Overview
Low code/ No code, software development approaches that need little to zero coding to develop IT products. In other words, instead of using programming languages to write code one can simply select the pre-written codes and use drag & drop action to build the programs.
This opens the doors for all non-IT personnel to make use of this innovative technology to build their applications for individual and business purposes. This crosses out the need for a traditional developer to do the work, not completely but to a certain extent.
With Low/ No code tools for software development, there is an increase in ‘citizen developers’ (nonprofessional developers) and businesses who prefers to make their applications without hiring a professional IT expert. However, a fundamental difference lies in the kind of application built with these two approaches.
What is Low code/ No code development?
Low code development cuts down about 90% of the coding and offers a drag & drop tool to create streamlined and time-saving software processes. Definite programing language knowledge becomes less problematic as codewords are already available to select. Thus, the low code frameworks provide a space to create an app with graphical user interfaces configurations. Almost scaling out the need to handwrite the codes.
No code development eliminates 100% of coding and offers non-tech users to build the app using visual interfaces to drag and drop logic blocks to create the full app. Users can have zero coding background and can still make an app of their choice with No code tools.
It is predicted that by 2024, about 65% of the total developed app will be created using the Low code/ No code tools.
Features of low code/ no code programing
Top three key benefits offered by every Low code/ No code development:
1. Access to low code API and direct integrations
2. Drag & drop work-frame designing
3. Testing /prototyping solutions
More features like monitoring, data management, and other advanced tools also are available based upon the choice of Low code/ No code development platforms. Furthermore, the solutions offer to cover the requirements for any application deployment of specific solutions for a business enterprise with the following listed benefits:
Improved Agility
Most platforms for low code development are extensible and provide integration with various APIs, logic lines, web services, etc to create building blocks for the apps. Making the processing time sufficient and trendy.
Reduced need for IT experts
Most businesses have to wait for their time to market, as their IT team takes too long to complete the coding and testing process and finalize a product. This can be substantially reduced as even citizen developers can use the Low/ No code tools and frame their app.
The automated approach in less time
Tools of Low code/ No code provide an environment for automated solutions, to develop the software elements. As all the code blocks and templates are pre-available the user can complete the task in less time and kick-off workflows for IT and business domains.
Quick Iterations
With rapidly evolving businesses and changing needs for software developments, the low/ No code platforms provide tools to help the developer make edits and alter the existing processes quickly according to the new trend of the industry with testing facilities.
Enhanced Productivity
With the streamlined nature of the Low/ No code development process and use of automation, it is possible to accomplish more in little time. Additionally, the toolbox includes testing, monitoring, altering tools for getting a more risk-proof result. The time to market is reasonably cut short.
Low code vs No code
Well, both Low code and No code relives developers from typing lengths of the codes and simply selecting the needed code blocks to make the frameworks for the app. They both differ from each other as discussed below.
As the name suggests, Low code developments have some need for coding manually, whereas No code has zero need for a typed code. Also, Low code developments are primarily used by developers to speed up the development process and No code development is for anyone from businesses with no prior knowledge of the coding.
Total customization is possible in low code development, for No code development the used code templates can be changed to get customization. Thus, Low code provides end-to-end development required tools but No code developments have some capabilities limitations.
It can be said that Low code development is the next generation tool for rapid software development to create complex products and No code development can be referred to as a self-service tool for app development to build simple apps.
Security risks when using Low code/ No code
Undoubtedly, both tools are easy to use and generate productive applications. But before using new software development technology one must be aware of the potential security risks involved. Some of them are as stated below:
Code quality
As here the code is not being uniquely framed by the software engineer but is rather chosen from the list of available code blocks, meaning more risk as a precaution is needed from the start of the process irrespective of what is being developed. If the codes are insecurely used then it poses threats to the insidious framework of an app. And if the same codes are copied and used again then the same bugs and security problems are repeated.
Less Visibility
The use of coded blocks doesn’t let the developer see what the code is truly and inspect it before use. Thus, if any loose ends are left during the development process then it can cause the developed application to collapse. And this can rather stretch the timeline than cut it short, as more audits and testing needs to be carried out to check and make corrections.
Flaunty business logic
From the initial stage of development, proper business logic permissions must be set in the software functions to safeguard sensitive pieces of information from any unwanted exposure. Also, the APIs of the process can open entry for any external party if they are not integrated securely. Thus, testing before release is more important than ever.
Control
Low/ No code key feature avails common people to become software product developers without the need of typing lines of code with relatively lesser developing cost & time-effective solutions. But this can take control from developers as they have no visibility to more than what is required and they can only opt for the optioned solutions and nothing more. Thus the vital access control of the complete process implementation is lacking. Also, this can raise chances to have paths leading to data that must have been closed and secured to be only accessible to the developer.
Conclusion
Like every coin has two faces, we can conclude the same for Low code & No code as the advantages they provide to generate solutions for the developing app are unique and can give powers to nobody to be a creator of any software app. But the other side reveals some prone dangers that might become a cause for the failure of the app.
At Esurgent, you can find the software solution with quality and cost-effective models for your custom requirements for Web applications & Mobile application developments and more.
