Low-code

Low-code is a method of application development that requires little technical knowledge or use of computer code, typically taking a visual approach instead. Low-code development enables the faster delivery of applications while also making development more accessible to users without programming expertise. This includes novice developers as well as subject matter experts, business stakeholders, and decision-makers with the business knowledge to understand what is needed from enterprise applications but not the coding ability to build it using traditional high code development, often referred to as "citizen developers." Low-code democratizes application development, allowing "less technical" employees to create a larger business impact, relieving IT department backlogs, reducing shadow IT, and producing ownership of business process management workstreams.

Low-code platforms abstract and automate steps of the application lifecycle and eliminate dependencies on traditional programming approaches. Typical features of low-code application development platforms (LCAPs) include the following:

• Visual modeling—a visual interface and drag-and-drop functionality making it possible for professional developers to increase their productivity and for citizen developers to build apps. With model-driven development, users can visualize how the app works as it is being built without needing technical coding experience.
• Reusable components—pre-configured modules, logic, templates, connectors, and more. Components of a low-code app might be customized and extended by skilled developers.
• Collaboration tools—built-in tools for feedback loops, revision tracking, user stories, messaging, and more.
• Scalable environments—cloud-based low-code platforms provide flexibility, support for continuous delivery, and run-time and dev-time scalability on demand.
• Data integration—from any source, system, or service—including core legacy systems. LCAPs often provide pre-configured APIs and connectors, or empower more skilled developers to build a custom integration.
• Application lifecycle management—support across all phases of the app development lifecycle with tools to streamline project management, requirements management, version control, testing, deployment, and more. Holistic low-code platforms also incorporate agile development practices and DevOps tools.

Low-code differs from no-code development based on the intended end user. LCAPs are broad in scope and may still require some coding skills or knowledge. In contrast, no-code products are specifically aimed at business users who want to create custom apps without any development skills. Both LCAPs and no-code development platforms (NCDPs) are designed to enable process automation and enhance scalability across those processes. However, NCDPs can increase shadow IT with business users developing and editing software without any programming knowledge or supervision from the IT department. This can create additional workflows to ensure security and compliance standards are met.