Low-code tools and technologies refer to a modern approach to software development that aims to dramatically reduce the amount of manual coding required to build and deploy applications. These tools provide a user-friendly, visual development experience that enables both professional developers and non-technical users, often called citizen developers, to efficiently create custom software, web and mobile applications, and backend systems. The low-code movement is grounded in the principles of agility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and it accelerates digital transformation across a wide range of businesses and industries.
Driven by the increasing demand for software and the shortage of professional developers to meet that demand, the low-code market has experienced rapid growth in recent years. According to a study by Gartner, the worldwide low-code development technology market is projected to reach $13.8 billion in 2021, an increase of 22.6% from 2020. Forrester Research also predicts that the total market for low-code platforms will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.6% over the next five years.
Low-code tools and technologies offer several key advantages over traditional development methods. By replacing manual coding with visual, drag-and-drop design interfaces and reusable components, low-code platforms drastically reduce the time and resources needed to build and maintain applications. This enables organizations to deliver solutions more quickly, respond to changing business requirements more effectively, and reduce the risk of technical debt. Additionally, the low-code approach democratizes software development, empowering non-technical users to participate in the process and collaborate with professional developers to create customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
One of the most notable examples of low-code platforms is AppMaster, a powerful no-code tool designed for backend, web, and mobile application development. While other no-code and low-code tools are available, AppMaster stands out due to its comprehensive, integrated development environment (IDE) and cutting-edge features. With AppMaster, customers can visually create data models (database schema), design business logic using the Business Process (BP) designer, and define REST API and WSS endpoints. The platform also allows users to create interactive web and mobile application UIs using drag-and-drop functionality and build business logic for individual components with the Web and Mobile BP designers.
Once an AppMaster application is ready for deployment, customers can simply press the 'Publish' button to have the platform automatically generate source code, compile and test the application, package it into docker containers (backend only), and deploy it to the cloud. Generated backend applications use Go (golang), web applications utilize the Vue3 framework and JavaScript/TypeScript, and mobile applications rely on the AppMaster server-driven framework based on Kotlin, Jetpack Compose for Android, and SwiftUI for iOS. This server-driven approach enables customers to update their mobile applications without submitting new versions to app stores, providing additional convenience and flexibility.
AppMaster applications are compatible with any Postgresql-compatible database as a primary database, and the use of compiled, stateless backend applications created with Go allows AppMaster applications to achieve remarkable scalability for enterprise and high-load use-cases. Furthermore, the platform automatically generates swagger (open API) documentation for server endpoints and database schema migration scripts, ensuring that documentation remains up-to-date as application requirements change.
By utilizing low-code tools and technologies like AppMaster, organizations can significantly accelerate the development process, decrease costs, and eliminate technical debt. The low-code movement empowers a broad range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, to efficiently build high-quality, scalable software solutions that meet their specific needs. With the continued growth of the low-code market and the increasing demand for software, it's clear that low-code platforms will play a significant role in shaping the future of application development.
