Low-code is a software development approach that requires little to no coding to build applications and processes. Instead of using complex programming languages, you can employ visual interfaces with basic logic and drag-and-drop capabilities in a low-code development platform. As they are a quick and simple alternative to conventional software development, these platforms have grown in popularity.
As organizations face growing IT backlogs and the need for rapid innovation, Low-Code development has emerged as the perfect solution to build scalable, efficient, and user-friendly applications. With its visual development approach, drag-and-drop interfaces, and prebuilt templates, Low-Code empowers businesses to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, fostering seamless collaboration. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the fundamentals of Low-Code, explore its benefits, and discuss how it’s shaping the future of software development.
Low-Code development refers to a software development methodology that leverages minimal hand-coding, allowing users to create applications visually. It is designed to accelerate the development process, enabling faster time-to-market for enterprise apps.
Low-code empowers developers with a flexible and visual environment to develop simple to complex applications in a graphical interface. With advanced tools like drag-and-drop modelers, pre-built templates, intuitive UI, etc., low-code technology allows developers to design and deploy apps much faster, allowing organizations to scale, be more profitable, and achieve above-average returns.
Low-code creation frameworks allow IT customers to incorporate building blocks into workflows and apps. These essential elements abstract the code behind actions and orders, allowing IT to create interfaces and business applications without coding them by hand.
Low-code platforms let users build apps with visual tools, making it easier for business users and developers to understand and participate in the development process. At Kissflow, our customers typically see an 80 percent reduction in development time when using our visual process modeler compared to traditional development.
|
Feature |
Traditional Development |
Kissflow Low-Code |
|
Form Builder |
8-16 hours coding |
15-30 minutes |
|
User Access Controls |
Custom coding required |
Built-in role management |
|
Reporting Dashboard |
Custom development |
Pre-built templates |
|
Mobile Responsiveness |
Additional development |
Automatic |
Our internal testing shows that even first-time users can create a simple approval workflow in under 10 minutes using our drag-and-drop interface.
Security is built into the platform, with advanced features like:
Kissflow's low-code platform seamlessly scales from teams of 10 to organizations with 10,000+ users, with performance maintained even under heavy loads.
To dive deeper into automation within low-code platforms, explore this in-depth guide on Power Automate.
|
Aspect |
Traditional development |
Low-code development |
|
Time to Market |
3-6 months |
2-4 weeks |
|
Technical Expertise Required |
High (coding skills) |
Low to Medium |
|
Cost |
$50,000+ |
$5,000-$25,000 |
|
Maintenance |
Regular developer intervention |
Minimal technical support |
|
Flexibility |
Highly customizable |
Pre-built components with customization options |
|
Learning Curve |
Steep |
Gentle |
Low-code platforms provide enterprise businesses with a powerful means to enhance productivity, streamline app development, and reduce costs, all while maintaining simplicity and agility. From mitigating the risks of shadow IT to facilitating faster app deployment, these platforms are essential for helping enterprises tackle IT backlogs and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
Selecting the best low-code platform for your specific business requirements is crucial to maximize these benefits and ensure successful implementation across your organization
Low-code platforms are versatile tools that cater to a wide range of users, from business teams to IT professionals. Among the key users are IT leaders and directors, who leverage low-code platforms to accelerate application development, reduce backlogs, and enhance operational efficiency.
If you're evaluating different development approaches based on user roles and complexity, this low-code vs no-code comparison will help you decide which platform best suits your needs.
Although low-code can offer many benefits, there are also some challenges that organizations should be aware of when implementing this approach.
One of the main challenges of low-code technology is that it can be difficult for non-technical users to understand and navigate the platform. This can make it difficult for business analysts and domain experts to create and test their own apps, and make it harder for IT departments to support and maintain those apps.
Another challenge is that low-code solutions can be limiting when it comes to customization and scalability. While the drag-and-drop interface can be intuitive and easy to use, it may not offer the same level of flexibility as traditional coding methods. Creating complex or custom apps that meet an organization's specific needs can be challenging.
As organizations exponentially grow, they tend to adopt new technologies to ensure operational efficiency. Low-code is one such robust technology that enables organizations to be digitally progressive. With low-code functionality, you can create flexible solutions such as automating processes, digitizing your operations, managing requests, and building custom applications at speed and scale.
Kissflow is a unified low-code/no-code platform that bridges the gap between business users and IT to simplify work management and dramatically accelerate digital transformation. Business users can take control of their digital needs while IT leaders can continue providing a secure and scalable platform for digital growth.
Get started with Kissflow Platform and learn how to leverage its features to drive better results
SoftBank Telecom transformed its manual, email-based processes with Kissflow's low-code platform, achieving remarkable results:
Puma Energy, a global downstream retailer in the Oil and Gas industry, leveraged Kissflow to transform its paper-based processes during COVID-19:
Discover how Kissflow can help your organization meet digital demands without adding complexity. Whether you're tackling a backlog, launching new tools, or scaling existing processes, low-code with Kissflow helps you move faster and build smarter.