Deliver UI faster and more efficiently with low-code platforms
In today's world, where technology used for software development gradually evolves into different worlds, new concepts arise that push the boundaries. Developing software without writing code was considered impossible and restrictive by many until recently. Today, however, we know low-code is here to stay and according to Gartner 65% of application development in 2024 will be done in no-code/low-code.
The complete digital experience
When we talk about extending of low-code through high code, it’s often about the back-end. However, the front-end should not be forgotten. UX design is important to provide positive user experience and acceptance from the end-user of an application. The extensibility of low-code by combining the front-end and back-end allows any low-code developer to create a more complete digital experience on a low-code platform.
Out-of-the-box UI Frameworks and best practices
Nowadays it is possible to develop an application with a low-code platform with a modern UX design for customers and employees.
The low-code platforms offer ready-to-use UI frameworks and best practices. Enhanced design capabilities allow users to easily design their app with drag and drop components. This results in a tremendous time saving.
Platform built-in standards help front-end developers to easily integrate new UXs into existing front-ends. The result: faster and more efficient delivery of user interfaces that look good and are easy to use.
Front-end extensibility
One of the strengths of low-code platforms is that they have a lot of options for extensibility. It does not lock developers into a limited number of building blocks, modules and components. Developers can extend the front-end with custom code using their coding skills. This makes it possible to integrate a specific UX feature into your application, if it is not provided out-of-the-box by the low-code platform.
CSS extensibility
Developers with CSS knowledge can easily customize the styling of individual elements. It is also possible to make global changes on the look and feel of the application using CSS. However, in some cases customizations with CSS are not enough to meet the specifications that are desired. In this case you can choose to extend the existing component with properties or develop a custom component.
Extend with properties
Existing components can also be customized by setting extended properties. By configuring your own properties, from the graphical interface of the low-code solution, you can apply a certain style to an existing component with a few clicks.
Custom components
If you need a special UX feature that is not provided out-of-the-box by the low-code platform. Then you can develop a custom component as a solution. A custom component is developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript / TypeScript. Most low-code platforms use the JavaScript framework React. In addition to front-end knowledge, it is also important that you have knowledge of the low-code platforms take on extending the functionality.
The ability to develop a custom component also allows you to extend your application with web components. This ensures that you can use an application built with a low-code platform more widely within an enterprise.
The main advantages of using low-code are:
- Fast: You can develop your own application with drag and drop components without lengthy design and development processes.
- Scalable: Low-code platforms have the potential to scale very quickly. You can easily extend your application with more functionality.
- Flexible and modular: Low-code platforms are flexible and modular. You can develop your application as you wish.
- User experience: Each platform offers tools to help you develop a visually appealing application. You don't need to know any code.
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