What is low-code and how does it work?
How can low-code can help your organization create its own custom software?
Grexx is een low-code platform. Goede kans dat je wel ongeveer weet wat dat betekent, maar net niet precies helemaal. We vertellen je graag hoe het zit.
Grexx is a low-code platform and there’s a good chance that you know roughly what that means, but perhaps not entirely. We're happy to help you fill in the blanks!
If you work with Grexx, then you work with low-code, as Grexx is a Low-Code Application Platform (LCAP). Gartner helps define an LCAP:
"An Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform is an application platform that is used to rapidly develop and deploy custom applications by abstracting and minimizing or replacing the coding needed in development. At a minimum, an LCAP must include low-code capabilities (such as a model-driven or graphical programming approach with scripting) to develop a complete application and support for developing applications consisting of user interfaces, business logic, workflow, and data services; Simplified application test, deployment, and management."
To make it a little more concise: a low-code application platform (LCAP) uses a visual development interface to realize applications and solutions faster and more automatically. You hardly need manual programming (but a little bit - otherwise it would be no code instead of low-code).
To work with low-code, you need little to no programming experience. Therefore, you do not need to be a professional software developer. In low-code, we talk about so-called ‘citizen developers’: people without a programming background who can develop applications based on analytical thinking skills and domain knowledge.
It is also a misconception that low-code is only interesting for people without programming knowledge. We will explain this more later in the article.
Characteristics of low-code
There are many different low-code platforms and there is no gold standard that a platform must meet - they are all constructed differently. However, there are some similarities and key features of low-code development:
1. Visual development
Low-code platforms are visual in nature. The user can visually arrange (drag-and-drop), connect and configure components (pre-built building blocks). If you encounter limitations or want to set things up differently, you can do that on most platforms by adding some code. On the Grexx platform you can.
2. Existing building blocks
Most low-code application platforms offer a library of pre-built components to use. With these components you can build parts of the applications quickly, without having to research, without encountering any bugs and without programming any code yourself. Grexx has already done that work for you.
The Grexx platform also offers a large number of building blocks, for example, user interface elements, integrations with software packages and modules for business logic. In addition, we have Grexx Marketplace: a gathering place for functionalities that other users and Grexx Consultants have developed and that you can also use. You can also make new functionalities available yourself through the marketplace, paid or unpaid.
3. Rapidly prototype, iterate, implement, and refine
Developing with low-code is a lot faster than traditional manual programming. It makes sense: you work with a visual interface using existing pieces of technology which results spending much less time testing and fixing bugs. That means you build, iterate, and implement a prototype at lightning speed. If you get new user feedback, or find developments in the market that you want to address you can quickly refine and redeploy your application. In this way, low-code applications have a significantly shorter time-to-market.
4. Steep learning curve
For traditional programmers, they will get the hang of a low-code platform quickly, but for citizen developers, it can be a steeper learning curve. How easily and quickly you master the platform depends on the level of support provided by the platform.
Thankfully at Grexx we work with a comprehensive learning environment, where you become a low-code expert at your own pace. We also offer various types of coaching and consulting, where we guide users in developing the intended solutions or applications. This is a standard part of every plan, at no additional cost.
The main thing citizen developers require for learning low-code is analytical thinking skills and domain knowledge. If one has some familiarity with the basics of programming it is helpful, but it’s certainly not required.
User cases: when is low-code a smart choice?
Low-code can be deployed in a lot of ways and can replace a large portion of high-code custom applications. The following is a list of different user cases:
1. IT professionals and developers
Although traditional software developers can in principle automatically program, low-code can still be a valuable addition, if only to save time. Grexx Platform enables you to build much faster than when you have to set up an environment from scratch and program all the elements yourself. Using existing building blocks gives you more time and focus for setting up and designing the things that could use extra attention.
In addition, when you develop on Grexx Platform, you also have the advantage of accessing our compliance program and security options.
2. Non-technical knowledge workers (citizen developers)
Low-code makes it possible for non-technical knowledge workers to develop custom applications. We call this group of people ‘citizen developers’ as they are people who, except for programming knowledge, have all the skills needed to program well. They are analytical thinkers; they can abstract and model and they are good with logic. With such skills, citizen developers can perfectly and independently add functionality to existing systems, automate workflows and build and manage applications, even without programming knowledge.
Citizen developers offer domain knowledge as their asset, helping to form a bridge between business and IT. They facilitate collaboration between different departments and make your organization and your applications a lot more flexible.
3. Entrepreneurs and start-ups
In a rapidly developing environment, it is important to see growth and results that match. Low-code is a perfect way to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or prototypes. Because you don't need programming knowledge and can build quickly, you can validate ideas and test the feasibility of concepts quickly without large investments.
4. Business Analysts
Business analysts are problem and date puzzle solvers, pure and simple. A data analyst with programming skills traditionally has an edge, but it is not the norm. With the use of low code, any business analyst can quickly and easily model and automate workflows and processes. They can also easily build their own prototypes. Less PowerPoint and more concrete applications will surely make everyone happier.
Curious about all the options?