The Rise of Low-Code and No-Code Development. Will It Replace Programmers In 2024?

For decades, businesses have followed a single path for developing customized apps: building from scratch by hiring or outsourcing skilled software developers. However, the surging demand for custom apps has created a global shortage of skilled developers, causing delivery delays. On top of that, traditional software development is often costly, forcing many to seek possible alternative options. 

No-code and low-code development have emerged as a different approach to software development, empowering individuals with little or no technical expertise (so-called citizen developers) to create customized solutions using dedicated platforms. Today, we are witnessing the rise and increasing sophistication of development platforms that bring the power of app development to users across diverse domains. These platforms expand software development beyond traditional developers, empowering business professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to turn ideas into practical and efficient solutions.This shift means tech benefits are reaching more people, creating new and exciting changes we haven't seen before. According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of new applications that organizations develop will use low-code or no-code technologies.

Let's delve into the details of low-code and no-code development and explore how this alternative approach is poised to impact the software development industry in the near future. The big question looms: Could it potentially replace the need for traditional developers?

What is low-code development?

It is a software development type that demands minimal coding to construct applications. Instead of relying on intricate programming languages and code, individuals using a low-code development platform can use straightforward visual interfaces and drag-and-drop features to build applications effortlessly.

What is no-code development?

No-code platforms take it further by enabling users to build applications without coding knowledge. This method democratizes the process, opening it up to virtually anyone, not just restricted to skilled developers.

What are the main differences between low-code and no-code development?

Low code primarily serves developers, aiming to expedite the development process. While the coding requirement is low, it is still present. Developers using low-code platforms benefit from customization options and the freedom to move between platforms without being locked in. These platforms support end-to-end development, making them a next-gen Rapid Application Development tool for professional developers. Low code can handle relatively complex applications, and it is cost-effective for companies with an existing team of developers.

On the other hand, no-code is designed for business users, prioritizing ease of use over coding. The primary purpose of no-code development is to offer a self-service approach to building applications, targeting business users requiring quick, simple, and efficient solutions.  With no coding required, business users can customize applications using pre-built templates. However, there may be limitations, as some platforms might lock users into the same platform and provide only limited end-to-end development capabilities. 

What are the main benefits of low-code and no-code development?

Aside from giving everyone access to software development, no-code and low-code platforms offer companies the following benefits:

Rapid development: One of the primary advantages of low-code/no-code platforms is their ability to accelerate the development lifecycle. They enable users to create applications with fewer resources and less time, allowing businesses to respond to market demands more swiftly, reducing time-to-market for new applications.

Accessibility: These technologies require little to no coding knowledge, allowing individuals with diverse backgrounds to participate in software creation. 

Cost-efficiency: With less reliance on highly skilled developers, organizations can potentially cut costs associated with traditional software development. It may make it more feasible for smaller businesses to embrace digital transformation.

Increased productivity: Both low-code and no-code platforms are engineered to simplify and expedite the application development process. They benefit software developers, DevOps teams, and individuals with limited technical expertise. The primary goal is to automate repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing developers and users on low-code and no-code platforms to dedicate more time to the creative aspects of application design, user experience, and functionality. 

Efficient experimentation: These platforms also facilitate idea testing without investing significant time and resources in potentially unsuccessful projects. Moreover, rapid prototyping saves time, lowers expenses, and opens up more opportunities for innovation and refinement, enabling organizations to iterate quickly on their ideas and respond promptly to market feedback. 

What are the drawbacks of low-code and no-code development?

Of course, using no-code and low-code platforms also has its fair share of challenges. For example:

Complexity of Applications: While these platforms excel in rapid development, they face difficulties with complex and data-intensive projects. These tools are not designed to handle large amounts of data, dynamic updates, or scenarios where speed is crucial. 

Customization and flexibility: Traditional programming allows for maximum customization and flexibility. In contrast, low-code/no-code platforms may introduce limitations, potentially hindering certain projects. No-code platforms often lack alteration capacity as their architecture is largely predetermined. Low-code solutions, however, strike a balance—a midway point between no-code simplicity and human coding. The latter systems are graphical with drag-and-drop features but allow coding, which provides a flexible development pace without repetitive code duplication. Still, although the abstraction of low-level implementation details enhances the ease of use, some argue that it might limit the level of control and fine-tuning developers have over the underlying code. 

Security concerns: Security concerns in low-code/no-code platforms are a common topic of discussion within the technology industry. While these platforms do provide security features, they may be perceived as less robust compared to those built with traditional coding methods. In areas like data encryption and authentication protocols, missing features can expose applications to cybersecurity threats. 

Lack of scalability: While these approaches offer rapid prototyping and initial development, they may face challenges when scaling or when the need for more complex features arises. If an organization opts to scale an application initially built with low-code or no-code tools, ensuring optimal performance and user experience often demands hiring coding experts for a complete rewrite. Therefore, it's important to assess the long-term implications and scalability requirements before choosing a specific development approach.

Will low-code or no-code technology replace developers?

While low-code/no-code technologies have made significant strides, the idea that they will replace programmers in 2024 and beyond is impossible. Why? At least because these tools are built on traditional programming, and they leverage this underlying code to enable users to build apps with minimal or no manual coding. 

Low and no code tools make building tech more accessible, but it isn't agile or flexible enough to replace developers. Instead, these technologies are more likely to complement the work of professional programmers. Skilled developers will continue to be crucial for handling complex projects, optimizing performance, ensuring security, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

It is worth mentioning that the adoption of low-code and no-code technologies will also influence the skill sets required for developers. Programmers may shift their focus towards high-level architecture, optimization, and problem-solving, as low-code and no-code platforms handle more routine and repetitive coding tasks. 

Low-code and no-code development vs traditional programming

When it comes to choosing between low-code/no-code tools and traditional programming, it depends on when and where you need them. Traditional development retains its importance, holding a crucial role that won't be replaced. Low-code and no-code simply do not offer everything that traditional software development can. Instead, low-code and no-code options complement traditional programming. They step in where time and cost efficiency are required foremost.

Specifically, low-code and no-code tools find their niche in scenarios like developing internal applications, particularly for employees, or catering to individuals and small business owners looking for easy, maintainable solutions that don't require extensive coding. The focus is on quick and cost-effective idea implementation. They are particularly beneficial for crafting straightforward and low-risk applications, covering visual analytics, workflow automations, web development, and mobile app creation. 

Bottom Line

In conclusion, there's no doubt that low-code no-code will impact digital transformation for the better, helping businesses improve their digitalization success. However, saying that low-code and no-code represent the future of software development or will replace developers is an oversimplification. While these approaches offer substantial benefits, they are unlikely to replace all software development or diminish the need for skilled developers. It's more accurate to state that they're part of the big future picture, not the whole future.

Reading time: 5 min 30 sec