Programming in low-code and no-code technology

A few decades ago, programming without manually typing thousands of lines of code seemed like an abstraction. Today, low-code and no-code platforms have carved out a significant piece of the programming market. Is it justified? Learn more about the advantages and limitations of these innovative technologies!

What is low-code technology?

Low-code to approach to programming that has its roots in the 2000s. However, the first solutions that later evolved into this technology appeared in the 1970s-1990s. It allows creating applications with minimal manual coding. Low-code technology has had a significant impact on the development of Rapid Application Development (RAD) platforms, which enable the rapid creation of applications.

Its creators aimed to propose a completely new approach to programming. Instead of writing code line by line, applications started being built in graphical interfaces using the drag-and-drop method. As a result, the whole process became much more accessible - even for people who had no previous experience in programming.

In the mid-2010s, low-code became a mainstream technology. Companies and organizations of various sizes started adopting it due to its developmental potential and, above all, lower costs.

Low-code programming stands out with features and characteristics such as:

• Visual modeling. The graphical interface doesn't require extensive knowledge of programming languages as compared to traditional application development methods.
• Drag and Drop Interface. You can simply drag and drop the desired objects into the chosen locations, making the development process more intuitive.
• Universality. Low-code platforms allow applications to be deployed not only on computers but also on mobile devices.
• Scalability and SecurityThese platforms ensure that the applications created are scalable to accommodate growing needs and maintain security standards.

Low-code programmingenables the creation of complete applications with modern user interfaces, integrations, and data handling, all done faster, more cost-effectively, and with greater ease than traditional programming methods!

What is no-code technology?

No-code programming is a technique that allows creating applications without writing a single line of code. The term itself gained popularity relatively recently, but its origins can be traced back to the 1990s.

During that time, numerous innovative no-code tools emerged, such as Adobe Dreamweaver or FrontPage, which was once part of the Microsoft Office suite. These were HTML editing platforms that still required some level of IT knowledge, but the automation significantly eased the burden for programmers, streamlining repetitive tasks.

The characteristic elements and functions of no-code technology are

• Drag and drop interface. Want to create a new feature for your application? Simply drag and drop it into the desired location within the graphical interface.
• Data Management. No-code technology provides tools for creating and managing databases within your application.
• Integrations. No-code tools offer various integrations with other software, allowing you to connect data and processes seamlessly without duplicating efforts or manual work.

With no-code platforms you can build mobile or web applications within a matter of hours, provided you have the appropriate experience in working with such tools. The simplicity and automation of no-code technology make it accessible to individuals with limited coding expertise, enabling faster application development.

Differences between low-code and no-code

The most popular low-code and no-code platforms

Low-code platforms

• Microsoft Power Apps. A low-code platform by Microsoft that allows users to create business applications without coding knowledge. The service is designed to work with data from various sources, including Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Azure SQL.
• Google AppSheet. A competitive product from Google that integrates with top-notch G Suite applications such as Gmail, Maps, Hangouts, Sheets, and more. This allows for quick access to the data needed for work.
• Appian.The strength of the Appian platform lies in its simplicity and flexibility. With it, you can build robust applications without writing a single line of code. It's also one of the few low-code platforms that offer a free version.
• Creatio.This platform comes with an intuitive UI designer, drag-and-drop business process creator, and a range of built-in tools for workflow automation.
• App Builder. A tool that offers various features to facilitate task automation, such as data entry and validation.

No-code platforms

• Bubble.A well-known no-code web application builder used by over 2 million users. The platform allows you to build websites, landing pages, online stores, CRM, and other types of digital applications.
• Webflow.Initially started as a website builder tool, Webflow has evolved into a comprehensive no-code platform. It is now used by designers and specialists worldwide
• Softr.A relatively new but powerful no-code tool, which is a great choice for beginner creators. While it offers slightly fewer features than Bubble or Webflow, it can be integrated with tools like Google Sheets or Airtable.
• FlutterFlowA no-code creator designed for building native mobile applications. You can publish ready-made apps on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
• Adalo.Another platform for building mobile applications for Android and iOS. It stands out for its intuitive interface and the ability to use ready-made components from Google Material Design.

Limitations of low-code and no-code

• Complexity and Flexibility. No-code and low-code technologies are more limited when it comes to handling complex projects that require advanced business logic, algorithms, or access to low-level system functions.
• Limited Customization. While these tools offer many ready-made components and templates, achieving some advanced functionalities and custom integrations may be challenging without writing code.
• Platform Dependency. Projects built on these solutions often rely on a specific platform or tool. Transferring them to another platform may be difficult or even impossible.
• Troubleshooting Encountering issues while working on a no-code or low-code application? Lack of access to full source code can make problem-solving more complex.

What does the future of these technologies look like?

No-code and low-code programming techniques have firmly established themselves in the IT market, and this trend seems to be progressing. According to IDC analysts, by 2026, global revenues from Low-Code/No-Code Intelligent Automation (LCNCIDT) technologies, which do not require extensive coding knowledge, are projected to reach $21 billion with an average annual growth rate of 17.8%.

Furthermore, according to Gartner's forecasts,the global market for low-code and no-code technologies is expected to grow by 19.6% in 2023, reaching a value of $26.9 billion. The largest segment in the market will be Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP), with their value projected to grow by 25% and reach nearly $10 billion in 2023.

Low-code/no-code and ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a software that has recently sparked a lot of interest and controversy. It's no wonder - its capabilities are truly impressive. This powerful tool can help you create applications without coding skills. How is that possible? ChatGPT provides pre-trained language models that can generate code snippets and templates based on the data provided by the user.

You can customize ChatGPT to your needs by training it on a dataset containing examples of code and templates. Then, when you provide your data, the model will generate code that matches it. Does this mean that language models will soon replace programmers? Not necessarily.

You will still need professional programmers to verify and test the code generated by ChatGPT before deploying it. This technology has many limitations that are important to be aware of. While it can produce correct code, it cannot come up with creative solutions or propose revolutionary ideas. Its code is generated based on existing software development patterns and practices - which may not always be sufficient.

Coding without coding? Yes, but not always!

The future of low-code and no-code technologies appears promising, and forecasts indicate further growth. However, despite their advantages, these technologies still have several limitations that programmers should be aware of.

Non-coding methods can be useful when you need rapid prototyping or want to create your own application without in-depth programming knowledge. They are particularly beneficial for small projects that require quick deployment and have limited budgets.

Interested in learning more about programming and coding? Keep an eye on our blog for regular updates and stay informed!