Low code, put simply, is a means by which people with little coding experience can develop their own apps. This is because rather than requiring users to possess knowledge in traditional hand-coded computer programming, with a low code development platform, users can have a less complex development environment by which to create application software through a graphical user interface.
For so long, making applications or apps was time-consuming and labour-extensive and required expansive knowledge in coding and similar skills. These made app development costly as well and beyond the reach of cash-strapped organisations.
But things have changed thanks in large part to low code, which has made app making much more accessible nowadays. Rather than lines of complicated code, inexperienced developers use a visual template and drag-and-drop functions that are contained in an easy-to-navigate, user-friendly interface. Low code platforms and there are many today, are now quite popular because they are a simple, low-cost and fast alternative to making apps of different kinds.
The way low code works is that the platform, say JetWorkflow, already provides the framework and building blocks for app creation. With these in place, all the app maker has to do next is input relevant details and use the drag-and-drop features to complete the app making process.
A great analogy, in this case, is assembling flat-pack furniture. These are furniture delivered with their different parts pre-made already for the customer to assemble following very specific instructions and using only the parts provided. This process, therefore, is very doable since all the customer has to do is follow the given instructions. But if the furniture was to be made from scratch, the process will be much harder, will take more time and will take some specialised skills, particularly in carpentry.
The same idea applies to low code app making, with the app itself being the flat-pack furniture, the platform framework and building blocks being the pre-made furniture parts and the user interface and drag-and-drop features being the instructions in the manual. It is these different aspects that enable low code app development and make the process faster and less expensive.
With low code now widely available, more and more organisations will be able to build their own apps and take advantage of their benefits, which include enhanced customer experience and improved business processes.
