Low code no code platforms have revolutionized the software development industry recently. Gartner predicts that by 2024, 65% of app activity will result from no-code development. Further, the market for these platforms will grow to $26.9 billion by 2023, $3.8 billion up from 2017. The demand for low code, no code (LCNC) platforms is driven by the need for organizations to deliver software faster, with increased agility, and at lower costs. This is especially important in the current digital landscape, where businesses face increased competition and pressure to innovate. This blog post will explore what LCNC platforms mean, their capabilities, key features, everyday use cases, and ROI.

What Is Low-Code, No-Code Platform Development?

LCNC platforms are software development tools that allow users to create, deploy, and manage applications without extensive programming knowledge. These platforms typically provide drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates, making it easy for non-technical users to create basic software applications. Some everyday use cases include building workflow automation tools, developing web and mobile applications, and creating simple databases and dashboards.

The main idea behind the LCNC platform is to empower business users and other non-technical stakeholders to become more self-sufficient and take a more active role in the software development process. By providing drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates, LCNC platforms allow organizations to automate business processes, build web and mobile apps, and create custom software solutions, all while reducing development time and costs. 

Choosing Between No Code and Low Code

Low-code and no-code are similar concepts in that both refer to software development tools that do not require extensive programming knowledge. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

Low-code refers to platforms that provide a visual, drag-and-drop interface for creating software applications and also include the option for manual coding. As a result, users can take advantage of pre-built templates and other visual tools to quickly create basic applications. At the same time, they will have the flexibility to add custom functionality using code if necessary.

No-code, however, refers to platforms that do not require manual coding. Instead, users can create software applications using pre-built templates and visual tools. While being more manageable and accessible to non-technical users, they also have more limitations, as there is no flexibility to write code manually. Thus, the main differences are the level of technical understanding required to use the platform and the customizability.

Why Opt For An LCNC Platform?

• Increased efficiency: By allowing non-technical users to create basic applications without extensive programming knowledge, LCNC platforms increase the efficiency of the software development process. Reduced time and resources for software development also increase the ROI.
• Faster time to market: These platforms allow you to quickly create and deploy software applications, getting your products or services to market faster and giving you a competitive advantage.
• Improved user adoption: Since business users and other non-technical stakeholders are actively engaged in the software development process, applications are better tailored and more likely to be adopted and used effectively.
• Reduced costs: Since LCNC platforms take less time, resources, and skilled staff to deploy, the overall costs of software development remain low, resulting in higher ROI.
• Better scalability: The platforms are designed with scalability in mind. You can quickly add new features and functionality based on changing needs without requiring extensive programming. As a result, your investment in software development will continue to pay off over time.

Essential Use Cases Of LCNC Platforms

LCNC platforms are suitable for a wide range of use cases, but some of the most common include:

• Business process automation: Automating repetitive tasks and processes, such as approvals, data entry, and reporting.
• Web and mobile app development: Creating basic web and mobile applications, such as custom forms, databases, and dashboards.
• Workflow management: Building simple workflow and approval systems to streamline internal processes.
• Business intelligence and analytics:Creating dashboards and reports for data visualization and analysis.
• Database management: Building simple databases to store and manage data, such as customer records or inventory.
• Customized CRM:  Creating custom CRM applications to manage customer interactions and sales processes
• Prototyping: Low-code, no-code platforms can be helpful in quickly creating and testing a proof of concept or prototype.
• Citizen development: Empowering non-technical stakeholders to create applications, automation, and solutions to address their specific needs.
• Internet of things: Low-code, no-code platforms can help build applications and automation that connect and control IoT devices and sensors.

While these are only a few examples, LCNC platforms have several other use cases. For example, some LCNC platforms are generic, while others cater to specific industries, like healthcare or retail.

The ROI Of Low Code No Code Platforms

Various statistics demonstrate how LCNC platforms increase return on investment (ROI).

Some studies show that LCNC platforms can help organizations significantly reduce the time and cost of developing and deploying new applications. For example, a study by Forrester Research found that organizations with lesser coding can develop and deploy an application in just a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional development methods, as much as 10x faster and at 60% lower prices

Another study by Gartner Research found that by 2024, 65% of application development will be via platforms with minimal coding. An LCNC approach to developing enterprise apps requires fewer developer resources and is more appealing to small businesses. When coding is less, average companies can avoid hiring two software developers and save more than $4.4 million in three years. Further, an IDC report found that customers achieved a five-year ROI of 59% with low-code and intelligent process automation.

These statistics demonstrate that LCNC platforms can help organizations reduce the time and cost of developing and deploying new applications, which can lead to significant savings in terms of both time and money, thus increasing ROI. However, it is essential to note that the specifics of the return on investment will depend on the specific use case and should be carefully considered and evaluated.