The tech industry has seen significant developments in the past years. Although companies can enjoy many perks because of these innovations, there is also constant pressure to keep up with the latest trends.

Because of this, the professional landscape is shifting towards tech-centric roles. As technological integration happens in many industries, individuals must master emerging tools and platforms. With so many trends gaining traction, you might wonder which skill to prioritize. Focusing on no-code and low-code technologies can greatly enhance your future tech career.

Understanding No-Code and Low-Code Technologies 

Although there are experts who can create managing systems and applications, they are far too few compared to the number of organizations looking to hire them. With the high demand and low supply, these professionals are also outside of some companies’ financial capacity.

In response to this, the introduction of no-code and low-code tech tools was aimed at making application development accessible to every business.

Often referred to as ‘a builder’s paradise’, no-code and low-code tools are specific platforms that empower every individual – even those with limited knowledge about coding and app creation. Although they’ve been available since the early 2000s, their recent surge in popularity is attributed to the incorporation of artificial intelligence and automation tools.

The distinction is evident in their names: no-code platforms allow users to create applications without coding, offering pre-built components and a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible even to non-developers. Conversely, low-code platforms are akin to no-code but involve minimal coding, catering to professionals with foundational coding skills.

Benefits and Challenges

Considering the attention given to low-code and no-code platforms, they can bring benefits and advantages to the table. Using these latest development platforms has proven to be helpful and, based on Gartner’s predictions, will continue to be useful in the years to come.

By the year 2025, 70 percent of new applications are expected to be developed using these code platforms. This is a significant increase from the 25 percent generated apps in 2020.¹

Aside from giving everyone access to software development, no-code and low-code platforms offer companies the following benefits:

• Reduced Effort for Professionals – These app development platforms lighten the coding load for IT professionals, making application development more efficient. This means that experts like you can focus on more intricate coding tasks. For example, you can accelerate the developmental projects given to you by leveraging pre-built templates and components available in a low-code platform.
• Efficient Experimentation – Since using no-code and low-code development platforms requires minimal effort, companies can quickly use them to create prototypes for proposed projects. These platforms also facilitate idea testing without investing significant time and resources into potentially unsuccessful projects. Moreover, these fast experiments can help professionals like yourself gather essential data needed to improve mobile apps and websites.
• Automation of Routine Tasks – Somewhat connected to the first benefit, the utilization of these code development software tools allows companies to automate repetitive tasks, including code testing for low-code programs. Organizations can also use LCNC platforms for comprehensive data integration and synchronization throughout the company.

Of course, just like heavy code solutions, using no-code and low-code platforms also has its fair share of challenges when used. For example:

• Lack of Scalability – Although low-code and no-code platforms can quickly develop applications, they struggle when creating complex and data-intensive applications. As a company experiences high, consistent traffic, the efficiency of no-code and low-code apps diminishes.
• Security Concerns – While these application development platforms provide security features, they are generally less robust than traditionally developed applications. With features such as data encryption and authentication protocols often missing, no-code and low-code development can expose your applications to potential cyber threats.
• Costly Follow Through – Whether organizations need an app that can accommodate higher traffic or they decide to follow through with their experimented project, it can be pretty costly to rewrite a website made from low-code or non-code development. Companies would need to hire experts with coding skills to rewrite the applications from scratch completely. This is done to ensure a positive user experience.

How to Leverage No-Code and Low-Code Tech Tools 

The most frequently asked questions by candidates regarding the topic of no-code and low-code platforms are focused on their role alongside these tools. The fear of being replaced sometimes persists as technology continues to use AI, automation, and machine learning to finish tasks that were once accomplished by humans.

Read More: AI – The Next Big Thing 

There’s no need to worry if you’re currently sharing these concerns. Instead of being afraid of new technology, you must learn how to leverage it. The following are some of the things you can do to ensure your tech career development in 2024.

Advance Professional Skills

Put the time and effort into advancing your skills as a professional. Although emerging tools like low-code and no-code development allow everyone to perform IT work, they still can’t compare to professionals with practice and experience. Continuously learn the newest frameworks relevant to your field and find effective ways to enhance them with your expertise.

For example, if you’re in web development, staying updated on cutting-edge programming languages like JavaScript and utilizing them effectively can significantly elevate your skill set.

Read More: 6 Best IT Skills to Have in 2024 

Improve Problem Solving and Creativity

Automation and artificial intelligence can only do what they are programmed to do. Oftentimes, these are repetitive tasks that contain no complex data or analysis. You must train yourself to fill in the gaps that machines are leaving to grow your tech career. Work to gain experience in solving complex problems and offering creative solutions that are simply outside of technology’s capabilities.

Even within a tech-saturated industry, individuals who possess innovative problem-solving skills remain highly esteemed and in demand. For instance, identifying unconventional patterns or trends that automated systems might overlook in data analysis is seen as an asset.

Develop Expertise in Cybersecurity

One of the challenges of low-code and no-code development is that the applications they create are prone to cyberattacks. They aren’t equipped with programs that can protect them from malicious individuals on the internet.

Take this as an opportunity to develop your expertise in cybersecurity. As more and more companies create no-code or low-code websites and apps, the higher the demand is for cybersecurity experts in the IT field.

Strengthen Soft Skills

Applications and tools will continue to improve but remember that both employers and customers still value the human element. Don’t adapt too much to the latest trends to the point where you’re also becoming robot-like or machine-like. Embrace your soft skills and strengthen them. Learn how to communicate well with others and think critically in every situation.

Teach yourself how to manage tasks on time with or without technology. For example, in project management, communicating clearly with your team and stakeholders, thinking critically to solve issues, and meeting project deadlines are invaluable. It complements your technical expertise.

Read More: Why Flexibility and Resilience are the Soft Skills of Tomorrow 

DISCOVER THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES WITH ON-DEMAND GROUP

In our ever-evolving tech world, learning new skills is essential for one’s career. At On-Demand Group, we’re dedicated to matching your expertise with the ideal roles, ensuring your tech journey remains challenging and promising. Allow us to connect you with the opportunities you’re seeking. Contact us today to learn more!

Reference 

1 “Gartner Says Cloud Will Be the Centerpiece of New Digital Experiences.” Gartner, 10 Nov. 2021, www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-11-10-gartner-says-cloud-will-be-the-centerpiece-of-new-digital-experiences.