As the topic suggests the word “open”. The only thing that comes to mind is that there is software with a source code. Anyone can inspect, enhance, or change. This could be any software that users can review and adapt. Since there’s no exclusive control with the creators.
“Source code” in basic terms is that part of the software that almost all computer users don’t ever see. Computer programmers manipulate their code to change. They see how a piece of software, i.e. program/application works. Programmers have access to a computer program’s source code. They can improve the program by adding certain features to it. Also, fixing parts that might not work appropriately.
How Is Open Source Software Different From Others?
Any software with source code that the creators/organizations have exclusive control over is “proprietary” or “closed source” software. With this, only the original authors of proprietary software can copy, inspect or alter that software. Even if this proprietary software is available for others. They can only do things with the permission of the software’s authors. An example of such software is Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Both software provides their users with only limited options. In terms of its usage.
On the other hand, open-source software helps computer users. They provide permission to use the software for any purpose they wish to. This gives the users full freedom. Also, the ability to change it according to their particular requirements/needs.
Low-Code Development Platforms
Low-code platforms do not need the user to have a traditional coding background. They can help anyone hoping to develop coding platforms. Whether they have the required technical expertise.
In such a platform, you can create and update a wide range of applications. Relatively in a short amount of time, that requires minimal programming. Moreover, these platforms use a visual development approach. Whereby, a graphical interface (GUI) pairs with precompiled models. They make it easy to drag/drop components in the process of building applications with speed.
A low-code platform, in particular, uses visual modeling tools. This is to reduce the amount of coding required in the application creation process. TThese tools are enterprise-level. Offers an architecturally complex framework in half the time. Also, facilitating the assembly and usage of components.
Here the entire application development process can be streamlined. By anyone and everyone involved in the process. Additionally, enabling the usage of scripting, business analysis, and process modeling techniques.
Low-Code Vs No-Code
In comparison with low-code, there also exists the option of using a no-code platform. These platforms offer step-by-step visual development. It helps a wide array of business professionals act as developers. All they need is an understanding of spreadsheet skills.
No-code platforms have menus or wizards. Tools that require the user to ‘point’ and ‘click’. With the added ability to include automatically generated user interfaces. Bare minimum requirements for implementation. All in all, the entire development process simplifies to a great extent.
So what kind of platform works best for you?
To answer that question. You would need to evaluate the skills of your team and consider their capabilities.
A low-code development platform intends to help accelerate development. Whereas, a no-code platform designs to facilitate the integration of non-technical users into the development process.
Yet, both these platforms need a certain level of knowledge of the process. To configure the application and its functionalities. All this also requires an understanding of the IT world. But, someone not having the required knowledge. They can also use the platforms to develop their skills. They can create an understanding of the development/coding area necessary.
Importance Of Information Technology In Business World
Why Do You Need A Low-Code Platform?
You’re getting up-to-date with what low-code platforms are all about. You’re also now probably wondering what’s the point? Why would an enterprise even need low-code platforms?
Let us answer that question for you.
Less code = less bugs = more quality
With a platform that isn’t jumbled up in codes. Follows a rather straightforward trajectory, low-code offers users high-quality output with minimal issues.
Solutions delivered in half the time
A simplified platform offers you solutions quickly. Without the hassle of having to wait for huge amounts of time for the entire coding process to conclude.
Seamless integration
If you choose to integrate this with an open-source platform. Then, you also have the added option of integrating this with the in-house tech ecosystem. Moreover, they easily establish connections. With a wide variety of other platforms/tools. Without going through the hassle of creating these connections.
Easy application development
Low-code platforms offer users to develop applications. Those that are inexpensive. They can be utilized by all and any stakeholders.
Time-to-value ratio improved
Since the amount of effort put into the process is low. There is a higher chance of the output. Giving out more value for the amount of time that’s put into the entire development process.
Real-time insights
By incorporating a simplified structure you gain easy access to not just data. Also, Artificial Intelligence to understand that data. All this data is serviced in minutes and offers insights. This enables rapid decision-making. This incorporates any details that the organization is hoping to learn more about.
Pre-templates and components
What enables all the above is the presence of many pre-built templates. Also, the components provide users with the foundations. On which they can build their structures. With these templates and the accompanying components. You have a sound base to work forward from, leading to an improvement in business agility. More on, bringing about an advancement in the quality of content.
Open Source Low-Code Platforms
Now that we’ve convinced you to get onboard to the importance of open-source platforms. let’s explore some best Open-source low-code platforms. You can integrate them into your organizations.
VisionX:
Think of it as a cross-functional, cross-platform tool. It can help create applications. On all three foundations i.e. desktop, web, and mobile for both local and cloud deployments. More so, it provides open-source Java frameworks and libraries for wider access. This also makes it compatible with any major database.
It does not just offer a huge dataset. Also, enables users to monitor the performance of applications being created. While assisting in the automatic testing of graphical interfaces (GUI). Also, providing a holistic experience for the user.
Skyve:
Compatible with a wide array of database systems and many functionalities. This particular platform gives users the space. To use several sets, browsers, and hardware devices. Moreover, provides various designs, action tools, secured connections among many other things. All of which ease the development of applications.
Add a wide range of built-in open-source libraries. Coupled with a systematic framework, and you have a full-fledged platform.
Rintagi:
However, If you’re looking for niche development software. Which can assist in the creation of CRM systems, ERP tools, or any other similar products. Then this platform is the one for you. The platform offers you the ability to have weekly updates of your work. Which facilitates the adaptation of processes of organizations to it.
With constant updates, you’re able to inculcate any organizational changes. Also, help the system to adapt to your changing needs.
Conclusion
As the world moves ahead and organizations keep on evolving their IT processes and areas. Yet, there is a continuing need for organizations to dive into stranger waters. Also, learn these new processes in an attempt to stay afloat with the rest of their competition.
Not only is this a decision that must be made by the leaders. Also, it involves the training and development of resources and employees. To meet the developing IT needs of the organization.
With the usage of Open Source low-code platforms. You’re kickstarting your journey. Integrating yourself with the development platforms at large. Moreover, creating a product for your organization. This will only enable further growth for you.