Ruslan Rakhmetov, Security Visio
In this article we will tell you about the approach to software development that allows you to create applications with minimal code usage It is called low-code or no-code, but the terms themselves differ from each other by the degree of simplicity: in the first case it may be necessary to program some elements using the classical method (for example, to add a script in the chosen programming language to perform the action on pressing a button), and for no-code - everything can be done in a simple interface without a single line of code
The process of creating programmes in this way is similar to assembling a LEGO constructor for children, when you can build a house, a spaceship or a huge tree from a whole set of separate parts Only when creating programmes other entities are used instead of constructor parts
- cards and tables
- buttons and other controls
- logical algorithms, for example, in the form of flowcharts
- main and context menus
- videos, icons and icons
and other graphical tools, e.g. for drawing graphs and diagrams
Figure 1.1 - cards and tables
Figure 1.2 - logical algorithms, for example, in the form of flowcharts
With the chosen method, anyone, even without programming experience, can create applications by dragging and dropping elements, ready-made templates and different tools. In this case, application development is many times faster than with traditional programming methods, and when needs change, it is much easier to make changes to the product.
Low-code and no-code methods can be used to create both simple applications (e.g. calculator) and more complex applications (e.g. SOAR - systems of automated response to IS incidents, design elements or mobile applications). Online shops, employee applications, website pages and services created in this way are more accessible to small businesses and start-ups, but can be used in the largest organisations to create entire ecosystems of products linked by a common interface, data model and information transfer methods.
No-code tools are also used for accelerated prototyping, when before developing an application in the classic way it is necessary to quickly create a product to demonstrate its appearance and basic functionality. In this case, the use of no-code development is similar to a rough draft or drawing a scheme of complex engineering equipment on a napkin before creating a set of complete and detailed drawings.
There are many such services on the market for various fields of activity, such as websites, mobile applications, business processes, training and games:
- Webflow for creating high-quality websites;
- Adalo and AppMaster for mobile apps;
- Glide for mobile applications based on Google Tables ;
- Zapier for automating tasks between different applications;
- Airtable for databases and workflow management;
- Integromat and Workato for application integration and task automation;
- Kissflow for workflow automation and task management;
- Nintex for business process automation and application creation;
- Figma and Sketch for interface design, website and application prototyping;
- Adobe XD and Bubble for prototypes and web applications;
- UXPin for design systems and user interfaces;
- Proto.io for interactive prototypes and design systems;
- Kahoot! for creating interactive quizzes and games;
- Genially and Mentimeter for interactive presentations and surveys;
- ThingLink and Pear Deck for interactive images and videos such as lessons;
- Classcraft for game-based learning spaces.
And Backendless, Shoutable, etc. services for application development tasks, or SV platform for building products in information security automation and IT.
Imagine a complex system that can be built from off-the-shelf parts so that it is robust and resilient, easy to use and adapt because it can be fully customised, and fully manageable - if it is used to create complex ecosystems of products. Most of these services are online tools, but there are also solutions that can be installed within your company and managed independently of external factors.
All in all, low-code/no-code are powerful tools that can open up the world of software development to a wide range of people, and allow you to make truly customised products. The scope of application of low-code/no-code platforms is constantly expanding and is benefiting various areas of the economy:
- Finance: creating loan applications, analysing data, investment management;
- Healthcare: making doctor's appointments, managing medical histories, telemedicine;
- Education: creating online courses, testing, managing educational institutions;
- Marketing: conducting email newsletters, creating lendings and automating marketing campaigns;
- Real Estate: property search, transaction management, property advertising;
- Law: document preparation, case management, legal counselling;
- Manufacturing: supply chain management, quality control, production planning;
- Public sector: applying for services, paperwork, liaising with citizens;
- Information Security and IT: integrating different solutions into common ecosystems, generating alerts and automated reports, managing applications;
These are just a few examples, the platforms can actually be used in almost any sphere (see Hubr , Forrester and Gartner analytics) where task automation or software creation is required, and the approach itself will allow:
1) reduce time (due to simplicity) and costs (due to simpler requirements for developers and speed of development itself);
2) increase productivity and optimise the team;
3) improve quality by creating reliable and secure applications.
To choose a platform for your tasks, you can ask yourself three simple groups of questions:
Define your goals and objectives.
- What do you want to create with the platform?
- What application functions do you need to fulfil?
Estimate your budget.
- How much are you willing to spend on the platform?
- Do you need a single interface for such development or are you ready to use several services for different tasks?
Determine the level of technical skills.
- Do you need a platform with a simple interface or are you ready for more complex features?
- Are the specialists proficient in different programming languages?
- Are you using any scripts now to transfer them to a future product?
And also read reviews and try several platforms: many platforms offer free trials so you can test several options before making a decision.
