In the not-so-distant past, the world of app development was an exclusive club. A fraternity ruled by the tech-savvy elite and where lines of code were the secret language. Debugging was a rite of passage. Fortunately, time has changed. We’re now in the era of low-code where the power to create applications is no longer confined to only the IT department.

One of the earliest low-code platforms was OutSystems, which was founded in 2001. OutSystems is often credited with pioneering the low-code development approach. Other low-code platforms followed like Mendix, Salesforce’s Lightning platform, and Microsoft’s PowerApps. Since its foundation, OutSystems has stormed onto the scene, challenging the status quo.

Simply said, the low-code paradigm simplifies app development, offering a visual, drag-and-drop approach that’s more LEGO and less hieroglyphics. Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out to be a coding maestro. With low-code, the mysterious veil of coding complexity is being lifted. Low-code has turned the tables on traditional coding, making it accessible to people who’ve never dreamt of writing an application for data analysis and data extraction in ABAP.

The emphasis shifts from deciphering arcane syntax to focusing on solving real business problems. Suddenly, app development becomes a collaborative endeavor, with business users and IT teams working hand in hand.

New characters have entered the coding scene: low-code developers. These aren’t your typical tech wizards but passionate professionals from various departments who see a problem and want to solve it. With low-code, they can actively participate in the app development process, turning their ideas into reality without needing a Ph.D. in programming.

Gartner predicts that by 2026, developers outside formal IT departments will account for at least 80% of the user base for low-code development tools, up from 60% in 2021. Low-code is a game-changer. Low-code isn’t just a fad. A short-lived trend that will disappear again.

The benefits to companies are clear and evident. Low-code turbocharges time-to-market, trims costs, and liberates companies from the shackles of traditional development. Imagine going from concept to deployment in record time while keeping the IT budget in check. Low-code isn’t just a tool. It’s a magic wand. And while wands normally choose you, in this case you will need to choose the wand yourself.

With great power comes great responsibility and, in this case, choice. Selecting the right low-code platform is crucial. As a low-code consultancy we can provide clients with the lowdown on factors like scalability, security, and ease of use. Get it right, and you’ll be on your way to low-code stardom.

Of course, no revolution is without its challenges. We’ll tackle concerns about security, compliance, and governance head-on in following articles, but ensure: these concerns are all being addressed. We’re not here to just sing praises for low-code. Nobody can gaze into a crystal ball and make predictions about where developments are heading. Will AI replace us all? Not quite, but we’ll explore how developers and users can peacefully coexist.

For companies that have started with low-code, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. The era of de-technifying app development is here, and it’s here to stay. Let’s leave you with a simple message: Embrace the revolution and empower your teams. Let the low-code developer in you shine.