Tony Harris - December 17, 2020
Laptop showing low code on screen

Businesses are increasingly demanding new software solutions that are quick, efficient, and user friendly. Low code is a way to automate several steps of the application process while still providing rapid delivery. In simplest terms, low code is a way of building processes and applications with very little coding. There are several aspects of this type of software development you need to understand when fully answering the question, what is low code? In this article we’ll examine the following:

What is Low Code?
How is Low Code Different from No Code?
What are the Benefits of Low Code?
Is Customer Experience Improved?
How Does Low Code Automation Work?
Will Low Code Replace Traditional Developers?

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!

Create Your REST API Now

What is Low Code?

Low Code builds software faster because of the reduction in the need to write much code. Using visual tools, you can create a wide range of software applications. These include point-and-click and drag-and-drop models that enable quick creation of powerful apps. Deployment and maintenance of these apps are also better when using low code. Low code is now a crucial tool to help businesses improve digital speed and efficiency.

How is Low Code Different from No Code?

The most obvious, is that no code needs absolutely no coding while low code still has at least some written code. Popular blogging platforms are examples of no code options. These allow the average person to put together a simple blog or website with no coding experience. There are some other differences between the two:

  • Necessary Experience & Software – While low code is easier to use than traditional coding, it still requires a certain amount of programming knowledge. No code allows almost anyone to create an application. Low code still requires software before building any processes or platforms. No code does not.
  • Limited Customization – No code is obviously easier than low code, but it has several limitations. There is basically no room for changes or customization because everything is already in the tool. Low code can create sophisticated applications while no code is basically only for front-end use.
  • Scalability Options – Low code has the ability to scale well, while no code does not. If you’re looking for something that provides adequate room to improve and advance automation workflows, you’ll want low code rather than no code. DreamFactory can provide your organization with a variety of scalable solutions.

What are the Benefits of Low Code?

There are several ways low code can simplify app building and enable organizations to more quickly adapt to the ever-changing needs of their business. DreamFactory can help you generate low code APIs that can benefit your organization. The following are a few of the advantages of using low code.

  • Increase Speed – When using low code, you can easily build apps for a variety of platforms. Both the building and delivery process are quicker and more efficient.
  • Improve End User Experience – Users can experience more complex and better mobile and web experiences. Continuous improvements are possible using low code.
  • Improve Productivity – With a visual interface and reusable components, developers can improve overall productivity.
  • Promote Collaboration – Low code enables faster communication and decision-making processes among teams.

Is it Easy to Work With Low Code?

The short answer is, usually. One of the most prominent ways low code is making processes easier is in the area of business process management (BPM). Traditional BPM platforms are usually very difficult to work with. Low code, with visuals, clicking, and dragging and dropping, changes all that. Low code is not as easy to work with as no code, but is easier than traditional coding.

Is Customer Experience Improved?

Customer expectations change and evolve at a rapid pace. Using low code, your organization can adapt quickly to market changes. Your customer may need new apps or up-to-date applications in a short amount of time. With low code, you’ll have the flexibility to quickly meet their needs. Because low code makes it easier and quicker to make more apps and change current apps, this will ultimately save the customer money and improve overall experience.

How Does Low Code Automation Work?

Low code can unify different capabilities in order to automate workflow throughout an organization. A few examples include the following:

  • Artificial Intelligence – Integrating AI with applications will improve their overall performance.
  • Robotic Processes – Low code can automate tasks and integrate systems without using APIs.
  • Business Process Management – Low code can design, manage and optimize business processes.
  • Customer Apps – You can increase customer engagement and personalize the customer’s experience.

Will Low Code Replace Traditional Developers?

As technology continues to advance, hardly a day goes by that you don’t hear about some field in which professionals are worrying about losing their jobs to big tech. Developers, however, are probably not in that group. According to builtin, low code and no code involve tasks that are simplistic enough that many developers don’t want to spend a lot of time on anyway. Developers will find themselves free to work on more complex programs and software. Low code will actually allow developers to become more productive.

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!

Create Your REST API Now

Conclusion

If you’re looking for low code solutions, DreamFactory can provide customized APA automation for your organization. We help education providers, businesses, and government agencies create better ways to digitally communicate and connect with customers and other businesses. Contact DreamFactory to get started today.