Normally, if your company needed a software application, you could use an off-the-shelf solution or develop your own app. Both approaches have their drawbacks - the off-the-shelf solution probably doesn't fit your needs exactly, while the custom-developed variant produces high costs. Low-code platforms are the optimal middle ground.
The field of application of low-code platforms is not limited to apps, as the automation of workflows, website creation and more specialized applications are also possible with low-code. So there are many use cases, but in this article we will show you how low-code development and the smooth operation of apps without code work, what advantages you have and how to find the right provider.
What is Low-Code Development?
Low-code development refers to creating applications without relying primarily on typical text-based programming languages. Instead, visual tools are used, allowing you to add and connect specific functions as graphical modules via drag-and-drop. This way, even without knowing programming languages, you can intuitively and quickly create applications with minimal time and effort.
Pro-Code, Low-Code & No-Code Comparison
To better understand low-code development, it’s helpful to take a brief look at pro-code and no-code. These represent a spectrum of required programming or coding knowledge.
Pro-code refers to the use of traditional programming languages for application development, requiring in-depth knowledge of languages like PHP, JavaScript, Python, etc. With this knowledge, even highly complex applications can be developed.
However, since not everyone has these skills or access to specialists, there are low-code platforms that don't require mastery of programming languages. While fundamental programming knowledge or a good understanding of available tools is still helpful for low-code, it’s much more accessible than pro-code.
No-code, on the other hand, provides an environment designed entirely for users with no prior knowledge. No-code is a practical option only for simple applications that don’t require extensive customization or integration with existing systems.
Features & Benefits: What Low-Code Platforms Can Do For You
It’s clear that you can navigate a low-code platform confidently, even without deep programming knowledge. When we talk about low-code solutions, we’re referring to a suite of features that offer you concrete advantages:
- Visualization: One of the major benefits of low-code platforms is the graphical representation of functional elements. Instead of sifting through lines of code, you see potential functions for your app as visual components that you can mix and match as needed.
- Drag-and-Drop: Assemble the modules you need with ease—just drag and drop. No coding required!
- Digitalization Made Easy: Digital transformation impacts almost every industry. With low-code platforms, you have the opportunity to digitize processes in your organization in a meaningful and customized way.
- Templates: Low-code platforms offer a wide range of templates to kickstart your projects. With a solid foundation already in place, you can rely on consistently high quality.
- Industry-Specific: Many low-code platforms provide templates for various industrial applications, allowing you to choose according to your specific needs and build an app tailored to your requirements.
- Maintenance: With a low-code platform provider, you have a reliable partner who ensures smooth operations behind the scenes. Your maintenance efforts for your custom app are minimized, and no coding is required for this aspect either.
- Fast Development: Thanks to the ample resources provided by the low-code platform, application development is significantly faster.
- Simple User Management: Managing access to an app can be complex. Issues such as registration, authentication, data protection, and security are crucial. A low-code platform allows you to set up authentication with just a click.
- Self-Empowerment & Cost Reduction: The low-code platform enables you to build and maintain your app quickly, even without a degree in computer science. This makes you and your company independent of scarce technical talent and costly external providers.
Do Low-Code Platforms Have Drawbacks?
While low-code platforms offer a wide array of features and numerous benefits, there are also some downsides to consider. Being aware of these will help you make a well-informed decision:
- Know the Limits: Low-code platforms can reach their limitations when it comes to developing highly complex applications. If your requirements are extremely specific, the platform might not cover every needed feature. To mitigate this, ensure the platform allows for extensions using custom code.
- High Complexity: Although these platforms let you create apps without coding, they can become quite complex themselves. In such cases, you’ll need to factor in a learning curve or consider outsourcing app development to specialized providers. Even then, it remains a cost-effective and beneficial option.
- Not for Absolute Beginners: While coding knowledge isn’t necessary, you should still have a basic understanding of key concepts, how they function, and what your end product should look like. When choosing a platform, prioritize strong user documentation and support services.
The Takeaway: Using low-code platforms requires a clear understanding of their strengths, limitations, and the available options. This approach ensures you get the most value from the platform.
Here's How It Works: Your Step-by-Step Guide to App Building
If you want to build your own application with low-code software, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get there. Since each low-code platform operates a bit differently, and we're most familiar with our own solution, we’ll walk you through the process using Heisenware as an example:
- Start with a Web Demo: To get a feel for the low-code tool you’ll be working with, it’s a good idea to explore it first. For Heisenware, you can book a web demo to get an overview of how the platform works.
- Make a Plan: It’s crucial to have a clear goal in mind. Think carefully about who will use your app, what it needs to do, and what problem it will solve. Document your ideas and align them with your team or company.
- Choose the Right Tool: Find the right tool for your industry and specific use case. Consider whether the platform allows you to build mobile apps, native apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), or just simple web apps. The pricing model should also fit your company’s needs.
- Get Familiar with the Platform: Take time to learn the structure and system of the tool. Know where to find key features, how to preview your app, and how to integrate external systems. Clarify these points before diving in.
- Develop Application Logic: Plan out what your app needs to do and how its logic should be structured to ensure the functions work well together. Then, start assembling the functional modules to implement the required features.
- Configure the User Interface: Keep the end-user in mind. What do they need to interact with, and what input will they provide to the app? Determine how this information will be passed from the user interface to the application logic.
- Fine-Tuning the Design: After previewing the user interface, you can add design elements like your company’s logo. Make sure to check responsive views for smartphones, tablets, and desktop screens, adjusting them as needed.
- Test in a Staging Environment: Deploy your app in a staging environment for testing. This allows you to make final improvements before releasing it live.
- Go Live: Once your app is ready, you can distribute it—whether via a URL or a QR code if you’ve built a Progressive Web App.
This approach lets you build an app that meets your needs without needing coding knowledge.
But: Based on our experience, a bit of prior knowledge, a solid understanding of the bigger picture, and a clear vision of the desired user experience are important. Without this, even a low-code platform can become overwhelming.
If you’re starting from scratch, just be prepared for a steeper learning curve—but that can be an exciting opportunity!
Industry & Business: Who Are Low-Code Platforms For?
As our example has shown, low-code development can be a fast path to creating your own app. Naturally, this raises the question of which industries and target groups are best suited for low-code platforms and in what use cases they can be applied.
It’s important to note that low-code applications are not your typical smartphone apps for gaming, fitness, or dating. In fact, low-code is only marginally suitable for these purposes because such apps require much more extensive design, UX, and other technical specifications.
However, beyond these consumer apps, low-code platforms hold significant potential, especially for industries like manufacturing, trades, and service sectors looking to digitize business processes. They can be applied in B2B (business-to-business) scenarios and, in some cases, even in B2C (business-to-customer) contexts, particularly for specialized applications.
Typical use cases for low-code apps include collecting, reading, and processing machine and production data, customer relationship management based on low-code databases, and customer service apps, to name a few.
Key Tips: Choosing Low-Code App Builders & Tools
When selecting a low-code platform for your business, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just the process and use cases. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Integration: Ensure the low-code platform allows for the integration of existing interfaces and legacy systems. This way, you can seamlessly connect proven and new elements while leveraging existing data.
- Extensibility: Your chosen platform should support the evolution of your application as your business grows. Look for a platform that allows you to easily add new features and update your app as needed.
- Scalability: The platform should enable you to scale your application to handle increased traffic and a larger number of users.
- Support: Even though low-code platforms are designed to be user-friendly, you may still need assistance. Choose a provider whose pricing models include support to avoid extra charges for minor inquiries.
- Hosting: Decide whether you want the platform to host your app on-premise (on your internal systems) or use a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model where the provider handles hosting, allowing you to focus on using the platform.
- Usability: An intuitive user experience is crucial. Opt for a low-code platform that offers a demo version so you can evaluate its usability without financial risk. This will help you determine if the interface is user-friendly.
- Pricing Models: Look for a provider with flexible pricing models. A high-priced solution suited for large enterprises may not be ideal for a small to medium-sized business, and vice versa.
- Seats & Users: Pay attention to how pricing is calculated. Some models charge based on the number of team members (seats), while others charge per user. Basing pricing on seats can be less advantageous; however, user-based pricing might quickly hit budget limits. Some providers offer flexible pricing per app.
- User Management: You need control over how users access your apps. The platform should offer straightforward solutions for managing user access, such as login flows and password resets.
- App Distribution: Ideally, the low-code platform should provide options for specifying whether your app is for internal use or external users, and potentially offer a marketplace for distribution if necessary.
A Glimpse into the Future: Low-Code Development Meets AI
The demand for low-code platforms has surged in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. According to a forecast by Gartner, three-quarters of all applications are projected to be developed using low-code by 2026.
Many businesses are feeling the pressure to digitalize their products and services and to connect their work environments. As low-code platforms cater to users who are not necessarily IT experts, their significance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is poised to grow even further. A study by KPMG indicates that half of IT leaders expect to be using low-code or no-code solutions by 2025.
A key technology driving digital transformation today is Artificial Intelligence (AI). We envision a future where AI and low-code platforms will complement each other. Particularly exciting will be the development of new modules by AI on low-code platforms, which could address highly specialized and personalized use cases that do not currently exist.
It is also conceivable that, in the future, AI might be capable of building entire apps independently, which could then be hosted within the infrastructure of a low-code platform. However, when it comes to the ongoing operation, management, and maintenance of apps, AI is unlikely to replace human expertise in the near future. A plausible scenario is that low-code platforms will serve as the environment for both human-built and AI-generated apps, facilitating a new era of collaborative development.
Low Effort with Low-Code: The Platform is Your Fast Track to Your Own App
Low-code platforms are perfect for you if you're a skilled IT user with a clear vision of your app, its target audience, and its purpose. These tools provide an ideal development environment, allowing you to intuitively reach your goals without delving deeply into programming. They offer real value to both your company and, depending on the functionality, your customers as well.
Since low-code platforms address specialized use cases, you should keep your goals firmly in sight and define the criteria that your ideal development environment must meet. We've already introduced you to our app builder in this text. If you want to learn more about us and our platform, share your project with us!