Low-Code/No-Code Development in SaaS: The Future of App Creation

During the last few years, we have observed a significant growth in interest regarding low code no code platforms. It was connected to the reduced budget expenses for the development process, lower expectations for technical knowledge from the actual programmers, and making the process available for everyone interested in SaaS development.

Moreover, this trend shows no signs of slowing down; as per recent statistical research, the global revenue of low-code development will reach 187 billion by 2030. Such a promising start unlocks many possibilities for SaaS startup companies looking for custom solutions. In this case, it’s a way that can drastically revolutionize the existing market.

What Is No-Code/Low-Code Development?

A low code no code development aims to facilitate the existing traditional coding approaches by minimizing or completely erasing traditional coding practices. However, although those two definitions look similar, they are not the same. So, where does the difference between no code and low code lie?

The no-code development represents a special technique that uses solely graphic interface tools, drag-and-drop components, and other internal parts of the program functionality to create a SaaS project.

On the other hand, when talking about the low code development process, the presence of the actual programming is required in moderation. In this apps development scenario, the platform still provides certain parts of the particular interface tools. Still, coding knowledge will be required to accelerate product creation more effectively.

What Are the Main Benefits of Low-Code/No-Code for SaaS?

When discussing the no-code/low-code for SaaS businesses, it’s impossible to disregard the evident advantages it can bring to the software creation process. In SaaS application development, low and no-code platforms play an essential role in creating scalability and agility. In the section below, we would like to present some significant points that prove the platform’s solid contribution.

• Increased time to market. Using no code low code platforms is a secret that can significantly decrease the time required for the project creation. As a result, dozens of hours are saved, and your product will be released to the audience before the deadline.
• Reduced costs. Besides the quicker market release, the low and no-code development can surprise you with the reduced budget expenses. By cutting the budget for extensive coding routines and development recourses, the company will receive a chance to save a significant part of the budget.
• Increased agility and flexibility. Your SaaS development receives a major addition to your further scale and development options. With low-code and no-code platforms, there will be no need to start the development process from scratch. The necessary functionality can be added using proper technologies without significant changes in the internal backend code.
• Development democratization. An approach where advanced technical knowledge doesn’t play a crucial role in creating a decent product leads to development democratization. In this scenario, the non-technical specialists receive an excellent opportunity to significantly impact the technical filling of the project build.
• Focus on core competencies. Constant concerns regarding technical solutions may be replaced by a focus on the product’s goal. The development process can receive a huge upgrade regarding the opportunity to include more creativity.

Low-Code/No-Code: Challenges

Unfortunately, despite their undoubted benefits, the low code no code solutions have drawbacks that can also challenge the company’s development process. Even though these platforms offer a vast range of possibilities, they still have obstacles to consider before the development’s launch. Let’s check some of the potential challenges that low and no-code solutions can bring so that you will be able to leverage those tools without any inconveniences for the project’s success:

• Limitations of no-code/low-code platforms. Despite the convenience and simplicity, the developmental process without actual coding may force you to refuse the idea of complex solutions. No- and low-code platforms are regularly designed to help you create simple solutions, but they may not be suitable for more complicated tasks and ideas.
• Security and compliance issues. Compliance with standards such as GDPR or HIPAA is crucial for the proper perception of the developed product on the market. Unfortunately, the decision to develop the product solely on low or no-code platforms can lead to an absolute inability to satisfy the necessary security and compliance standards.
• Vendor lock-in. Another challenge that is connected to low code and no code development is that the final product may become locked into the vendor. Unfortunately, in many cases, the chosen platform can create dependent circumstances, such as when the product created with the help of the chosen service will be impossible to scale or move to a different environment.
• Skills gap. While the chosen platform may provide your team with enough sources to create the basic solutions, unfortunately, it may not be enough when it comes to the underlying architecture. The creation of custom and complex solutions will require a lot of experience and effort, especially in the field of coding.

Low-Code/No-Code: Best Practices

When talking about the evolving landscape of the low and no-code development market, it’s crucial to understand the hidden potential beneath those platforms. Like with any technique, some approaches can work better in some situations. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the best development practices that will allow you to unlock the potential of the developed product, mitigate any potential risks, and successfully launch the product to the market:

• Identify the right projects. The main point for using the low and no-code platforms is to avoid using them for the creation of complex solutions. These platforms are perfect for the development of internal projects, prototyping solutions, and automation purposes. However, those tools will not suit you if you decide to create a multi-component project with complex architecture from scratch.
• Choose the right platform. Another important point is to choose the platform that suits your specific needs. During the choice, it’s crucial to evaluate factors such as scalability, ease of integration, range of available features, etc.
• Establish management and standards. Transparent management of the chosen platform is another practice that can significantly facilitate the software creation process. Effective management, along with the appropriate standards, helps the leader evaluate progress and mitigate risks effectively.
• Build or hire a skilled team. Although the prioritization of the no-code development will allow you to avoid hiring skilled coders, the project will still need other experienced specialists. Therefore, it’s crucial to engage development specialists who will be able to lead the product in the proper direction.
• Prioritize user experience. Last but not least, a user-centric approach will help you create a product that meets your audience’s expectations. It’s crucial that the final goal is to develop software that will cover the audience’s needs successfully.

Examples of the Successful Low-Code/No-Code Integrations

If you are looking for inspiration regarding successful low and no-code integrations in real business cases, we’ve got you covered as well. There are a lot of inspirational stories when low and no-code stories have proven their value in various business fields. Here are some of the top examples of low and no-code integrations.

Airtable and Slack

We believe that you are familiar with a platform called Slack. This popular communication tool is used in most corporate companies, and it helps teams to communicate within their organizations. During the no-code integration of Slack and Airtable, users received a great chance to track project updates, manage tasks, and make sure that the updates reached the necessary audience.

Salesforce and Zapier

Salesforce is a loud name when it comes to CRM systems. It helps entrepreneurs around the world solve their tasks effortlessly via the convenient SaaS platform. However, along with its integration no-code with Zapier, it became a truly irreplaceable tool that can assist you with task automation, lead management, or data entry.

Bubble and Strype

When talking about low-code integrations, we would like to present you with the effective cooperation of Bubble and Strype. In this case, we are talking about a popular web development platform and a convenient payment system. This cooperation has brought the opportunity for developers to effortlessly integrate payment options into the created products without advanced coding.

The Role of UI/UX Design in Low-Code/No-Code

When talking about no code and low code SaaS UI/UX design, it’s necessary to mention the crucial role of this component for general product development. A user-centric design ensures the correct functioning of the application, boosting user satisfaction, enhances usability, and reduces potential issues during product use.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a service that turns an idea into an effective UI/UX solution, our agency is the number one choice for that matter. With our help, your company will receive excellent consultations regarding the smooth implementation of the desired design solution and their further maintenance for an exceptional user experience.

Future of Low-Code/No-Code

No code and low-code development platform is the unique and revolutionizing tool of modern application development. It offers a wide range of options for flexible and effective application deployment. However, to fully capitalize on the whole pack of advantages, it’s crucial to ensure that experienced professionals make decisions. And that’s when our agency experience comes in. With reliable guidance and tailored solutions, we can solve your needs and avoid obstacles, maximizing results from your low and no-code development.