Low-code developers use low-code platforms to reduce business IT costs and automate the development and deployment of applications to the maximum. What are these “no code” low code/no code tools and what is the job of the low code or no code developer? Read on to find out!
What is Low-Code?
Coding applications and software from scratch is a time-consuming process that requires in-depth, specialised knowledge. This is where low-code comes in.
Low-code development platforms and tools can simplify the said process by providing developers with a standardised modular system. The application is run by a graphical user interface (GUI) and is considered to be a needs-based compilation.
Low-code thus increases the speed of software development, reduces costs and partially shifts developer tasks directly to the users.
Low-code vs no-code: what’s the difference?
Essentially, no-code development means low-code development without a programming language.
The providers of such solutions sometimes work with elaborately designed graphical user interfaces to create a replacement for code snippets, but these are usually cumbersome and time-consuming. No-code platforms tend to be easier to use early in the development cycle.
Benefits of working with low-code services
Companies and organisations are now using low-code programming services to create custom applications quickly and with dizzying time-to-market. Mobile apps and business process automations are the most common use cases.
Low-code services allow companies to reduce costs and execution times of the development project. Furthermore, these services generate value through less tangible aspects such as greater transparency and communication between users and programmers.
The creators of low-code platforms seek to offer greater agility and enhance the capabilities of programmers.
The main advantages of low-code services are as follows:
- Shorter development times
- Simpler and more agile maintenance
- Reduced complexity in the development process
- Reduced errors
- Lower costs for software development, implementation and maintenance
- Increased productivity of the IT team
- Greater alignment between user requirements and delivered products
- Greater scalability of improvements and innovations on solutions
According to Gartner, the use of low-code and no-code technologies will triple by 2025. By that year, 70% of new applications developed by organisations will use low-code or no-code technologies.
Furthermore, low-code platforms are quickly becoming the number one tool for startups to use. And seeing as how a record number of people are opting to start a new business every year, the trend of using low-code services is poised to continue.
Low-code and no code tools and platforms
The most popular low-code tools are characterised by reliability and flexibility. Some are focused on facilitating continuous improvement, through the automation of tasks and predictable business processes.
On the other hand, there are platforms focused on accelerating the creation of more complex business applications, with the ability to develop solutions compatible with different devices and operating systems.
Some of the most popular low-code solutions are:
- Mendix
- Flutterflow
- Appsheet
- Outsystems
- Microsoft Power Apps
- Appian
- ZohoCreator
Low-code solutions are focused more on users without programming knowledge. For this reason, they can be less flexible and adaptable, but they allow you to create functional solutions without writing a single line of code.
Web development has been a particularly fertile space for no code, but there are also high-impact business applications.
Some of the best known no code platforms are:
- Google AppSheet
- Typedream
- Bubble app
- Shopify
- Webflow
- Stripe
- Stacker
- AppGyver
- AirTable
- Xano
The difference between low-code developers and classic developers
The best way to understand the difference between a low-code developer and a classic developer is to compare various fields of action and points of work between the two jobs. Let’s take a look down below:
| Low-code developer | Classic developer | |
| Technical requirements | – No need to write code manually. – Knowledge of no-code tools is required to use the functionalities of Visual Development. | – Knowledge and experience in programming languages such as Python, C, Java, C++, C#, JavaScript, etc is required. |
| Education | – A college degree in systems programming is not required. | – Programmers generally have a degree in information systems engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. |
| Time of development | – Websites, software or applications can be developed quickly. | – With traditional programming, the entire development time of a website, app or software usually takes a long time. |
| Mistakes and bugs | – Peace of mind in the face of possible syntax errors as there is no manual programming. | – Manual programming requires bug testing and failure control and testing. |
| Difficulty | – Low-code development is made easier by its drag-and-drop capabilities. – Anyone with an interest can develop with no code programs. | – Software programming is a complex sector that is not accessible to everyone. |
| Scope | – A low-code/no-code developer is a blend of project manager, developer and client all at the same time. | – A software developer focuses on their role of writing clean and functional code, leaving the rest of the functions to other professionals. |
Responsibilities of a low-code developer
A low-code developer, also known as low coder, is in charge of creating software applications using little to no coding. However, this does not mean that this role does not require programming knowledge or developers do not have to comply with the stages of the software development cycle.
Unlike traditional development teams, a low-coder team may have developers with a project manager role. Additionally, in many cases it is not necessary to divide the work of backend and frontend – a low-code developer will work both on the client side (front-end) and on the server side (back-end).
In terms of specific tasks, a low-code developer has responsibilities similar to that of any other developer. The main difference lies in the scope and agility with which a low-code developer can cover the different stages of the development cycle.
What are the duties and tasks of a low-code developer?
- Collaborate with other developers and users to develop applications
- Design prototypes to improve the efficiency of existing solutions and platforms
- Collaborate with users to ensure business requirements are met
- Investigate and analyse business processes, systems and workflows
- Automate and optimise processes to add value
- Develop and maintain applications through software programming
- Document and define the scope and objectives of projects to create systems aligned with business objectives
- Build workflows and diagrams to study capabilities
- Test solutions according to identified needs
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What are the skills needed for low-code development?
A low-code developer needs to have extensive programming knowledge, as well as be able to handle the frameworks required to manage the software development life cycle.
Tools kike Mendix or OutSystems, allow low coders to manage the entire app development life cycle.
They must also possess knowledge of low-code and no-code tools such as Bubble, Flutterflow, Mendix and have a good understanding of the different low-code platforms such as TypeDream and Zapper.
Companies often look for low-code developers with UX / UI experience as well as agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban.
These professionals must have strong project management and problem-solving skills and also have the ability to communicate and work well with others.
Skills of a low-code developer:
- Strong programming knowledge (e.g. Java, Javascript, HTML5, C++, .Net, C#, etc.)
- Experience working with low-code and no-code tools such as Typedream, Bubble, Flutterflow, Mendix, Appsheet, etc.
- Understanding of UI/UX principles, design roadmap and responsive design
- Knowledge of database management
- Management of programming languages such as Java, Javascript, HTML5, C++, etc.
- Knowledge of agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, SaFe, etc.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
- Good attention to detail
- Strong analytical thinking
Looking for a job in Low-Code Development?
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Background and education
Although low code makes development faster and more efficient, this doesn’t mean it’s super easy. Those professionals with great technical skills will have better chances to succeed on low-code platforms when they build enterprise applications.
For this reason, undergraduate studies in Computing and Systems Engineering are often required to fill the position of a low-code developer. Additionally, some companies seek certified professionals in specific frameworks and service standards such as Scrum and ITIL.
Certifications from software companies like Appian, Google, and Microsoft in their respective low-code solutions are also valuable, along with experience working on software development projects.
How long does it take to learn low code? Well, it depends.
Different low-code tools need different levels of technical proficiency: website generators, database builders, API connectors, etc.
Maybe pro developers can learn how to use these platforms more easily. But these highly-skilled developers who use low-code platforms will be limited in programming techniques compared with classic programming languages.
Training in low-code programming has become an alternative to cover the shortage of talent and several companies are training business experts as low-coders.
If you are a skilled programmer or business expert who wants to become a low-code developer, check out the options below for interesting courses that you can take part in:
- Low-code Academy
- Microsoft Low Code Application Development Specialization
- Building no code apps with AppSheet (Google Cloud in Coursera)
- Learn TIBCO BW 5
- Mendix : Low-code Application Development Course
- Fundamentals Of No-Code App Development
In an Appian’s survey in 2019, 79% of IT developers said that low code can improve job satisfaction by reducing pressure, demands and stress in departments.
Salary of a low-code developer
The average salary for a low-code developer is about $83,500 / year in the US. These professionals have a few years of experience and advanced skills. Junior or beginner low-code developers can earn an annual salary of about $66,000. Senior low coders on the other hand can earn up to $133,000 a year.
In the UK, the average range for developers is £29,000 – £65,000 whereas, in Germany, the range is €39,000 – €67,000.
Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on things like education, certifications, skills, etc.
What is the salary of a low-code developer?
| US | $66,000 – $133,000 |
| UK | £29,000 – £65,000 |
| Germany | €39,000 – €67,000 |
What is the salary of a freelance low-code developer?
| Average Hourly Rate of Freelance Low-Code Developers | $99/hour |
On average, freelance low-code developers charge $99/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in October 2022).
Considering an 8-hour working day, the daily rate for freelance low-code developers is around $792/day.
The majority of freelancers with low code skills charge between $64 and $123 per hour.
Will low code replace developers?
Low-code may be on the rise but it certainly won’t replace developers because the demand for developers grows by the day. Rather, low-code development will help free developers from dull and repetitive tasks and will allow them to reach new innovative heights.
