Does low code make applications overly complex?
On this episode of Modern Digital Business, we dive into the development world and discuss the complexity that comes with low-code platforms. Host Lee Atchison helps unpack the ongoing debate surrounding low code development tools. We explore how standardized coding and software reuse can reduce custom components, decrease change rates, and lower complexity. Additionally, Lee touches on AI enabled coding platforms and their potential introduction of untested code into applications. He also discusses the concerns raised by developers about the security implications of low-code. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that will help you navigate low-code platforms and their impact on the modern digital business world.
Key Topics
(powered by CastMagic)
I. Introduction
- Discussing the topic of low code platforms
- Purpose of the podcast in providing actionable insights for business technology leaders and innovators
II. Low Code Platforms and Complexity Reduction
- Low code platforms help reduce complexity by allowing developers to focus on business logic
- Developers can handle low-level tasks themselves through standardized code and software reuse
- Increasing use of standardized coding and reusable software decreases the size and number of custom components
III. Abstraction Techniques in Low Code and High Level Programming Languages
- Abstraction techniques have a long history of reducing complexity and improving reliability
- High-level programming languages and frameworks offer abstraction techniques to reduce complexity
- Low code platforms employ similar techniques to reduce complexity and improve ease of use
IV. Artificial Intelligence and Low Code Platforms
- AI-enabled coding platforms may introduce more unknown and untested code into applications, potentially increasing overall complexity
- Despite some potential drawbacks, AI solutions for low code are becoming more popular
- Low code is receiving a lot of attention and discussion in the software development industry
V. Debates about the Pros and Cons of Low Code
- Developers are debating whether low code increases or decreases application development complexity and security risks
- Some developers express concerns about the security implications of low code technologies
- Low code can help developers build faster and more efficiently, but it does come with some risks
Questions & Answers
(Powered by CastMagic)
1. What is low code and how does it relate to application development complexity?
Answer: Low code platforms allow developers to focus on business logic and handle low-level tasks through standardized code and software reuse. This reduces complexity by decreasing the size and number of custom components and lessening the rate of change in the software.
2. Can low code increase application development security risks?
Answer: Some developers express concerns about the security implications of low code technologies, as it introduces more unknown and untested code into applications.
3. How do abstraction techniques such as those found in high-level programming languages and frameworks reduce complexity and improve reliability?
Answer: Abstraction techniques reduce complexity by enabling developers to work at a higher level of abstraction, which reduces the cognitive load and enables more focused and efficient development.
4. What are the main benefits of using low code platforms for application development?
Answer: Low code platforms allow for faster development, reduced complexity, and improved productivity, as well as the ability to focus on business logic and handle low-level tasks.
5. What are some of the potential drawbacks of using low code platforms?
Answer: Some developers express concerns about the potential security and reliability risks of introducing more unknown and untested code into applications.
6. What are some of the most popular low code platforms currently available?
Answer: Some of the most popular low code platforms include Microsoft Power Apps, Salesforce Lightning Platform, and Zoho Creator.
7. How do AI-enabled coding platforms differ from traditional low code platforms?
Answer: AI-enabled coding platforms use machine learning algorithms to analyze code and provide suggestions for improvement, which can increase efficiency but also introduce additional complexity and potential security risks.
8. How can businesses determine if a low code platform is right for their application development needs?
Answer: Businesses should assess their development goals and consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of low code platforms before deciding whether to use one.
9. What are some best practices for using low code platforms to minimize security risks?
Answer: Best practices include using secure coding practices, achieving a deep understanding of the platform being used, and performing robust testing at all stages of the development process.
10. What is the future of low code platforms in software development?
Answer: Low code platforms are likely to continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, with the potential to revolutionize the development process for small and large businesses alike. However, it is important to also consider potential security risks and approach low code platforms with caution in order to minimize any potential harm to digital business operations.
Today on Modern Digital Business
Thank you for tuning in to Modern Digital Business. We typically release new episodes on Thursdays. We also occasionally release short-topic episodes on Tuesdays, which we call Tech Tapas Tuesdays.
If you enjoy what you hear, will you please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or directly on our website at mdb.fm/reviews?
If you'd like to suggest a topic for an episode or you are interested in being a guest, please contact me directly by sending me a message at mdb.fm/contact.
And if you’d like to record a quick question or comment, click the microphone icon in the lower right-hand corner of our website. Your recording might be featured on a future episode!
To ensure you get every new episode when they become available, please subscribe from your favorite podcast player. If you want to learn more from me, then check out one of my books, courses, or articles by going to leeatchison.com.
Thank you for listening, and welcome to the modern world of the modern digital business!
Useful Links
- Does low code make applications overly complex? | InfoWorld
- Overcoming IT Complexity - Lee Atchison & Ken Gavranovic
- Architecting for Scale, 2nd Edition, O’Reilly Media
About Lee
Lee Atchison is a software architect, author, public speaker, and recognized thought leader on cloud computing and application modernization. His most recent book, Architecting for Scale (O’Reilly Media), is an essential resource for technical teams looking to maintain high availability and manage risk in their cloud environments. Lee has been widely quoted in multiple technology publications, including InfoWorld, Diginomica, IT Brief, Programmable Web, CIO Review, and DZone, and has been a featured speaker at events across the globe.
Take a look at Lee's many books, courses, and articles by going to leeatchison.com.
Looking to modernize your application organization?
Check out Architecting for Scale. Currently in it's second edition, this book, written by Lee Atchison, and published by O'Reilly Media, will help you build high scale, highly available web applications, or modernize your existing applications. Check it out! Available in paperback or on Kindle from Amazon.com or other retailers.
Don't Miss Out!
Subscribe here to catch each new episode as it becomes available.
Want more from Lee? Click here to sign up for our newsletter. You'll receive information about new episodes, new articles, new books, and courses from Lee. Don't worry, we won't send you spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Mentioned in this episode:
Business Breakthrough 3.0
With a combined 60 years of business and technology experience, experts Lee Atchison and Ken Gavranovic provide a no-nonsense, step-by-step methodology to clarify how your company actually operates in order to uncover the entrenched patterns that are holding you back. They explain that leading by gut instinct will keep you spinning in circles, while putting your key business data to work will help you grow a thriving organization. Based on the author's experience working with hundreds of leaders around the world, the Business Breakthrough 3.0 approach not only leverages the universal motivational drivers embedded in every person, but uses data to identify what's working and what's not within your company. Business Breakthrough 3.0 involves five distinct processes: 1. Establishing and actively embracing a company mission, vision, and set of core values 2. Using a formal critical-thinking framework to organize how your company makes decisions 3. Understanding what to measure and knowing how to use the data correctly Optimizing your organizational structure to drive successful actions 5. Leveraging a market growth strategy for sales success. Business Breakthrough 3.0 is the ultimate guide to overcoming entrenched patterns and building a highly profitable organization that attracts and retains people who truly love their jobs.
Atchison Academy
What do 100,000 of your peers have in common? They've all boosted their skill set and career prospects by taking one of my online courses. https://mdb.fm/courses
Architecting for Scale
What does it take to operate a modern organization running a modern digital application? Read more in my O’Reilly Media book Architecting for Scale, now in its second edition. Go to: leeatchison.com/books or mdb.fm/afs.
Listen On