Low code platforms are a type of software solution that provide developers with simple ways to build and deploy software by using less code than the traditional software development platforms. With their drag-and-drop interfaces, organizations are now able to enhance and develop applications faster than ever. What are the implications of transformations in this rapidly evolving technology? Will we eventually reduce the need for skilled engineers to build digital platforms?
Advantages of using low-code platforms
Let’s have a look at some of the many benefits that low code platforms offer organizations:
- Decrease in development and deployment time
- Increases automation of tedious manual processes
- Better utilization of resources
- Reduction in IT backlog (reduce the gaps between demand and supply of IT resources)
- Reduced cost by decreasing the amount of staff required to perform tasks
By democratizing programming, low code platforms have enabled more individuals to participate in app development. This reduces the reliance of organizations on highly skilled engineers to develop applications. This has been another important driver for businesses to implement these software solutions.
Various strategies have been tested to date to try to reduce the dependence on expert engineering skills. Initially, there were efforts to generate code from data models. Using a robust data model , businesses generated codes to run their projects. Unfortunately this strategy was short lived as it required significant time to generate the data models. This process was quite a tedious method to generate code. Furthermore, code that was generated from this data model was challenging to maintain.
The data model approach outlined above was then replaced by object-oriented programming. Object oriented programming is a methodology that is still currently in use today. By enabling programmers to rebuild and reprocess objects, this methodology helped boost productivity. However this process yielded modest outcomes with regards to democratization. It did not reduce the need for heavy duty engineering skills nor did it reduce the amount of code that organizations had to generate. In summary , the hopes of achieving democratize programming were not fulfilled with object oriented programming.
Low code platforms happen to be the latest software solutions to democratize programming. These platforms in their early developmental stages were not sophisticated enough to be adopted by organizations. However with the course of time and evolution , low code platforms appear to be a promising avenue for businesses in comparison to object based programming. To date, low code platforms have not disappointed the enterprises that have adopted these software solutions.
Are low code platforms the ‘cloud’ of the future?
The uptake is low code platforms has been immense and is rapidly progressing. These software solutions are widely available in the commercial world now with various versions. Outsystems, Salesforce, Mendix and ServiceNow are ranked as the 4 leading providers of these technologies by the Everest Group Research. These rankings were based on evaluations from customers. AWS, IBM, Microsoft and Google also offer low code platform solutions that enable addition of AI (Ai Vision) to applications.
Based on the current performance of low-code platforms in the global tech market, it is anticipated that these software solutions will play a key role in the process of democratizing programming. The uptake of these solutions is predicted to boom further in the coming years. There is a possibility that these solutions would transform the digital world by becoming the new ‘ cloud’.
The potentials of low-code solutions
Low code platforms will be an important asset to assist in development of AI. In addition to this, these software solutions will also provide organizations with a platform for increased productivity and ability to design and market applications more efficiently and rapidly.
Despite all of the advantages of low code platforms, I think that our reliance and need for highly skilled engineers is not going to dwindle anytime soon. In fact, the contrary might happen , organizations and enterprises might find themselves having an increased need for heavy duty engineering. It appears as though both low code platforms and highly skilled engineering skills are going to become essential assets for businesses in order to progress forward and facilitate application development.
Low code platforms will enable business to program and develop applications in a cheaper and more efficient manner. Whereas , highly skilled engineering skills will be required to drive the increased volume of transactions. A mixture of both skills will be required for businesses to increase their competitive capabilities.
What the future holds for enterprises
Low code platforms have enabled businesses to participate with IT departments in the development of their applications. Whereas previously business organizations were the consumers for IT solutions and relied heaving on the IT department, they are now stakeholders in the development of their applications. This has provided businesses with more autonomy over their products and increased their engagement in these software solutions. It is important for enterprises to appreciate the co-existent relationship between heavy duty engineering skills and low code platforms. Both are essential for the transformation and development of applications. With their multiple benefits , low code platforms offer enterprises a promising future.
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