Coding new applications is an important part of modern business. Whether it means iterating on existing apps, or trying to create apps from scratch, there's always a need to do it quickly and efficiently.
While coding apps used to be a time consuming process that meant hiring a team of app developers and the app development process could take months to complete, there are now new coding platforms that require little to no coding knowledge to use and allow you to produce high quality apps for a fraction of the cost of traditional app development.
Low-code and no-code platforms make it possible to build applications without spending huge amounts of money, waiting for days or months, or employing multiple developers. Now, you can create even more complex apps without being a coding expert.
If you are looking to use these platforms to drive your business and want to know all about low code or no code platforms and which ones are right for you, then keep reading!
What are low-code development platforms?
Low-code development platforms are applications that allow developers to build software using data. The software is based on prebuilt applications, which can then be adapted to different needs, or a "low-code" environment that gives power to the business users to build apps with little coding knowledge or using predesigned code that can be plugged in to create the app and make it do what the developer wants.
The initial idea behind these platforms was to allow non-developers to create apps. But today, even businesses looking to build complex and custom apps are turning to these platforms as a cost-effective and efficient way to get the software they want without a lot of hassle.
Low code platforms have made it to where businesses no longer need to hire an entire team of professional developers, they can use a low code development platform and only one or two coders if necessary to create custom code and apps that are tailored to exactly what they or their customers need.
A low code development platform is not code free, but it drastically simplifies the process to create apps, even if they are complex.
No-code development platforms
No-code development platforms are similar to low-code platforms, but with one big difference: no-code platforms don't use data to build apps. Creating apps on these platforms is as simple as dragging and dropping elements onto a canvas.
Similar to how website building tools hide all the necessary code away in the background, no code development platforms do the same thing. There is no need for professional developers with these tools because the process has been simplified to the point that no coding skills are required at all.
While low code platforms are great for developing custom apps with as much detail as necessary, when something less complex is needed, no code platforms are a better choice.
No-code development platforms work well for simple apps and are typically used for apps with a single function. For example, an app that tracks employee attendance and another that tracks employee break times.
Building simple apps that control business processes is one way that businesses are taking advantage of new technology to streamline their business and make themselves more efficient and more profitable.
Advantages of no-code development platforms
Creating apps using no-code development platforms is easy, thanks to the drag-and-drop interface. Users can create an app without a single line of code. No-code platforms are also ideal for businesses that want to build simple working apps quickly, without any programming experience.
Simplicity isn't the only benefit of no-code platforms, after all, no-code is in the name itself. We'll detail just a few of the specific advantages of no code platforms so that you know what you're getting into before we dive into which products to actually take a look at.
Speed
Let's start with the one we've already covered a bit in the guide. When we talk about no code development being fast, we're not just talking about creating an app, we're talking about all the different facets of app development that go into a new or existing app.
Initial development is many times faster because it doesn't even take the knowledge of a single app developer, much less an entire team of developers all working on different parts of the app. Drag and drop interfaces are simple enough that non-coders can operate them and achieve the desired results.
Updates and maintenance are also faster because it doesn't require hours of going through code line by line fixing problems and installing new features. The type of apps that are developed using no code platforms are simplistic enough that they can be managed without a lot of detailed work. It is simpler to develop a new app using these platforms to do the tasks you need.
Less Need For Professional Developers
Like we discussed when talking about speed, with a no code platform you don't need a whole team of developers. If you don't want to build apps yourself, you can hire just a single developer that can create applications for a variety of business processes.
it's easier to manage a single developer than hiring a third party app development team and having a single developer on staff means you have someone you can go too directly to handle all your business apps. This makes the digital transformation process for a business that is transitioning much easier.
It also improves secrecy and the ability to operate and manage multiple apps on multiple platforms at the same time without worrying about leaks or figuring out who's at fault if a mistake is made, improving accountability.
Additionally, apps created using no code tools are easy to swap in and out so if one gets too outdated to manage or iterate on, you can rapidly develop new business applications to do handle business requirements with little to no time or technical expertise necessary.
More Fluidity and Versatility
When it comes to being able to change on the go, no code is the way to go. It allows citizen developers to create applications, including mobile apps and business apps without software development experience, without knowing any of the traditional programming languages or even raw data thanks to the drag and drop interfaces.
With no code apps you can develop new apps and shift focus on the fly if your business needs change or you want to improve your business process management as things change. Agile project management makes it so that you can shift with the market, integrate legacy systems and even automate workflows to keep up with client and business demands.
Less Expense Overall
Just like how fast you can develop new apps with a no co platform, it also costs a fraction of what traditional application development would cost. The time savings alone to develop business apps with a no code platform means large savings, but when you consider that citizen developers cost a fraction of what professional developers cost and even if you hire one professional developer that's still a massive savings compared to a whole team.
Maintenance and updating over time is also cheaper because there is less work involved so you won't be needing a huge quarterly budget for app maintenance
Advantages of low-code platforms
Low-code development platforms are best for building custom software for a unique need. The platform's code can be customized to create highly customized applications. In addition, these platforms are powerful enough to create apps for big businesses that need highly scalable software. The advantages for app heavy businesses are nearly limitless, but we'll cover some of the basic ones that you may be interested in.
A Low Code Development Platform is Highly Functional
If you built 're a business that needs apps in order to function, then you likely won't get everything you need out of a no-code platform since functionality of these apps are limited to a single task. However, with a low code platform it is possible to create nearly anything you may need without a whole lot of coding expertise. Low code tools typically have an incredibly easy to use app interface and intuitive tools that make figuring out what it is you want the app to do a bit easier than building it from scratch.
It's not advised to have citizen developers working with low code platforms, but a single developer with some coding skills can work wonders when it comes to building mobile apps, business apps and specialized apps. Using data models and visual modeling tools you can create apps that are suitable for a range of situations.
Low Code Apps Are Faster Too
While no code platforms allow for rapid application development, you can still get incredibly fast app generation using low code apps thanks to the build in machine code and internal tools that these platforms have.
Parts of the work are done for you so it is still faster and easier to create new apps using a low code tool versus traditional development. What's more, low code technology makes it so that the apps you create can have multiple uses. You can even create multi platform apps with ease.
Low Code Apps Are Data Driven
Another advantage that comes from apps that use low code solutions is that app creation is data driven, meaning that the data you feed into the software allows you to develop the app in a specific fashion. By using this type of low code technology apps are able to be much more specific and much customized to user need than apps created on no code platforms.
Low code platforms are able to allow for complex application development to fit multiple systems and multiple processes with data that is fed into the application so that you don't have to have individual apps for each mundane process such as timekeeping, pay rate tracking, attendance, and overtime.
How Businesses Can Benefit
Using low-code and no-code platforms can help businesses create custom apps in a fraction of the time and cost as compared to traditional application development models.
Low-code and no-code platforms also help businesses with limited development resources or expertise to build complex applications faster. These platforms allow business users to build apps quickly and cost-effectively.
Low-code development platforms are a great way for businesses to create custom applications for their unique needs.
Between low cost high speed application development and the ability to customize based on need or develop simple apps with citizen developers, low c0de and no code development platforms have the ability to greatly improve the way businesses work and assist in the digital transformation process for the next generation of businesses
Tips and Recommendations
There are two basic tools that businesses need when it comes to running there business in the modern marketplace and being successful: Website design and mobile apps. These two things are essential for effective marketing, sales, and service delivery.
Improving Your Web Presence
More and more customers are accessing businesses on the web these days and without the proper web presence your business can lose out on valuable revenue and potential customers. As your business moves forward with app development it is important that your website development keeps up.
Whether or not you have a well designed website can determine if customers come to your site, stay and make purchases. Many businesses make the mistake of not optimizing their website for mobile or developing mobile apps that make it easy for users to buy their goods and services.
It is estimated that more than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices and without optimizing your website for mobile you can lose out on the majority of your customer base due to slow load times and a poor graphical user interface or GUI.
Going Mobile
Like we discussed, much of the business that is done on the web now is done via mobile devices. This means that the focus for software development, including apps, should be focused on those devices as well.
There are two types of apps that businesses need in order to conduct business, web apps that allow customers to remotely access their site and services, and business apps that handle things like business process management, logistics, and other business needs. App capabilities can range from simple point of sales systems, to programs that can automate processes for the business that would otherwise have to be handled by a person.
Product Suggestions
If you want to make sure your business has the edge in app development and attracting all the customers it possibly can to your website, then you need the right tools for the job. The following are product suggestions we believe will be the right choice to give your business the best chances of success.
Webflow - No Code Custom Website Builder
When it comes to developing or redeveloping your website, having a tool that allows you to build a site quick and easy without a lot of coding knowledge is a major advantage.
Not only does Webflow allow you to build your website without coding, the visual modeling tools make it easy to see what you're building while you're building it so that you know every step of the way what the finished product will look like.
Weblow has a number of other added benefits over other website development tools such as handling the hosting process, the setup and launch all in one place. This is the perfect tool for a business that is looking to improve their web presence without a lot of hassle or when starting out and on a budget.
You can check out Webflow and see a tutorial of how it works here.
Adalo - No Code App Builder
If you're looking to get a jump start on your business's app game, then Adalo is a powerful tool to do the job. Because it is a no code builder there is absolutely no coding experience necessary. Adalo is designed with idea and iteration in mind.
The drag and drop system allows you to continuous work on your app through multiple configurations until you find what works for your unique needs. The system itself has been likened to Lego blocks in its simplicity while still being fully functional for what businesses need.
With Adalo you can quickly and easily develop both web and mobile apps so that no matter what your goal or target audience is, you'll be able to reach it.
If you'd like to learn more about Adalo and what it can do for you, check it out here.
Final Thoughts
Trying to bring your business into the modern era by improving your web presence and developing apps can be a scary proposition. By knowing what options are out there, and which ones are the right choice for you, you'll give your business a leg up over the competition when it comes to competing in the digital space.
In this guide we've touched on no code and low code platforms, how they work, and how they can enhance your business. We've also given you some tips and suggestions on where to take your business and what products are a good fit to get your business where it needs to be,
Should you need help with web-based business management tools to better your business, come to Go Gettr! Let us help you upgrade your operations today!
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