Do “Real” Developers Use Low Code?

Is low-code development just a glorified drag-and-drop exercise, or does it hold a deeper value for seasoned coders? If you’re a ‘real developer,’ you might have scoffed at the idea of low-code platforms replacing traditional coding. It’s easy to dismiss them as tools for amateurs or as shortcuts that can’t replace the nuance and control of hand-crafted code. But before you cast your final judgment, let’s delve into the complexities and unexpected advantages that low-code platforms bring to the table. Are they merely stepping stones for novices, or can they redefine what it means to be a ‘real developer’ in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape? Read on, and you might just find your long-standing beliefs about coding and development challenged in ways you never expected.

In today’s breakneck pace of technological evolution, the demands on developers are immense — from delivering high-quality products to keeping up with constantly shifting tech stacks. Time is of the essence, and here’s where low-code platforms sneak in, promising to cut development time without sacrificing quality. But can these platforms really hold their own against traditional development methods? Or are they just ‘fast food’ solutions in a world craving gourmet coding? In this article, we’ll dissect the capabilities and limitations of low-code development, offering a nuanced perspective that might just make you rethink your stance on what constitutes ‘real’ development.

As a seasoned developer, you’re no stranger to the virtues of having complete control over every line of code. You’ve honed your skills to write efficient, clean, and highly functional code. So, the idea of surrendering this control to a platform that automates significant chunks of the development process might feel like a blow to your craftsmanship. But here’s the catch—low-code platforms are evolving, incorporating advanced functionalities and providing customization options that could complement, not compete with, your skill set. So, is the debate really about ‘low-code versus traditional code,’ or is it time to look at how these two can synergistically exist to push the boundaries of what developers can achieve?

Low-code isn’t a fad; it’s a paradigm shift, and it’s gaining momentum. Major corporations are investing in these platforms, not just for their ease of use but for their adaptability and scalability. It’s evident that low code isn’t merely a tool for those who ‘can’t code.’ Rather, it’s an asset for streamlining repetitive tasks and automating boilerplate code, freeing up developers to focus on more complex, creative aspects of a project.

So where does this leave the ‘real developers’? Right at the forefront of innovation, if they choose to be. By integrating low-code solutions into their workflow, experienced coders have the opportunity to be more strategic, to focus on problem-solving and innovation rather than the nuts and bolts of routine coding tasks. They can be the architects and the visionaries, the ones who set the direction and then use all available tools—including low-code platforms—to bring their visions to life.

It’s time to set aside the skepticism and consider the possibility that low-code and traditional coding aren’t enemies but allies in the evolving landscape of software development. The question isn’t whether low-code is for ‘real developers.’ The question is, in a world where adaptability and speed are becoming increasingly crucial, can ‘real developers’ afford to ignore the potential benefits of low-code platforms?

So, what do you think? Is low-code a compromise or a revolution?

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.