No-code / low-code development

No-code / low-code development is a visual approach to application development using a graphical interface with a combination of drag-and-drop components and model driven logic. No-code / low-code development attempts to lower the barrier of entry for extracting value from software-enabled technology platforms, products, and services. Low-code development platforms are referred to as visual integrated development environments (IDEs). The no-code / low-code development process roughly follows the following steps: determine requirements, select APIs, create app's workflows/data models/user interfaces using the visual IDE, connect APIs, code customized front-end and SQL queries, test user acceptance of software, deploy application and update application when necessary.

Examples of businesses using no-code / low-code development are to test, learn, and extract value from web-applications, websites, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. No-code / Low-code development helps non-technical people (such as business analysts, office administrators, and small business owners) build software applications, or components of software applications, without the need for professional developers. Professional developers also benefit from low-code development by shortening development time for their projects, and having the ability to assign aspects of their projects to non-technical people without programming skills.

Common components of no-code / low-code development platforms include the ability to connect with IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and cognitive services; ability to deploy and automatically manage projects on cloud computing platforms or other computing infrastructure; automated DevOps; reusable applications and application components; omni-channel application development; ability to integrate with other applications/services and connect with back-ends; built-in automated software testing, quality control/monitoring, and performance management; visual modelling; and declarative tools.

Differences between Low-code / no-code development platforms

No code development platforms tend to eliminate the need for coding making it more accessible to individuals with no coding knowledge also known as Citizen Developers. While low-code development platforms tend to celebrate the nature of code and the intended users are usually software developers.

The following list provides examples of companies offering low-code/no-code platforms:

• Five.co
• Force.com
• Claris
• Mendix
• Microsoft PowerApps