Three low-code platforms to test drive today
Need to get something meaningful out the door? Looking to test your idea fast??
Give a low code platform a go! You might be asking: what is a low code platform (LC)???
A low-code platform is a software development tool that allows users to create applications with minimal coding effort. It provides a visual interface and pre-built components that can be configured and assembled to create custom applications without having to write code from scratch.?
In the face of scarce technical development resources (skills shortages), rising inflation and the associated complexity of building modern day apps, businesses are leveraging the benefits of LC platform to get their apps to market faster at a lower development cost.??
?Arguably, these platforms still have a way to go yet they still have a valid place in our busy world.?Many of the top LC platforms deliver highly customised automation workflows, web-based forms, content, pretty reports and data visualisations.
Gartner predicts that by 2026, developers outside formal IT departments will account for at least 80% of the user base for low-code development tools, up from 60% in 2021.
?The limitations of LC platforms may include limited customisation options, reduced complexity and scalability and may not meet regulatory requirements for certain industries.
In our microwave world (or in my case the Air-fryer) for instant results, the notion of rapid development with limited developer dependency is very attractive.
The number of low code platforms are growing and there are many options to choose from, these are just a few that I have had a play with:
1.?Bubble.io
For Fully Featured Apps
Pros: powerful with plenty of plugins
Cons: steep learning curve
Bubble.io is a powerful LC platform that will get you cracking with its visual and no code interface.?
Arguably one of the more customiseable LC platforms allowing you to build apps with robust features. It comes with a steep learning curve as you grapple with the visual workflows, data structures and concepts.?Be wary of the vendor lock in and potential performance limitations for complex applications.
The Bubble.io database is a version of PostgreSQL hosted with Amazon. It’s well documented and includes an Algolia third-party integration for search integration.
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2. Glide App
Pros: Easy to Use
Cons: Limited customisation
Glide is a?wonderful and intuitive interface that can help you build apps quickly. The components are easy to configure and look great. There are also a number of excellent templates to get started with.?The biggest downside is the limited functionality for complex requirements and that it has limited integrations.?This is a great starting point if you want to get your fingers dirty and start experimenting with the visual development workflows akin to LC platforms.
?Database options:
Glide Interface:
3. Flutterflow
?Pros: Rich interface, Enterprise database, Custom Code – great for those with developer experience
The ability to connect it to Google’s Firestore as a database and the ability to add custom code is very enticing if you have development experience and want an enterprise-level database to drive your app.
You can easily connect your project to a GitHub Repo or download an APK (Android Package Kit) for Android apps to distribute via Google Play.
Similar to Bubble.io, there is a learning curve to overcome but the dark interface and beautiful UI is gleaming, yet the number of customisation options can be daunting.
Integrations include, Supabase (firebase alternative), Algolia for powerful search, Google Analytics, Admob etc.
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?What does your next project look like and does a LC platform make sense for you?
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Resource: Gartner LowCode Reprint.pdf?
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1 年This was so useful. Thank you!