Low-Code Technology - An Ultimate Guide to Low-Code Development

The low-code revolution: Building apps without code

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.

Free Ebook

Building Custom Enterprise Applications on a Low-Code Platform

Thank you for downloading!

What is low-code 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.

Key features of low-code development

1. Visual modeling tools

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.

2. Out-of-the-box functionality

3. Drag-and-drop interface

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.

4. Enterprise-grade security

Security is built into the platform, with advanced features like:

Multi-factor authentication

Role-based access control

Data encryption at rest and in transit

Comprehensive audit logging

SOC 2 Type II compliance

5. Scalability for growing businesses

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.

Low-code vs. traditional development: A comparison

Benefits of low-code for enterprises

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

1. Increased productivity

Low-code platforms empower business users to create their applications, reducing dependence on IT. As a result, productivity increases because teams can quickly implement their ideas without waiting for developer support. By shortening the gap between concept and execution, low-code platforms enable businesses to innovate more rapidly and efficiently.

2. Cost savings

Low-code development significantly reduces the need for highly specialized developers. It cuts down development timelines, saving both time and money. For example, what might take several months with traditional development methods can be done in a fraction of the time using low-code, leading to substantial cost savings when scaled across multiple applications.

3. Mitigates shadow IT

Low-code platforms help mitigate the risk of shadow IT by providing a secure environment where business users can create applications that comply with internal IT standards. Employees often turn to unapproved third-party apps without such platforms, introducing security risks. A low-code platform ensures compliance and reduces the risk of data breaches by offering a governed, internal solution.

4. Faster app development

Traditional app development can take months or even longer, but low-code platforms accelerate the process dramatically. Both experienced developers and non-technical users can quickly build applications using pre-built components and drag-and-drop functionality. This results in fewer bugs, quicker launches, and more agile operations.

5. Easy maintenance

Low-code platforms simplify maintenance using pre-tested, modular components that integrate seamlessly, leading to fewer bugs and smoother updates. Any changes or upgrades can be implemented without causing disruptions to existing functionalities, allowing businesses to stay agile and up-to-date with minimal effort.

Learn More: Key Benefits of Low-Code Platforms for Enterprise Businesses

Who are the low-code developers?

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.

Discover the top low-code platforms transforming the way teams build applications

View list

Getting started with low-code: 5 simple steps

1. Define the processes and data

The underlying element of any application is processing data. Start by defining the processes that align with business needs to get a structured flow. This helps create apps so that the processes are in the right order, and it is easier to achieve the result.

You can also find the most effective path by implementing process simulation and deriving new insights. Once you have a set of defined processes, collecting the right and necessary data becomes more effortless.. Determine the data required to carry out the processes seamlessly from start to end.

2. Create user-friendly forms

Low-code adoption becomes easier if the user experience is seamless and good. Based on the defined process and data, and with drag-and-drop features, intuitive forms can be created to collect relevant information. A robust low-code system enables users to build forms dynamically with user-based control and ready-to-use widgets. Creating the perfect form with any field type and functionality helps build apps better.

3. Build a fully functional application

Many business process management (BPM)  companies have increasingly started adopting low-code solutions due to their novel approach, which emphasizes minimal coding requirements. You can also modify the default code to unlock more advanced features in the app. One of the most significant advantages of a low-code platform is business-process automation.

With pre-built templates and visual development features, you can automate repetitive tasks that do not require human intervention. This saves employees' time and effort, which can be better put into business-critical tasks.

4. Execute and test the application

Testing the application is a mandatory step before launching it. This way, any sort of technical issues and glitches can be identified before the application goes live. A faulty application can adversely affect the efficiency and performance of processes.

Low-code systems also provide a testing environment where the built application can be scrutinized and tested multiple times to check its performance and eliminate technical faults. Based on the test results and user feedback, necessary changes can be made before the app is pushed to the live stage.

5. Deploy the application

Low-code offers flexible application deployment. You can install, configure, and set up fully functional applications with just a few clicks. Along with the deployment, low-code systems also provide real-time feature updates, fixes, and updates.

Overcoming low-code adoption challenges

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.

What can you build using low-code development?

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.

Use cases for low-code development:

Low-Code is versatile and can be applied across various industries and scenarios:

1. Healthcare: 

Streamline patient management, appointment scheduling, and compliance tracking.

2. Banking:

Automate loan processing, fraud detection, and customer service workflows.

3. Retail: 

Build inventory systems, manage supply chains, and boost eCommerce.

4. Manufacturing: 

Optimize production schedules and monitor equipment performance.

5. Government: 

Digitize public services, streamline workflows, and enhance citizen engagement.

Some other examples of low-code development

Employee lifecycle management

Purchase management

Expense claim management

Complaint management

Marketing budget management

Sales lead management

IT bug tracking management

IT incident management

Future of Low code

As competition increases, finding the best low-code platform that aligns with your organization's technical requirements and business goals will become increasingly important for successful digital transformation initiatives.

Market Size and Growth:

The global low-code development platform market is estimated at $21.17 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $81.35 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.9 percent during this period

Adoption Rate:

By 2025, low-code platforms are expected to account for over 70 percent of all application development activity, up from just 20 percent^[1] in 2020. Gartner further predicts that by 2026, 75 percent^[2] of new application development will use low-code tools.

Citizen Developers:

The democratization of software development is accelerating: by 2026, 80 percent^[3] of users of low-code development tools will be outside traditional IT departments, reflecting the mainstream rise of "citizen developers"-business professionals without formal programming training who build apps using these platforms. In 2025, about 70 percent^[4] of new apps are expected to be built using low-code or no-code platforms.

Learning Curve:

70 percent^[5] of low-code users with no prior experience were able to learn the platform within one month or less, making these tools highly accessible and accelerating adoption within organizations.

Enterprise Adoption:

66 percent^[6] of organizations plan to increase their low-code development efforts, and larger enterprises are increasingly adopting these platforms to streamline processes and reduce reliance on IT departments.

Application Demand:

According to Microsoft, over 500 million new applications will need to be built over the next few years, more than all the apps developed in the last 40 years combined, driving further demand for low-code solutions.

Technology Integration:

Low-code platforms increasingly integrate advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and blockchain, enabling even non-technical users to build complex, intelligent applications.

Kissflow Low-Code Platform Pricing: Scalable Plans That Fit Your Enterprise

Our Pricing Plans

Why Kissflow is built for enterprise low-code

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

Kissflow platform can help your business:

• Automate, customize, and streamline processes from start to end.
• Digitize operations across departments and branches
• Manage requests from multiple teams
• Build holistic, custom applications that fit your needs
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration

Kissflow combines low-code flexibility with enterprise-grade capabilities:

Visual Development: 

Create powerful applications with our intuitive interface

Pre-built Templates: 

Get started quickly with 50+ industry-specific templates

Integration Hub: 

Connect with 1000+ applications through our API connectors

Governance Center: 

Maintain compliance with centralized controls

Enterprise Security: 

Protect sensitive data with advanced security features

How our customers use low-code

Case study: SoftBank telecom transforms approval processes

SoftBank Telecom transformed its manual, email-based processes with Kissflow's low-code platform, achieving remarkable results:

Built new apps in just 30 minutes

Enabled 10-20 mobile approvals/day

Cut training time to 10 mins

Removed costly tool licenses

Scaled across US, UK, and Germany

Case study: Puma Energy powers remote collaboration

Puma Energy, a global downstream retailer in the Oil and Gas industry, leveraged Kissflow to transform its paper-based processes during COVID-19:

Grew from 200 to 1,500 users 1 year

Automated 40+ key business processes

Empowered teams to build their own apps

Digital Key Operations

Switched to self-serve Supplier portal

Customer success metrics

70 percent reduction

in application development time

85 percent of applications

built by business users without IT support

60 percent decrease

in IT backlog within 6 months

ROI achieved

within 4.5 months on average

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.

Start your low-code journey with kissflow.

Get Started