The importance of low-code app skills in today’s market

July 27, 2018

7 min read

Companies everywhere are enjoying the many benefits of using low-code or no-code apps. A low-code development platform like Quickbase allows users to create their own apps using an intuitive point-and-click editor that requires much less coding knowledge than traditional app-building approaches, and often does not require coding knowledge at all.

Organizations that could make good use of having a low-code app builder on the team:

Have a need for rapid app-building
Manage multiple apps
Have a backlog of apps that need to be built
Have leaders that mandate the use of mobile apps
Need apps that work on all mobile platforms, and want to build an app once that works across all devices
Make use of life cycle management techniques

A low-code or no-code app builder can provide solutions to all of these scenarios. No-code technology has enabled companies to make faster updates and speed up responsiveness, which contributes to increased customer satisfaction and engagement. Employees who hone their skills as no-code app builders are turning heads in their organizations, and being noticed for the value they bring to their team, the business, and customers.

What does a no-code app builder do?

A no-code web application builder or developer, is typically someone who has a fundamental understanding of business processes, and possesses at least basic technical skills. These individuals can provide highly customized options that fit the business’ exact processes, and they are not limited to one department or specific area of expertise. These professionals are often supported by a low-code application building platform that allows them to enact change and improve business processes.

Low-code app-building platforms and tools

Low-code platforms used by application builders are valuable to members of the IT team as well, and are eliminating the IT skills gap. You don’t need to know a specific coding language in order to create a custom app, which means that more developers can contribute to a project. In some cases, non-technical team members and stakeholders will be able to participate in the building process with IT. This also means shortening the time it takes for IT support to make changes to your app. IT backlogs shrink with a common infrastructure and shorter lead times. Best of all, when an app is built once, it can be deployed on desktop and mobile (without rebuilding), and functions across all devices. Convenience, speed, and accessibility are the hallmarks of low-code software.

The most marketable tech skills

Taking a look at the most marketable skills in the field of tech can highlight the reasons why learning to use a low-code platform can give employees a major advantage in the job market. These are a few of the skills that are highly sought after in the tech world today:

Software development. There is widespread need for people who are able to write new software and create new programs for organizations.
Project management. With more advanced and complex projects comes the need for more nuanced management. A well-thought-out app can provide the tools needed.
Web development. There is always plenty of demand for people who have the skills needed to build a website.
Analytics. A wealth of data means that data needs to be collected and organized into understandable metrics. Analysts are always in high demand.
Database management. The growth of Big Data also means that database management is highly in demand.
Security. Security is always of paramount importance when so much vital information is kept in cloud-based systems.

A no-code web application builder can help companies gain versatile solutions in these areas. An employee who can get involved with no-code or low-code applications demonstrates that they can contribute to related tasks. Low-code apps are tremendously useful in the project and database management realms, but they can also be included in analytics work, security, and software development. There’s no doubt that being proficient in low-code development and related skills can give you a competitive edge in the workplace.

Benefits to learning low-code app development

Put simply, you should be familiar with low-code app development because it’s the way of the future. These platforms are considered the fastest and most efficient means of production that can foster the most creativity and innovation across teams and entire organizations. It’s important that both software engineers and no-code app builders, sometimes called “citizen developers,” learn more about low-code platforms so they aren’t left behind as companies move into the future of low-code development.

Low-code platforms save companies a lot of time and money, so it’s quite likely that if your company heavily relies on the use of apps or project management tools, they will start using low-code platforms soon if they haven’t already. Becoming familiar with low-code app development will ensure that you have a place at the table and can make valuable contributions to your team.

Lean more about Quickbase app builders who are using their knowledge to better their workplaces:

Why companies are welcoming low-code development

With more companies seeing the clear benefits of low-code app development and integrating it into their processes. There are plenty of entry points for digital businesses offering point solutions, meaning that new technologies and services are available at every turn with the promise of solving one of the many problems, pain points, or improvements on your long list. This promise is extremely difficult to uphold because most point solutions are not easily customizable. They may operate with countless siloed tools, creating more challenges than solutions in terms of productivity, your data, and collaboration.

To cut through some of the red tape, businesses are choosing to build their own custom low-code applications to get ahead of the competition and, as traditional approaches to application building just aren’t allowing companies to compete, demand for custom apps is higher than ever. The Quickbase application building platform is invaluable for companies of all sizes, as well as IT leaders who are faced with increased demands and shrinking talent pools. Quickbase empowers more employees to take part in the development process and may negate the need to hire more people. It also allows companies to decrease the number of low-priority projects that are taking up IT staff time.

Why more IT teams are getting on board

Some software engineers have the misconception that low-code app-building is only for non-traditional developers who work in a line of business function. But in many cases, building stable, useful apps with speed and efficiency requires the talent of a team, and that team should include software engineers. The function of low-code platforms is to represent the underlying code with visual tools so that software engineers and other team members can understand each other and have some common ground to work from and share ideas. Software engineers should also consider that using low-code platforms eliminates the middleman between themselves and the users, streamlining the process of developing solutions. Another bonus is that less coding means the potential for fewer bugs, leaving software engineers free to focus their expertise on other projects and tasks.

Professionals who are not software engineers or IT staff should have a vested interest in low-code development, too. Being able to contribute to app development allows you to display a broad range of skills and showcase new areas in which your knowledge can be used to better your organization. Taking part in something outside your traditional area of expertise shows a willingness to learn, demonstrates flexibility, and allows you to hone your problem-solving skills. Learning to build low-code apps facilitates collaboration and shows that you’re a team player ready to step outside your comfort zone to contribute and get the job done faster and more efficiently.

Expand the skills of the workforce, rather than the workforce

Low-code applications allow you to expand the knowledge base of your workforce and empower employees to grow their skills and apply them to continuously improve the way they work. Low-code applications can be a great equalizer for teaching new skills and allowing more team members to contribute to processes. For those who are committed to having a truly diverse workforce, education and skill-building opportunities must be accessible to all; it gives many employees the chance to reskill and upskill, opening up new opportunities for them. A business culture that motivates and promotes a desire for personal and professional growth is sure to fill with enthusiastic and self-motivated employees.

With greater accessibility, greater team contributions, more efficiency, and a bridging of skill gaps, it’s no wonder that so many companies value low-code application-building platforms. With the many opportunities it offers, employees everywhere will benefit from a willingness to learn more about low-code development. They’ll be up-to-date with the latest trends, be more valuable, better educated, and more flexible. See what our low-code platform can do for you and your company today with a free trial.