The Evolution of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

The Evolution of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

In recent years, the landscape of software development has undergone a profound transformation, primarily fueled by the rise of low-code/no-code platforms. Once considered tools for only basic applications, low-code/no-code platforms empower organizations to create sophisticated software solutions at unprecedented speeds and cost-effectively. This shift is not just about creating applications; it represents a fundamental change in how businesses operate and innovate in the digital age.

Accelerating Application Time to Value

In the past, software development projects were often marred by lengthy timelines and high costs, making it challenging for businesses to achieve their desired outcomes. In a recent survey of over 378 respondents, 24% of organizations indicate they want to release applications hourly, yet only 8% of these organizations can do so. Furthermore, traditional code-based solutions were often complex, making it difficult for stakeholders to maintain, troubleshoot, and understand the underlying logic. However, with the advent of low-code/no-code platforms, the development process has become more streamlined and accessible to a broader audience.

Low-code/no-code platforms are known for their visual workflows, which provide a graphical representation of the application logic and allow stakeholders with varying technical expertise to participate in the development process. This promotes better collaboration and understanding among team members, accelerating the development process and promoting accountability and ownership of the final product. With low-code/no-code platforms, businesses can achieve their desired outcomes more efficiently and effectively.

The Rise of Citizen Developers

Software development was restricted to a select group of specialists in the past due to its inherent complexity. However, low-code/no-code platforms have democratized software creation, empowering individuals across various departments to become citizen developers.

By leveraging their domain knowledge and utilizing intuitive tools provided by low-code/no-code platforms, employees from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the development process. This democratization of software creation fosters innovation and addresses the ongoing challenge of IT talent shortage faced by many organizations.

Overcoming Friction and Technical Debt

In enterprise settings, traditional software development models often need help to meet business users’ agility and customization requirements. Middle-office processes, critical for differentiation, frequently require rapid iteration and adaptation to evolving business conditions. low-code/no-code platforms offer a solution by enabling business users to build workflow automation tailored to their needs.

By reducing reliance on conventional coding methods, organizations can mitigate technical debt and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Moreover, low-code/no-code platforms facilitate closer collaboration between IT and business users, thereby minimizing friction and accelerating the delivery of solutions for long-tail internal workflows.

While the benefits of low-code/no-code platforms are undeniable, security concerns remain paramount. In an era of increasing cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny, organizations cannot afford to compromise on security when adopting low-code/no-code solutions.

Fortunately, leading low-code/no-code platforms prioritize security features and compliance standards to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of applications. From robust authentication mechanisms to comprehensive audit logs, these platforms offer enterprise-grade security capabilities that meet the most stringent requirements of compliance-driven industries.

Looking Ahead

Adopting low-code/no-code platforms represents a paradigm shift in software development, offering organizations a powerful toolkit to drive innovation and efficiency. By democratizing the development process, empowering citizen developers, and addressing technical debt, low-code/no-code platforms are reshaping how businesses create and deploy software.

However, it is essential to recognize that successfully adopting low-code/no-code platforms requires a holistic approach, encompassing technological considerations and cultural and organizational factors. By embracing the principles of collaboration, agility, and security, organizations can unlock the full potential of low-code/no-code platforms and position themselves for success in an increasingly digital world.

Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.

Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.

Other Insights from The Futurum Group:

Application Development and Modernization

The Evolving Role of Developers in the AI Revolution

Revolutionizing Cloud-Native Apps through WebAssembly Development

Author Information

Paul Nashawaty

At The Futurum Group, Paul Nashawaty, Practice Leader and Lead Principal Analyst, specializes in application modernization across build, release and operations. With a wealth of expertise in digital transformation initiatives spanning front-end and back-end systems, he also possesses comprehensive knowledge of the underlying infrastructure ecosystem crucial for supporting modernization endeavors. With over 25 years of experience, Paul has a proven track record in implementing effective go-to-market strategies, including the identification of new market channels, the growth and cultivation of partner ecosystems, and the successful execution of strategic plans resulting in positive business outcomes for his clients.

SHARE:

Latest Insights:

Q2 Results Driven by Improved Server Execution, GreenLake Gains, and Cost Actions
Fernando Montenegro and Krista Case at Futurum examine HPE’s Q2 FY 2025 results, with improved server execution, AI systems traction, and hybrid cloud strength driving upside despite margin pressure and macro headwinds.
Enhancements to the Pega Platform, Pega Blueprint, and AI Agents Are Also Designed To Help Organizations Modernize and Streamline Their Stack and Enable CX, Productivity, and Efficiency Gains Now and in the Future
Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director with Futurum, shares his insights on the news from PegaWorld ‘25 and discusses the potential impact for other platform vendors operating in the market.
Snowflake’s $250 Million Crunchy Data Deal Intensifies Competition With Databricks and Others as the Company Seeks to Power Up Enterprise AI Through Postgres Cloud Innovation
Brad Shimmin, Vice President & Practice Lead, Data and Analytics at Futurum shares his/her insights on Snowflake’s acquisition of Crunchy. Discover how Snowflake’s $250 million Crunchy Data acquisition is set to reshape the AI data platform landscape and intensify the battle for enterprise cloud leadership.
Strong AI Demand and Growth in Electro-Optics and Custom Silicon Drive 63% YoY Revenue Surge
Olivier Blanchard, Research Director at Futurum, unpacks Marvell’s Q1 FY 2026 results, where strong AI demand, custom silicon ramp, and electro-optics gains fuel data center momentum amid cautious sentiment on margin delivery.

Book a Demo

Thank you, we received your request, a member of our team will be in contact with you.