What is low-code?
Steve HEGGEN : Low-code is an approach to application
development that allows applications to be created quickly with little or no coding, using already existing
components and an easy-to-access user interface. This technology is distinguished by the fact that it is not
restricted to professional developers and does not systematically require advanced technical expertise,
which opens the way to what is known as "citizen development". Experienced developers still have a place in
this type of project, because "Low-Code" is not "No Code". There are often occasional needs for more
specific development.
Yann DAGORN : Low-code goes beyond an application
development approach. It is also a hosting solution, including what is known as 'devOps', i.e. the merging
of development and IT operations tasks. This technique is integrated directly into low-code platforms, which
saves developers a considerable amount of time and allows for simplified application management. Low-code
can therefore be seen as a complete solution not only for the design and management of applications, but
also for their hosting.
How does this technology work?
SH: The low-code technique allows you to capitalize on common elements, such as forms or
authentication modules, in order to focus on business value, rather than wasting time on non-value-added development for
the business. This method uses an intuitive graphical interface and provides pre-built components to
intuitively build an application.
YD: If specific needs arise, developers can still create new custom components and
share them with the user community, thus enriching the available libraries and enhancing the platform.
SH: The collaborative aspect of low-code is another of its advantages. Sharing
components allows other developers to use these elements to speed up their own development. Business
stakeholders can also be integrated into the project lifecycle via the low-code platform, which will offer
advanced interaction possibilities that are much more functionally oriented.
YD: Low-code platforms can also offer real-time collaboration features to allow multiple
users to work on the same project at the same time, which represents a considerable gain in flexibility.
It's an open approach. So low-code is not just for developers?
SH: Low-code platforms are designed to be accessible to people without extensive
programming knowledge, thanks to an intuitive visual interface and pre-built templates.
YD: However, as we said, professional developers can also use these platforms to create
more complex and specific applications, by using advanced features of the platform or by writing custom
code. They will also be faster in application design.
It seems that there is no limit to low-code? Does the technology lend itself to all types of projects?
YD: Low-code has fewer and fewer limits today, thanks to an increasingly dense library of
components. It is important to note that this technology is not new, it has been constantly improved since the 2000s. It is
currently experiencing a resurgence of interest because it allows quick and easy digitization, thus meeting
the growing demand of many sectors.
SH: Low-code platforms are increasingly open and allow the integration of custom codes,
enriching existing models to meet specific needs. They offer a wide range of components that can be
integrated into mainstream IT systems, such as SAP or Salesforce, for example.
YD: To realize their full potential, it is important to bear in mind that these platforms
need to be designed for a scalable ecosystem, rather than for a single application, in order to optimize
costs.
SH: When it comes to going low-code, internal business application projects are often the
most suitable. This is because they allow companies to test the potential risks of adopting this type of new
technology internally, and then reap the benefits and improve functionality as needed. Administrative and
business process management applications, for example, lend themselves well to low-code. The platforms offer
numerous workflow possibilities, which facilitate the management of the various flows and the distribution
of roles.
How does Luxembourg welcome low-code?
SH: Our neighbouring countries have already adopted low-code for many years, notably our
Fujitsu employees in the UK who have set up a dedicated team in close contact with experts in the sector
such as OutSystems.
YD: Low-code will respond to a time-to-market issue that is becoming more and more
pressing. With the acceleration of digital technology, the market is demanding technologies quickly. We
therefore need to be agile and find solutions. Low-code will offer a complete solution that is fast,
qualitative and scalable, making it possible to manage design, deployment and infrastructure, while
controlling costs.
SH: In the short or medium term, Luxembourg will have no choice but to adopt this
technology, not only because professional skills in the market in the field of application development are
becoming scarce, but also because the current IT landscape is rapidly changing. This requires developers to
keep a constant watch on technology. Unfortunately, this watch is often overtaken by the speed of
innovation, particularly in technologies for web applications and their frameworks, which are constantly
evolving. Low-code platforms, on the other hand, will embrace these new technologies from one update to the
next in a way that is transparent to the user, the configurator and the developer.
YD: The subject here reveals a reality that should not be ignored, that of technological
debt. The choice of a technological solution that is not adapted or not very agile can lead to an overload
of work related to support and maintaining skills on all the technological layers adopted over time.
Low-code should reduce this technology debt as the learning curve for people using the low-code platform is
short and the vendor takes responsibility for the operational issues of the platform.
How do you choose the best low-code platform for your needs?
SH: Before you start, there are several points to consider: you need to assess the
reputation of the product, study the number of components available, analyze the integration modules
available, list the underlying technologies (in the event of migration from one low-code platform to
another) and compare the price model.
YD: It is essential to be accompanied by digitalization experts, not only to design
applications with a quality structure, but also to ensure an optimal user experience in the end.