Different low-code development platforms come with different capacities and features to fulfill different business needs of the software development industry.
It can be overwhelming to try and choose the right platform for your business.
To make it a little easier, we’re going to discuss the different types of low-code platforms that differentiate from one another depending on multiple factors.
As a bonus, we’ll also talk about factors that you can notice in a low-code platform to measure its compatibility with your business.
But first, let’s get started with a basic introduction to low-code/no-code platforms.
What Are Considered As Low-Code/No-Code Platforms?
Low and no-code platforms are software development platforms that rely on visualized development elements instead of traditional coding for creating applications from scratch.
This visualized environment, graphical user interfaces, and a wide range of low-code tools allow both professional and citizen developers to create web or mobile apps.
Aside from developers, these platforms allow business analysts, office administrators, and small-time business owners to create and test applications for idea feasibility.
These personnel can create applications with low-code/ no-code platforms without any prior knowledge regarding programming or traditional software development.
Types of Low Code Platforms Based on Use Cases
1. General Purpose
As the name suggests, these platforms can create a wide variety of applications to serve different needs.
These applications are very easy to deploy on any platform of your choice with the help of visual modeling tools and minimal coding.
Depending on business requirements, a general-purpose platform can be used to develop either the front-end or the back-end of an application, as well as both with the help of workflow automation.
2. Process
The main focus of these platforms is on specific business processes like submission forms, workflow, and system integration. These platforms are better known as Business Process Management (BPM).
These platforms are ideal for approval workflows and creating a system infrastructure that is paperless
3. Request Handling
These platforms are similar to process-based platforms but have rather limited capacity. These platforms are only capable of processing certain requests for fixed processes.
4. Database
These platforms are more restricted compared to process-based and request-based low-code platforms that can pull data from databases that are programmed inside the system.
If you want to feed a large amount of data into a system without spending additional time on the task, the best decision is to go with a database low-code/ no-code platform.
5. Mobile Application Development Platform (MADP)
These platforms are best for developing native mobile apps. These platforms can help you develop, test, and launch mobile applications for all mobile platforms. You can also create source code for one platform and port it to different mobile platforms.
Low Code Platforms Classified By Types of Users
LCP For Business Users
The term “business users” refers to employees within the organization whose objectives are more business-oriented, and they work on decision-making processes and other core business processes.
With the help of low-code/no-code platforms, business users can become citizen developers and can give an application form to their business ideas using the platforms.
Since these platforms are low code, the platforms can facilitate basic development solutions for any business user.
However, in terms of more complicated procedures, business users will need to partner with a professional developer for application lifecycle management.
LCP For Developers
LCP for developers aims to streamline and optimize the workflow of any development cycle by reducing the need for traditional hand coding.
The platform utilizes visual interfaces and drag-and-drop modules to create applications.
With the help of visual development elements, professional developers can reduce overall development time to create complex applications much faster compared to traditional software development methodologies.
Choosing The Right Low Code/No Code Development Platform
Now that you know about the specifications that make all types of low-code platforms in their own right, let’s take a look at some factors that you should consider before choosing the right low-code platform.
1. Business Objective
Low-code platforms are highly suitable for developing complex system infrastructures and applications with short development time. These platforms can also help you create cloud-based applications to scale your business.
2. Integration Capabilities
Low-code platforms offer seamless integration capabilities. You can integrate newly developed applications to your existing system, and can also modernize legacy platforms depending on your current business needs and requirements.
3. Automation Capabilities
Low-code platforms come with automation capabilities that can help developers automate various redundant processes so the developers can focus on mission-critical development objectives.
If you’re working with a small development team, it’s a great way to compensate for the lack of resources in the team.
4. Hosting
The low-code platform you want to choose should also offer multiple hosting options for your application, whether it’s on-premise, on-cloud, or hybrid hosting.
Some vendors can also offer the additional option to host the application on your own public/ private cloud.
5. Security Measures
When looking for a secure low-code platform, focus on a platform that contains certifications like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, ISO/ IEC 27001, etc.
6. Vendor Support
Focus on a vendor that will offer continuous and quick support in the case of any interruptions. The vendor support team should be able to reach out as soon as the core development team issues a complaint.
7. Development Costs
It’s better to try out different low-code platforms through the free tier that can help you get a primary idea about the platforms to determine if they will be suitable with your business model.
To Wrap it Up
While there are many different types of low-code platforms on the market, it’s best to perform a detailed analysis of all the core features of the platform that are suitable for your business.
It’s even better to pick a platform that offers an all-in-one solution package that includes all necessary tools for all phases of product development, from ideation to post-deployment maintenance.
Mendix is a great high-performance code platform that can build, develop, and maintain enterprise-level applications and system infrastructures of any kind.
If you want to get started with low-code development with professional assistance today, feel free to partner with the low-code development team at Impala Intech.
FAQ
Yes, developers can extend functionality through custom coding, APIs, and integrations in many low-code platforms.
Low-code platforms often handle updates seamlessly, minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance tasks for applications.
No, most platforms offer scalability options to accommodate increasing user loads or expanding functionalities.
Yes, many platforms offer tools and connectors to integrate with legacy systems, enabling modernization without full replacements.
Some platforms excel in rapid prototyping, allowing quick creation and validation of application concepts.
