15 Jun
Low Code vs Pro Code: The right platform usage for digital transformation
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of digital transformation and the adoption of technologies, such as analytics, AI, mobile connectivity, cloud, etc. To adjust to the new ways of working and transform existing workflows, the business world now needs hundreds of simple and complex apps.
However, when it comes to coding such apps, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Low code app development (LCAPs) platforms are the new rage. With a visual development interface and drag-and-drop simplicity, they allow pro and citizen developers alike to build more apps in a shorter period, at lower costs, with little or no coding requirements.
The global low-code development platform market is valued at $12.85 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $65.15 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 26.1% over the forecast period.
While the speed and practicality of low-code platforms have infused agility in business operations, they can’t account for the entire range of complex enterprise apps at the modern workplace.
Instead, app developers look for platforms that drive productivity without compromising on features they need to deliver a seamless mobile or web experience.
That’s where a low-code app development platform with pro-code support comes into the picture.
Let’s explore in detail.
Low Code Platforms: Pros and Cons
As seen above, a low-code app development platform (LCAP) empowers business users to develop and deploy apps quickly and seamlessly.
Users can create business applications using point-and-click configuration instead of dealing with the source code. An LCAP includes pre-built components, graphical development tools, reusable building blocks, and business logic and workflows. Hence, users with varying levels of technical prowess can build apps using a “drag-and-drop” approach.
Low-code platforms, such as Microsoft PowerApps and Google App Maker, free up the IT teams from the constant demands for new enterprise applications. IT personnel can then focus on strategic business needs and keep the momentum going on digital transformation initiatives.
Research has estimated that low-code platforms may reduce development time by up to 90% in some cases.
However, is low-code enough?
The primary issue with low-code platforms is that sooner or later, you’ll need to do something that isn’t a part of the pre-built components. After all, the drag-and-drop functionality cannot cover every scenario.
Enterprise applications, particularly ERP and legacy apps or systems, are highly complex and manage multiple data sets. Even though LCAPs provide service integrations with ERPs, certain data sets may be outdated, or the business logic that can be captured in these apps may be limited.
Often, with a low-code platform, you may not be able to connect these systems and customize them as per your needs.
So, what is the solution?
Low-code + Pro-code
Restricting low-code functionality to front-end design or simple apps does not benefit cross-functional teams and isn’t sustainable in the long run. So, what is the right platform usage for your digital transformation needs?
Connecting low-code and pro-code platforms provides a dynamic framework of front and back-end tools that allows developers to design apps with speed and minimum time-to-market without sacrificing customization and sustainability.
Pro-code is the classic complete code programming used by software engineers and developers to build complex software.
Low-code + pro-code platforms offer rock-solid security, integrated DevOps and automated testing, and the ability to leverage advanced technologies, including AI, augmented reality, and much more easily.
Ultimately, the ability to connect the two unlocks the best of both worlds, i.e. –
- A professional-grade infrastructure that can handle complex integrations and coding
- Improved efficiency, higher developer productivity, and reduced costs with the low-code functionality
How can Acuvate help?
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Acuvate helps clients build enterprise apps using Microsoft PowerApps. A low-code platform, PowerApps allows enterprises to develop low-code apps for various use cases using in-built templates, canvas, and model-driven scenarios.
They can generate extensive applications, which are customized to solve individual business needs and can run on any device.
Additionally, they may access many advanced functionalities previously available for professional developers only.
For such professionals, PowerApps offers several key advantages –
- More than 200 connectors to proprietary data sources
- Code plug-ins for advanced business logic
- Data gateway to securely integrate with services running on-premise
- Data integrator and Power Query tools for bringing data into CDS
- Less coding plus automated testing.
Moreover, organizations can bring PowerApps and Microsoft Azure together to build rich functionality in a low-code platform and turn business needs into custom apps.
Learn More: Why PowerApps and Microsoft Azure are better together
To know more about our PowerApps services, please feel free to schedule a personalized consultation with our experts.
Abhishek is the AI & Automation Practice Head at Acuvate and brings with him 17+ years of strong expertise across the Microsoft stack. He has consulted with clients globally to provide solutions on technologies such as Cognitive Services, Azure, RPA, SharePoint & Office 365. He has worked with clients across multiple industry domains including Retail & FMCG, Government, BFSI, Manufacturing and Telecom.
Abhishek Shanbhag