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{{confused|No-code development platform}}
{{Short description|Software development system}}
[[File:SnippetEditor.png|thumb|right|300px|A visual low-code editor that enables the creation of process logics without programming knowledge, illustrated with an example from Peakboard.]]
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A '''low-code development platform''' ('''LCDP''') provides a development environment used to create [[application software]], generally through a [[graphical user interface]] (as opposed to only writing code, though some coding is possible and may be required). A low-coded platform may produce entirely operational applications, or require additional coding for specific situations. Low-code development platforms are typically on a [[High-level programming language|high abstraction level]], and can reduce the amount of traditional time spent, enabling accelerated delivery of business applications. A common benefit is that a wider range of people can contribute to the application's development, not only those with coding skills, but good governance is needed to be able to adhere to common rules and regulations. LCDPs can also lower the initial cost of setup, training, deployment, and maintenance.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/New+Development+Platforms+Emerge+For+CustomerFacing+Applications/-/E-RES113411|title=New Development Platforms Emerge For Customer-Facing Applications|last1=Richardson|first1=Clay|date=June 9, 2014|website=www.forrester.com|accessdate=18 November 2016}}</ref>


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Low-code development platforms trace their roots back to [[fourth-generation programming language]] and the [[rapid application development]] tools of the 1990s and early 2000s. Similar to these predecessor development environments, LCDPs are based on the principles of [[model-driven architecture]], [[Automatic programming|automatic code generation]], and [[Visual programming language|visual programming]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lonergan|first1=Kevin|title=On the down low: Why CIOs should care about Low-code - Information Age|url=http://www.information-age.com/down-low-why-cios-should-care-about-low-code-123459895/|website=Information Age|publisher=Information Age|accessdate=22 January 2017|date=29 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202115202/http://www.information-age.com/down-low-why-cios-should-care-about-low-code-123459895/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The concept of [[end-user development]] also existed previously, although LCDPs brought some new ways of approaching this development. The low-code development platform market traces its origins back to 2011.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last1=Marvin|first1=Rob|title=How low-code development seeks to accelerate software delivery - SD Times|url=http://sdtimes.com/low-code-development-seeks-accelerate-software-delivery/|website=SD Times|publisher=San Diego Times|accessdate=18 November 2016|date=12 August 2014}}</ref> The specific name "low-code" was not put forward until 9 June, 2014,<ref name=":0" /> when it was used by the industry analyst ''[[Forrester Research]]''. Along with [[no-code development platform]]s, low-code was described as "extraordinarily disruptive" in ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine in 2017.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|last1=Bloomberg|first1=Jason|title=The Low-Code/No-Code Movement: More Disruptive Than You Realize|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbloomberg/2017/07/20/the-low-codeno-code-movement-more-disruptive-than-you-realize/#53a9335c722a|website=www.forbes.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref>
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A '''low-code development platform''' ('''LCDP''') is [[software]] that provides a development environment used to create [[application software]] through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional hand-coded [[computer programming]]. A low-code model enables developers of varied experience levels to create applications using a visual user interface in combination with model-driven logic. Additionally, low code can reduce errors in repetitive or complex coding where the value of the human coding the application is not in getting the syntax correct, but rather in the architecture, business logic and application of the result. Such platforms may produce entirely operational applications, or require additional coding for specific situations. Low-code development platforms reduce the amount of traditional ''hand coding'', enabling accelerated delivery of business applications. A common benefit is that a wider range of people can contribute to the application's development—not only those with formal programming skills. LCDPs can also lower the initial cost of setup, training, deployment and maintenance.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/New+Development+Platforms+Emerge+For+CustomerFacing+Applications/-/E-RES113411|title=New Development Platforms Emerge For Customer-Facing Applications|last1=Richardson|first1=Clay|date=June 9, 2014|website=www.forrester.com|accessdate=18 November 2016}}</ref>


== Use ==
Though not given a specific name until June 9, 2014,<ref name=":0" /> by the industry analyst ''[[Forrester Research]]'', the low-code development platform market traces back to 2011.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last1=Marvin|first1=Rob|title=How low-code development seeks to accelerate software delivery - SD Times|url=http://sdtimes.com/low-code-development-seeks-accelerate-software-delivery/|website=SD Times|publisher=San Diego Times|accessdate=18 November 2016|date=12 August 2014}}</ref>
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As a result of the [[microcomputer]] revolution, businesses have deployed computers widely across their employee bases, enabling widespread automation of business processes using [[software]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Low-Code vs. No-Code App Development {{!}} Microsoft Power Apps |url=https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/low-code-no-code-development-platforms/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=powerapps.microsoft.com |language=en}}</ref> The need for software automation and new applications for business processes places demands on [[software developers]] to create custom applications in volume, tailoring them to organizations' unique needs.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last1=Marvin|first1=Rob|title=Building an App With No Coding: Myth or Reality?|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article/345661/building-an-app-with-no-coding-myth-or-reality|website=PCMAG|publisher=PC Mag|accessdate=18 November 2016}}</ref> Low-code development platforms have been developed as a means to allow for quick creation and use of working applications that can address the specific process and data needs of the organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/developers-were-on-board-with-low-code-tools/|title = Software developers: We're on board with low-code (Or even no-code) tools|website = [[ZDNet]]}}</ref>

⚫
LCDPs trace their roots back to [[fourth-generation programming language]] and [[rapid application development]] tools of the 1990s and early 2000s. Similar to these predecessor development environments, LCDPs are based on the principles of model-driven design, automatic code generation, and visual programming.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lonergan|first1=Kevin|title=On the down low: Why CIOs should care about Low-code - Information Age|url=http://www.information-age.com/down-low-why-cios-should-care-about-low-code-123459895/|website=Information Age|publisher=Information Age|accessdate=22 January 2017|date=29 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202115202/http://www.information-age.com/down-low-why-cios-should-care-about-low-code-123459895/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The concept of [[end-user development]] also existed previously, although LCDPs brought some new ways of approaching this development.

== Market Applications ==
A growing number of applications built on the low-code model are currently offered and delivering working solutions:<br>
1. Development of code for websites and e-commerce sites through new web-based applications such as WebFlow.<ref>https://webflow.com</ref><br>
2. Digital Transformation for mid-tier companies and their Industrial IoT systems through new code generation models by Arica <ref>https://arica.io/modeling-environment.html</ref> <br>
3. Industrial IoT Applications and interfaces by Mendix<ref>https://www.mendix.com/resources/gartner-2019-magic-quadrant-for-enterprise-low-code-application-platforms/</ref><br>

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As a result of the micro computer revolution businesses have deployed computers widely across their employee bases, enabling widespread automation of business processes using [[software]]. The need for software automation and new applications for business processes places demands on [[software developers]] to create custom applications in volume, tailoring them to organizations' unique needs.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last1=Marvin|first1=Rob|title=Building an App With No Coding: Myth or Reality?|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article/345661/building-an-app-with-no-coding-myth-or-reality|website=PCMAG|publisher=PC Mag|accessdate=18 November 2016}}</ref> Low-code development platforms have been and are developed as a means to allow for quick creation and use of working applications that can address the specific process- and data needs of the organization.<ref>http://www.zdnet.com/article/developers-were-on-board-with-low-code-tools/</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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Research firm [[Forrester Research|Forrester]] estimated in 2016 that the total market for low-code development platforms would grow to $15.5 billion by 2020.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|last1=Richardson|first1=Clay|title=Vendor Landscape: The Fractured, Fertile Terrain Of Low-code Application Platforms|url=http://informationsecurity.report/Resources/Whitepapers/0eb07c59-b01c-4399-9022-dfc297487060_Forrester%20Vendor%20Landscape%20The%20Fractured,%20Fertile%20Terrain.pdf|publisher=Forrester Research|access-date=2017-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809060147/http://informationsecurity.report/Resources/Whitepapers/0eb07c59-b01c-4399-9022-dfc297487060_Forrester%20Vendor%20Landscape%20The%20Fractured,%20Fertile%20Terrain.pdf|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> Segments in the market include database, request handling, mobile, process, and general purpose low-code platforms.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hammond|first1=Jeffrey|title=The Forrester Wave™: Mobile Low-Code Platforms For Business Developers, Q3 2018|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|website=www.forrester.com|publisher=Forrester Research|accessdate=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815201231/https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The low-code development platform market size is expected to grow from USD 3.20 Billion in 2016 to USD 27.23 Billion by 2022, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 44.49% <ref> https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/low-code-development-platforms-market-103455110.html <ref/>


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Research firm [[Forrester Research|Forrester]] estimated in 2016 that the total market for low-code development platforms would grow to $15.5 billion by 2020.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|last1=Richardson|first1=Clay|title=Vendor Landscape: The Fractured, Fertile Terrain Of Low-code Application Platforms|url=http://informationsecurity.report/Resources/Whitepapers/0eb07c59-b01c-4399-9022-dfc297487060_Forrester%20Vendor%20Landscape%20The%20Fractured,%20Fertile%20Terrain.pdf|publisher=Forrester Research|access-date=2017-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809060147/http://informationsecurity.report/Resources/Whitepapers/0eb07c59-b01c-4399-9022-dfc297487060_Forrester%20Vendor%20Landscape%20The%20Fractured,%20Fertile%20Terrain.pdf|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> Segments in the market include database, request handling, mobile, process and general purpose low-code platforms.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hammond|first1=Jeffrey|title=The Forrester Wave™: Mobile Low-Code Platforms For Business Developers, Q3 2018|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|website=www.forrester.com|publisher=Forrester Research|accessdate=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815201231/https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Low-code development's market growth can be attributed to its flexibility and ease.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last1=Rubens|first1=Paul|title=Use Low-code Platforms to Develop the Apps Customers Want|url=http://www.cio.com/article/2845378/development-tools/use-low-code-platforms-to-develop-the-apps-customers-want.html|website=CIO|publisher=CIO Magazine}}</ref> Low-code development platforms are shifting focus towards general purpose of applications, with the ability to add in custom code when needed or desired.<ref name=":1" />
Low-code development's market growth can be attributed to its flexibility and ease.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last1=Rubens|first1=Paul|title=Use Low-code Platforms to Develop the Apps Customers Want|url=https://www.cio.com/article/250770/use-low-code-platforms-to-develop-the-apps-customers-want.html|website=CIO|date=10 November 2014|publisher=CIO Magazine}}</ref> Low-code development platforms are shifting their focus toward general purpose of applications, with the ability to add in custom code when needed or desired.<ref name=":1" />


Mobile accessibility is one of the driving factors of using low-code development platforms.<ref name=":2" /> Instead of developers having to spend time creating multi-device software, Low-code packages typically come with that feature standard.<ref name=":2" />
Mobile accessibility is one of the driving factors of using low-code development platforms.<ref name=":2" /> Instead of developers having to spend time creating multi-device software, [[Low-code machine learning|low-code]] packages typically come with that feature as standard.<ref name=":2" />


Because they require less coding knowledge, nearly anyone in a software development environment can learn to use a low-code development platform. Features like [[drag and drop]] interfaces help users visualize and build the application <ref name=":4" />
Because they require less coding knowledge, nearly anyone in a software development environment can learn to use a low-code development platform.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why We Will Always Need Data Scientists |url=https://builtin.com/articles/data-scientists |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Built In |language=en}}</ref> Features like [[drag and drop]] interfaces help users visualize and build the application<ref name=":4" />


== Security and compliance concerns ==
== Security and compliance concerns ==
Concerns over low-code development platform security and compliance are growing, especially for apps that use consumer data. There can be concerns over the security of apps built so quickly and possible lack of due governance leading to [[Governance, risk management, and compliance|compliance]] issues.<ref name=":3" /> However, low-code apps do also fuel security innovations. With continuous app development in mind, it becomes easier to create secure data workflows. Still the fact remains that low-code development platforms that do not apply and strictly adhere to Normalized Systems Theory (Herwig Mannaert, Jan Verelst, Peter De Bruyn, 2016) do not solve the challenge of increasing complexity due to changes.<ref name=":3" />
Concerns over low-code development platform security and compliance are growing, especially for apps that use consumer data. There can be concerns over the security of apps built so quickly and possible lack of due governance leading to [[Governance, risk management, and compliance|compliance]] issues.<ref name=":3" /> However, low-code apps do also fuel security innovations. With continuous app development in mind, it becomes easier to create secure data workflows. Still the fact remains that low-code development platforms that do not apply and strictly adhere to [[Normalization process theory|normalized systems theory]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mannaert|first1=Herwig|last2=Verelst|first2=Jan |last3=De Bruyn|first3=Peter|date=2016 |title=Normalized Systems Theory: From Foundations for Evolvable Software Toward a General Theory for Evolvable Design|isbn=9789077160091}}</ref> do not solve the challenge of increasing complexity due to changes.<ref name=":3" />

== Analyst coverage and crowd evaluation ==
A Forrester report about low-code development platforms ("The Forrester Wave™: Low-code Development Platforms, Q2 2016") featured a 26-criteria evaluation of low-code development platform providers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Richardson|first1=Clay|title=The Forrester Wave™: Low-code Development Platforms, Q2 2016|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+LowCode+Development+Platforms+Q2+2016/-/E-RES117623|website=www.forrester.com|publisher=Forrester Research|accessdate=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113164226/https://www.forrester.com/report/The%2BForrester%2BWave%2BLowCode%2BDevelopment%2BPlatforms%2BQ2%2B2016/-/E-RES117623|archive-date=13 November 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><!--More details about the methodology and eventual general conclusions would be useful-->

An updated Forrester report charting the growth of the low-code market was published in July 2017 (Vendor Landscape: A Fork In The Road For Low-Code Development Platforms) highlighting 3 industry trends:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/Vendor+Landscape+A+Fork+In+The+Road+For+LowCode+Development+Platforms/-/E-RES137578|title=Vendor Landscape: A Fork In The Road For Low-Code Development Platforms|last=Rymer|first=John|date=31 July 2017|website=Forrester Research|access-date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025257/https://www.forrester.com/report/Vendor+Landscape+A+Fork+In+The+Road+For+LowCode+Development+Platforms/-/E-RES137578|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Growth - the low-code market is forecast to increase to over $21 billion over the next five years.
* Diversification - Two major developing market segments focus on the needs of business ("citizen") developers and of AD&D (App Dev) Professionals.
* Integration - As adoption of low-code expands and businesses look towards technologies like AI, robotics and machine learning, solutions must grow to offer these capabilities.

A G2Crowd report about low-code development platforms evaluated market share and user reviews for 46 products.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/low-code-development-platforms |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330221132/https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/low-code-development-platforms |archive-date=2019-03-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Forrester published an updated report in August 2018. The report covers key trends including the continuing adoption of low code platforms by enterprise companies and the merging of low code platforms with existing developer tools into a broader application development ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hammond|first1=Jeffrey|title=The Forrester Wave™: Mobile Low-Code Platforms For Business Developers, Q3 2018|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|website=www.forrester.com|publisher=Forrester Research|accessdate=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815201231/https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Mobile+LowCode+Platforms+For+Business+Developers+Q3+2018/-/E-RES142469|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Criticisms ==
== Criticisms ==
Some IT professionals question whether low-code development platforms are suitable for large-scale and mission-critical enterprise applications.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rymer|first1=John|title=Low-Code Platforms Deliver Customer Facing Apps Fast, But Can They Scale Up?|url=https://www.forrester.com/report/LowCode+Platforms+Deliver+CustomerFacing+Apps+Fast+But+Will+They+Scale+Up/-/E-RES122546|publisher=Forrester Research|accessdate=22 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202125753/https://www.forrester.com/report/LowCode+Platforms+Deliver+CustomerFacing+Apps+Fast+But+Will+They+Scale+Up/-/E-RES122546|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Others have questioned whether these platforms actually make development cheaper or easier.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reselman|first1=Bob|title=Why the promise of low-code software platforms is deceiving|url=https://devopsagenda.techtarget.com/opinion/Why-the-promise-of-low-code-software-platforms-is-deceiving|publisher=TechTarget|accessdate=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501184114/https://devopsagenda.techtarget.com/opinion/Why-the-promise-of-low-code-software-platforms-is-deceiving|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, some CIOs have expressed concern that adopting low-code development platforms internally could lead to an increase in unsupported applications built by [[Shadow_IT|shadow IT]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shore|first1=Joel|title=How no-code development tools can benefit IT|url=http://searchcloudapplications.techtarget.com/news/4500250979/How-no-code-development-tools-can-benefit-IT|website=Search Cloud Applications|publisher=TechTarget Magazine|accessdate=22 January 2017|date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331120913/http://searchcloudapplications.techtarget.com/news/4500250979/How-no-code-development-tools-can-benefit-IT|archive-date=31 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Some IT professionals question whether low-code development platforms are suitable for large-scale and mission-critical enterprise applications.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rymer|first1=John|title=Low-Code Platforms Deliver Customer Facing Apps Fast, But Can They Scale Up?|publisher=Forrester Research |url=https://www.forrester.com/report/LowCode+Platforms+Deliver+CustomerFacing+Apps+Fast+But+Will+They+Scale+Up/-/E-RES122546|access-date=22 January 2016 |url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202125753/https://www.forrester.com/report/LowCode+Platforms+Deliver+CustomerFacing+Apps+Fast+But+Will+They+Scale+Up/-/E-RES122546}}</ref> Others have questioned whether these platforms actually make development cheaper or easier.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LLC |first=Flatlogic |date=2022-12-05 |title=What is the difference between Low Code & No Code |url=https://flatlogic.com/blog/difference-between-low-code-and-no-code/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Flatlogic Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, some [[Chief information officer|CIO]]s have expressed concern that adopting low-code development platforms internally could lead to an increase in unsupported applications built by [[shadow IT]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shore|first1=Joel |date=31 July 2015|title=How no-code development tools can benefit IT|website=Search Cloud Applications |publisher=TechTarget Magazine|url=http://searchcloudapplications.techtarget.com/news/4500250979/How-no-code-development-tools-can-benefit-IT|accessdate=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331120913/http://searchcloudapplications.techtarget.com/news/4500250979/How-no-code-development-tools-can-benefit-IT|archive-date=2017-03-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Low-code vs. no-code ==
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{{main|No-code development platform}}
No-code development platforms are similar to low-code development platforms but require no coding at all.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|last1=Rouse|first1=Margaret|title=low-code/no-code development platform (LCNC platform)|url=https://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/low-code-no-code-development-platform|website=www.techtarget.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref>

The line between the two is not sharp. However, there are a number of key differences:
*'''App Creator''' - No-code platforms are accessible to any end-business user while low-code platforms require professional developers who can work within the platform's constraints.
*'''Core Design''' - No-code platforms tend to function off a model-driven, declarative approach where the end user dictates an app's design through drag and drop manipulation or simple expressions. Low-code platforms depend more on hard code to specify an application's core architecture.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|last1=Bloomberg|first1=Jason|title=The Low-Code/No-Code Movement: More Disruptive Than You Realize|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbloomberg/2017/07/20/the-low-codeno-code-movement-more-disruptive-than-you-realize/#53a9335c722a|website=www.forbes.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref>
*'''User Interface''' - No-code platforms most often rely on a preset [[user interface]] layer which simplifies and streamlines an app's design. Low-code platforms may provide greater flexibility in UI options at the cost of additional coding and complexity requirements.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|last1=Woods|first1=Dan|title=When No Code Makes Sense for Legacy App Migration|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danwoods/2018/01/22/when-no-code-makes-sense-for-legacy-app-migration/#335c337df8eb|website=www.forbes.com|accessdate=20 August 2018}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[DRAKON]]
* [[End-user computing]]
* [[End-user computing]]
* [[End-user development]]
* [[End-user development]]
* [[Flow-based programming]]
* [[Flow-based programming]]
* [[List of online database creator apps]]
* [[List of online database creator apps]]
* [[List of low-code development platforms]]
* [[Visual programming language]]
* [[Visual programming language]]
* [[Backend as a service]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* Pattani, Aneri (16 November 2016) [https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/15/a-cloud-app-boom-is-allowing-workers-in-all-jobs-to-become-coding-pros.html "A coding revolution in the office cube sends message of change to IT"]. CNBC. Retrieved 15 November 2017.


[[Category:Enterprise architecture]]
[[Category:Enterprise architecture]]

Latest revision as of 21:39, 25 September 2024

Not to be confused with No-code development platform.
A visual low-code editor that enables the creation of process logics without programming knowledge, illustrated with an example from Peakboard.

A low-code development platform (LCDP) provides a development environment used to create application software, generally through a graphical user interface (as opposed to only writing code, though some coding is possible and may be required). A low-coded platform may produce entirely operational applications, or require additional coding for specific situations. Low-code development platforms are typically on a high abstraction level, and can reduce the amount of traditional time spent, enabling accelerated delivery of business applications. A common benefit is that a wider range of people can contribute to the application's development, not only those with coding skills, but good governance is needed to be able to adhere to common rules and regulations. LCDPs can also lower the initial cost of setup, training, deployment, and maintenance.[1]

Low-code development platforms trace their roots back to fourth-generation programming language and the rapid application development tools of the 1990s and early 2000s. Similar to these predecessor development environments, LCDPs are based on the principles of model-driven architecture, automatic code generation, and visual programming.[2] The concept of end-user development also existed previously, although LCDPs brought some new ways of approaching this development. The low-code development platform market traces its origins back to 2011.[3] The specific name "low-code" was not put forward until 9 June, 2014,[1] when it was used by the industry analyst Forrester Research. Along with no-code development platforms, low-code was described as "extraordinarily disruptive" in Forbes magazine in 2017.[4]

Use

[edit]

As a result of the microcomputer revolution, businesses have deployed computers widely across their employee bases, enabling widespread automation of business processes using software.[5] The need for software automation and new applications for business processes places demands on software developers to create custom applications in volume, tailoring them to organizations' unique needs.[6] Low-code development platforms have been developed as a means to allow for quick creation and use of working applications that can address the specific process and data needs of the organization.[7]

Reception

[edit]

Research firm Forrester estimated in 2016 that the total market for low-code development platforms would grow to $15.5 billion by 2020.[8] Segments in the market include database, request handling, mobile, process, and general purpose low-code platforms.[9]

Low-code development's market growth can be attributed to its flexibility and ease.[10] Low-code development platforms are shifting their focus toward general purpose of applications, with the ability to add in custom code when needed or desired.[3]

Mobile accessibility is one of the driving factors of using low-code development platforms.[6] Instead of developers having to spend time creating multi-device software, low-code packages typically come with that feature as standard.[6]

Because they require less coding knowledge, nearly anyone in a software development environment can learn to use a low-code development platform.[11] Features like drag and drop interfaces help users visualize and build the application[8]

Security and compliance concerns

[edit]

Concerns over low-code development platform security and compliance are growing, especially for apps that use consumer data. There can be concerns over the security of apps built so quickly and possible lack of due governance leading to compliance issues.[10] However, low-code apps do also fuel security innovations. With continuous app development in mind, it becomes easier to create secure data workflows. Still the fact remains that low-code development platforms that do not apply and strictly adhere to normalized systems theory[12] do not solve the challenge of increasing complexity due to changes.[10]

Criticisms

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Some IT professionals question whether low-code development platforms are suitable for large-scale and mission-critical enterprise applications.[13] Others have questioned whether these platforms actually make development cheaper or easier.[14] Additionally, some CIOs have expressed concern that adopting low-code development platforms internally could lead to an increase in unsupported applications built by shadow IT.[15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Richardson, Clay (June 9, 2014). "New Development Platforms Emerge For Customer-Facing Applications". www.forrester.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  2. ^ Lonergan, Kevin (29 July 2015). "On the down low: Why CIOs should care about Low-code - Information Age". Information Age. Information Age. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b Marvin, Rob (12 August 2014). "How low-code development seeks to accelerate software delivery - SD Times". SD Times. San Diego Times. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  4. ^ Bloomberg, Jason. "The Low-Code/No-Code Movement: More Disruptive Than You Realize". www.forbes.com. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Low-Code vs. No-Code App Development | Microsoft Power Apps". powerapps.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  6. ^ a b c Marvin, Rob. "Building an App With No Coding: Myth or Reality?". PCMAG. PC Mag. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  7. ^ "Software developers: We're on board with low-code (Or even no-code) tools". ZDNet.
  8. ^ a b Richardson, Clay. "Vendor Landscape: The Fractured, Fertile Terrain Of Low-code Application Platforms" (PDF). Forrester Research. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-09. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
  9. ^ Hammond, Jeffrey. "The Forrester Wave™: Mobile Low-Code Platforms For Business Developers, Q3 2018". www.forrester.com. Forrester Research. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  10. ^ a b c Rubens, Paul (10 November 2014). "Use Low-code Platforms to Develop the Apps Customers Want". CIO. CIO Magazine.
  11. ^ "Why We Will Always Need Data Scientists". Built In. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  12. ^ Mannaert, Herwig; Verelst, Jan; De Bruyn, Peter (2016). Normalized Systems Theory: From Foundations for Evolvable Software Toward a General Theory for Evolvable Design. ISBN 9789077160091.
  13. ^ Rymer, John. "Low-Code Platforms Deliver Customer Facing Apps Fast, But Can They Scale Up?". Forrester Research. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  14. ^ LLC, Flatlogic (2022-12-05). "What is the difference between Low Code & No Code". Flatlogic Blog. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  15. ^ Shore, Joel (31 July 2015). "How no-code development tools can benefit IT". Search Cloud Applications. TechTarget Magazine. Archived from the original on 2017-03-31. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
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