Debunking Common Low-Code Application Platform Myths and Misconceptions

The editors at Solutions Review have compiled a list of common low-code application platform myths and misconceptions and provided explanations to debunk them.

Low-code application platforms (LCAPs) provide developers with visual-based software to improve how they develop and deploy custom applications with low-code capabilities and techniques, including declarative, model-driven application design and development tools that enable rapid application deployments. These platforms don’t require the user to create applications with line-by-lines of code, streamlining development and saving developers of various experience levels time and energy.

However, as valuable as these solutions can be, misconceptions about low-code technologies can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, unnecessary disruptions, and lost revenue. With that in mind, the Solutions Review editors compiled some of the most common low-code application platform myths we’ve encountered and provided some explanations to “debunk” them.

Common Low-Code Application Platform Myths (And Why They’re Not True)

Myth 1: Low-Code Means No Code

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about low-code platforms is that they eliminate the need for coding entirely. While low-code platforms significantly reduce the amount of hand-coding required, they don’t eliminate it altogether. Instead, low-code application platforms help developers streamline the application development process by equipping them with visual development tools, pre-built components, and templates. When using low-code technology, there will always be situations that require custom code to address a specific requirement or integrate with another system. Low-code platforms make coding more efficient, not obsolete.

Myth 2: Low-Code Can Only be Used for Simple Apps

It’s not uncommon to hear people say that low-code platforms are only suitable for developing simple, straightforward applications. However, that’s a dramatic underestimation, as low-code tools have evolved to a point where they can fully support the creation of complex, enterprise-grade applications that meet the needs of large-scale operations. When utilized correctly, a low-code platform can handle various application types, including simple forms and workflows, sophisticated data analytics, AI-powered applications, and more.

Myth 3: Low-Code Doesn’t Allow for Customization

Another misconception around low-code platforms is that they limit the customization options a developer can utilize. In reality, these platforms can often expand customizability by providing developers more flexibility and general ease of use. Whether it’s optimizing the user interface for a specific department, adding custom logic, or integrating with external APIs and databases, low-code platforms provide a collection of extensibility features to help developers create custom apps that meet whatever requirements they need.

Myth 4: Low-Code Doesn’t Prioritize Security and Compliance

Security is a top concern in software development, so despite what some might assume, low-code platforms don’t compromise on their security functionalities. Quite the opposite, in fact. Leading low-code application platforms come equipped with role-based access control, encryption, authentication, and other security capabilities that protect sensitive data and give applications the defenses they need to prevent security threats from causing problems. That said, it’s still important that organizations implement security best practices and stay updated on the latest security features, as that will help them keep their application development processes fully equipped with the security and compliance functionalities they need.

Myth 5: Low-Code is Expensive

Another common myth about low-code platforms is that they are cost-prohibitive. While there are costs associated with using low-code platforms, as there are with most application development platforms, they can actually save organizations money in the long run. By accelerating the application development lifecycle, reducing labor costs, simplifying maintenance, and streamlining updates, low-code platforms can provide savings that outweigh the initial investment, especially for companies that rely on rapid application development.

Myth 6: Low-Code Is Only for Citizen Developers

Citizen developers—users with limited coding experience—can certainly benefit from low-code platforms, but these platforms are not exclusive to them. A skilled developer can get just as much from a low-code application platform as a beginner, as the platform gives them tools to accelerate their work, increase productivity, and focus on more complex tasks instead of time-consuming, routine coding tasks.

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