Low-Code — the 9 Secrets You Should Know
The idea of low code software development is attractive. No one wants to spend months and a lot of money on a huge team of developers when they can just use one or two. The rise of low code marches on, meaning that developers can quickly put an application online in a very short time.
However, it pays to look behind these obvious advantages as some of the less seductive aspects of the low code:
Lock-In
Low code means low control. The tools do the work and if you become overly reliant on them you can soon become dependent and locked-in. Isolation of code can minimize risk by making it possible to move to another service but if you aim to move it onto your own servers you will still need to write a lot of code.
Price Control
There are many instances where you are lured in by a good price and then find that they are raised later. This is also part of lock-in; once they have got you and you’ve invested time building on the platform they can control the price. You will be unable to predict what costs will be like in the future unless you sign up long term. You may be placed in a position where you have to agree to the price change if the only alternative is to modify extensively or start over.
Regulation/Blackbox
Low code platforms are very attractive to users because they are easy and the coder does not have to worry about the back end. However, if you do find you need to know it is often not possible to find out answers which will satisfy a regulator.
Inefficiencies
Handing over control can be great but sometimes the functions behind it are less than perfect. This is because providers must ensure that the code can cope with any eventuality and protect customers from errors by inexperienced developers. This means that everything is technically great but it runs incredibly slowly
Limited Capabilities
Many low-code platforms have a limited supply of functions so if your app is extremely complex it may not work well no matter how awesome the demonstration may have been. If you want something flexible and adaptive you will need to write more of the code.
Monoculture
Libraries often contain bugs and because low-code creates a monoculture a problem for one is a problem for all. A fatal flaw will affect everyone, including you, and there is no way to avoid it. However, when it does happen people tend to work together to fix the glitch.
Homogeneity
The parts of the apps all look pretty much the same so if you use the low-code platform your app is less likely to stand out. If your software is a key part of your brand then you will need to move away from low code to avoid looking like everyone else.
Paralysis
Low-code vendors appeal to the customer by saying that you can link any code, however, it is often not that easy. At first, you will find that everything is simple and you can use all the built-in functions, but come to extending your app you could spend hours or weeks to try to make it work.
Your Code Is Easy to Copy
Low code is easy to make, and it is easy to copy. If you need exclusive software or if creating software is your main business model you are going to have some stiff competition on the low-code platforms.
If you’re looking for a company that provides application development and other software development services contact us.
