Is Low Code/No Code the legit approach?
There seems to be a drive toward Low Code \ No Code (LCNC) Tools. But are such tools really worth it in the long run?
Introduction:
As the world of tech continues to grow every day, it would be likably fitting to assume so does the user demands, putting tremendous pressure on most IT establishments.
In such conditions combined with a lack of skilled resources, the need arises for a system based on the sole purpose of making the process quicker and at a reduced cost where even the end user himself can optimise the process and fulfil his requirements, thereby giving way to a digital market with low code or no code technology.
A low code no code platform constitutes a framework built on actual programming languages like PHP, Java, Python, and so on, though the user does not need to concern himself with the specifics of these languages, rather he is presented with a software development environment where they can use these packages for their usage by simply dragging and dropping components, connecting them and finally observe the output. It may even be used to design, test, and even deploy apps that are solely focused on usability without much hassle. For example, we can cite Obviously.ai, a data science tool that can be made to use predictions for anything represented in a tabular form down to the most specific date and time in the simplest way possible. The objective is to upload the dataset, select the prediction column, and assess the outcomes by entering questions in plain English and choosing the appropriate algorithm for the users to train the machine learning model. So, with a few clicks, one may obtain a prediction report, whether it be for estimating inventory demand or future revenue.
Advantages of LCNC
- Direct integrations and low code API accessibility.
- Drag-and-drop workflow designers
- Workflow testing/prototyping facilities
- Increased Efficiency - Because they require less development work, no-code and low-code apps are effective at increasing the efficiency of routine tasks. If IT departments can create their copies of popular programmes or quickly add crucial functionality, they can solve their operational problems without the help of many programmers.
- Increased business agility — The majority of low-code platforms are extendable, offering direct vendor interfaces and allowing IT to transform command lines, web services, and APIs into reusable building blocks. As a result, it takes less time to integrate and implement new tools and technologies, enabling organisations to keep up with emerging automation trends and customer requests.
Due to the above illustrated various advantages, major tech companies like Shopify, Delloite and Wipro along with the upcoming start-ups like Grow, StreamLit, and Usher are giving a major preference to these LCNC tools, though these tools come with their own set of limitations.
Limitations of LCNC
- Reduced flexibility: While LCNC solutions and plugins offer built-in functionality, it is not always simple to fulfil relevant requirements. Traditional codes allow developers to tailor their programmes to meet customer requirements. However, this is largely avoidable by leveraging options for tenancy expansions and basic scripting language.
- Security and risk: As the application providers have no control over the source code, LCNC platforms significantly rely on their platform providers to reduce IT risks and security issues. If these platform providers stop offering their services, applications won’t be able to remedy security flaws because there won’t be any security updates available. Additionally, companies that rely on LCNC providers run the danger of having their systems and data exposed and exposed to security breaches. This only applies to LCNC items purchased from suppliers; it does not apply to products created in-house.
- Vendor lock-in: It is challenging for applications that use a certain LCNC platform for their IT solution to transition to a new platform. This makes the company more reliant on a specific LCNC provider. Obviously, this does not apply to things that are internally produced.
Python as an alternate:
To overcome these limitations and gain an edge over competitors, python as a solution to these problems is still found preferable as it not only takes us back to the root of almost all the LCNC tools but also helps us manipulate data in its raw form. Python is one of the most commonly used languages in the development of these low code no code tools due to its ease and simple syntax.
Moreover,
- Because it makes use of elegant syntax, the programmes are simpler to read.
- It is an easy language to learn, which makes it simple to get the application to run the extensive standard library and neighbourhood support.
- Python’s interactive mode makes it easy to test codes.
- Adding additional modules implemented in other compiled languages like C++ or C makes it equally easy to extend the code in Python.
- Python is a powerful language that may be integrated into other programs to provide a customizable interface.
- Enables developers with multiple platform support, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and UNIX everywhere.
- In a few categories, it is free software. The use of Python, its download, or its incorporation into an application are all free.
Learning one single LCNC tool may prove to be disadvantageous as every single company in the industry use their own set of tools uncommon to the previous organisation and all the time and effort may seem to be futile keeping in account the heavy documentation combined with the lack of resources across the web that is available especially if the tool is relatively new and hasn’t been explored much unlike python which has been in practice since long and has its most basic query resolved by a hundred different users.
To sum it up, it hardly matters if we use the no code, less code or high-end code approach. The idea lies in building a hybrid collaborative approach.
The ideal way to address your development needs is not something that can be answered in a single way, but the secret to success is not limiting yourself to a particular assembly model. Modern firms cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all philosophy when creating and developing their websites. Timelines are lengthier and technical talent has less time for genuine innovation when developers are forced to handle all facets of creating, distributing, and optimising content.
Instead, choosing a genuinely hybrid CMS and creating a platform that is adaptable and modular enough to handle many customers and use cases would yield the best benefit. Adding low-code and no-code capabilities to a high-code approach enables additional support from other teams to design and deliver the overall digital experience rather than requiring developers to relinquish control completely.
Through features like an API-first design and built-in security safeguards, a fully functional and open approach to application development and content assembly accommodates developers. Low-code/no-code applications, on the other hand, give advertisers flexibility over the presentation and organisation of their material, making them more immersed in the full digital experience.
Conclusion:
- This was a brief about the upcoming alternate to a high code language.
- In the following articles, I will likely discuss more about various Data Science projects and a smooth transition from low code/no code tools to python.
- Follow me for more upcoming data science, Machine Learning, and artificial intelligence articles.
Final Thoughts and Closing Comments
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