Low-code tools have become increasingly popular over the last few years as more businesses look for ways to become more competitive without spending a lot of money. You can get great results from applications built with low-code development platforms. The following will help you decide whether you need a low-code tool and which one you should choose.
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Low-code tools make it possible for you to build software solutions without a lot of coding experience. They often come with popular, pre-built features and templates that you can add to your app. Some of the best low-code development platforms give you a visual environment where you can drag-and-drop the components that your app needs.In many cases, you can build apps without knowing how to code at all. Customizing features, however, usually requires some coding knowledge.
Low-code tools offer several benefits that can help businesses improve efficiency while saving money. Of course, the specific benefits that you get depend on how you use your low-code development platform and which platform you choose.
Companies that rely on programmers devote a lot of money to develop. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most software developers earn about $107,500 per year.
With low-code development platforms, practically anyone can create apps for business automation, customer service, data analysis, and other critical tasks. You get the benefits of custom-built tools without hiring as many developers.
Do you have an interesting idea that you're not sure will work as an app? Low-code platforms let you build and test your concepts within minutes. Instead of devoting hours or days to coding an app, you can combine features, add a small amount of custom code, and see how well your idea works. Suddenly, you have a way to shorten and speed up development cycles.
Large companies might not mind setting aside money to design, prototype, and produce new products. Few small businesses and entrepreneurs can afford the risk of investing in applications. As a result, large businesses become more efficient and productive, while small businesses fail to gain prominence in the market.
A company's size shouldn't determine whether it can turn a great idea into a successful product. Low-code development platforms make it easier for everyone to test and build concepts. As James Kawas tells Forbes: Low-code "means that more people in their bedrooms, garages and small shops can start new businesses and grow their existing markets without significant investment in IT agencies and consultants."
Your marketing department doesn't have to outsource to a developer to get the custom apps or integrations needed to make their jobs more efficient. Rely on DreamFactory to create low-code APIs that connect your enterprise data sources. It's an incredibly easy way to get the features that your team needs without spending a lot of money on development.
The best low-code platform for you depends on what you want to build and how much you're willing to learn.
Do you want to builds that you can market to consumers? OutSystems has some of the best features for publishing apps that you can distribute directly to the App Store and Google Play.
While you might find the user interface a bit tedious at first, the interactive training helps considerably. Devote some time to the training sessions to unlock the best aspects of OutSystems. SMBs can get free plans, so you don't have much to risk by trying OutSystems.
Appian makes it easy for you to develop apps by breaking the process into stages. It comes with abundant features and native mobile apps that require no coding knowledge.
The only problem with Appian is that it costs quite a bit. Standard users can expect to pay at least $60 per month. Enterprise plans require a custom quote. Many clients say that their accounts cost quite a bit, but they like how easy Appian is to use.
Many companies like Zoho Creator because it comes with pre-built features for:
The development platform gives you a minimalistic environment where you can drag-and-drop functions where you want them. Zoho Creator has diverse membership plans designed to meet the needs of everyone, from a single person working in their bedroom to the head of a large corporation's finance department. When you want to connect your customized apps to enterprise tools, use DreamFactory's Citrix Workspace to do the job quickly.
Microsoft PowerApps just barely makes the top-5 list of low-code development platforms. The platform gives you a huge range of features, user interface templates, and integrations. It also has a steep learning curve that will intimidate many of the people interested in low-code tools.
If you're willing to spend some time exploring PowerApps, it becomes a great development tool. If you want something that you can start using immediately, you should probably choose one of the other options on this list.
Did you know you can generate a full-featured, documented, and secure REST API in minutes using DreamFactory? Sign up for our free 14 day hosted trial to learn how! Our guided tour will show you how to create an API using an example MySQL database provided to you as part of the trial!
If you are looking for low-code platform, why not simplify your project even more by trying DreamFactory's no-code platform. DreamFactory stands out as your best option for no-code API generation. It comes loaded with tools that let you connect to thousands of data sources, web apps, and mobile apps. You can integrate the best features of your favorite apps to streamline any process
Start your free trial with DreamFactory today to experience how much you can benefit from a low-code API tool that puts you in control.