Broken Promises of Low-Code

How do you feel about platforms that promise to deliver apps without coding?

It’s easy to get swept up in the enthusiasm for low-code and no-code solutions (which I’ll refer to simply by low-code in this article specifically, not generally), especially with their enticing promise of simplicity and user-friendly interfaces. They’ve been hailed as the answer to the IT skills gap, enabling non-technical users to create functional applications without writing a single line of code. However, the actual effectiveness of these tools or platforms for your team needs to be evaluated carefully to see what is the best fit for your organisation.

If you are not careful, you do not do enough research and do not consult with independent software consultancies like JustSolve Group on this. The benefits of low code can be more of an illusion than a game-changer, particularly when scrutinised in the context of evolving programming trends and tools.

The Alluring Simplicity of Low-Code

Low-code platforms have undeniable allure, especially for leaders yearning to unlock their teams’ speed and agility, enabling accelerated application development. The need for extensive coding knowledge is eradicated, freeing up IT resources and democratising the ability to contribute to application development. For small to medium businesses with limited IT resources, this can be a significant advantage.

Equally attractive is the cost-effectiveness of low-code solutions. By reducing reliance on experienced programmers, who are more costly and harder to retain, these platforms offer the potential to lower labour costs considerably. Additionally, many low-code platforms deliver built-in scalability, allowing applications to handle increased loads as user bases grow.

The Misunderstanding at the Heart of Low-Code

The reality is that many low-code solutions present a fundamental misunderstanding of software development: They conflate the challenge of understanding a programming language’s syntax with designing effective application logic. Programming languages are just tools; their syntax is merely a means of expressing solutions. The true heart of software development lies in problem-solving, crafting algorithms, data structures and interfaces that efficiently fulfil the application’s needs.

By aiming to simplify software development through a graphical user interface (GUI), low-code solutions replace syntax without necessarily simplifying the fundamental challenge of designing robust applications. If you are not careful, this approach could introduce multiple drawbacks while failing to alleviate the true complexities of software creation, ultimately hampering your team’s ability to deliver real value.

Other Pitfalls of Low-Code Solutions

Low-code solutions frequently grapple with limited customization, often failing to meet specific, complex or unique business requirements. The risk of vendor lock-in, potentially leaving users high and dry if there are changes in pricing, feature offerings or if the vendor closes shop. I’ve had first-hand experience with these events, and the result for the team is pretty catastrophic. They’re left with a severe skill gap and a lengthy period of low productivity.

The promise of simplicity can lead to a reality of unexpected complexity. While low-code platforms shine at creating simple to medium complex applications, they often fall short when tasked with highly complex scenarios. This last challenge is typically exacerbated when the tools are used by those with less experience in developing complex systems; this is why choosing the right software development partner, such as JustSolve Group is crucial to your Dx success.

It must be noted that not all low-code platforms are created equally, and looking at the Gartner and Forrester Wave reports, you will see who the leaders are.

If Low-Code is not a fit, what is the alternative?

I will write more about the alternative approaches in my next article. Still, the newer developer-focused tools can be just as or even more productive than their low-code equivalents and ensure that the resulting applications are future-proof.

These developer-focused solutions take an alternate approach to boosting productivity. They streamline developers’ workflows and maintain the flexibility inherent in traditional coding instead of substituting niche low-code alternatives. This opens the door to customisation, adaptability and complexity that low-code solutions often struggle to accommodate while allowing limited development teams to achieve more with less code, which exemplifies the JustSolve Group mantra: “Writing the least amount of code required to Solve the problem at hand”.

Summary

Most No-Code and some Low-code platforms, while democratising software development, come with limitations and potential drawbacks, just like traditional coding has its pros and cons. In some cases, a fundamental misunderstanding lies in equating programming syntax with the real challenges of software development: problem-solving and application design.

Moreover, the emergence of comprehensive code libraries, Artificial Intelligence, and developer-friendly frameworks challenges the relevance of low-code tools. By empowering developers and streamlining their workflows while preserving flexibility, these modern solutions can offer a more future-proof approach to software development.

One could argue that the goal should be less code, not low code, but the two approaches must undoubtedly coexist, serving different needs based on the project’s complexity and requirements. However, it’s critical to understand these nuances to effectively navigate the software development landscape and harness the appropriate tool or platform in each situation. Ask me how I can help.