Low-code and No-code tools

Magical guide about?#productmanagement. Part 9 article #64

Low code?is an approach to software development that uses a graphical user interface with simple drag–and-drop functions and logic instead of traditional, hand-written codes to create application software.

As the name suggests, there is almost no coding required to create low-code applications. The low-code approach allows you to create from simple to complex applications that meet complex business development requirements and accelerate business digitalization.

Developers may or may not have prior knowledge in the field of writing code and still develop applications that move your business forward.

What are the advantages of Low-Code?

Here are the main advantages of low-code:

Flexibility

The low-code approach helps to create applications that function at digital speed. This creates application capabilities that allow users to freely work with applications on various devices. For example, collaboration apps and tools are equally viable on both a desktop PC and a smartphone.

Low costs

Thanks to the ability and quality to develop more applications in less time, the price of one application is reduced. In addition, this approach effectively reduces the number of developers needed, reducing the cost of hiring staff. An effective low-code platform can make the entire path of application development relatively economical and productive.

Productivity

Low-code development removes the barrier between time and real innovation. It allows you to create more applications in much less time, which contributes to increased productivity.

Ease of making changes

Using a low-code application development approach, developers can easily make changes to applications and adapt them to new requirements. This approach to development facilitates the instantaneous introduction of changes to applications when they are required, without the need to move on to a complex coding process.

Faster transformation

Transformation is a vital requirement in today’s evolving digital world. The approach to developing applications with a small amount of code eliminates the difficulties in creating excellent modern applications. And reducing complexity means faster results.

What are the disadvantages of Low-Code?

Here are the main disadvantages of low-code:

Limited features

Low code offers limited features. System developers have access only to predefined blocks on a specific platform. This makes it difficult to configure the application, especially if the existing blocks do not provide the necessary functions.

Performance issues

Low-code platforms are versatile. This is justified because no tool can be good at everything. In this regard, platforms with low code can have problems when working with heavy loads, which leads to performance problems. If such problems occur, the only way out is to rewrite the application using code.

Integrations

Integration of applications with external systems using a low-code platform is not possible. This is especially true when developers need to integrate with legacy systems whose APIs are not structured according to standards.

Similarities and differences between No-code and low-code

The noucode and loucode tools are similar in the following parameters:

1. Intuitive interface, ease of use make it possible to quickly and effortlessly create a software product.
2. A wide range of applications — tools are used to create various products: from an application for online training, training to small social networks.
3. The required level of knowledge and experience of specialists is lower in comparison with standard development — there is no need to look for a developer who speaks certain, often several languages, to register him as a staff.
4. A similar set of tools — platform interfaces include a panel with elements (buttons, forms, catalogs, etc.), a workspace, a list of screens (pages) — home, for registration, personal account, etc., a database, workflow applications.

But there are quite a lot of differences between No-code and low-code:

1. Flexibility — the noukod has fewer opportunities to adapt the product to the needs of the user. Low-code has more flexibility.
2. The type of code is closed for the noukode, open for the loukode, which expands the possibilities of working on the project.
3. The level of knowledge of specialists — despite the lower entry threshold when using tools than with standard development, low-code still requires certain programming skills. A specialist capable of understanding the platform interface is enough for a noucode.
4. Speed — working with No-code is faster, because it does not require independent development, but due to the same solutions are more standardized and the startup will not be able to implement any special “chips”.
5. Scalability is more accessible for low — code, since it is not limited by the capabilities of the platform. No-code is mainly a way to create an MVP.

1. Appian

Appian allows you to create an attractive and consistent user experience on web and mobile platforms. With Appian, you can quickly create and deploy your applications (speeding up the software lifecycle by 17 times and reducing costs by 50%, according to the company) and even collaborate on an application with various teams in your company. Apps created with Appian will have a uniform appearance, regardless of which device or platform they are used on.

The Appian solution offers the following features:

• easy-to-use user interface;
• real-time alerts on best practices and risky design patterns;
• enabling complex business rules, data, planning, and automation;
• integration with third-party services using pre-created industry standard connectors;
• the Low-code expression languages allow you to configure the application not only with the help of graphical interface tools;
• collaboration tools such as document comparison, bundling of shared packages, and group security.

Pros and cons of Appian

One of the biggest advantages of Appian is that the company does everything possible to help you with the build process. Not only do you get instant feedback on your application, but development is divided into separate processes to make it even easier. Going down this path, you can split things like database creation and UX into different teams so you don’t have to worry that you’re assigning a task to a team that doesn’t have the necessary skills. Appian also includes built-in tools for collaboration and task management.

However, there are several disadvantages. Firstly, Appian does not include performance monitoring tools — so if it is necessary for your business to monitor how well your application is performing after deployment, this may become a problem. Secondly (and this can become a real problem for those who are going to deploy an application on Android), API support for third-party Java libraries in Appian is far from ideal. If you are looking for an API integration that includes several security templates — for example, a token/API key (OAUTH) — you may run into problems in Appian.

2. Mendix

The Mendix solution is used by New Balance, Zurich, Canada Post, CHUBB, Ingersoll Rand, ConocoPhillips and more than 4,000 companies worldwide. A distinctive feature of this platform from competitors is that it is focused on corporate development for such things as online portals, automated workflows, digitalized processes and modernization of legacy systems.

In Mendix, you can choose between the WYSIWYG No-code IDE (Mendix Studio) and the Low-code IDE (Studio Pro). Thus, if your team consists of both developers and non-developers, there is a tool that will satisfy both camps.

Other features of Mendix include:

• Atlas UI Framework for creating responsive design;
• Third-party API to extend the functionality of your application;
• the ability to choose from more than 400 building blocks from the curated library;
• getting help on the go from Mendix Assist AI;
• native cloud scaling;
• one-click deployment;
• application lifecycle management;

monitoring the performance and quality of applications.

Pros and cons of Mendix

Mendix offers a tool called Modeler. With it, you can create, view and edit your applications without getting up from your workplace. But, more importantly, Mendix often releases platform updates, as well as new features and improved (more intelligent) solutions. So if you’re looking for a Low-code platform that keeps up with the ever-changing landscape of mobile apps, Mendix is a great option. And since the platform performs automatic verification during the creation process, it is possible to develop and implement faster and with fewer technical errors.

One of the drawbacks of Mendix is that due to the huge number of third-party modules supported, some of these add-ons are not well documented. Therefore, the more you dig into the library, the more work you will have to do. However, Mendix has a very active community forum, so help will never be long in coming.

3. Outsystems

OutSystems?transforms software development and helps to quickly create and deploy complex applications using cloud solutions, DevOps and AI. With OutSystems, it becomes easy to cope with routine business processes, taking into account the changing needs of the market. The platform offers a variety of automation services and integrated tools for creating secure, scalable, easy-to-manage and fault-tolerant applications.

OutSystems accelerates and simplifies the optimization of the software lifecycle by providing the latest cloud technologies for work. It also has a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and the ability to develop programs for any device. They can be updated and deployed with a single click, quickly analyzing models and refactoring dependencies. There are functions of account protection and data synchronization in offline mode.

4. Zoho

Zoho Creator?is one of the most competent platforms with a low level of code and good functionality. With its help, you will be able to do everything quickly, easily and safely, despite the level of technical training in the field of programming.

This is a set of tools with which you can transform your business by creating conceptual multiplatform applications: from minimalistic call logs to complex ERP. It will speed up the development process with the help of intuitive code editors and visual constructors. Zoho Creator offers an extensive collection of useful templates (order management, work with distributors and suppliers, logistics, warehouse, etc.), installed and customized according to customer requirements. The service also supports FileMaker, MS Access and other databases.

No-code solutions:

What does No-code mean?What is no-code? No-code is a user experience method that is as similar as possible to low — code, but at the same time it allows even business users who are not technical specialists to develop applications without writing a single line of code.

1. Appy Pie

Appy Pie?is one of the most well–known solutions for low-code software development, which promises modern organizations an easy environment for quickly creating applications.

It democratizes application development and design because it allows developers to create applications regardless of their coding knowledge, budget constraints, and technical skills.

This web-based mobile app builder allows you to drag and drop various functions to create apps, which means your app will be ready in minutes.

Appy Pie turns app development into a breeze! So, the next time you want to create an application, you can do it safely — because you don’t need to write code or worry about syntax errors and bugs.

You only need to come up with an app idea, choose features and a color theme, and this stunningly intuitive mobile app development will be ready.

Main Features

Some of the main features of Appy Pie include:

• Cloud platform
• Revision of applications
• Application development without prior programming skills
• Real-time application updates
• Application Reports and Analytics
• Monetization of applications
• Advantages

The main advantage of Appy Pie is that it provides an amazingly functional experience of creating applications with simple controls.

Developers can save a lot of time and money by starting to create an app right away using the Appy Pie point-and-click and drag-and-drop functions. You may not have any programming knowledge and at the same time create enterprise-level applications.

Appy Pie makes it easy to add additional features to applications, for example, create customized forms for users to improve interaction with business owners or display products in the shopping cart to place an order with just a few mouse clicks.

In addition, application creators can launch their applications without investing money using the free Appy Pie marketplace.

2. Notion

Notion is a relatively new service for creating notes and text documents, to — do lists, databases, tables, kanban boards, knowledge bases, project management and collaboration. Investors value Notion Labs at $2 billion.

The main purpose of the application is to replace many services for solving specific tasks in order to make work easier and more convenient. Instead of juggling sites and switching between program interfaces, Notion allows you to conduct all processes in a clean, universal environment and keep them under control.

2. Zapier

Zapier?is an integration platform that helps businesses automate everyday workflows and create a link between web applications. Zapier allows users to transfer data between web applications without the help of writing program code, which allows integrating the necessary services without the help of developers.

Features of Zapier:

• Synchronization between 3000 services.
• Automation of everyday tasks.
• Setting up triggers and actions.
• High data security.
• The ability to personalize integrations (adding custom triggers and actions).
• Account management and access settings.
• Adding multiple actions to a single integration.
• Creating multifunctional “Zaps” consisting of several applications and
• actions.Possibility of exchange of integrations.

4. Bubble

Bubble?is a visual programming tool and, at the same time, a cloud platform. To create applications, you use a programming tool, while the cloud platform stores and runs your applications. The application editor is accessed via a browser. There is no need to download anything, you can access your app from any device. If the app is created on Bubble, you don’t need to deploy it on servers in the cloud. Since the application is developed on Bubble, it is stored in the Bubble cloud infrastructure.

• create user accounts;
• save, modify, delete, and retrieve data;
• updated in real time;
• communicate via API with any external services (including payments,
• data sources, authorization services, and so on);
• create adaptive applications that adapt to the width of the screen.

5. Airtable

Airtable?is an intelligent organization and collaboration tool that offers any team of any size a single and centralized platform for managing projects, clients and ideas. Allows you to create databases for all occasions. The simple and pleasant interface makes it intuitive for any user.

6. Webflow

If you’ve never heard of it before, Webflow is a visual web design tool that translates your design decisions into clean, ready–to-use code. It was created to allow designers and developers and, in general, anyone to create fully responsive websites.

Conclusion

There are no restrictions on the choice of possible solutions for Low-code development that will help your company easily create its first mobile or web application. Any of the above three solutions can be a great start to your journey. Just make sure that you have a viable plan for your application before starting work, so that you don’t start the process without some understanding of what your business needs from this application.

Using No-Code and Low-Code is the best solution when creating an MVP. Automation technologies minimize the risk of errors, speed up operations, and reduce the number of routine and redundant operations. At an early stage, this makes it easier for a startup to work with investors, helps to get feedback from product users.