Uncovering the Myths About Low-Code Platforms

Since its inception, low-code has always been a misunderstood concept. However, over time, not only has the demand for low-code platforms gone up exponentially, but organizations have realized the truth beyond the misconceptions. Dinesh Varadharajan, CPO, Kissflow, debunks the most common myths about low-code platforms.

The need for unique software solutions in business is universal. Traditional software development is time-consuming because code has to be written manually. Apps can take anywhere between three to nine months to be developed, depending on their complexity. And it’s usually hard to make changes once the app is in production.

In a fast-moving world, organizations must innovate or die. A dearth of skilled developers has given rise to low-code development. Companies are increasingly adopting low-code platforms to accelerate their app development process and digital transformation initiatives. 

Any business that wants to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world must build solutions—and build them fast. One solution has emerged as companies look for ways to speed up the app-development process: low-code. Low-code platforms help streamline the development process by eliminating the need for complex programming tools or expertise. They allow users to create applications without writing much, if any, code.

Top Five Low-code Platform Myths

According to Gartner, low-code platforms allow virtually anyone to be a developer. The technological research firm predicts that by 2025, 70% of new enterprise applications will use low-code or no-code technologies. Statista also reports low-code/no-code development tool spending will grow to $65 billion by 2027. Low-code tools are indeed becoming the preferred technology in the digital workplace. But as technology becomes popular, some common misconceptions have cropped up. Here are some of them.

Myth #1: Low-code exposes the organization to unnecessary risk

Some business leaders believe that low-code platforms are prone to attacks, security vulnerabilities, and untrusted dependencies. They believe the platforms don’t provide the visibility or control required to maintain high security in an enterprise.

Fact: Low-code platforms are secure

The truth is many low-code development platforms have advanced security features. They enhance visibility and make it easier for IT to enforce security. They also have automation features that eliminate shadow IT, which is a source of risk.

Features like user permissions limit who gets access to what, creating safe collaboration between internal and external stakeholders. Beyond that, low-code platforms come with compliance certifications and credentials such as ISO 27001, in-platform data encryption, GDPR, and 2FA.

Myth #2: Low-code is just a trend

A common misconception about low-code platforms: Many who are against app development technology believe it’s just a trend that won’t last.

Fact: Low-Code is here to stay

It may seem like low-code became popular overnight, but it’s been around for decades. The term “low-code development” was first used in 2014 to define new application development tools. They sped up development and provided simple interfaces for creating applications. 

The old tools generated convoluted code, locked users into their platforms, and made them learn a proprietary language. Modern tools have better capabilities and are simple. The low-code market is expected to be worth $47.31 billion by 2025. Features like low-code automation give non-developers the power to build solutions quickly and adapt to business changes in real-time. Low-code technology has become a great resource for overwhelmed IT teams with overflowing backlogs. That’s why it’s here to stay. 

See More: The Promise of Low-Code/No-Code: Closing the Skills Gap

Myth #3: Low-code eliminates the role of IT

Some business leaders believe this myth because low-code platforms allow non-technical teams across the enterprise to build solutions independently. While they recognize a boost in productivity, they feel collaboration with IT could be limited.

Fact: Low-code supports collaboration between business and IT

A low-code development platform allows teams across the organization to collaborate from anywhere. Non-developers can build and launch new applications and address any changes that need to be made immediately. Collaboration happens in real-time and visual modeling helps capture all business requirements. The visual development platform ensures that everyone speaks the same language throughout the app development process. With low-code, it’s not IT vs. Business. It’s IT and Business.

Myth #4: Low-code replaces core developers

Another myth doing the rounds is that low-code will soon put developers out of work—because business users will be able to build their own solutions.

Fact: Low-code helps developers build better solutions

Low-code technology allows developers to refocus their development resources and better utilize their skills. Developers can go beyond low-code visual design capabilities and easily extend any part of an application they build using their preferred coding tools. Some low-code platforms let developers seamlessly mix pages built using custom code with pages designed with a UI builder.

Myth #5: Low-code platforms only work for simple apps

The last common misconception about low-code platforms is that they’re only ideal for small-scale app development. They can be used to build simple apps but aren’t suitable for scalable, business-critical apps.

Fact: Low-code can help developers build enterprise apps

According to a Forrester survey, both developers and non-developers use low-code platforms to create enterprise applications. Actually, most applications built with low-code are used in multiple departments or across the entire enterprise. Low-code platforms allow business users to build simple applications, but they also allow developers to create business-critical apps that drive business.

Choosing the Right Low-code Platform

There’s a never-ending discussion about what low-code is and isn’t. And with the misconceptions surrounding it, it is easy to get swayed and stick to traditional app building. But the truth is that low-code is the backbone of innovation and digital transformation. It’s not a trend that will die soon. And it is here to stay.  

What other low-code myths can you think of? Tell us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

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