8 Best Low-Code Development Platforms

8 Best Low-Code Development Platforms

Suppose that you have an idea for an application. But it takes almost one to two years to develop using conventional programming languages. So, by the time you develop the application, it either becomes outdated or already available in the market by some big development company. Well, now you are in luck because entering the software development scene is a Low-Code programming language. With the help of Low-Code Development Platforms, you can create software in a month or two. In this article, we will discuss the 8 best Low-Code development platforms that will dominate in 2024.

Low-code development.

Low-Code Development Platforms

Low-Code and No-Code development platforms were the need of the hour. 29% of all the Software Development companies in the world release Software every day. And most of them release more than one software per day. To attain such high speeds in software development, developers must need a Low-Code or No-Code Development Platform. Low-Code or No-Code platforms have caught the attention of developers for their lack of tedious codes. In simple words, they are short and precise languages that replace codes with graphical interface software. For example, you can draw a box using the interface instead of writing a code to create a box.

Such Low-Code development platforms provide the developers freedom from deeply studying any particular development language. It gives time to focus on more important features related to the software. Low-Code is the perfect balance between Coded and No-Code programming languages. Low-Code development makes it easier to create simple and regular features of software instantly. This was not possible in conventional coding as it required time to write code for everything. Unlike No-Code platforms where one has to stick to a graphical interface, Low-Code allows writing codes for complex features.

Make no mistake to think that a Low-Code platform doesn’t have any code. Every input through the graphical interface is input in the platform in the form of code. The commands and actions in the interface act as a sort of tool to mask the actual code. Consider it as a reverse mechanism of coding. In coding, you write a code that is later turned into a visual feature, and in Low-Code, the visual features convert into code.

Usage of Low-Code platforms is by both developers and business owners. Low-Code development platforms help business owners to create software for themselves without depending on developers. The do-it-yourself feature rapidly increased its popularity in the market. There are five types of Low-Code development platforms classified according to the field of application.

Database

Low-Code platforms used to develop software whose sole function is to handle data storage and transfer comes under the database category. Software developed using such platforms is suitable only to carry out tasks involving database handling. Businesses can utilize database platforms to create software at much lower costs within a short time.

General Use

General use Low-Code platforms are applicable in creating most of the types of software. With these platforms, you can add several features to the software to fulfill your requirement. Most of the best Low-Code development platforms are General Use platforms.

MADP

MADP or Mobile Application Development Platforms create software for mobile devices which run on mobile operating systems. Creating mobile applications through coding was an extremely tough task. But with Low-Code platforms creating applications with the best possible features is possible.

Processes

Low-Code platforms for processes are suitable for creating enterprise software. They can handle the workflow model of businesses where data goes through various authorities in the hierarchy.

Handling Requests

The use of Low-Code platforms of handling requests is in creating software for customer care services or service providing businesses. They are also applicable in creating enterprise software but with limited features.

Benefits of Low-Code Development Platforms

Low-Code is a savior for start-ups and individual software developers. As the time for development decreases, the related costs also decrease. Most of the professionals involved in coded development are masters in coding but may lack ideas to improve user experience. Low-code software development is possible with smaller developer groups where professionals have more ideas to perfect software. Some of the benefits mentioned below are what make Low-Code the preferred development model.

Low-Code is Low Cost

Software development requires a lot of resources consumed by a large group of expert professionals. But with Low-Code platforms, the number of developers decreases, and so does the cost of development.

Low-Code High Control

Coding can sometimes limit the addition of complex features to the software. Low-Code platforms provide full control of the development stage to the developer. There is no limit to the features added to the software according to the choice of the Low-Code developer.

Low-Cost Lower Development Time

The developer doesn’t need to go through the time-consuming processes of error checking or troubleshooting. As most of the features are input through a graphical interface, the time taken is also lesser than coded development.

Is Low-Code Development the future of Software Development?

Yes. Low-Code Development is the future of software development. Low-Code development makes software development accessible to more people. Several individuals and businesses can use the best Low-Code development platforms for easy app development. They can create software according to their requirement without external help. With more and more people coming into the software development scene, the quality of software also increases.

Best 8 Low-Code development platforms.

8 Best Low-Code Development Platforms

#1. Oracle APEX

Oracle Application Express or Oracle or APEX or APEX is the top contender in the best Low-Code development platforms. It has more than 500,000 customers worldwide in a wide range of individuals to multinational companies. It allows the developer to create enterprise software with enhanced security features that are applicable everywhere. Oracle APEX recognizes itself as an Integrated Development Environment where software development through visual input is possible. It also helps develop software that can compute real-time problems and provide solutions instantly. Listed below are some of the advantages of using Oracle APEX.

  • Creating a replica of some existing software’s theme
  • Easy deployment
  • Scalable to every type of system
  • Enhanced server security features
  • Constant customer support
  • Free demo applications for business use

Recommended Courses for Oracle Apex Low-Code Development Platform

#2. OutSystems

OutSystems is a Low-Code platform with rapid development and deployment of software. Software developers require the basic knowledge of programming languages and relational database theories to create software using OutSystems. This tool gives the ability to track and locate the effect of changes through all the application layers. There are provisions to automatically correct errors and can notify the developer to make any manual changes. It provides the best free plan in all the discussed platforms. Stated below are some of the benefits of OutSystems.

  • Accelerated delivery speed
  • More agile software development
  • Multi-experience software development
  • Innovative interface suitable for non-developers
  • Excellent error handling

Recommended Courses for OutSystems Low-Code Development Platform

#3. Mendix

Mendix, one of the best Low-Code development platforms, is a subsidiary of Siemens. It provides developers tools to increase the speed of development, testing, deployment, and iterating software. It has the added feature to increase the quality of the software even after release constantly. Mendix is the costliest option in this entire list. But Mendix has a free version which is more than enough to create software for personal and small business uses. The workflow editor of Mendix relies on BPMN standards. Open-source technologies are the basis for Mendix. Listed below are some advantages of using Mendix for your personal and official uses.

  • Enhanced security and integration for enterprise software
  • Centralized management of developed software
  • One-click deployment
  • Scalable to most channels and devices
  • Visual software deployment
  • Open-source platform
  • Huge social support groups

Recommended Courses for Mendix Low-Code Development Platform

#4. Appian

Appian, a product of Appian Corporation, is a Low-Code enterprise building software for businesses. Integration of Appian is possible with much other software to perform tasks involving recording, data submission, and automation. Appian’s BPM tools allow improving the efficiency of the flow of organizational data. Appian Records display the full view of the software, and with its integrated development platform, software development is rapid. Appian has a tool named CRM which is one of the best tools to create business software. It also has the Community Edition, which has unlimited resources of free software models. Given below are some advantages of Appian.

  • Multipath collaboration of team members
  • Real-time managing tools
  • Integrated with various device types
  • Feature loaded interface
  • Increased revenue
  • Agile business solutions
  • Cost-effective
  • Instant software deployment

#5. Creatio

The Creatio, a winner of The CRM Watchlist 2020, is a Low-Code development platform written in C# and JavaScript. Creatio is completely cloud-based and is extremely flexible during the development stages. It is available in Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. It is available in the market as a Software as a Service (SaaS) used or automation implementation in businesses. The main focus of Creatio is CRM and process management. Given below are some benefits of using Creatio.

  • Cost-effective
  • Improved quality of final product
  • Loyalty to CRM customers
  • Growth in customer engagement
  • Increased sales through SaaS integration

Recommended Courses for Creatio Low-Code Development Platform

#6. KiSSFLOW

Kissflow is a premium Low-Code development platform developed by OrangeScape Technologies headquartered in India. The main application of KiSSFLOW is in business enterprise software with its business automation processes and performance tracking. Businesses of all sizes can utilize KiSSFLOW to create software to track requests, data, and pending works. KiSSFLOW’s Digital Workplace is a premiere feature that allows maximum work output from professionals. In KiSSFLOW’s Digital Workspace, one can perform all the tasks related to the software without depending on any other tools. The pricing of KiSSFLOW is also extremely economical, considering a large number of features. Given below are the reasons why businesses prefer KiSSFLOW.

  • Designing own workflow patterns
  • Interaction with other members
  • Invoice approval processes
  • Accountability and responsibility allocation
  • Tracking of processes
  • Ease of Access
  • Integrates with various company tools and software

#7. Microsoft PowerApps

Microsoft PowerApps is a Low-Code tool to create software using plenty of features, including Office 365. The main application of Microsoft PowerApps is in gathering several data resources in one place for a business owner. Microsoft PowerApps is one of the best Low-Code Development platforms available. It is easily learnable as most of the interface of the tool is similar to other Microsoft platforms. The flexibility and drag and drop features of the app are appreciable. All these add up to make Microsoft PowerApps efficient in working with and creating better features. Listed below are some of the benefits of using Microsoft PowerApps.

  • Unified platform
  • Rapid app creation
  • Integration with Microsoft platforms
  • Automation of business workflow
  • Low cost per app developed
  • AI integration
  • Cross-platform availability

Recommended Courses for Microsoft PowerApps Low-Code Development Platform

#8. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a completed could based tool developed by Zoho for Low-Code app development. They claim to help non-developers to create software within weeks. The application created using Zoho Creator has a high approval rating for UI/UX. With the help of Zoho CRM, businesses can create software that increases the productivity of their employees. The paid version of Zoho Creator is comparatively cheap. It also has a free version for small-scale software development by a single user. Mentioned below are the highlights to selecting Zoho Creator to develop software for a company.

  • Highly scalable
  • Integration with other clouds
  • Multi-platform accessibility
  • Data security through cloud
  • 24/7 customer support

Recommended Courses for Zoho Creator Low-Code Development Platform

Conclusion

It is evident that for now, Low-Code is only preferred by business owners and individuals. Large software developer companies aren’t interested in Low-Code or No-Code as they fear it will jeopardize regular developers. But some have a misconception about Low-Code being free from code. All these Low-Code platforms use pipeline codes and can be further improved by expert developers. With some initiative, even software development companies can invest resources into Low-Code platforms to make development accessible to all.

Low-Code is suitable for every business due to the simplicity of development and deployment. While catering to a common business application, all these listed platforms have their unique selling points. There are other Low-Code platforms in development by top IT giants and reworks going on the existing platforms. But those won’t be fully functional within a year or two. So, for the time being, the given platforms are the 8 best Low-Code development platforms that will dominate in 2024.