How to choose the right low code platform

By Nic Bowman, CEO of riivo

Low code development has emerged as a game-changer in the business world. It empowers businesses to keep up with consumer demand and deploy custom applications faster and with fewer resources. However, with a growing number of low code platforms available, it can be daunting to know which one is the right platform for your specific needs. In this blog, we demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

First, Let’s Understand the Current Low Code Landscape

Low code platforms are not one-size-fits-all.

They vary in complexity, target users, and the types of applications they're best suited for. Some cater to citizen developers with simple drag-and-drop interfaces, while others offer more flexibility for experienced developers to customise code.

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating low code platforms.

1. Identify your needs

• Project Scope: Is your goal to build a simple internal tool, a complex customer-facing application, or automate specific business processes?

• Technical Expertise: What level of coding knowledge does your team possess? Do you need a platform with minimal coding or one that allows for deeper customisation?

• Scalability: Will your application need to handle increasing users or data volumes in the future?

• Integration: Does the platform integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and data sources?

• Budget: What is your budget for the low code platform and ongoing maintenance?

2. Identify the Problem

Traditional software development can be time-consuming, expensive, and require specialised skills. Many businesses face challenges such as:

• Long Development Cycles: Projects can take months or even years to complete.

• High Costs: Hiring skilled developers and maintaining complex systems can be costly.

• Skill Gaps: Finding and retaining talent with the necessary expertise is difficult.

• Complex Maintenance: Keeping systems up-to-date and bug-free requires continuous effort.

Low code platforms address these challenges through tools that simplify and accelerate the development process. The next point highlights some of those tools.

3. Identify Key Requirements

There are several types of low code platforms, each offering distinct features and functionalities. Here are some of the key areas you should be assessing when selecting your preferred platform.

1. Visual Design Functionality: Provides a visual interface for designing and building applications, often using drag-and-drop functionality.

2. Pre-Built Templates and Components: Pre-built templates and reusable components that can be easily assembled to create applications. 

3. Automated Workflows and Integration: Automate various repetitive tasks. See how we use low code to help businesses grow.

4. Robust Architecture and Scalability: Designed to be scalable and maintainable. 

5. Modularity and Reusability: Break down large applications into smaller, manageable components.

6. Adaptability and Extensibility: Flexible and adaptable to allow for changes in business requirements and integration with existing systems and services.

7. Standardisation and Best Practices: Enforce the use of best practices, coding standards, and architectural guidelines to promote quality, consistency, and maintainability across the organisation.

8. Open-Source Options: Greater flexibility and customisation options.

9. No-Code Functionality: Foregos the need to write any code. 

These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many low code stacks combine multiple features to provide a comprehensive development environment.

4. Match Your Needs to the Platform

Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you can start exploring different low code platforms. 

Here's a breakdown of common low code categories and their strengths.

• No-Code Platforms: Ideal for non-technical users, these platforms offer visual interfaces and pre-built components for building simple applications.

• Low Code Platforms: Suitable for both citizen developers and experienced developers, these platforms offer greater flexibility for customisation and minimise lengthy manual coding.

5. Weigh your options: pros and cons

Each low code platform comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a general overview.

Platform Type

No Code

Pros

Easy to use, minimal learning curve, suitable for non-technical users, rapid development cycles.

Cons

Limited customisation options, not ideal for complex applications, scalability may be a concern.

Low Code

Greater flexibility than no-code, suitable for both citizen and professional developers, faster development than traditional coding, easier maintenance.

May require some coding knowledge for advanced customisation, platform-specific skills may be needed.

The riivo Advantage: Partner for Success

You don’t have to navigate the low code landscape alone. As a leading low code agency, we specialise in leveraging the right platoform for your unique needs. With the skill, expertise, and experience in traditional development and coding as well as low code platforms, you are assured of successful application, integration, or automation deployment. 

Our team of experts take care of the entire process, from assessing your needs to designing a solution to implementing and maintaining your solution. Speak to us today.