You may have heard the recent buzz about low-code tools. Are they worth learning how to use? Read on to find out what the hype is all about and how low-code skills could benefit your career.
Think back to a time when your company introduced a new application or online tool that didn’t quite get the job done. It was too inefficient or didn’t seamlessly integrate with your other tools. Maybe you dream of creating your own app with all the features you want and none of the ones you don’t?
The great news is that you can now build applications even if you’re not a software developer. Low/no-code technology enables people without advanced programming skills to design, build and launch apps that can integrate with their company’s existing IT systems. It’s called citizen development and it’s already transforming the way organizations approach software solutions.
what are low-code tools?
Low/no-code tools use pre-coded, drag-and-drop blocks to reduce the need for writing code from scratch. Highly visual user interfaces make it easy to see what you’re building in real time.
Although these tools have been around for a while, the market really started booming during the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of new applications developed with low-code or no-code technologies was expected to triple.
Why? Because low code can add value across the entire organization. The tools take the pressure off the IT department to develop or source every last tech solution. IT teams are already overloaded, and there’s a global shortage of workers with advanced programming skills. One of the biggest benefits of low-code tools, therefore, is that they empower people outside of IT to create solutions that truly meet their needs.
who uses low-code tools?
Everyone and anyone can learn low-code tools. IT teams are increasingly using low-code technology to deploy business solutions faster. However, so-called citizen developers — anyone who doesn’t have formal training in software development — are also leveraging the benefits of low code.
Citizen developers come from many different professional backgrounds such as HR, finance, logistics, healthcare and legal. However, people who are highly suited for low-code development generally have a few common characteristics. They’re usually natural problem-solvers who like learning new skills. While they don’t need coding experience, low-coders tend to have an affinity for technology. Citizen development also works best when those closest to the challenge or the reason the app is being created are the ones steering the solution.
which low-code platform is best?
Learning low code could be a great way to upskill or reskill and advance your career. You might even be able to finally fix the annoying problem that sprang to mind when you first began reading this article. What a relief!
So, how do you know which low-code platform is the best to start learning? Your first stop could be your IT department manager to find out if your organization already has a low/no-code tool. Many enterprises use Microsoft PowerApps, Google AppSheet or Salesforce because employees already have access to the software. If your goal is to deploy an app in your workplace, make sure the tool can integrate into your organization’s existing IT environment, meet security requirements and be maintained by your IT department.
You can also test drive many popular low-code platforms. OutSystems, Betty Blocks and Appian are some of the top-ranked low-code platforms that have free training programs and demos. If you’re learning low/no-code skills independently, you can explore online communities and forums to get free resources and share experiences. Nocode HQ, No-Code Makers and Nucode are a few examples.
Simply put, the best platform is the one that works for you. Try a few out to gauge their user friendliness and capabilities for developing the solutions you need.
Looking for a position where you can put your low-code skills to good use? Browse our job boards to find local and remote opportunities for low-code developers.