Unveiling the Core Concepts of Low-Code App Builders
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12 mins

Unveiling the Core Concepts of Low-Code App Builders

Ivan Kuplevich
By
Ivan Kuplevich
October 2, 2023

Low-code app builders are steadily reshaping the technological landscape on a grand scale, and this watershed moment in the tech industry is underpinned by their increasing adoption worldwide. Often regarded as game-changers, these tools are integral to unlocking newfound levels of creativity and productivity, paving the way for enhanced business automation. But on what fundamental concepts does this groundbreaking technology rest? This article will pursue a deep dive into the primary logical elements that prop up the innovative fabric of a low-code app builder. Understanding these pillars underlines not only its impressive operational ease but also its capacity to revolutionize the creation and deployment of web and mobile apps.

Low-code app builders

Data Storage

img IX mining rig inside white and gray room
Data Storage

Nothing can be accomplished in the digital realm without data, be it in its raw form or processed. Similarly, a low-code app builder also rests on the cornerstone of robust data storage. This paramount component ties to the capacity of low-code platforms to connect dynamically to databases or data sources without the need for substantial coding. By natively tying into these data sources, the platforms can operate seamlessly, ensuring smooth storage, frequent retrieval and data processing requirements. Further, the data tucked away in these repositories can be accessed, analyzed, and harnessed to set off predefined actions within the app, enhancing its usability and function.

Drag and Drop Interfaces

Drag and drop interfaces in action (UI Bakery)

Visuals simplify, and there's no better proof of this statement than drag and drop interfaces - a trademark feature of low-code app builders. Eliminating the need for line-after-line coding, these user-friendly interfaces facilitate the construction of app interfaces. By providing developers with a 'toolbox' of premade elements, these platforms make app building a breeze. These elements - such as tables, forms, charts, and detailed specifications - can be selected and placed on the application interface as required. This interactive methodology not only speeds up the development process but also democratizes it, opening app building to a broader audience beyond seasoned coders.

Integrations with Other Systems

No system exists in total isolation, and the same goes for apps built through low-code platforms. One of the brilliant innovation pieces of these builders is to enable integrations with other existing applications or systems within a business organization seamlessly. This integration capacity breaks down siloes, fostering harmonious data sharing and workflow coordination across diverse business process applications. Couple this with low-code platforms' inherent ability to import and export data across different environments, and you have an interconnected ecosystem that's optimized and efficient.

Business Logic Execution Runtime

man operating laptop on top of table

A business is as good as the decisions it makes, and these decisions stem from underlying business logic. True to this fact, low-code platforms have encapsulated a feature recognized as business logic execution runtime. This potent functionality enables the mapping, visualization, and most importantly, the execution of defined business processes and workflows. The straightforward nature of this functionality ensures that the baked-in operational processes align tightly with an organization's strategic objectives, fine-tuning the application to serve concrete business needs.

Code Interpretation Environment

Code Interpretation Environment (UI Bakery)

While low-code platforms dramatically reduce the need for extensive coding, they do not entirely rule out the option. Equipped with a code interpretation environment, they allow developers to inject custom code when necessary - a capability that significantly enhances the app's functionality and flexibility. This environment then translates the injected code, facilitating the performance of complex tasks which are not directly executable through the drag-and-drop interface. This winning blend ensures that low-code platforms balance simplicity with the power of personalization and bespoke development.

App Deployment and Execution Environment

Execution environment of an app (UI Bakery)

A well-designed app amounts to nothing if it cannot be deployed and executed efficiently. Hence, complementing the low-code platforms' robust building environment is a simplified execution environment. This runtime environment facilitates the app's deployment, allowing the finished product to be published, tested, and executed with relative ease. The conversion of abstract application design into concrete application running on any platform is thus accomplished without complications, offering a seamless solution for the management of the application post-development.

Conclusion

The main logical blocks we've dissected throughout this piece showcase the precisely thought-out and efficient machinery that drives low-code app builders. These drivers enable the swift creation of responsive web apps, making high-quality app development accessible even to those with minimal coding skills. The potential unlocked by these nimble technologies is vast - they stand as powerful enablers of digital transformation, allowing businesses to supercharge their productivity, ramp down development costs, and keep the wheels of innovation turning perpetually. With such broad and profound impacts, it's no surprise that low-code app development is rapidly becoming the new normal in our increasingly digital world.

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