The low-code/no-code (LCNC) revolution is in full swing, and, despite first impressions, it's not something that professional developers need to fear. In fact, the growing prominence of LCNC platforms can help even the savviest coder.
These platforms help "amateur developers" and allow more individuals and business users than ever to create professional applications without years of technical training. According to Gartner, 80% of technology products and services will be built by those who are not technology professionals by 2024.
Professional developers' concerns and worries were considerable when LCNC platforms first debuted a couple of decades back. I read many stories about how these technological developments spelled the end for many. These concerns were unfounded as demand for professional developers remains at an all-time high.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for programming, computer, and information technology occupations will grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, many CIOs report struggles to hire developers to meet their project needs. Rather than ending prospects for professional developers, LCNC seems to have helped push their demand (and their work) to new heights.
Here are a few ways that I have found how LCNC platforms can help empower professional developers.
LCNC ENABLES MORE MEANINGFUL WORK
These days, not much stays the same – especially technology. As LCNCs gain traction and usage, they will tackle some jobs that used to require professional developers. But rather than obsoleting developers, it enables them to work on newer projects. The work that is needed by professionals shifts; it doesn't disappear.
Looking at history, this is a common trend in the technology industry. For example, think about how different software development was ten years ago. Processes for writing and developing applications in JavaScript, Python, and other codes have undergone updates and transformations. What was once cutting-edge work for developers is sometimes now the antiquated training ground for new learners. While LCNC represents a more prominent shift, the overall trend looks to continue.
DEMOCRATIZATION OF APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT WITH LCNC
Prior to the "democratization" of software development, writing enterprise programs required lengthy and meticulous work done by developers. Each line of code was hand-written, and a single mistake could result in hours, weeks, or months of trying to troubleshoot the issue. LCNC platforms remove these difficulties and enable more professional-grade applications to go out the door than ever before. Schneider Electric launched 60 apps in 20 months, with most programs created under ten weeks, thanks to the advances in LCNC and the reduction in meticulous work required.
Especially with demand for professional developers at an all-time high, these efficiencies enable them to get more done with less effort. LCNC helps programmers create professional, cloud-ready applications with advanced security and high-performance features.
As these platforms enable amateur developers, I firmly believe they will also empower full-time programmers to tackle bigger software challenges.
ENHANCED CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING WITH LCNC
A recent survey evaluated what job factors professional developers valued the most. Among work flexibility and balance, high-ranking factors included the ability to work on growth opportunities for professional advancement. Through LCNC, developers have the chance to pursue these options.
47% of developers said they lacked the tools to build applications and products quickly enough to build deadlines. As LCNC enables applications to be built faster, the free time allows developers to meet expectations and pursue new endeavors. From enhancing JavaScript coding skills to creating new applications through these platforms, developers have more freedom than they did previously.
DON’T FEAR LCNC, EMBRACE IT
The LCNC platform revolution represents a change in an industry where disruption is the norm. While this change focuses more on professional developers than previous innovations, it is not something they need to fear. Instead, LCNC platforms provide a way for developers to get more done, faster, with less work required. If you have any questions about how LCNC can help your organization drive its vision into action, send me a message and let's connect.