Here’s How to Choose a Low Code Tool

Coreograph | Wed Mar 30 2022

Digital transformation is revolutionizing enterprise processes, so it’s not surprising that it’s currently one of the top business priorities. It enhances operational efficiency, pioneers innovation, increases customer satisfaction, and drives business growth. In fact, Forbes recently highlighted that over 84% of companies that adopt digital transformation experience a noticeable spike in revenue generation. 

There’s just one challenge, with the dynamic business environment, it’s often hard to keep up with the multiple changing needs. This is where low-code tools come into play. They are easy to use and speed up the organizational digital transformation process. These tools are a game-changer whether you’re a start-up, an individual developer, or an enterprise software developer. 

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best low-code development tools for your Amazon Web Services (AWS) project. 

What Is a Low-Code Tool?

Low-code tools are software development platforms that allow you to build processes and applications with little or no prior coding experience. They eliminate the need to use complex programming languages and instead replace them with simple processes that allow you to create beautiful visual interfaces using drag and drop features and basic logic. 

This is especially important for business start-ups without a full IT team or software developers with a lot on their plate, as it allows them to create applications using intuitive techniques. It’s, however, important to note that low-code development tools are more of an evolution, instead of a revolution, of software development. They build on the foundation of software development frameworks but are simple and quick. 

Low-code tools can be used by both technical and non-professional development parties to build applications, facilitate digital transformation, and simplify processes. 

What Are the Main Types of Low-Code Development Tools?

There are 2 main types of low-code development models;

1. Descriptive Environment

In a descriptive environment, users fill out forms answering questions on what they are trying to accomplish in a low-code environment. The automated processes then produce the necessary code based on the user’s input and goals, which result in either produced code, a visual dashboard, or an interface that is ready to use.

The Descriptive approach has significant advantages in that relying on automation saves time and necessary technical requirements. The main downside, however, is that the user has limited control of the development process and the resources used to accomplish the task. There’s also little room for customization.

2. Prescriptive Environment

In a prescriptive model, the user specifically describes how the code is designed and implemented. It is more like conventional programming, except that instead of the user writing the code, they are more involved in assembling the necessary infrastructural components. 

With prescriptive low-code programming, the user has more control over the customization and scalability options of their development project. According to a Forrester Report, prescriptive tools are quicker and integrate low-code development tools with packaged application components. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Low-Code Platforms?

The IT landscape has changed over the last two decades, and currently, it’s not about managing homogenous stacks but navigating complex and diverse environments, which have also greatly evolved. Part of this evolution is the use of low-code platforms, which often have 4 main common features;

• Low-code API accessibility
• Prototyping facilities/ Workflow testing
• Direct integrations
• Drag-and-drop workflow

Whether you’re looking to develop an app or create expansive enterprise solutions, the main benefits of using low-code development platforms include;

• Reduced Costs

Low-code tools allow you to build apps and business processes within a short time, reducing your operational expenses. They also eliminate the need for business start-ups to hire more developers, saving them on hiring and onboarding costs. 

Traditionally, businesses opted to buy ready-made software instead of developing in-house solutions due to the expenses associated with the latter. Low-code platforms have changed that dynamic because start-ups can easily assemble applications within a short time and without overstretching their budgets. 

• Increased Agility

Unlike traditional coding, low-code tools allow businesses to adapt and respond to the changing market needs by developing innovative business solutions quickly. For instance, you can create multiple solutions that allow your customers to interact with your business through the means they are most comfortable with. This ultimately enhances customer satisfaction and the growth potential of your business. 

• High Productivity

When implemented correctly, low-code development tools can enhance the productivity of the developers as well as the entire organization. Once you start using these tools, time will no longer be a barrier to innovation, and projects that previously took months can now take days or a few weeks. You’re also able to automate more within a short time. 

• Rapid Iterations

Enterprise needs are constantly changing, and low-code development tools can help you meet these needs. For instance, if some of your business processes require an upgrade, instead of using a lot of time changing the code, you simply edit the existing processes using low-code. You can immediately adapt your old processes to suit your new needs with ease. 

• Faster Transformation

Low-code tools eliminate the complex processes of creating modern applications, ensuring enterprises can respond to the dynamic business world with ease. This makes it easy for businesses to adopt digital transformation without spending a lot of resources or overhauling their old processes. 

How Should You Select the Best Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms?

Before settling for a low-code application platform, you should consider elements such as;

• Security: make sure that your applications will be protected. Security will always trump usability and functionalities.
• Drag-and-drop interface: this is one of the most critical elements of a low-code tool. This valuable functionality is convenient and ensures that citizen developers can also create applications without prior coding knowledge.
• Out of the box functionality: basic functionalities don’t cut it anymore. Go for a platform that has value additions like data storage or sales process management.
• Scalability: the platform you choose should accommodate the growing needs of your business. 

No Developers? No Problems! Low-Code Solutions to the Rescue

Low-code solutions are undoubtedly the future of enterprise application and software development. They reduce the costs associated with coding, are easy to use, enhance your business agility and drive digital transformation. 

Coreograph is a powerful low-code cloud development tool that enables users to build highly customized Amazon Web Services (AWS) solutions. Our platform uses a prescriptive approach, giving users more control over the resources used and the end design. This comes in handy when enterprises need to react to new developments such as unforeseen costs or changing customer needs.