Low-Code, an Alternative Worth Considering

Low-Code, an Alternative Worth Considering

18 May 2021

Low Code

Low-code is a technology that allows you to build software without tackling complex programming methods. The low-code approach differs substantially from high-code development (Java/.NET). Instead of creating lines of code from scratch, you configure low-code software by dragging blocks, defining connections, visualizing processes, and so on.

Where necessary, you can add program code within the low-code platform to expand the application you created this way. This makes software development faster because you are basically linking blocks together in a visual design environment and adding program code where needed. It also reduces the risk of technical errors in your software.

Why would it be right for you? Perhaps your software development is lagging behind. This issue has afflicted many IT organizations in recent years. Or you have a long list of requests for new software and modifications to existing applications. Low-code methods allow you to generate extra capacity in order to deliver the requested functionality without impacting your other development projects.

Low_Code

Your organization may already be working with low-code or considering a low-code approach. However, adding low-code to your organization’s toolbox is a strategic decision. That’s why it’s a good idea to formally designate a low-code team and specifically consider the following issues:

  • Who will be involved in the development of such applications? What skills are needed for this?
  • When should you opt for low-code, high-code, or possibly a hybrid approach?
  • Which low-code platform will you use as standard, and how will it fit in with your architecture?
  • For which applications will you consider low-code, and for which types is it out of the question?
  • What will you do yourself and what will you outsource?
  • How will your low-code team interact with your traditional software teams?
  • What training courses will you need and who should be taking them?

In short, it’s a good idea to think through these issues in advance. Our experts are there to offer guidance as needed, of course.

Simple processes

Low-code is an attractive option to automate certain processes such as internal approvals, automatic quote creation, etc. When things become more complex, for example if you have to collect a lot of data in advance, you need to exchange information with external sources or you want a polished user interface, you should consider the suitability of low-code more strategically.

In-house applications

With low-code, a whole new group of people can develop software. With no-code platforms, you might consider letting end users create their own applications, but this is less advisable with low-code platforms. Low-code platforms are more suitable for people with an analysis background, such as analyst developers or domain experts. This makes low-code a great way to distill the best applications based on ideas from all over your organization and share them more widely. The surest way to come up with good ideas is to have lots of them. The more people that systematically contribute to your automation process, the better it will be.

Outdated software

Another area where low-code could prove rewarding is application updating. This usually concerns outdated applications whose updating is too often postponed. It can be useful to consider which parts of legacy applications can be migrated to a low-code application to make them faster and easier with the same level of quality.

 

Our next blog post will take a closer look at the differences between no-code, low-code and high-code.

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