Low-Code Platform
Definition
A Low-Code Platform enables users to create applications using visual interfaces and minimal coding, accelerating development and innovation.
Use Cases
- Siemens: Rapid creation of internal apps to digitize shop-floor and business processes — Siemens adopted Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps and Power Automate) with governance and reusable components so business teams could build apps while IT managed security, environments, and connectors. (Faster delivery of internal tools and process automation through citizen development, reducing reliance on fully custom development for many departmental workflows.)
- BASF: Building internal workflow and data-collection apps for operational teams — BASF used Microsoft Power Apps with standard connectors (for example, Microsoft 365 and data sources such as Dataverse/SharePoint) and Power Automate for approvals and notifications, supported by a central enablement model. (Quicker rollout of departmental applications and improved process consistency by standardizing common app patterns and automations.)
- Smartsheet: No-code/low-code app creation for teams to manage projects and operational workflows — Smartsheet provides a low-code/no-code platform where users build solutions using sheets, forms, automations, and dashboards; organizations typically combine it with governance controls and integrations to core systems. (Teams can launch workflow solutions quickly and iterate without waiting for full software development cycles, improving visibility and coordination.)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: Amazon Honeycode
- Azure: Microsoft Power Apps
- GCP: AppSheet
- OCI: Oracle APEX
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a Low-Code Platform and a no-code platform?
- Low-code platforms minimize coding but still allow (and sometimes require) code for advanced logic, custom UI, integrations, or performance tuning. No-code platforms aim to avoid code entirely and are usually more limited in customization. In practice, many products support both styles depending on how complex your app becomes.
- When should I use a Low-Code Platform?
- Use low-code when you need to deliver internal tools or workflow apps quickly (forms, approvals, dashboards), when requirements change often, or when business teams can build with IT oversight. It’s a strong fit for departmental apps, prototypes/MVPs, and process automation. Consider traditional development when you need highly customized UX, complex domain logic, strict performance requirements at large scale, or full control over architecture and deployment.
- How much does a Low-Code Platform cost?
- Costs vary by vendor and typically depend on (1) number of users (per-user licensing), (2) number of apps or environments, (3) usage/automation volume (runs, API calls, workflow executions), (4) premium connectors or integrations, (5) data storage (platform database vs external), and (6) governance/security features. Many platforms offer free tiers or trials, but production use in enterprises commonly requires paid licenses and may include additional costs for identity, databases, and integration services.
Category: software
Difficulty: basic
Related Terms
See Also