Thanks to modern technology, it’s now possible to develop cutting-edge programs without significant capital investment, long waits, or the need for countless developers. What’s more, these programs don’t require advanced coding skills. Thanks to the rise of no-code and low-code platforms, users can create impressive software, websites, and apps with little or no coding experience.
Low-code and no-code platforms have gained immense popularity for their ability to streamline workflow processes, enhance business operations, and offer diverse functionalities to users with limited technical expertise. Despite the advantages they offer, the market is flooded with options that feature subpar user interfaces, fail to deliver on promises, and come with exorbitant service models. It’s crucial for organisations to conduct thorough research and due diligence on each platform before deciding on the right option for them.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the ten best low-code and no-code platforms that promise a hassle-free development experience in 2022.
What is low-code development, precisely?
Typically, developing software involves using a suitable programming language along with a variety of software concepts such as object-oriented programming, frameworks, package repositories, and integrated development environments (IDEs). On the other hand, low code development speeds up the software development process by enabling users to simply drag and drop elements using a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI).
Low-code platforms feature a GUI based on pre-built components and templates. Instead of writing lengthy pages of code filled with brackets, punctuations, and word strings, users can easily select modules to suit their needs and preferences.
Low-code platforms allow users to customise their desired program with minimal coding, offering greater flexibility and control for individual requirements than what is conventionally possible with no-code platforms. This approach to software development is a cost-effective and efficient way to increase productivity while reducing development time.
Benefits of low-code platforms
Low-code platforms offer an effective and economical means for users to develop functional applications and programs. These platforms enable the creation of applications with minimal to no manual coding, thereby significantly reducing the time and costs associated with software development. In addition, leveraging these platforms can lead to rapid application delivery and accelerated digital transformation. As a result, businesses can reap the benefits of improved agility, scalability, and innovation.
Low-code platform case studies
Low-code development has several advantages. Let’s take a look at some examples of what low-code platforms are capable of.
Mobile applications
Developing applications can be a complex process; however, low-code platforms provide a convenient and simple solution for mobile app development. For instance, VGZ Cooperative used Mendix, a popular low-code platform, to create a mobile app for its customers.Customised software
Organizations frequently encounter the challenge of handling internal process inefficiencies. Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) can provide a practical solution to this problem. For example, the Tennessee Department of Health successfully utilised Caspio’s low-code platform to develop an IT asset management system. This underscores how these platforms can be incredibly beneficial in creating internal workflows.
Data Science
Generic software is not always appropriate for intricate tasks that involve manipulating massive amounts of data. In such situations, low-code platforms can be a practical solution. One instance of a low-code platform is VisionX, a data engineering tool that provides various applications, including fleet management for ski resort vehicles, quantum computer configuration, and asset management.
Top 10 Low-code Platforms
Visual Lansa
Visual LANSA is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that utilizes low-code technology. This environment enables users to create responsive applications for both AWS and Azure cloud architectures on Windows operating systems, as well as a range of browsers and mobile devices.
Features:- A robust low-code Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing desktop, web, and mobile applications.
- An exceptional user interface that reduces time, effort, and costs.
- Comprehensive testing, deployment, and integration controls.
- Ability to code within the IDE.
Low-code platform – Appian
Appian is a low-code platform created for businesses to develop business process management (BPM) applications. With the capability to support native deployment tools and DevOps integration, Appian caters to businesses of any size, enabling them to streamline and organise their business processes.
Features:- Drag and drop tools.
- Platform-specific AI services.
- Integration of AI/ML platforms with Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure without code.
- Integration of enterprise data, systems, and web services.
Mendix
Founded in 2005, Mendix has been offering a variety of tools for app testing, creation, and deployment to over 4,000 businesses worldwide. Their success is largely due to their use of model-driven engineering (MDE) – an approach that emphasizes abstract modelling. This technique has allowed the company to provide its customers with dependable, top-notch services.
Features:- Agile project management.
- Visual modelling tools.
- Reusable components.
Low-code platform – OutSystems
OutSystems enables businesses to create mobile applications for multiple operating systems. The platform also includes a real-time performance dashboard and comprehensive security measures, making it a valuable asset.
Features:- Real-time monitoring and reporting of app usage and performance.
- API-based scalability.
- Completely secure functionality.
- Swift app deployment and monitoring.
- DevOps automation.
Low-code platform – Zoho Creator
Zoho’s customer relationship management (CRM) product is a highly praised solution for marketers. Zoho Creator is a powerful no-code/low-code development platform that enables users to easily create applications with its intuitive visual capabilities. The platform is highly versatile and user-friendly, providing a wide range of features accessible through an attractive user interface.
With Zoho Creator, users can create fully functional applications by importing files, databases, and cloud storage data. Furthermore, users can customise the user interface to meet their specific needs with the integrated tools.
Features:- Excellent speed and scalability.
- Migration software assisted by AI.
- Data modelling, visualisation, and organisation.
- Analytical cross-functionality.
- AI-assisted automation.
Kissflow
Kissflow is a cloud-based automation tool developed by OrangeScape Technologies that helps businesses streamline their operations and monitor performance. This workflow and process management system utilises a rule-based paradigm that eliminates the need for coding and enables users to customise their workflows to meet their specific needs.
Kissflow is a complete business automation solution suitable for businesses and industries of all types. It allows users to easily create process requests, keep track of items that require their attention, and efficiently approve pending tasks.
Features:- Drag-and-drop functionality for integrating and editing fields.
- Capability to digitise forms and requests.
Quickbase
Quickbase is an exceptional low-code development platform (LCDP) for developers who want to build data collection and storage applications. Organisations with little knowledge of table-based coding can use the platform’s low-code development tools to create software without extensive coding experience.
Quickbase leverages pre-built application connectors to integrate with a variety of popular cloud-based solutions, such as NetSuite, Salesforce, Box, and Gmail. Furthermore, Quickbase offers security features like permission settings, granular roles for users, corporate user management, and an extensive user interface.Low-code platform – Salesforce Lightning
Salesforce Lightning is a framework for constructing component-based applications. It provides developers with low-code graphical elements for creating customised applications with ease. The components of Salesforce Lightning offer a convenient and intuitive way to construct apps, enabling developers to quickly and effectively create the desired app with minimal effort.Microsoft Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is an innovative service that allows users to develop customised business applications quickly and easily. Its impressive features are particularly notable due to its pre-integrated artificial intelligence components. Microsoft Power Apps provides over 200 APIs for integrating various types of data and systems.Low-code platform – Nintex
Nintex is an automation technology used for workflow and process management. It has been highly successful in assisting businesses in digital transformation. With over 10,000 companies from various industries using Nintex’s technology, they have achieved an impressive customer satisfaction rating and positive returns on their investments.
Conclusion
With numerous low-code platforms available, deciding which one is best suited for your business can be challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your company’s needs when making a decision. You not only need a reliable low-code platform but also a skilled team of software engineers to implement an efficient software solution. Hence, carefully assess your business requirements before selecting a low-code platform.
