What is Low-Code?

Low-Code is an approach to software development that uses visual tools and pre-configured templates to create applications quickly, with little to no coding required.

When we think of Low-Code, we think of simplicity. This application development methodology enables teams to build digital solutions with minimal coding.

Low-Code also means agility. Instead of writing code line by line, as in traditional development, developers use graphical interfaces, automated workflows, and prebuilt components. These tools make the process more accessible, agile, and efficient, allowing people with different levels of technical expertise to contribute to solution development.

When we talk about Low-Code, we also talk about efficiency. Users can develop new processes and applications without extensive coding or script testing, increasing productivity while minimizing the margin of error.

Finally, Low-Code fosters engagement, as platforms provide a visual development environment with intuitive drag-and-drop features. This means that anyone in your company can design and create business applications without requiring extensive technical skills or coding knowledge.

In summary, the key characteristics of this methodology include:

• Visual Interface with intuitive tools and drag-and-drop functionality.
• Automation of repetitive tasks, reducing the time spent on routine programming work.
• Customization, offering flexibility for specific adjustments, using code only when necessary.
• Seamless integration, facilitated by easy connection with APIs and existing systems.

The Evolution of Low-Code Technologies

Around the 1990s, the market was eager for technological innovation that would enable greater agility in application development. In response to this growing need, the first Low-Code-based applications began to emerge during this time—these were known as RAD (Rapid Application Development). RAD was a set of simple programs that allowed users to build desktop applications using a visual model-based architecture.

Mobile platforms only started to appear in the 2000s. During this period, Paulo Rosado, who was in the United States pursuing a postgraduate degree, returned to Portugal and founded OutSystems, the company that revolutionized the enterprise software world and initiated the evolution of Low-Code applications—features that would later earn it the status of “Portuguese unicorn.”

The first development platforms, such as OutSystems and Mendix, for example, which would later become known under the term “Low-Code” by leading software publications such as Gartner, began gaining popularity in the early 2010s. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that their adoption grew exponentially.

Low-Code Technologies Available in the Market

Nearly 20 years have passed since the emergence of the first Low-Code platforms, and since then, many new solutions have appeared, in addition to our well-known “Portuguese unicorn.” Today, there are numerous Low-Code solutions available in the market, including Mendix, Microsoft PowerApps, and Appian, to name a few key players.

As with many other aspects of our daily lives, we know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a reliable partner in accelerating the development of Low-Code solutions. With AI’s assistance, it will be easier to identify and overcome obstacles and coding errors that any developer may encounter.

In the race to accelerate innovation and increase competitiveness, more and more companies across various industries are adopting Low-Code, viewing it as the future of application development and automation.

Has the “need for speed” ever been as urgent as it is in today’s increasingly complex business world?

How Low-Code Improves Business Operations, Especially with OutSystems

The business world is constantly evolving, and the speed at which new products and services are launched has become a crucial competitive factor. Low-Code solutions, such as OutSystems, enable companies to achieve this growth and innovation within a short period of time. The OutSystems platform is more than just a development tool—it is an accelerator for digital transformation.

This tool allows businesses to innovate, quickly adapt to changes, and stay competitive by providing them with the ability to develop products and solutions without requiring deep programming knowledge or extensive, highly specialized IT teams dedicated solely to these types of projects. This accessibility makes OutSystems a strategic choice in today’s business landscape. Additionally, the OutSystems platform allows for seamless integration with other methodologies, making the development process even faster.

Let’s look at a practical example:

Imagine an insurance company wants to promote a new product and, for that, it needs to develop a simulator. If it relied on a traditional technology, the development process would likely take months or even years to complete. This delay in development and implementation would have a direct impact on sales, as the application would not be available and fully functional in time.

With OutSystems, however, the same application could be developed and deployed in weeks, with the ability to integrate with other systems.

Low-Code and OutSystems: The Path to Business Innovation

My world wasn’t always in technology—until 2018, when I had the opportunity to join an OutSystems bootcamp. At the time, OutSystems was still a relatively unknown technology, but it promised to be innovative in the market and at the forefront of business innovation.

After three months, I completed the bootcamp, where I learned general and fundamental programming concepts and became certified as an OutSystems Developer. While it does not require extensive knowledge of IT systems or deep expertise in programming languages, Low-Code still relies on logical and mathematical foundations.

In summary, Low-Code is a powerful solution for accelerating digital transformation, reducing costs, and making software development more collaborative and accessible. Considering the market’s speed and the need for businesses to adapt, Low-Code enables companies to become more agile, innovative, and cost-efficient.

After a long journey of transformation in Low-Code development, OutSystems has now become one of the most recognized and widely adopted platforms in the business world.

Raquel Barreiras, OutSystems Developer at Neotalent Conclusion