Low-code/no-code application development - giving users control

Not so long ago, it took a year or more to deploy a new application. Today, that timeframe is measured in weeks. What has changed?

For many enterprises, traditional waterfall full-code application development focused on sequential define-develop-test-deploy-deploy-maintain has given way to low-code/zero-code development, a faster and more affordable method of developing and modifying applications using intuitive tools without extensive coding. Low- and no-code development systems meet the ever-increasing demands for rapid application delivery and highly customizable automation workflows.

In addition to putting control of the process back in the hands of users who know their needs best, low-code and no-code systems are also considered to improve developer productivity by allowing professional developers to simplify certain aspects of the development process.

Gartner predicts that the no-code/low-code platform market will grow nearly 20% in 2023 to $10 billion and reach $12.3 billion in 2024. This growth is unsurprising given the following:

• Talent shortage in the technology industry. The market for low-code/no-code platforms is largely driven by the global shortage of skilled software developers, which is expected to continue throughout the decade. Low-code/no-code platforms allow companies to quickly launch development projects without hiring the services of professional developers.
• The need to reduce IT backlogs. Low-code/no-code also has a significant impact, reducing IT's backlog of application enhancements and end-user requests for applications that have not yet been addressed. In many companies, this backlog lasts for years. With no-code/low-code, users can create and/or modify applications themselves rather than waiting in line for their requests to be addressed.
• Agile development. Today, many companies follow the Agile software development methodology, where teams work together in incremental cycles for continuous improvement. The key factors of Agile development are flexibility and speed. Low-code/no-code application development speeds up the process of continuous software development based on predefined elements and templates, as well as drag-and-drop interfaces.
• The rise of cloud native applications. The growth of low-code/no-code applications is partly driven by the strong adoption of cloud native technologies, as organizations are rapidly embracing the benefits and availability of cloud technologies. The benefits of cloud-based software development include increased flexibility, lower hosting costs, faster time to market, and improved user experience.

Understand the landscape and constraints

While low-code/no-code development is gaining momentum in helping companies deploy near-ready solutions quickly, cost-effectively, and with less risk, it's important to realize that it can involve sacrifices in terms of scalability, flexibility, and integration with existing tools.

Solutions don't always have a customizable front end, they may not have industry-first capabilities and are often viewed as software products. However, it is perhaps not the technology that always determines the outcome, but the user experience it provides.

One of the hallmarks of a successful organization is the right balance of costs and benefits. For today's organizations facing labor shortages, tight profit margins, and the need for speed, understanding when heavy custom software development is required and when low-code/no-code development offers a better, more cost-effective approach can mean the difference between success and failure.