I. Introduction
With the beginning of enterprise digitization, the concept of low code development (Low Code Development) has become popular, that is, complex business systems can be developed with a small amount of code. Then go a step further, which gave birth to a new concept: No Code Development (No Code Development).
What low-code and no-code development platforms have in common is that both abstract some common codes and provide a visual page so that users can quickly select, drag and drop, create the required functional components and set the logic and process of the system, so that Make a software.
2. Traditional development vs low code vs zero code
Various tool types exist under the umbrella term low-code: code generators, form designers, API connectors, database builders, workflow automation, and more. Each tool requires a different level of skill. Some are 100% code-free, drag-and-drop UI-based templates; others require developers to perfect the application functionality.
Below, we'll define developers to differentiate between low-code and zero-code, and delve into their different types of use cases. Armed with this knowledge, technology leaders can better determine which tools they need to improve the rapid evolution of their business needs.
So, what is the difference between traditional development , low-code development, and no-code development?
( 1 ) Traditional development :
Traditional development requires developers to be proficient in understanding programming languages, development frameworks and libraries, and collaborative development processes (such as git). Naturally, traditional development falls within the realm of professional developers and is often required for software teams developing proprietary software-as-a-service products. It offers ultimate customizability.
( 2 ) Low code development :
Low-code development aims to simplify development, and it even allows some non-technical people to build applications. Low-code development is used by professional developers as well as ordinary developers.
If you take a database as an example, a low-code solution might involve a one-time registration of the database. This would have required some technical skills to run, but with low-code, this will run more smoothly, and developing applications that interact with the database through a visual user interface will make everything smooth.
Low-code platforms often contain various drag-and-drop building blocks to help develop applications. These pre-generated components may include tables, text boxes, drop-down lists, charts, maps, forms, user directories, and other elements. Low-code solutions often also make the underlying code easily accessible and portable. Low code can help developers improve development efficiency and save more time to build more creative functional modules.
Here, the JNPF low-code development platform is a typical product. Users can realize data visualization scenarios more efficiently through JNPF, and there are rich templates in the product that can meet 85% of real visualization scenario requirements. The technology stack adopts the latest mainstream front-to-back separation framework (SpringBoot+Mybatis-plus+Ant-Design+Vue3). The code generator has low dependence and can flexibly implement secondary development.
In order to support application development with higher technical requirements, the enterprise-level low-code platform represented by JNPF has almost no difference from traditional software development from database modeling, Web API construction to page design. For the repetitive work of the "addition, deletion, modification and query" function, partners who have not yet learned about low-code can try to understand it.
Application: https://www.jnpfsoft.com/?csdn
( 3 ) Zero code development
Zero-code is a handy, non-technical option for application development. Zero Code is a platform for average developers and non-technical employees.
Zero Code takes low-code usability to the next level, 100% interface driven, using pre-built templates and the ability to tie apps together. Zero-code is popular in cloud platforms and SaaS, easing the burden of integration. Of course, the higher the degree of automation, the more expansive boundaries are sacrificed.
Low-code and zero-code are technological updates for the entire software development industry, applicable to many fields such as banking, manufacturing, consumer goods, e-commerce, etc. Each low-code and zero-code platform has its own unique development cases.
3. Five common application scenarios
Now that we understand the basic concepts, how can enterprises use these platforms to build applications?
1. Build internal forms: collect data in the form of forms, such as for inspection or audit, and may need to generate PDF files. Non-technical people with industry knowledge can also create forms.
2. Scale with public forms: Make forms public for signup or lead generation. Almost no functionality needs to be added, and no password user is possible.
3. Working with databases: Junior engineers will easily understand the mechanics of databases, but it's not completely non-technical. For example, tricks may be needed to synchronize the database with other cloud operations
4. Business Process Management (BPM): Digitize the traditional corporate project approval process. What was previously paper or email based is now streamlined. This may involve receiving orders, reporting to managers, and obtaining manager approval. The digitization process requires a deep understanding of data structures.
5. Fully open application: Can be used for new hires or internal job recruitment. More comprehensive user interaction design, workflow, file hosting, and API connectivity are required. This process may require a skilled developer.
It is extremely important to establish your data structure at the beginning. Complex projects may still require skilled engineers to some degree. However, as we mentioned earlier, there are many areas where low-code and zero-code can simplify the creation of simple applications and tools.
4. Zero-code and low-code
To a certain extent, zero-code and low-code have become a key option, which can replace the traditional application development model fairly easily, providing developers or non-technical users with new development methods.
Of course, you can technically call a tool with any drag-and-drop build a "zero-code platform". Of course, what sets these zero-code development styles apart is their use in building internal business applications and automating repetitive software development tasks. By using zero code, traditional technology companies can extend them by wrapping operational functions in base applications.
A key to low-code is the use of third-party APIs to address integration hurdles. We have to understand authentication, OAuth, payload, HTTP method, response and headers to make a call.
API-driven services have needed better availability for a long time. For development problem solvers of all kinds, the prospect that a low-code layer can make a lot of SaaS more inclusive is a compelling prospect.