Best Practices for Low-Code in 2025
At WS we’re known for our capacity to create and build custom made high-end websites and applications. But we also know that less is more, and we have been developing cutting-edge solutions for an eco-responsible and performant web. In that light, we recognize at times that low code is an innovative response to customer needs.
Low code lets you build fast with no code. This guide explains low code, its benefits, features and how to use it.
Takeaways
Low code allows technical and non technical users to design applications, so more collaboration and less reliance on coding skills.
Key features of low code platforms are visual development tools, pre-built components and automation, so faster and more efficient app building.
While low code has many benefits, organisations need to address challenges like limited customisation, data governance and security to make it work.
What is Low-Code Development
Low code development is a method that uses graphical tools and embedded functionality to reduce the need for traditional coding. Intuitive drag and drop tools and auto code generation makes low code platforms more accessible and efficient for software development. This bridges the gap between citizen developers and traditional coders, so more users can participate in application development, even those who don’t know every line of code. Using a low code development platform can further extend these capabilities.
The visual development environment of low code platforms allows technical and non technical users to design applications. This is a big advantage as it allows business users to participate in the development process without needing extensive programming knowledge. And with AI in low code platforms, automation can identify and streamline repetitive tasks.
Collaboration is another key aspect of low code development. Better communication between business users and IT means low code platform applications are accurate and functional. This collaboration not only improves productivity but also results in solutions that are more aligned to business needs.
Features of Low-Code Platforms
Low code development platforms have several features that simplifies and accelerates the app development process. One of the main features is visual tools, where users can design applications using graphical elements instead of traditional coding. This visual interface combined with drag and drop functionality makes it easier for users with limited coding skills to build complex applications using a no code development platform.
Pre-built components and templates are another important feature of low code platforms. These ready made design elements speeds up the development process by providing users with a library of reusable components. Using these components ensures consistency and speeds up low code app building.And low code platforms also have advanced features like business process automation and integration capabilities. These features allows users to automate workflows and connect their applications to external systems seamlessly. So businesses can be more efficient and reduce development costs.
Benefits of Low-Code
- One of the main benefits of low code development platforms is reduced software development costs. By minimising the need for special coding skills and leveraging existing staff, businesses can cut down development costs significantly. The quick onboarding process of low code tools also means faster time-to-market, so businesses can launch their software projects in weeks not months.
- Low code platforms empowers non technical users, giving them user friendly tools to build and modify applications. This democratisation of app development not only takes the load off IT departments but also encourages innovation across the organisation. The ability to deploy and iterate on customer centric solutions fast enhances overall user experience and responsiveness to market demands. And a no code platform can further simplify it for those who want to build applications without traditional coding.
- Efficiency in deployment and maintenance is another big advantage of low code development. With pre-built integrations and automated testing, low code tools streamlines the app development process, making it more efficient. And these platforms simplify application updates and maintenance, reduces dependence on special coding and overall efficiency.
Use Cases for Low-Code
Low code development platforms are versatile tools that can be applied to many business processes. Common use cases are:
- Automation of workflows, resulting to big efficiency and cost savings
- Automating manual processes
- Enhance core legacy systems to streamline operations and improve productivity
Digital transformation initiatives also benefits from low code development. Businesses can build applications that integrates automation, AI and IoT, so digital transformation is seamless. Low code platforms can build cross platform mobile applications for both iOS and Android, so it’s compatible to all operating systems and devices.
Besides mobile applications, low code platforms can build IoT enabled applications that provides actionable insights from connected devices. A good example is Work4Labs’ low code ETL solution which streamlined data migration and allowed non developers to manage data easily. This is an example of how low code can modernise legacy systems and business operations.
Who uses Low-Code Solutions ?
Low code development platforms is designed for many types of users, to facilitate collaboration between IT teams and business users. Low code platforms improves communication and productivity, bridges the gap between technical and non technical people. This collaborative approach allows organisations to leverage the strengths of both professional developers and citizen developers, using a code development platform.
The accessibility of low code tools, especially the drag and drop features, lowers the entry barrier for building applications.
Key points are:
- Non IT personnel like business analysts and project managers can participate in app development.
- This involvement takes the load off IT departments and accelerates the development process.
- No code platforms targets business users, so they can build applications without coding skills. And no code tools empowers users to build solutions fast.
Citizen developers, often found in roles like business analysts or project managers, can use low code solutions to build custom code applications for their specific needs. But non technical users may still face challenges in building secure applications as some level of technical knowledge is required.
Low-Code vs Traditional Coding
When comparing low code development to traditional programming, several differences emerge. Traditional coding gives more control over performance, customization and scalability, so it’s suitable for highly specialized solutions. But it requires extensive planning and manual coding which can add significant time and complexity to the software development process.
Low code platforms is designed for faster development cycles, so it’s ideal for less complex applications. Using visual interfaces and pre-built components accelerates the software development process in low code development. This streamlined approach allows businesses to respond faster to market demands and reduce development costs.
A hybrid development model is also emerging, combining the strengths of both low code and traditional coding. This approach allows organisations to use low code for certain parts of a project and traditional development for more complex or specialized requirements. This hybrid model can provide a balanced solution that maximises efficiency and control.
Integrating Low-Code with Existing Systems
Integrating low code applications with existing IT infrastructure is important for operational efficiency and continuity.
Low code platforms facilitates this integration through:
- Tools and connectors that simplifies connections to databases and APIs
- Enables seamless data flow between new low code applications and existing systems
- Minimises the need for extensive rewritesAnd also iPaaS functionality in low code platforms further improves its integration capabilities. So organisations can connect their low code applications to legacy systems and external services seamlessly, for smooth and efficient enterprise solutions.
Integrating low code with existing systems is key to maximising the benefits of low code development.
Challenges and Limitations of Low-Code
While low code development platforms have many benefits, they also have potential challenges and limitations. One major drawback is the limited customization options which can hinder the effectiveness of low code applications for large enterprises with specific needs. And relying on low code platforms can lead to vendor lock in, with challenges like price increases and migration difficulties.
Data governance is another concern with low code platforms. Insufficient data protection and difficulties in complying with evolving regulations can be a big risk. Organisations must evaluate these potential drawbacks before implementing low code solutions to ensure they meet their specific needs and compliance requirements.
Security and Compliance in Low-Code
Security and compliance is key in low code development especially for businesses in regulated industries. Choosing a reputable low code vendor can significantly improve the security and compliance of an organisation. For example, low code development enabled a company to adapt its regulatory compliance applications to meet GDPR and HIPAA standards.
Implementing multi factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for low code applications. And centralised governance tools helps to manage user roles and permissions consistently, so security protocols are followed. Regular security audits are also important to identify vulnerabilities and reduce risk in low code environments.
Training users on security protocols is crucial to maintain a secure low code development environment. As security features in low code platforms evolve, including automated vulnerability scanning and built in data compliance tools, organisations must stay updated and ensure their teams are trained in these areas.
Future of Low-Code
The future of low code is bright, with several trends emerging. One major trend is the integration of AI in low code platforms, so code snippets and workflow suggestions can be generated based on natural language inputs. This AI integration can further streamline the development process and enhance low code tools. Citizen developers is another trend. By 2025, 80% of organisations will have non-IT staff creating operational tools. This shift to citizen developers will drive innovation and efficiency across industries. And a hybrid development model is emerging, combining low code with traditional coding to leverage the strengths of both, including speed of development.
Low code also fosters a culture of learning, so employees can upskill and contribute more to their organisation. As these trends evolve, low code platforms will shape the future of software development.
Best Practices for Low-Code
To implement low code successfully:
- Strong change management and communication.
- Thorough and accessible training to users to use low code development tools.
- Start with small non critical development projects to mitigate risk and show early wins.
User centric design is key to building applications that meet business needs. Engage stakeholders throughout the development process to ensure the final product meets organisational goals. Establish governance to maintain quality and security standards in low code applications.
Regular testing and quality control is critical for low code applications. Implement unit testing and quality control in the build process to ensure releases meet standards before deployment. Customise the build pipeline to automate complex installs and reduce manual errors.
Case Studies: Low-Code in Action
Various organisations have implemented low code solutions across different industries. A healthcare provider used low code to create a mobile app to manage treatment plans and user groupings through a simple questionnaire. This app improved patient care by streamlining treatment plan management using no code solutions and the underlying code.
In logistics, a low code application was built for mobile based supply chain management, with real time inventory tracking and automated alerts and the code. This solution improved operational efficiency and responsiveness to supply chain disruptions.
And a corporate resource booking business application built using low code reduced double bookings and integrated with Google Calendar to streamline the booking process.
These case studies show the flexibility and effectiveness of low code in solving business needs. Using low code platforms improves organisational efficiency, responsiveness and overall performance.
Conclusion
In summary, low code development platforms is a new way of software development, faster, cheaper and more accessible. By using visual development environments, pre-built components and AI integration, low code platforms enable technical and non-technical users to participate in development.
As we move forward, the evolution of low code will drive innovation and efficiency across industries. By following best practices and addressing the challenges, organisations can get the most out of low code to stay ahead in the market. Try low code and unlock new possibilities for your business.