Now recognized as a standard approach to web and mobile development, Low code has established itself as a long-lasting solution within companies. What is "Low code"? Low code is a development method that enables software applications to be designed faster without comprise on quality. Aimed at IT departments and thus IT developers, Low code is characterized by a more visual approach, significantly reducing the amount of code developers need to write themselves. Instead of coding each functionality from scratch, developers use platforms that offer intuitive graphical interfaces and pre-configured blocks, thereby eliminating repetitive tasks. Gartner predicts that by 2024, over 65% of application development activities will be conducted using Low code platforms.

The debate between Low code and classic development is gaining momentum.

Where is the Low code value?

Let's see why Low code is becoming the preferred choice for many developers and organizations.

01. Development speed:

Low code platforms significantly reduce the number of steps required to build applications. With drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, developers can build applications much faster than with traditional methods. This is further enhanced by visual development environments that make it easy to define the user interface and add dynamic functionalities.

02. Ease of maintenance:

Applications built on Low code platforms are generally easier to update and manage because they rely on modular components that can be individually updated without impacting the entire system.

03. Automation of developers :

Automated tools assist in building the application, maintaining it, and testing the final version.

04. Back-end integration:

Low code platforms facilitate integration with existing systems, databases, and external services of the company. Numerous connectors are available to extract data from various sources, including integrations with systems like SAP, web services, and platforms such as Baserow, Salesforce, Twitter, and Office365.

05. Alignment with DevOps practices:

Low code platforms align well with modern DevOps practices, especially continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), reducing application time-to-market.

06. Use of artificial intelligence:

The integration of AI into Low code platforms enables the automatic generation of application components and assists developers in writing custom code, using tools like Copilot. Most Low code platforms share these characteristics, but they differ from one another. Some focus more on the front-end part, while others emphasize the back-end part, prioritizing connectors. Others, like Convertigo, offer a complete solution and are often referred to as "Fullstack" platforms.

Use cases:

Redesigning an application previously built with standards frameworks with an Enterprise Low code platform is probably one of the best social proofs regarding the value of these platforms. Fnac-Darty, a major retailer, used Convertigo Low code studio to rebuild one of the most strategic B2E processes: a digital point of sale. Bookplanet, a software provider, used Convertigo Low code studio to rebuild their B2C application, aimed to encourage reading among students.

1) Retail use case

The goal for Fnac-Darty was to enable salespeople to present products, check stock levels, and complete transactions through tablets, connected to the company’s backend system.

Why Low code?

→ Integration Seamless integration with web services and APIs. Functionalities like scanning and NFC for payments directly into the application.

→ Customization Convertigo allows custom coding when necessary, ensuring that developers have solutions for specific needs.

→ Maintainability Applications built on Low code platforms are generally easier to maintain and update and evolutions can be made quickly.

Key results:

→ The same application, hosted On Premises and deployed across 216 stores, was completed in ¼ of the time and cost of the initial application.

→ Used by 3,000 people daily and responsible for 75% of in-store sales and 65% of Click & Collect.

2) B2C use case

The goal for Bookplanet was to rebuild a user-friendly application where scanning a book's ISBN would provide users with a wealth of information, from the author's biography to multimedia content and reader reviews.

Why Low code?

→ Backend capabilities Creation of a vast library and the querying of extensive book-related information through efficient API calls and database integrations.

→ Speed A brand-new design has been made by Warren Walter and the implementation was quicker than before.

Key results:

→ Project deployed, including project management, in 2 months.

→ The back office is completely customizable without additional costs, with Baserow, the integrated No code database.

→ The application can serve thousands of users.

This demonstrates how Low code platforms can serve as a robust tool in redefining the development of B2E and B2C applications, with the same quality than classic development, providing a solid return on investment.