Low-code and no-code development refers to software platforms that enable both developers and non-technical business users to build applications and web experiences through visual, drag-and-drop interfaces with minimal or no traditional programming. Low-code and no-code development refers to a set of platforms and software tools that enable enterprise developers and other non-developer employees (i.e., business users) to build web experiences and applications in a modular, drag-and-drop fashion.
By using low-code and no-code modular methodology, developers can build software more quickly by not having to code everything from ground up. Low-code and no-code tools also allow non-professional developers, including marketers, business analysts, and others to build and test their own software applications.
With low-code and no-code applications, whether they are standalone or integrated into another broader centralized platform, like a customer data platform (CDP), employees and developers get an easy-to-use user interface (UI) that allows them to connect different components and apps using application programming interfaces (APIs). Another name for this type of development strategy is point-and-click development.
Low-code/no-code still requires IT involvement for data governance and security, especially when the apps interface and interconnect with mission-critical apps and enterprise-wide systems.
Benefits of Low-Code/No-Code Development
Low-code and no-code systems liberate marketing and the broader business from having to rely on enterprise IT groups to launch new products, deploy marketing automation campaigns, and provide ongoing support. Deployed and leveraged properly, low-code and no-code applications and tools can:
- Reduce time-to-market by increasing the speed of development, testing and delivery of applications.
- Enable business users to move smaller development or test efforts forward without IT support.
- Free up enterprise IT developers to support creating innovative digital products for business value, instead of support.
- Enable marketers to execute data-driven campaigns quickly and effectively through data integration without a help hand from IT.
Low-Code/No-Code Use Cases
Currently the top areas for low-code use are business process or workflow applications, web and mobile front ends, and customer-facing applications, according to Forrester.
- Robotic process automation (RPA) is one of the most popular use cases for low-code/no-code. RPA uses rule sets for simple decision making, allowing users to design automated, multiple system workflows. RPA is popular for doing things like automating administrative processes.
- Some other use cases that leverage low-code/no-code include business process management tools and AI-powered virtual assistants or chatbots, often enhanced by AI marketing capabilities.
- Small business transactional systems
- Tools such as human resource management, reservation management for restaurants, quote creation, and field service management
- Visual analytics supporting customer experience optimization, with some systems focusing on delivering insights through text or voice-based chat experiences.
Learn more about the benefits and use cases of low-code/no-code platforms here.
FAQ
What is the difference between low-code and no-code?
Low-code platforms require some basic programming knowledge and allow developers to extend functionality with custom code when needed. No-code platforms are designed entirely for non-technical users and rely solely on visual, drag-and-drop interfaces with no coding required. In practice, many platforms offer both capabilities, allowing business users to handle simple tasks while developers customize more complex workflows.
Who uses low-code/no-code platforms?
Low-code/no-code platforms are used by a wide range of professionals, including marketers, business analysts, operations teams, and citizen developers who need to build applications without relying on IT. Enterprise developers also use low-code platforms to accelerate development timelines and reduce repetitive coding tasks. IT teams remain involved for governance, security, and integration with mission-critical systems.
Can low-code/no-code platforms replace traditional software development?
Low-code/no-code platforms are well-suited for workflow automation, internal tools, and customer-facing applications, but they are not a full replacement for traditional development. Complex enterprise systems, performance-critical applications, and highly customized software still require professional developers and conventional coding. These platforms are best used to complement existing development resources and speed up delivery of simpler applications.
Related Terms
- MarTech — The broader ecosystem of marketing tools including low-code platforms
- Data Activation — Low-code interfaces simplify audience activation workflows
- Data Pipeline — Visual pipeline builders are a key low-code use case
- Customer Self-Service — Self-service portals often built with low-code tools