Coding applications and software from scratch requires in-depth specialized knowledge and a lot of time. Low-code platforms help in simplifying this process. According to the experts at Revature, low-coding tools and platforms provide developers with a standardized modular system. Such applications are run by a graphical user interface (GUI) and are usually considered to be a needs-based compilation. Low-code basically increases the speed of software development, cuts down the expenses involved, and partially shifts developer tasks directly to the users.
Revature provides a general overview of low code development
Low-code tools fit into the development ecosystem as a complement to the traditional development process, rather than being a replacement. Much like in traditional development, one may have to select a front-end framework that differs from what they opted for the backend; people may use low code to boost the overall development, but may always extend it with traditional code. Using traditional coding is especially a good idea when faced with very specific or advanced use cases.
Broadly speaking, low-code developers are usually in charge of developing software applications using very little to no coding. But this does not mean that this role does not require programming expertise or these developers do not have to follow the stages of the software development cycle. In fact, companies like Revature proactively work towards training emerging talent in high-demand software skills, including low-code, to fill industry talent gap. Low-code developers must have a good about of programming knowledge, along with the capability to handle frameworks required to manage the software development life cycle.
Unlike traditional development teams, low-coding teams might have developers with a project manager role. Moreover, there is no such necessity to divide the work of backend and frontend in such teams. A low-code developer can work both on the server side (back-end). And the client side (front-end). The core duties and responsibilities of a low-code developer include:
- Collaborating with other developers and users for developing applications
- Designing prototypes in order to increase the efficiency of existing platforms and systems
- Collaborating with users to make sure that the business requirements are met
- Investigating and analyzing workflows, systems and business processes
- Automating and optimizing processes in order to add value
- Developing and maintaining applications with software programming
- Documenting and defining the scope and objectives of projects for creating systems aligned with business objectives
- Developing workflows and diagrams for studying capabilities
- Testing solutions as per the identified needs
To become a low-code developer one needs to have a robust programming knowledge, especially Java, Javascript, HTML5 and so on. They also need to have a good understanding of working with low-code and no-code tools, UI/UX principles, design roadmap as well as creating a responsive design. Knowledge of agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, SaFe, etc, along with database management is also pretty important for a low-code developer. In addition to such technical expertise and knowledge, to efficiently succeed in their career, low-code developers would also need a variety of soft skills. These soft skills include strong analytical thinking, good attention to detail, effective communication and teamwork skills, and strong problem-solving skills.
