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Pros and cons of a low-code platform for mobile
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Article
How a low-code platform encourages DevOps agility
Some organizations use low-code platforms to develop internal applications, which allows them to use a DevOps approach. And when organizations combine low-code dev with thorough assessments of whether an app is necessary, they can reduce app sprawl. Read Now
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Article
RMAD means less risk, more savings
Rapid mobile app development (RMAD) is an approach that uses preconfigured components to build apps with less code. Learn how both IT and citizen developers can use this method to create apps more efficiently. Read Now
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Article
How low-code development can solve problems quickly
Low-code development platforms can enable employees to solve simple problems with an app rather than waiting for IT. Discover how this process can improve supply chain management in particular. Read Now
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Article
Accessibility sets low-code platforms apart
Low-code platforms aren't always limiting; many products enable users to add complex features and third-party integrations. Read about other capabilities that low-code platforms offer. Read Now
Editor's note
Low-code development platforms can make it easier for organizations to develop mobile apps, but they also introduce new concerns.
Low-code and no-code platforms typically offer an easy-to-use graphical user interface from which users can drag and drop components to create an app. Low-code development may be less expensive than traditional mobile app development because it doesn't require a specialized team and results in a faster turnaround time.
Low-code development is inherently controversial; it suggests that developing mobile apps is simple and that developers aren't always necessary. Experienced developers can use low-code platforms to ease the process, but the development method has also introduced a new breed of developer: the citizen developer, an end user that doesn't necessarily have programming skills. Organizations can save time and money with citizen developers, but they risk the assurance of quality apps when inexperienced non-developers take the wheel.
Whether low-code development will be a threat to seasoned IT pros or a temporary fad is still unclear -- but, either way, it is generating some buzz among organizations. What does low-code development mean for both IT and end users? How does a low-code platform operate? How should organizations use them? These are just a few of the questions that low-code development could spur.
In this guide, we'll answer all of the important questions about low-code development for mobile apps. We'll delve into the pros and cons of a low-code platform and provide some tips on how to get started.
1Consider challenges of low-code development
If experienced developers are no longer doing the developing, organizations should expect some hiccups. A low-code platform can introduce a variety of risks because it enables inexperienced users to make important development decisions. Organizations should be careful not to sacrifice an app's security or user experience when they use low-code platforms. Low-code platforms can limit creative freedom and more advanced capabilities, for example. Understand the risks and challenges that are involved with low-code development -- and whether it's a fad that will eventually fade away.
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Blog
Don't let the average user tackle a low-code platform
Low-code platforms aren't idiot-proof; they require some finesse and a little expertise to operate. For example, some users might be plagued with complicated setup and debug processes. Read Now
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Article
Low-code platforms can result in costly mistakes
When inexperienced users try to develop apps, they could end up making mistakes that can cost a fortune. Remember that it's more expensive to fix bad code than create good code. Read Now
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Article
Progressive web apps may push low code out
The advent of development trends such as progressive web apps may render low-code platforms useless. Discover why one CTO denounces the low-code fad. Read Now
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Article
Keep citizen developers in check to maintain IT control
When app development falls in the hands of the end users, it can result in shadow IT and security risks. Here's how to implement checks and balances to ensure that IT remains in the driver's seat. Read Now
2Get started with a low-code platform
An organization's decision to try a low-code platform is only the initial step. It's important to evaluate the low-code market, which includes both cloud-based and third-party platforms. Then, decide which product is the best fit based on its capabilities and pricing. Once an organization deploys a low-code platform, IT should ensure that the team can use the technology and adapt to the changes it may bring.
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Article
Choose between cloud and native low-code dev
Third-party low-code platforms are dominating the market, but major cloud providers are entering the game. To choose between the two, it's important to understand the risks of each. Read Now
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Article
Evaluate the features of low-code products
The low-code platform market is becoming more saturated. Before IT gets overwhelmed, it's important to look at the features that each vendor offers. Read Now
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Article
Combat cultural challenges with low-code platform adoption
The adoption of any new technology -- or change in general -- can create unexpected chaos in any organization. Low-code platforms enable a DevOps approach, so organizations should expect pushback from their employees. Here's how to come up with a plan and ensure a smooth transition. Read Now
3Low-code development terminology
Before an organization makes the decision to try low-code development, it's important to understand the full context.
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Definition
low-code/no-code development platform (LCNC platform)
Low-code/no-code development platforms are tools that enable citizen developers – including business analysts, office administrators, small-business owners and others – to create mobile and web apps quickly with little or no hand-coding. Read Now
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Definition
rapid mobile app development (RMAD)
Rapid mobile application development (RMAD) uses low-code/no-code programming tools to speed the process of application creation for mobile platforms. Read Now
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Definition
citizen development
Citizen development is a low code approach to software development that allows people to create software programs without needing to know anything about programming languages or how to write code. Read Now
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Definition
native app
A native application is a software program that is developed for use on a particular platform or device. Read Now
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Definition
GUI (graphical user interface)
A GUI (usually pronounced "GOO-ee") is a graphical (rather than purely textual) user interface to a computer. Read Now
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Definition
mobile app
A mobile app is a software application designed for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers. Mobile apps are usually created to conform to the demands and limitations of the devices and also to take advantage of any specialized capabilities they have. Read Now