Low-code is a rapidly growing technology that is revolutionizing the software world. Gartner predicts that by 2024, low-code tools will be used to build more than 65% of application development. But just like any new innovation, many misconceptions and doubts surround it. This article debunks four common myths and sets the record straight.
Myth #1: It exposes the organization to unnecessary risk
Some companies believe that these platforms are vulnerable to attacks and security issues, and don’t offer enough visibility to fight these threats back.
Fact: The good news is, low-code development platforms have advanced visibility that helps IT enforce advanced security features and protocols. Features like user permissions, are able to prevent shadow IT, the unauthorized use of hardware and software. This creates a safer collaboration zone between internal and external parties. This leaves organizations at no risk for data leaks and other security issues. Besides that, low-code platforms come with built-in compliance certifications and credentials, such as ISO 27001, in-platform data encryption, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Myth #2: It replaces core developers
Who can build with low-code? Essentially, anyone, but low-code doesn’t mean no code.
Fact: The more complex a project is, the more the involvement of a core developer becomes increasingly important. In fact, low-code has no intention to replace developers anytime soon. It streamlines their workflows and reduces time-to-market by 40-60%, making the process much more efficient. This means developers can shift their focus to customizing their applications in a way that makes them unique, instead of devoting their effort and time just on technical aspects. Low-code platforms allow you to combine pages designed with a UI builder with ones that were built with custom code, allowing developers to make the most out of available resources while also experiencing the best of both worlds. Essentially, low-code bridges the gap between developers and non-technical stakeholders like customers.
Myth #3: Low-code platforms only work for simple applications
Another belief is these platforms are only suitable for small-scale applications, but not for large, complex projects – but this isn’t entirely true.
Fact: While a team of skilled developers is still necessary, low-code can help translate complex logic through scalable applications at a much faster rate than traditional coding tools. Take Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), a multinational banking group, as an example. It uses a low-code platform to integrate over 40 IT systems. Another example, University of Sydney, built a high-availability solution on a low-code platform, now utilized by over 10,000 users simultaneously. It empowers developers to create essential business applications and simplifies the development process for business users.
Myth #4: Low-code means no reusability
The last common misconception comes from the fact that low-code empowers siloed technical teams within companies to create their own apps independently. This enables productivity in dispersed teams, but raises concerns of efficiency and collaboration. Connecting to existing corporate systems is required. But without collaboration or reuse, they will each have to create their own extensions.
Fact: However, platforms built with this technology can promote efficiency through reusable components and collaboration. For instance, a developer can use a low-code platform with modular architecture to write a connector that integrates an internal CRM solution and easily share it with other teams through version control systems.
In reality, low-code has the power to bring significant benefits to any organization, making its development process faster, seamless, and more accessible to a wider range of developers. To discover more about our low-code services, visit our DXP services page.
