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Low-code development with Microsoft Power Apps

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Article from ADMIN 78/2023

By Joydip Kanjilal

If the IT staff is having trouble keeping up with the demand for custom applications, end users can pitch in with low-code programming tools like Microsoft Power Apps.

Low-code and no-code methodologies allow users to build applications with no or minimal coding skills. These approaches leverage declarative programming, abstracting the challenges of conventional programming.

The biggest difference between low-code and no-code platforms is that low-code provides the option to add code manually, if necessary, whereas no-code platforms abstract the code entirely. Low-code tools typically offer visual interfaces, pre-built components, and access to code libraries, allowing developers to create applications by easily dragging and dropping elements and connecting data sources. Some popular low-code platforms include Appian, Mendix, OutSystems, and Microsoft Power Apps [1].

The goal of no-code platforms is to allow the non-technical user to create basic applications or automate processes without support from IT or development staff. No-code tools make extensive use of visual modeling and pre-built templates. Examples of no-code platforms are: Airtable, Bubble, Glide, Webflow, and Zapier.

Skillful use of low-code and no-code programming can improve time to market, increase agility, enhance collaboration, and reduce costs. However, as you might expect, low-code and no-code techniques are not right for every project. In some scenarios, low-code and no-code can limit flexibility, reduce scalability, inhibit integration with legacy systems, and promote vendor lock-in. Typical uses for low-code methods include handling complex processes, system integration, and custom logic. No-code platforms are often used for prototyping, automating repetitive tasks, and building small applications.

Table 1 shows some of the key differences between low-code and no-code platforms.

Table 1

Low-Code vs. No-Code

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