Top 9 Low-Code Platforms To Use in 2023

Low-code platforms offer intuitive, visual tools that streamline software development processes for businesses. According to Gartner's projections, by 2024, 65% of application development projects will lean on low-code approaches.

Despite challenging traditional software development norms, low-code platforms prove a valuable investment for numerous business users. For companies aiming to scale, embracing innovative methods to boost productivity is crucial, making investing in low-code platforms a contemporary solution.

If you're keen to explore further into the realm of low-code development and discover the best platforms to elevate your software projects, today, we'll dive into this together.

What exactly is Low-Code Development?

Low-code development refers to a streamlined software development approach that simplifies the process through a user-friendly interface, allowing users to drag and drop elements to create applications. It minimizes traditional manual coding by utilizing visual tools within a graphical user interface (GUI).

In comparison to traditional programming, where creating software involves using specific programming languages, adhering to software development principles like loops and object-oriented programming, and integrating various frameworks and IDEs, low-code offers a more accessible method. While traditional programming often demands extensive coding knowledge and expertise, low-code platforms provide pre-defined templates and modular components. This means users can construct applications by assembling these components rather than writing intricate lines of code. This approach significantly reduces the complexity typically associated with traditional programming methods.

The standout feature of low-code platforms lies in accessibility. These platforms empower citizen developers, those without extensive coding skills, to construct fully-featured applications.

The Upsides of Low-Code Development

  • Scalability: Low-code platforms simplify app creation, reducing reliance on professional developers, boosting productivity, and curbing costs while promoting scalability. They also provide a shield against "technology churn," which involves frequent, often unnecessary changes in technology tools or systems, leading to increased costs and operational disruptions. Additionally, they tackle "legacy debt" in IT, representing outdated technologies that impede innovation and efficiency within an organization, often causing difficulties in maintenance and integration with modern systems.

  • Agility: These platforms speed up app development, hastening time-to-market for consumer apps and streamlining internal business workflows. This agility facilitates quicker decision-making and frees up time for essential tasks.

  • Capability: Low-code platforms, integral to digital transformation, use reusable components and a visual approach, empowering developers to cater better to business and consumer needs. Their accessibility promotes information sharing across the organization and encourages cross-team collaboration.

Use Cases of Low-Code Platforms

Mobile Applications

In today's digital realm, businesses recognize the importance of meeting consumer demands through software. Business-to-consumer (B2C) mobile apps significantly enhance customer experiences and elevate brand visibility. Despite the complexity of mobile app development, low-code tools like Mendix enable companies, such as insurance provider VGZ Cooperative, to create customer-centric mobile apps efficiently.

Custom Apps

Addressing internal organizational challenges often requires streamlined workflows. Low-code platforms like Caspio have empowered entities like the Tennessee Department of Health to develop custom IT asset management systems swiftly. Remarkably, they efficiently manage 20,000 state assets through their bespoke application, developed in just two months.

Microservices

With an increasing shift from monolithic to microservices-based applications, low-code platforms play a pivotal role in expediting this transformation. Offering enterprise-level features, these platforms aid in rebuilding application architectures, aligning with the principles of loose coupling and service orientation, critical in modern application development.

Data Science

Amidst the data-driven landscape, low-code platforms like VisionX emerge as valuable assets. Their adaptability fills the gaps left by generic software in handling diverse data operations. VisionX, equipped with robust data engineering capabilities, has been instrumental in unique applications, ranging from fleet management for ski area vehicles to configuring and managing quantum computers.

Exploring Leading Low-Code Platforms

Now that you've gained a comprehensive understanding of low-code development, you might be contemplating adopting a low-code platform for yourself.

Consider the following platforms highly regarded within diverse software development communities.

  1. Mendix 

Mendix offers a low-code software platform that encompasses testing, construction, and deployment tools for applications. Established in 2005, Mendix boasts a user base exceeding 4000 companies. Its approach revolves around model-driven engineering (MDE), emphasizing abstract modeling as a pivotal aspect of development.

  1. Appian

Appian, a low-code platform, comes with inherent deployment tools and interfaces seamlessly with DevOps tools like Jenkins. Tailored for businesses across scales, Appian enables the creation of business process management (BPM) applications. These applications fundamentally aid in streamlining and enhancing the efficiency of organizational processes.

  1. Quickbase

Quickbase serves as a Low-Code Development Platform (LCDP) specializing in workflow creation. It excels in aiding teams to address bottlenecks and streamline operations effectively. Additionally, Quickbase offers a no-code option. Furthermore, the platform's notable strengths include its prebuilt marketplace and valuable third-party integrations.

  1. OutSystems

OutSystems stands out as an omnichannel low-code platform, allowing enterprises to develop applications across multiple channels. Its standout features include real-time performance dashboards, robust security measures, and the capability for swift development.

  1. Zoho Creator

Zoho, an Indian multinational technology company recognized for its customer relationship management (CRM) tool, is familiar to business marketers. However, Zoho Creator, a veteran player in the industry, diverges as a minimalist platform, offering intuitive visual functionalities tailored for low-code/no-code development.

  1. Kissflow

Kissflow positions itself as a 'unified digital workplace,' primarily focused on managing workflows and processes. Its rule-based model eliminates the necessity for custom coding, enabling users to incorporate conditions for workflow customization. This aspect aligns with low-code development principles, forming a cornerstone of Kissflow's functionality.

                      7. Salesforce Lightning

          Salesforce is a well-known name among marketers and is frequently compared to HubSpot as two competing CRM platforms. However, Salesforce Lightning differs as a component-based application development framework. Within this framework, components serve as visual elements for building applications using low-code principles.

          8. Nintex


          Nintex, a low-code platform specializing in process management and workflow automation, plays a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation within organizations by leveraging automation tools, which are crucial for fostering business growth.

          It's noteworthy that Nintex boasts high ratings and is trusted by over 10,000 organizations across diverse industries, all reporting significant and favorable returns on their investments.

          1. Microsoft Power Apps

          Microsoft Power Apps is a rapid and straightforward service designed to create customized business applications. Its notable features include pre-built artificial intelligence components, enhancing its functionality significantly. Additionally, its appeal lies in its extensibility, offering over 200 connectors that seamlessly integrate various data sources and systems.

          Unsure Which Platform to Choose for Your Business?

          Selecting the ideal low-code platform for your business can be challenging. Not every platform aligns perfectly with your company's specific needs and functionalities.

          iSKY.SOLUTIONS has a long-standing dedication to custom software development. We provide essential technology, resources, and skilled professionals to drive your business forward.

          If you have any uncertainties, inquiries, or require guidance in digitalizing, optimizing, or elevating your business to the next level, feel free to contact us for expert consultation.