What do developers think of low-code?

We asked our developers what their primary focus is. It turns out they often wish they could focus on writing interesting code without dealing with mundane and routine operational tasks. They feel frustrated when asked to make operational changes that often need to be formulated more clearly, leading to wasted time on communication.

These are common aspirations among all developers, and as technology continues to advance, they are becoming more achievable with the emergence of low-code systems. However, fulfilling these aspirations can be challenging in a code-first environment. This article will explore developers’ thoughts on low code systems and how AINSYS can help bridge the gap between developers and exciting tasks.

The world of low-code

Undoubtedly, delivering a product builder to a client is better than delivering just a bunch of products. The builder would contain self-documenting calls, functions, and components with reusable settings. This is the world of low-code systems, where developers can create business value by building components that can be used across multiple projects. Unlike other solutions, where operational work remains the responsibility of the developer, low code systems:

1. Provide a higher level of component abstraction that enables business logic to be expressed in a simpler and more understandable way;
2. Allow for new functionality by adding missing assets or components to a ready-made builder. If exclusive logic is needed (and it won’t be reused), inserting a few lines of code into the relevant fragment without the need for an entire module or microservice is simple. This code is not only easy for developers to read but also for managers and business analysts;
3. Offer a new level of component abstraction that goes beyond the traditional services, libraries, and builders. Instead, developers can work at the business logic level, creating components that can be used across projects and providing fundamentally different functionality for the business.

Whether using a ready-made low-code development platform or developing within the low-code paradigm, the possibilities for innovation are endless.

Low-code development platforms are often confused with advanced code-first platforms

Many developers believe low-code is just a highly flexible system, such as Bitrix or WordPress. However, actual low-code development platforms (LCDPs) are based entirely on a builder system.

To be considered a true LCDP, the platform’s core should include only the builder elements and related functions. However, some platforms allow users to insert code where necessary or redefine the code of current components. Examples of popular LCDPs include:

• AINSYS for building integrations;
• Mendix, Pega, Appian, OutSystems, and Caspio for creating different applications;
• Tilda, Reify, Builder.io, and Bildr for front-end development.

In addition, there are borderline cases like Pimcore, a low-code platform for front-end development, workflow, and information model modeling.

If someone claims they’ve “tried a low-code platform and failed,” it’s important to look into the details. Perhaps they were not using an actual LCDP, or they were using a bad one. Alternatively, they may have tried to write too much code instead of leveraging the platform’s re-usability. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the differences between LCDPs and code-first platforms before making a decision.

What development problems do LCDPs solve?

The answer is actually short and sweet: with LCDP,  monotonous, routine tasks that take up too much of developers’ time could be a thing of the past. By streamlining routine operations, developers can free up more time for truly interesting and creative work.

That’s where LCDPs really shine. Rather than simply making minor edits, developers can refactor their code at a higher abstraction level, which makes it easier to think and design more effectively. With LCDP, you have greater control over every aspect of the project; making mistakes that will negatively impact the final result is much harder.

In fact, LCDP is so user-friendly that even non-developers can get involved in the process. With insufficient naming or flawed logic quickly detected, anyone can help ensure the final product is top-quality. By thinking in abstractions, developers can create more elegant and efficient code than ever before.

Streamlining software development

Low-code solutions have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to streamline the software development process. For example, by providing a visual interface that allows users to drag and drop pre-built components, AINSYS help businesses create custom solutions faster than traditional coding methods via a mechanism for business requirements to be set for developers.

During the process of requirements collection, it is often necessary to write technical documentation and put it into context. This documentation provides developers with a clear understanding of what needs to be built and how it should function. However, creating this documentation can be a time-consuming process that requires both technical expertise and an understanding of the business tasks at hand.

In order for developers and analysts to understand the business tasks along with the process, they need to work closely with stakeholders. This collaboration can be facilitated by the AINSYS framework requirement management system that allows users to intuitively set requirements and make documentation understandable and convenient for all participants in the process. By promoting the use of such a system, businesses can reduce the time and effort required to collect and document requirements, while also improving the quality of the resulting software.

So if you’re tired of feeling stuck in a rut and missing out on the more interesting aspects of development, it’s time to give a LCDP a try. For example, with AINSYS streamlined processes and a greater focus on design and abstraction, you might be surprised at how much more enjoyable coding can be. Our integration framework syncs data between every tool and platform your IT team employs, helping you get an accurate picture of your software too. By implementing AINSYS tools, both developers and specialists with no coding skills can ensure they make the right decisions for your organization and keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape.

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