Imagine coding an app from scratch. How long do you think it would take you to develop and perfect it? How much effort do you think it would take to maintain and debug it?
Low-code development platforms negate these types of questions. You can use some code or no code to develop an app to improve your workflows. What's more, you can apply your technical and non-technical skills to design the app. Keep reading to learn about low-code and what makes for an excellent low-code development platform.
Basics of Low Code
If you haven't used low-code development programs, you might wonder, what is low-code? A low-code tool facilitates app development without having to learn a computer programming language. Typically, complex programming is baked into drag-and-drop functions within the platform. Furthermore, the system might allow for custom code. So the coding part is essentially what you make of it.
Low-code can be an optimum choice for small and large businesses that want to streamline their technical processes. You don't need to be an expert in coding to use it. That's one of the most attractive features for users, particularly for small business owners and citizen developers.
Even if you run a major corporation, you may want to do something quickly. You may have a development team. But writing a ton of code takes time no matter the level of expertise.
A low-code development platform can help you and your team create apps and programs quickly and easily. The size of your company or team is irrelevant. Almost any business can benefit from low-code development.
Leverage Existing Skills
One of the best attributes of a low-code development program is that it lets you use existing skills. The right low-code platform allows you to leverage the skills you have. If you can use Excel, PowerPoint or other common productivity software, you probably have the fundamental skills to use low-code.
Learning new skills is a good thing. But you may not have the time to learn something new from the ground up, especially when you're under pressure to complete a project quickly. By choosing a low-code development platform, you can apply what you already know to develop a functional application.
A bit of training can help you use one of the best low-code programs, Claris FileMaker. Once you complete the training, you should be able to hit the ground running. You'll be able to focus on development as opposed to tutorials.
Quick Startup Process
We can all agree that change happens quickly. You need to be able to adapt your business just as fast. And that's another attribute of an excellent low-code platform.
Low-code development platforms make it easy to get something up and running quickly. You don't have to spend tons of time writing and debugging lines of code.
Another advantage is that the program you design can last for a long time. You can make changes and updates like you would with a traditional coded program. What's more, you can iterate and enhance the application while continuing to use it.
Security
When you do anything with technology, you have to consider security features. The best low-code development platforms focus on security. That way, they can protect you and your data when you work with the program.
A lack of security can leave you and your apps vulnerable to cyber attacks. Someone could hack into your app to steal your data or take it over altogether. Then, you'd be back at square one while dealing with the consequences of a data breach.
Before you choose a low-code development platform, thoroughly consider its security mechanisms. If you work on a platform with a strong commitment to protecting your data, you can create the app of your dreams without any compromises.
Drag-and-Drop
If you aren't going to write a ton of code, drag-and-drop is an effective way to design your app. You can focus on the visuals, and that can help you turn your ideas into a reality. When you use a lot of code, you need to be very specific about what you do.
Using low-code is similar, but you don't have to edit code. If you choose a low-code platform with drag-and-drop features, you don't have to work with code at all. You can spend your time designing the app, and you can drag elements where you want them.
Drag-and-drop can help any team work efficiently. It's much easier to change the visuals by moving an element. That way, you can save time and get your app ready in less time.
Compatibility
You also want to consider what devices and operating systems are compatible with a low-code development platform. While you may do most of the work on one device, it doesn't hurt to be able to pick up the work elsewhere.
If you have a small team that's working on the same app, they should all have access. You can use the cloud to send app files back and forth. And if everyone doesn't use the same operating system, you'll need the platform to work on all of their computers.
Even if you do all of the work, you still may want compatibility. You never know when you might hire someone to work on a future app with you. Considering that now means you won't have to switch platforms later.
Use of Models
You also want to know if the low-code development program uses models. You can create a model with your first app or program. Then, when you need to make another app, you can reuse that model.
A model can help you make all of your apps or programs look similar. Having a similar design means it will be easy for your users to switch between multiple apps. It will also save you time when creating and updating apps.
Models also help you scale your apps to allow for more users. You can map out what to add when you want to scale and grow a particular app. Once one is successful, you can apply those steps to other programs.
Creating models can take time, and you may not always use them. But being able to use a template can help you simplify your future processes.
The Best Low-Code Development Platforms
When looking at low-code development platforms, you should consider multiple features. You need to choose a secure platform that lets you use existing skills. It's also helpful to choose a platform with a drag-and-drop interface and the ability to create templates and models. That way, you can make more apps in the future.
Do you need help with your next low-code project? We're a team of certified FileMaker developers, as well as SQL and Web developers. We also offer no-code development support. We can create a new solution for you, enhance your existing solution, or provide you with FileMaker training. Contact us for more information and to get started.
