What are zero-code platforms and why it’s important for business?

What are zero code platforms?

Zero-code platforms utilize visual development environments to develop applications. Instead of writing code manually developers make use of visual blocks to build the application. For instance, suppose you want to include the “Insights” button in your app, and it will redirect users directly to the “Knowledge Centre” of your website. It is as simple as dragging the appropriate icon in the zero code platform you’re using, and then entering the web address you wish to redirect it to. All the integrations and code will be handled in a seamless manner.

The ease of developing apps lets even those who have no experience in programming languages or even the concept of citizen developers build fully functional applications. Some of the applications that are developed with zero-code tools include workflow administration and customer relationship management analysis of data, etc.

What is the reason we require a platform that is completely zero-code?

Because of the growing digitization and the availability of cloud-based storage lines business departments demand immediate solutions to their issues. As we have discussed downloading the app directly from the App Store is not a viable option due to the fact it could be unsafe. However, applications that are created through the IT department must be developed using a standard process that is clearly lengthy and requires resource allocation. This means that a lot of demands are discarded before they are even started.

A zero code platform for application development can help bridge both of these extremes. These platforms are used by leaders and business analysts to build applications completely customized to the requirements of departments. Because the development time is extremely short, a prototype is able to be created quickly and displayed and then acknowledged by stakeholders.

Top zero code platforms

In the past, we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of zero code platforms, we’ll take a look at the top zero code platforms in 2020, and in no specific order. Certain platforms provide an initial trial for free, and others are available only after signing up.

AppyPie

It does not require code to create mobile apps such as chatbots, data-integration websites, and apps for workflow automation. Utilizing AppyPie’s  platform, businesses can connect all branches of business as in legacy applications to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Sharing an app developed from one particular department can be simple to transfer to departments in other departments.

Airtable

Airtable is a tool for collaboration that is powered by an organized database such as spreadsheets. This makes it simpler to use, without sacrificing capabilities. It’s completely customizable and can be connected to your site or other apps quickly.

Nintex

Nintex can be regarded as a tool that allows you to build end-to-end processes along with workflow and process management. It allows you to visualize your workflows and processes which makes it easier to control and automate the processes. The process optimization becomes simple once the information provided through automated processes are made available.

Appsheet

It was purchased by Google to provide features for development without code in Google Cloud. Appsheet is predominantly a mobile app development platform for data-based applications. Data that comes from Google Drive, Office 365, Dropbox, and other cloud-based platforms are able to be integrated to create tablet, mobile, or web-based applications in a short time.

QuickBase

It allows an organization to transform every employee into a citizen developer since it is accessible via any mobile or browser device. It seamlessly integrates data, systems and processes, enabling citizens to develop applications that increase creativity and productivity simultaneously. QuickBase can also be integrated with other platforms, such as Salesforce, Gmail, and Box effortlessly.

Microsoft Power Apps

The data of any company may be scattered across several sources like cloud servers in-house servers, on-demand assets and more. Microsoft PowerApps is a rapid development platform for applications that aids in bringing together this scattered data, and also creating custom applications on top of it. The unique aspect in PowerApps is that PowerApps can be its AI built-in, which you can build capabilities to your application. The training of AI algorithms is easy and the process could be automated.

Salesforce

It is a platform-as-a-service solution for businesses of all sizes. It allows companies to create and implement cloud-based applications to automate business processes, connect with other applications, and create a line of business applications. Salesforce has made it simpler to connect sales and marketing data with data from the enterprise for quicker development of new products.

Visual LANSA

Visual LANSA has a powerful development environment that lets you create mobile desktop, web and desktop applications swiftly and with a lower price when compared to conventional development. It is often employed by programmers due to the level of control offered.

Zoho Creator

It has a large library of customized forms, pages and design work showcases to create applications for mobile devices tablets and computers for web browsing. Multiple developers can develop the same application simultaneously, and create duplicates to test various features. This speeds up testing, without affecting the existing users. Zoho creator also provides an integrated Salesforce native and quick integrations with books.

Appian

Appian is a non-coding platform suitable for companies with little IT expertise. It comes with a built-in team collaboration feature that is common to Task Management and an Enterprise-wide intranet feature is an. Drag and drop process modeller lets developers to use even the most complicated algorithms for rapid development. The applications are simple to use and quick to install.

The advantages of platforms with no code

The most common argument for outsourcing software development is the idea that development should be performed by professionals, aka programmers. In order to develop any software application, expert programmers work with business professionals to comprehend what the software application must accomplish. We’ve seen that with no code platforms, business professionals can create solutions without writing even a single word of code.

These are just a few of the advantages that result as the result of this:

Development times are reduced Zero code platforms permit application development to be completed in hours or days instead of months or years that traditional approaches to software development might require. It’s a fact that the majority of time is spent by understanding business logic as well as the best way to accomplish the desired results. If business leaders are creating the application themselves this step could be skipped, reducing the time needed to develop the app by a large amount.

Cost reduction:

Since the time and resources are lower, it will result in substantial savings in costs. The majority of Zero Core Platforms are cloud-based and use a pay-as-you-use model which is efficient and cost-effective.

Aligning IT with business needs: Zero code platforms allow non-developers to build applications, which reduces the burden for IT teams. They also help align IT with business needs.

Library of templates: 

You can find a variety of templates for common workflows in an organization, which can be used to create fully functional applications in a short time.

Rapid prototyping: 

Developers are able to utilize zero code platforms to build prototypes swiftly to determine the feasibility of a product and its functionality.

Increase employee engagement Increase employee involvement: Employees can design their own solutions fast. Instead of recommending improvements to workflows or processes, They can demonstrate via an app the things they would like to alter. This can increase their creativity, ingenuity and a sense of participation in the growth of their business.

Specific characteristics of zero-code platforms

The advantages of zero-code platforms cannot be denied, particularly in the case of simple applications that simplify tasks easier and faster.

 Let’s take examine the most significant features of zero-code platforms:

WYSIWYG editor:

 The learning curve of every WYSIWYG user interface is flat making it easy for non-developers to grasp how the platform functions. Developers can begin creating apps immediately which will save time.

Graphical user interfaces :

The drag and drops elements make it simple to build applications quickly. Sometimes, even developers utilize this platform to ensure they can launch applications swiftly.

Templates library: 

A large number of templates makes it simple to build an application to support common workflows such as tracking projects, sharing files and chatting.

Highly customizable systems typically include a vast array of elements that allow you to tailor applications to the business requirements of an organization and guidelines.

Unified interface for applications: 

Standard interfaces can be used by all applications since the platform utilized is identical.

Zero code platforms face challenges

• Forrester estimates that the zero-code marketplace for platform development will amount to USD 21.2 billion in 2025, a rise from 3.8 billion in 2017. Despite this huge growth and the global acceptance across different industries zero code platforms have particular challenges to overcome:
• Users should be extremely informed about the requirements. Since there aren’t any experts to analyze the requirements The person who is developing the application has to do it all for themselves.
• It is impossible to create anything other than the templates that are available.
• The developers do not have their source code. The way they implement their logic is a black box that isn’t accessible.
• There is a problem of lock-in to a vendor if the company decides to switch platforms.
• The business must ensure that the applications are running on secured clouds and that they have the required industry certifications for data security, such as ISO 27001.

How Brisk Logic can assist?

The Zero Code Development Platform provides a visual approach to developing applications that can be utilized even by people who aren’t programmers. The concept is that the technology or the lack of it, should not be a reason to hinder an organization’s progress. A visually-friendly drag and drop application development environment can allow you to create and distribute apps that are designed for customers quickly.

The team of software developers at Brisk Logic are experts in developing non-code systems that are utilized by employees to create applications that meet their personal specifications. 

The blueprint for the platform that is no-code, describing the capabilities of the platform is made available.

The process of having the platform you want to use designed lets you build your own customizations, as well as integrations and security, features. The zero-code platform built-to-order can also be controlled through your department’s IT.

The software development landscape has changed too the fast mobile development of applications. Development without code is what the future will consist and companies must adopt this technology as quickly as they can to keep ahead of the curve.