beautiful designs that took longer than usual on Power Apps.

Catch #3: Technical debt (a warning to my fellow devs)

Low code solutions typically pose the threat of thinking "This is a quick fix" - Be cautious with these words when updating your stakeholders."

The speed of development may be euphoric, allowing you to enable many and do a lot in a short period. But, without a strategic approach with future updates in mind, maintainability and scalability. Your business solution could eventually become a problem.

Nonetheless, the strengths clearly outweigh weaknesses, allowing a low barrier to entry for application development, integration with Microsoft services such as Power Automate and Power BI, rapid deployment and go-to-market, and a clear relationship between business and technology. Why wouldn't any business give Power Apps a shot?