Are You Leveraging Low-Code or No-Code?

Today, there is no shortage of buzzy catchwords, trendy phrases, or a slew of acronyms that circulate the tech ecosphere. From AI to Ml, it seems that nearly every month there is a new evolution of technology set to disrupt our society. And recently – used by such companies as the New York City based web design platform Squarespace – we are observing the emergence of a new coding framework that is set to have a major impact on the way users and organizations develop codes, known as low-code and no-code applications and services. 

If you are not a developer or programmer, and you’ve built a way to automate routine business processes, workflows, or even an app, you’ve interacted with low-code or no-code development, making you something of an early adopter of this rapidly growing trend.

The notion of low-code or no-code applications and services isn’t a particularly new concept. Employees and companies are always trying to streamline workflows and automate processes – whether engaging with customers, running a marketing firm, or fostering better business communications.

Low-Code and No-code – What’s the Difference?

At its essence, low-code or no-code automation or application creation is done without – you guessed it – having to write code. Or at least a lot of it. Low-code or no-code services reduce the burden or even outright replace, in some cases, the need to task programmers or hire developers. Low-code or no-code applications allow anyone with little (or no) coding experience to create the tools they need to create an application, website, or workflow automation.

These services lower the bar of accessibility for people who may not have much or any coding experience – or have no interest in learning the skill. Additionally, low or no-code services eases the strain on IT departments and employees. This potential is exceedingly relevant for developers and programmers – occupations expected to see a continued growing gap in qualified potential employees and the position vacancies in the job market.

With low-code, the intent is to increase the speed and ease of creation, with the user having some general knowledge of coding to create more advanced or complicated solutions. Typically, some developer help is needed with low-code services. No-code removes the lack of coding knowledge almost entirely, allowing users to create automation workflows and simple applications, end-to-end. The most common feature of low-code and no-code is drag and drop, using the visual nature of creating applications or automating workflows with a graphical user interface.

Low and no-code applications and services are found in many sectors and can accomplish many tasks, including:

– Application Creation

– Website Building

– Email Management and Marketing

– Spreadsheet and Database Integration

– Subscription and Membership Management 

– E-commerce and Online Sales

– Productivity and Team Communications

Squarespace, Notion, Stripe, and Slack are some better-known low and no-code applications that provide services to millions of users.

Benefits of Low-Code and No-Code

A quick internet search into the low-code and no-code movement reveals words like “democratizing” and “non-technical developer.” These descriptions are accurate enough as they get at the accessibility and ease of use that low-code and no-code services provide. Depending on the complexity level, no-code application or automation could go from ideation to implementation in hours. Even low-code application development happens exceptionally faster than traditional software development cycles. Of all the benefits found with low or no-code services, speed to implementation is perhaps the most significant.

That is until the cost-savings associated with low-code and no-code are considered. As the names imply, the need to hire a traditional developer or add to the slate of an already over-taxed IT department is significantly reduced. When an employee finds a way to increase productivity by automating a routine task or workflow using low-code or no-code services, the benefit is immediate and typically done at minimal additional cost. 

Because the barrier for entry and engagement is lowered by reducing or removing the coding knowledge requirement, the potential to involve multiple team members in the process – from brainstorming to launch – is enhanced exponentially, especially for larger teams or corporations. The synergy created by members from various departments or skill sets can rapidly find and implement solutions. Even something as simple as making a workflow that connects documents received from email, uploads them to the cloud, and notifies the necessary team members through automation can now be done by nearly anyone.

The potential for increased productivity, enhanced communication, and workflow or business process automation is essential as a large portion of the workforce shifted to remote working conditions during the global pandemic. The benefits of low-code and no-code to keep a virtual workforce connected and engaged takes on greater relevance and provides the opportunity for further creativity and innovation.

How Can You Use Low-Code or No-Code?

There’s never been a better time to explore and embrace low-code or no-code services and applications. While many consider this movement an industry disrupter for programmers and developers, the explosion in popularity and shift into the mainstream for low-code and no-code is an exciting opportunity for non-developers to leave their mark in the IT world.

Here at Dogtown Media, we’ve embraced low-code and no-code services. Let us know how we can help with your application needs.