What Is Low Code Development & How It's Simplifying Website Creation

Date

September 11, 2022

Author

Teodora Berner

Time reading

7 min

Table of contents

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With low-code development platforms, you can create powerful websites and applications without writing a single line of code. These platforms are making it possible for businesses to innovate faster and more easily, and they’re opening up the world of app development to a whole new group of people. Imagine a digital world where anyone can innovate, regardless of their coding skills.

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1. What is Low-Code Development

Low-code development platforms uses graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and drag-and-drop tools to create applications. This eliminates the need for manual coding, which helps businesses create faster, cheaper, and with less technical expertise.

To understand the true importance of low-code platforms, let's take a closer look at their main features

1.1 Low-Code Platform Features

Low-code development platforms can help businesses of all sizes grow by building, deploying, and managing applications more efficiently. Here are some of the most important tools that they offer:

Visual Modeling Tools

They have modeling tools that allow you to create applications with drag-and-drop elements.

Integration and APIs

Low-code platforms allow you to integrate with other systems and data resources.

Reusable Components

They often come with a library of reusable components that you can use to speed up development.

Security features

Low-code platforms have security features to protect your applications from unauthorized access.

Application lifecycle management

Help you manage the entire application lifecycle, from development to deployment.

Scalability

Low-code platforms features such as cloud computing and containerization which help you easily scale your applications as your needs grow.

Artificial Intelligence

Low-code development platforms are incorporating AI to automate tasks and improve performance which can be helpful when generating code, testing, and optimizing your applications.

2. Benefits of Low-Code Development

Low-code development is truly a game-changer when it comes to application development. Here are the main benefits:

Faster Development

Low-code platforms develop applications much faster than traditional coding methods, because their visual modeling tools and reusable components can be easily customized.

Reduced costs

Doesn’t require hiring a team of developers, and provides built-in features to automate tasks.

Improved collaboration

Can improve collaboration between stakeholders, as they provide a central platform where everyone can work together on the same application.

Increased Flexibility

Low-code platforms allow you to easily add new features and functionalities when needed.

Increased Security

They help you enhance the security of your applications with their built-in security features, such as role-based access control and data encryption.

If you are interested in learning more about specific low-code web development platforms, you can check how we compare them in our previous articles :

2.1 Use Cases

Low-code development platforms can be used to create a variety of applications, from simple chatbots to complex enterprise systems. Here are just a few examples of how low-code is being used to innovate:

Building mobile apps that can be deployed to both Android and iOS devices
Automating business processes, such as customer onboarding or order fulfillment
Creating data visualizations by connecting to data sources, such as databases or CRM systems
Creating marketing campaigns that target specific audiences

2.2 Comparison table

High-code, low-code, or no-code? That is the question.

We've made it easy to compare each platform and find the one that's right for you.

Feature	High-Code Development	Low-Code Development	No-Code Development
Required skills	Extensive coding knowledge required	Some coding knowledge required	No coding knowledge required
Cost	Can be more expensive	Can be expensive, depending on the platform	Typically more affordable
Timing	Takes more time	Depends on the complexity of the app	Fastest option
Mobile-friendly	Most are mobile friendly	Most are mobile-friendly	Some are mobile-friendly
Security	More robust	Built-in security features	Limited security features
Updates	May be the responsibility of the user	Handled by the platform provider	May be the responsibility of the user
Suppred	Offered by the platform provider	Offered by the platform provider	Limited

Here are some additional tips for choosing the right platform:

Start by defining your needs, budget and requirements.
Compare different platforms, read reviews, watch demos, and reach out to developers who are familiar with the platform.

There’s no one-platform-fits-all solution, so try out different options until you find the one that’s right for you.

In order, to help you choose wisely, here are some comparisons of low code website development platforms, that we have made :

2.3 Low-Code Development vs No-Code Development

When deciding between low-code and no-code, the best choice for you depends mainly on your skills and requirements.

If you have some coding knowledge and want to create something complex, low-code is a good option. If you don’t have any coding experience and want to create applications quickly and easily, no-code is perfect for you.

Here are other things you should be aware of them deciding between low-code and no-code:

1. No-code development is typically more affordable, but it can have limitations on its features and functionalities.

2. Low-code development can be much faster than no-code for simple applications. However, for more complex projects, the difference in development time may be less significant.

3. Most low-code platforms are mobile-friendly, while some no-code platforms don’t offer this feature.

4. Most low-code platforms have built-in features, but no-code platforms may have limited security features. It’s important to do your own research before choosing a platform to ensure it has all the security features you need.

5. Updates for low-code platforms are typically handled by the platform provider, while updates for no-code platforms are typically the responsibility of the user.

6. Some no-code platforms may not offer as much support as low-code platforms.

2.4 Low-Code Development vs High-Code Development

The best approach to choose between low-code and high-code is to consider your coding skills and the specific requirements for your project.

Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Low-code development requires less coding knowledge than traditional development.

2. Low-code can be more expensive than high-code, but it’s still more affordable than hiring a team of developers.

3. High-code platforms take more time to develop and test complex applications.

4. Both platforms can be used to create mobile-friendly applications.

5. Some high-code platforms may have more robust security features compared to their low-code alternatives.

6. Updates for high-code platforms are typically the responsibility of the user, while updates for low-code platforms are typically handled by the platform provider. Some low-code platforms may require payment for regular updates and maintenance.

7. Both low-code and high-code platforms typically offer effective support from the platform provider.

3. Low-Code Development Platforms Examples

Low-code development is becoming increasingly popular as a way to rapidly build applications with minimal coding.

Let's take a look at the most efficient low-code platforms in 2023 that allow non-technical users to create applications without having to write code.

3.1 Zoho Creator

Tailor your applications to your specific needs with pre-built components
Connect to a wide range of other systems and applications
Easy to use, even for non-technical users
Starts at $12/user per month, free trial available

Zoho Creator is perfect for businesses of all sizes, making it easy for you to customize your applications to meet your specific needs:

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
Project management systems
Helpdesk systems
Marketing automation systems

For example, Mailchimp uses Zoho Creator to build a marketing automation system to send emails and manage social media campaigns for a non-profit organization.

3.2 Appian

Build complex applications with ease using visual development environment
Deep integrations with other enterprise applications
Requires some coding knowledge
Starts at $1,500 per month, free trial available

Appian is ideal for businesses that want to improve their efficiency and productivity:

Workflow automation systems
Case management systems
Financial reporting systems
Procurement systems
Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

For example, the Walt Disney Company uses Appian to build a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track customer interactions.

3.3 Mendix

Create enterprise-grade applications as powerful and scalable as those built with traditional development methods
Wide range of pre-built integrations
Easy to use, even for non-technical users
Starts at $1,500 per month, free trial available

Mendix helps businesses build and deploy enterprise-grade applications that can handle a lot of traffic and perform at peak efficiency:

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
Supply chain management
Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
Human capital management (HCM)

For example, Nike uses Mendix to build a supply chain management system to manage the flow of goods and materials.

screenshot of mendix website home page — Source

3.4 OutSystems

Builds high-performance applications that can handle a lot of traffic and perform at peak efficiency
Deep integrations with other enterprise applications
Requires some coding knowledge
Starts at $10,000 per month, free trial available

OutSystems is perfect for businesses that need to build high-performance applications that integrate with other enterprise systems:

Banking applications
Healthcare applications
Retail applications
Transportation applications

For example, Walmart uses OutSystems to build a retail application to manage inventory and sales.

screenshot of outsystems website homepage — Source

3.5 Quickbase

Builds custom databases and applications
Wide range of integrations
Clean and intuitive, easy to use
Starts at $25/user per month, free trial available

Quickbase is a great choice for businesses that need to build custom databases and applications:

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
Helpdesk systems
Marketing automation systems
Project management systems

For example, the National Football League uses Quickbase to build a CRM system to track player and team data.

screenshot of quickbase website-homepage — Source

3.6 Webflow

Builds professional-looking and responsive websites
Wide range of integrations
Modern and user-friendly interface
Starts at $12 per month, free trial available

If you are looking for a low-code platform that can build complex apps quickly and easily, Webflow is the best option. It has been recognized by industry experts as one of the best low-code platforms for building:

Portfolio website
Landing page
B2B Websites
Blog

4. Final words

As a Web Design Agency, we are extremely hyped about the future of low-code development and we believe that it has the potential to democratize software development and help businesses of all sizes take advantage of this technology.

Here are the key benefits of low-code development:

Reduced development costs and time by automating many of the manual tasks involved in traditional development
Improve efficiency and productivity by providing a visual drag-and drop interface
Increase agility and flexibility by making it easy to change and update applications easily
Expand your reach to new markets by making it easy to build applications for different regions and languages

When choosing a low-code development platform, there are a few factors to consider:

1. The size and complexity of your application will determine the level of functionalities and support you need.

2. The features and functionality you need to build your application.

3. Your budget, because the low-code platforms can range from free to thousands of dollars.

4. The platform's ease of use and its ability to meet your specific needs.

If you're looking for the best low-code platform for your business, Webflow is the clear winner. It's the fastest, most affordable, and most powerful way to build a website.

With Webflow, you can create custom designs without having to hire a designer, and you can build complex features without having to learn to code. Plus, Webflow is very affordable, with plans starting at just $12 per month.

Not sure where to start? We can help you switch to low-code development. Reach out to us today and start creating magic!

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Contributers

Teodora Berner

Content Specialist

Teofil Kostadinov

Webflow Developer

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Still have questions? Find answers here.

What is meant by low code development?

Low-code development is a software development approach that uses graphical user interfaces and visual modeling techniques to create applications. This approach reduces the amount of coding required consequently speeding up the developing process.

What is low-code example?

A low code example platform would be Webflow, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Bubble, Excel, and many more...

Is low-code difficult?

Learning how to use a low-code platform will differ in terms of difficulty. It mainly depends on the platform. Some are very complex and require a little bit of coding knowledge and others are well suited for everyone.

Will low-code replace developers?

Low-code development will not replace developers. Rather, it will complement traditional development by making it easier and faster to create applications. Low-code development platforms can be used by non-technical users to create simple applications, freeing up developers to focus on more complex projects.

What skills do you need to be a low-code developer?

While not always required, having some programming experience can be helpful, as it will give you a foundation in the concepts of software development. Even though low-code development platforms abstract away a lot of the coding, you will still need to know some basic programming concepts, such as variables, loops, and functions. And in the end, low-code developers need to be able to analyze problems and come up with solutions.