Introduction
The low-code development platforms market is anticipated to reach $26.9 billion in 2024, attributed to the rising trend in low-code adoption in enterprise companies and the global shortage of developers.
Low-code platforms are changing how companies develop applications. They use graphical user interfaces and restringed components for quick application development with little or no coding experience.
Low code application development platforms are transforming this application development, decentralizing innovation, and enabling small to large-scale businesses to respond quickly and adequately to market needs.
1. Defining Low-Code Platforms: Key Concepts You Need to Understand
What Are Low-Code Platforms?
Low-code application development tools include many tools and basic templates designed by the company to avoid detailed coding. They also empower professional and citizen developers to develop more balanced applications quicker and less expensively.
The Rise of Low-Code
Low-code applications have grown due to cloud computing, AI, and automation innovation. Traditionally, app development was a highly skilled process, whereas now, even small startups can build scalable solutions as long as they know the basics of programming.
Core Features of Low-Code Platforms
It took only a short time for low-code application development platforms to be adopted by businesses that wanted to facilitate their app development. These platforms provided several features to let power users with almost no coding knowledge develop efficient applications in the blink of an eye. Below are the prime characteristics that explain why low-code platforms are so attractive.
1. Visual Development Interface
An essential advantage of working on a low-code platform is a convenient graphical interface. However, users can build their applications by dragging objects rather than typing code blocks. This dramatically impacts the design since even a non-specialist who does not know programming can develop applications.
2. Pre-Built Templates and Components
When talking about development, most of the low-code development platforms include elements and template libraries. You can select quick production assistants such as buttons, forms, and tables in a package and shorten your development. Flexibility is not a problem; it enables developers to make changes that suit their needs.
3. Drag-and-Drop Functionality
One distinguishable element of a majority of low-code solutions is the drag-and-drop feature. It enables users to efficiently perform various HTML and UI element or component arrangements within a relatively shorter time and with little or no scripting. This makes the whole building process of the app much more effective and less time-consuming, which serves the users because they can try out and experiment with various concepts quickly.
4. Integrated Backend and Database Management
Handling the back end and databases is challenging in the traditional mode of software development. However, many of these functionalities are available on low-code platforms in integrated forms, along with backend tools and database management options. Programming has become simpler since users can create and maintain databases for applications and create other applications most simply.
5. Workflow Automation and Logic Design
Another essential feature of Microsoft Power Automate is allowing users to manage workflows and business logic. Low code platforms allow users to state several conditions, set out routines, and design approval workflows. This enhances organisations’ productivity without using manual means to make this happen.
6. Cross-Platform Development
Low-code languages allow developers to create applications on multiple platforms like the web, iPhone, and Android. By spending less time and effort, developers don’t have to write distinct code for each platform. To enhance your business’s online reach, explore our SEO services for improved visibility and traffic.
7. Real-Time Collaboration Tools
Real-time collaboration tools make teamwork easy. Most low-code platforms provide tools that enable different team members to work on the same project simultaneously. This helps in smoother collaboration, avoids miscommunication, and accelerates the development process
8. Third-party integrations and API Support
There should be built-in integration features within these low-code platforms that make connecting with well-known third-party services such as payment gateways, CRMs, or cloud storage providers convenient. API is an additive support that facilitates data sharing from one application to another and makes software work well with other systems.
9. Security and Compliance Features
Any application values security above all else. Such features as data encryption, authentication, and access controls, all of which help protect sensitive information, are available on low-code platforms. Besides, many platforms follow industry requirements and regulations like GDPR or HIPAA to ensure your apps stay safe and comply with legal regulations.
10. Cloud Deployment and Hosting
Low-code platforms provide cloud deployment options, including deploying and hosting applications on the cloud. A cloud-hosted environment allows for an application’s scalability, flexibility, and reliability so that the business can grow and change requirements without a significant infrastructure change.
11. Mobile App Development Tools
Low-code platforms are special mobile development tools for businesses if your business plans to develop a mobile app. According to these platforms, there are templates that developers use to develop responsive apps that are mobile-friendly and do not give any problems while working on smartphones and tablets.
12. Analytics and Reporting
Users get insights into their applications’ performance and can leverage built-in analytics and reporting tools. Tracking user behaviour and other essential metrics is what low-code platforms help you to do. This data allows businesses to understand their business better and decide what to adjust to make their apps better for the user experience.
13. AI and Machine Learning Capabilities
Some of these low-code platforms have tools for built-in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As long as you use it correctly, it allows developers to integrate features like predictive analytics and automated decision-making into their applications without mastering their nitty-gritty details.
14. Version Control and Rollback Features
Most low-code platforms have version control. It allows developers to see what changes were made to the application and revert to previous versions if something goes wrong. It prevents this development process from wobbling and reduces any possibility of making errors.
15. Customizable User Interfaces
Low-code platforms have pre-designed templates to offer, but they also allow users flexibility in creating custom user interfaces. Developers can change layout, colours, and design elements that best meet their specific needs and brand identity, which means that when they make adjustments, they will be provided with something that fits their vision, not the marketing or SEO above the line.
Top 10 Popular Low-Code Platforms in 2024
The low code platform space is rapidly evolving to be a quick and practical way for businesses to create applications without requiring coding know-how. Check out the table below that shows some of the popular low code platforms in 2024, their unique features, and the type of application they suit best.
| Platform | Unique Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OutSystems | Visual Development Interface, Cross-Platform Development, Mobile App Development Tools | Enterprise-level applications, large-scale projects |
| Mendix | Integrated Backend, AI and Machine Learning Capabilities, Real-Time Collaboration Tools | Rapid app development, AI-powered apps |
| Microsoft Power Apps | Pre-Built Templates, Integrated Backend, Cloud Deployment, Cross-Platform Development | Microsoft ecosystem apps, business solutions |
| Appian | Workflow Automation, Pre-Built Templates, Cloud Deployment and Hosting | Automating business processes, low-code enterprise apps |
| Zoho Creator | Drag-and-Drop Functionality, Mobile App Development Tools, Analytics and Reporting | Small businesses, data-driven apps |
| Salesforce Lightning | Pre-Built Components, Integrated Backend, Third-Party Integrations, API Support | Customer Relationship Management (CRM), business apps |
| Betty Blocks | Visual Development Interface, AI and Machine Learning Capabilities, Security and Compliance Features | Complex workflows, secure applications |
| Quick Base | Workflow Automation, Cross-Platform Development, Real-Time Collaboration Tools | Custom workflows, business apps for teams |
| Kissflow | Drag-and-Drop Functionality, Workflow Automation, Real-Time Collaboration | Business process management, automating tasks |
| Ninox | Customizable User Interfaces, Cloud Deployment and Hosting, Integrated Backend | Custom business apps, small to mid-sized business solutions |
The Surge of Low-Code Platforms in 2024
The rise of low-code platforms, led by speed, flexibility, and cost savings, will take off in 2024. These platforms help more businesses keep up and compete due to their growing demands. Now, let’s get to the main reasons for this surge.
The Demand for Speed and Flexibility
This is the era of speed vs quality, and businesses needing more time to deploy applications are moving very fast into low-code platforms. However, they speed up building apps, enabling organisations to respond much quicker to market requirements and customer demands than ever before. According to Gartner, by 2024, more than half of medium and large organisations will use low code as their primary application development method 1.
The low code development trend isn’t a trend; it is a fundamental shift in the way software is developed. Companies can become more agile and competitive by significantly reducing time to market by using visual development tools and prebuilt components.
The Changing Landscape of Development
Companies need help finding the talent they need due to a shortage of skilled developers in the tech industry. To address this, low-code platforms are providing what is referred to as “citizen developers,” which are nontechnical staff who can build applications without deep coding knowledge. Their democratisation of development enables employees from all different departments to contribute further to innovation and remove development bottlenecks.
By allowing more people to be part of the app creation process, organisations can unleash the organisation’s potential by encouraging collaboration in the teams.
Cost Reduction Benefits
Among the most enticing properties of low-code platforms is that they make development less expensive. Traditional software development typically requires a large team of specially trained professionals and a lot of costly and time-consuming custom coding.
With low-code solutions, businesses need not devote resources to building applications; instead, they seek to simplify this process. This also saves labor costs and helps companies use their applications without incurring high costs. It allows organisations to do more with less.
Case Studies of Success in 2024
Several companies have successfully adopted low-code platforms to enhance their operations:
- Siemens Healthineers: When Siemens Healthineers wanted to shorten long software development cycles, they turned to low code tools to rapidly shrink their internal software development cycle. The results of this change also included a reduced time to develop service, improved IT and business alignment, and increased productivity 12.
- Puma Energy: With its distribution of regions worldwide, Energo coupled low code with low code to provide agility in the sourcing process. Despite the improvements around the facility and the quick market changes, logistics processes could only be automated significantly 3.
These examples show startups and established businesses taking advantage of this new technology, whether using low-code platforms for fast prototyping or improving complex workflows. In 2024, as more organizations learn about the benefits of low code, which helps them build applications faster, we can expect that adoption to grow even more.
How Low-Code Platforms Are Transforming App Development
Accelerated Time-to-Market
With the significant acceleration of app development, low-code platforms are changing the app development landscape. They are already prebuilt with modules and user-friendly interfaces, so developers can quickly build apps aligns perfectly with Search Engine Marketing strategies, ensuring businesses reach their target audience efficiently and at the right time. This inefficiency allows companies to offer fast service to the market and remain competitive.
Streamlining the development process allows organizations to launch new features and products faster. This increases productivity and will enable businesses to react quickly to customers and market changes.
Increased Accessibility for Non-Technical Users
One significant advantage of low-code platforms is their flexibility in empowering non-technical users. Business analysts, marketers, and other professionals can start building functional applications without writing code. This shift reduces dependency on the IT department and makes everything more agile with business.
The organisation can customise the app when more team members develop the app to meet their needs. This makes the teams more accessible and promotes a culture of innovation so that they can implement solutions close to their actual objective.
Improved Collaboration Across Teams
Low-code platforms are best suited to bridging the gap between teams like developers, designers, and business user representatives. These platforms help improve communication by providing visual interfaces and shared project environments.
This allows all team members to sync with project objectives and requirements and align everyone on a standard project plan. Teams can continuously get real-time feedback, make real-time adjustments with a faster feedback loop, and then ship more high-quality applications that meet user needs.
Enhancing Prototyping and Innovation
Low-code platforms offer the significant advantage of quickly prototyping and testing new ideas. This allows companies to play around with various concepts without the usual timelines associated with traditional development methods.
The rapid prototyping capability facilitates an organization’s culture of innovation. It allows businesses to develop solutions more likely to succeed in the market by letting teams iterate fast based on user feedback.
Customization and Integration Capabilities
Low-code platforms balance ease of use and customization, making them ideal for businesses with unique requirements. For more complex solutions tailored to your needs, consider leveraging custom software development services to complement low-code applications.
The flexibility of this approach guarantees that these organizations can connect their low-code applications with different data sources and even third-party services. Low-code platforms achieve this balance between ease of use and the ability to customize by providing businesses with a space to create solutions that reflect their specific needs.
Benefits of Low-Code Platforms in 2024
In 2024, low-code platforms are changing the game for businesses. These platforms enable faster delivery, less cost, and innovation in how companies develop their apps. Therefore, let’s dig deep into the top benefits that they offer.
Faster Application Delivery
Among the biggest appeals of low-code platforms is that they enable you to bring apps to market in weeks, not months. Building, testing, and deploying apps can take months on traditional development cycles. With low-code platforms, businesses can develop fully functional apps in just a fraction of the time, using pre-built components and templates to streamline the process.
This speed allows businesses to adapt to changing market demands, releasing new features rapidly and staying caught up. Whether you’re building a customer-facing app or an internal tool, low code helps companies reach the market faster, more agile, and more responsive to customer needs.
Lower Development and Maintenance Costs
One significant benefit of low-code platforms is the reduction of development and maintenance costs by several magnitudes. This makes creating an app easier for businesses, as they need fewer resources to develop it. Instead of assembling a large team of developers, designers, and testers, low-code tools can be used by small teams or even individual employees to build robust applications.
In addition, small development cycles translate to less expense in the maintenance phase. They get bugs fixed quicker and can update without too much coding, allowing businesses to incur long-term savings as the initial development and continued maintenance costs are minimal.
Scalability and Flexibility
Businesses’ app development needs to grow along with them. Scalability is at the heart of low-code platforms, making it easy for companies to quickly add new capabilities to their applications to accommodate higher-than-expected user demand or new business needs. Without extensive custom development, these platforms can sustain high traffic, large data volumes, and high-complexity workflows.
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Enhanced Innovation Through Rapid Experimentation
Low-code platforms encourage innovation by allowing teams to test and experiment with new ideas quickly. However, developing and deploying a new feature in traditional development can take months, and there’s not much time for experimenting. Using low-code tools, businesses can quickly build prototypes, get feedback, and iterate without waiting for long development cycles.
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Security and Compliance in 2024
However, with businesses aiming to use a digital solution, security and compliance have become more significant than ever. Many leading low-code platforms have significantly strengthened their security features, enabling businesses to build secure, compliant applications without requiring expertise in complex technical knowledge.
However, these platforms now have built-in security protocols, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards, making it easier for businesses to comply with regulatory requirements. Low-code platforms allow developers to ensure that apps are secure and comply with compliance standards without needing the specialized knowledge required of developers, even when developing apps that monitor finance, healthcare, or any other regulated industry.
Challenges and Limitations of Low-Code Platforms
Low-code platforms offer many benefits but also have some challenges. Since businesses are widely adopting these tools, it is imperative to understand their strengths and weaknesses to make a well-informed decision. Here are some of the key challenges organizations might be facing.
Limited Customization for Complex Projects
Low-code platforms are suitable for straightforward applications, but if you are working on highly customized or extra complex tasks, you might need more time to get it. They provide pre-built modules and templates, but making apps with particular needs—like custom workflows or greater functionality—can be challenging.
Low-code platforms don’t offer enough flexibility if a business needs an app with complicated logic or features. In such cases, a more traditional development approach would be required to satisfy the particular demands of complex enterprise applications.
Vendor Lock-In
Low-code platforms also risk vendor lock-in. When your company builds its applications on a given platform, it may become ‘locked into’ that vendor’s ecosystem, tools, and services over time. Doing so can be messy, though: migrating data to another platform, configuring the platform to run what you need, and retraining staff.
This risk may limit businesses’ flexibility, not just because they cannot change platforms down the line but also because they cannot later decouple from a particular vendor. Before choosing a low-code platform, companies should consider the potential lock-in and future needs.
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Learning Curve for Non-Developers
Low-code platforms are supposed to be user-friendly, but non-technical users will experience a learning curve without further support. Editing the page flow is relatively easy with the drag-and-drop functionality. Yet, there’s much to understand about how the different components come together and where and how data flows and logic gets applied.
Finally, since non-technical users like business analysts or marketers may need more training or guidance to develop fully functional apps, a framework like Pylon can help eliminate most technical issues in app development. Although low-code platforms significantly decrease the barrier to entry, some initial learning and support may be needed to unlock their full potential.
Learn more about frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue in our guide: React vs Angular vs Vue: Which Is the Best Framework for Your Project?
Performance and Scalability Issues in Large-Scale Applications
Low-code platforms are suitable for smaller apps, but sometimes performance and scalability become a concern once the scope of what you build with an app starts ramping up, especially when it comes to large-scale, resource-hungry stuff. Some low-code platforms may underperform custom-built solutions as user bases grow and apps work with more data or perform complex integrations.
If your business has a high-demand app, such as one that requires real-time data processing or stores vast amounts of data, it’s essential to determine whether a low-code platform can meet these needs. Otherwise, a more traditional approach may be needed to ensure smooth sailing as the app scales.
Security Risks in Citizen-Developed Apps
Security has to be considered by citizen developers (non-developers building out apps). Security is a baked-in feature in many of the low-code platforms. Still, they have no technical background in security, too, so the apps you make will have security vulnerabilities.
This includes, for example, data encryption, authenticating a user, and secure APIs that non-technical users may need to implement fully. Even if the employees developing the app don’t have any development experience, businesses must ensure that the proper security protocols are followed. For that, maybe they would be wise to contact experienced IT teams to review and audit applications for security before going live.
The Future of Low-Code in App Development
We will see even more innovation in low-code platforms in the next few years. As we advance to 2024, some emerging trends will define the way forward for low-code platforms. As low code has become integrated with AI and will be part of running complex enterprise applications, we should consider it for playing an even more significant role in digital transformation.
Integration with AI and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are some of the most exciting things that’s been happening in low-code platforms right now. But now, the process is learning to provide workflow suggestions, automated repetitive tasks, and app performance optimization using AI. For instance, AI tools can study the app’s usage and suggest automatic improvements or enhancements that save developers much time.
In addition, AI-powered automation simplifies the testing process, enabling developers to detect and fix bugs or performance problems quickly. If and when AI production is codified, we should see additional integration into low-code platforms that aid businesses in creating better and more efficient apps without manual effort.
IoT and Edge Computing
Low-code platforms will become pivotal in helping drive the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing. Speed and flexibility are crucial in IoT application development, and low-code platforms deliver the skills that businesses need to quickly build, develop, and ship connected devices and systems.
IoT devices can generate much data that someone needs to collect, analyze, and act on. This can be done quickly with code-building platforms. The meteoric rise of edge computing means organizations can improve these operations and incorporate edge device data in real-time using low-code platforms.
Enterprise Adoption of Low-Code for Complex Solutions
Low-code platforms were initially used for simple apps, so large organizations now use them for complex, enterprise-grade solutions. Low-code platforms can increasingly enable these applications, which require intricate integrations, robust data management, and strict compliance with industry regulations.
Many enterprises now use low code to accomplish some workflows, streamline operations, and build customized business applications without entire teams of specialist developers. As low-code tools mature, we can expect even more enterprise applications to be built out of code relatively quickly, particularly as the need for agile development grows.
