Omar Sheliby, the Regional Manager of Liferay, says AI-driven tools can generate development templates based on user input, reducing the need for manual coding and accelerating development
How do low code/no code (LC/NC) break down barriers and democratize the process of software creation?
Low-code/no-code (LC/NC) platforms are transforming software development by enabling users with minimal coding skills to build applications through user-friendly visual interfaces. These tools break down traditional barriers by making application creation accessible to a broader audience. For example, within the domain of digital experiences, some platforms offer LC/NC capabilities through a unified infrastructure that supports the integration and management of various functionalities, thus enhancing the potential of LC/NC tools.
By simplifying application development and deployment, these platforms democratize technology, enabling more individuals to contribute to digital innovation. This shift also encourages traditional developers to focus on complex integrations and strategic tasks, reflecting a more inclusive and decentralized development process. In addition, LC/NC tools offer distinct advantages that reduce barriers and democratize software development, including:
- An easy-to-tailor platform: No matter how business requirements shift over time, customers can adapt low-code capabilities easily and seamlessly. Update the UI through low-code configuration, swap or add other technologies as needed, and add or update custom code through extensible architecture.
- Regular feature updates: Low code enables the release of new features periodically to ensure customers get the latest innovations regularly. The market will always push for the latest developments like personalization, AI, and newer tech disruptions to stay on top of changing market conditions.
- Separation for customisations: In several products/solutions, customizations happen outside of the core product. This allows for rapid innovation in upscaling capabilities and enables businesses to adapt and grow for the future.
- Faster time to market: LC/NC platforms expedite application development, enabling businesses to launch solutions more quickly and gain a competitive edge.
How have LC/NC platforms evolved from niche tools into essential components of modern IT strategies?
LC/NC platforms have evolved from specialised tools into integral elements of contemporary IT strategies due to their ability to address increasing demands for agility and innovation. Initially, these platforms were used by a limited group of tech-savvy users for niche applications. However, their scope has expanded significantly as organizations seek ways to accelerate development and reduce costs.
Today, LC/NC platforms are central to modern IT strategies because they enable rapid deployment of solutions, facilitate collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, and streamline workflows. This evolution is supported by impressive market growth: The global low-code development platform market size was valued at $22.25 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $28.75 billion in 2024 to $264.40 billion by 2032.
This rapid expansion reflects a broader trend towards more flexible and scalable IT environments, where LC/NC tools are integral in supporting digital transformation efforts, allowing organizations to quickly adapt to changing business needs and integrate with existing systems. This significant market growth underscores the pivotal role LC/NC platforms now play in enhancing development processes and driving innovation across industries.
What impact is being felt across various sectors, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, to LC/NC platforms?
Across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, LC/NC platforms drive significant change by enhancing operational efficiency and enabling rapid innovation. In finance, these platforms facilitate the quick development of custom financial applications, improve regulatory compliance processes, and streamline client interactions. Healthcare providers use LC/NC tools to create patient management systems, streamline administrative tasks, and integrate health data systems, leading to improved patient care and operational efficiency.
In manufacturing, LC/NC platforms support the development of systems for inventory management, production monitoring, and supply chain optimization, helping organizations respond swiftly to market changes and operational needs. By allowing faster and more cost-effective solution development, LC/NC platforms are helping these sectors adapt to evolving demands and improve overall performance.
Beyond dedicated LC/NC platforms, many enterprise solutions now incorporate low-code/no-code capabilities within their broader offerings. These platforms enable users to build and manage applications with minimal coding while addressing industry-specific needs such as workflow automation, customer engagement, and process optimization. Similarly, some platforms designed to enhance digital experiences incorporate these capabilities, allowing organizations to efficiently manage customer interactions, automate business processes, and scale solutions seamlessly. This integration of LC/NC tools within comprehensive platforms empowers businesses to adapt quickly to evolving market demands and foster innovation across various sectors.
How can issues related to security, compliance, and integration be properly managed in an LC/NC ecosystem?
In an LC/NC ecosystem, managing security, compliance, and integration requires a strategic approach to safeguard data and ensure seamless platform functionality. Security features are typically integrated into the platform, including access controls, encryption, and secure APIs to protect sensitive data. Ensuring that applications developed through LC/NC platforms adhere to industry-specific regulatory standards is crucial, with many platforms offering compliance frameworks to support this.
LC/NC tools must also support integration interoperability with existing systems, allowing for smooth communication between new applications and legacy infrastructure. Many platforms provide pre-built connectors and integration tools to simplify this process, ensuring newly developed applications can efficiently work within the broader IT environment. Regular audits, monitoring, and governance mechanisms are critical to address ongoing security and compliance challenges as organizations scale their use of LC/NC platforms.
How are technologies such as AI and ML further enhancing the capabilities of low-code platforms?
AI and ML enhance LC/NC platforms by automating and optimizing various aspects of application development. These technologies streamline coding processes, automate workflows, and provide predictive suggestions, which simplify development and minimize errors. For instance, AI-driven tools can generate development templates based on user input, reducing the need for manual coding and accelerating development.
In addition to LC/NC platforms, enterprise solutions incorporating LC/NC capabilities are also leveraging AI and ML. This integration allows users to incorporate AI-driven features like chatbots, predictive analytics, and intelligent data processing into their applications without needing deep technical expertise. These enhancements enable applications to become smarter, adaptive, and more responsive to real-time data. As a result, businesses can achieve greater operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and better meet evolving needs. The integration of AI and ML into LC/NC platforms is thus playing a crucial role in advancing digital transformation and fostering innovation across industries.
