Do you ever just sit here and wonder what the world would be like without smart technologies? It would look nothing like the world we’re living in right now, that’s for sure. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing because each era has its own life demands. Therefore, what may have worked 10 years ago may not work now, and what seems to be the trend as we speak may not be years from now. The reason we’re saying this is due to the fact that low-code to no-code platforms are embracing more business sectors and individual demands than we have ever possibly imagined, and we seem to be getting used to these platforms being the new normal we’ll adopt in our lives. That being said, it’s fair to ask yourself how did this whole thing start? Was it there a long time ago, but no one heard about it? Did the digital transformation wave pave the way for it? And is there really a specific person behind this brilliant idea? Perhaps, similar to how Thomas Edison, the American innovator, is the reason humanity got introduced to light bulbs and later on to so many other innovations that both technology and humans can’t live without now. Enjoy your coffee or tea while we answer these questions for you.
What Paved the Way for Low-Code to No-Code Platforms?
The straightforward answer is that there isn’t really a definitive answer. Sorry for the spoilers right from the start but we promise it gets better. Truth be told, there is no exact date when the low-code to no-code platforms have actually started being used by people for the features and reasons they serve now. However, what seems to be true is that the velocity of Rapid Application Development (RAD) may have been one of the leading factors for these platforms to show up, and here is why. Rapid Application Development, at the time when it had its highest peak, was an outstanding solution that allowed thousands of developers to work with easily adaptive software models that cut a long time short via quick prototyping alternatives and less complex planning needed to proceed with the clients. It allowed clients to have more freedom when it comes to adding or deleting features, have multiple options to choose the one they prefer instead of waiting for each prototype option to be presented solely, and most importantly present better methodologies to test the products without having to re-do everything from scratch.
Looking at this definitely gets us to understand how low-code to no-code platforms are considered by some to be part of this rapid evolution in app development. However, while the main branches may share some commons in between, there is still a difference indeed. First and foremost, Rapid Application Development (RAD) will still require you to work with a team of developers no matter the size of your project. It’s also not the best option for big-sized projects as it requires an intricate understanding of details among a team of developers; which could result in some issues if there is no proper organization between them. In other words, your project’s life lies in the hands of developers and developers alone. Either they nail it, or they fail it. Sounds a bit scary to be honest, especially if your project is tiny and you don’t want to trouble yourself with all of that headache.
This is where low-code to no-code platforms come to the rescue. These platforms empower you to do all of that with less time, cost, and resources available. And depending on your choice, whether you want to go with a low-code option or a no-code one, you’ll determine if the project will be taken care of by you alone or with the help of one or a few developers. Bottomline is, no matter how many developers you may need if you choose the low-code option, it still doesn’t compare to the number you’ll need by following more outdated solutions. Furthermore, you won’t just be sitting in the passenger seat, since you’ll get to be part of the process and work with them even with your little to no technical background. Because low-code to no-code platforms are dynamic, graphical, and interactive allowing everyone to join the show and be part of the execution process.
The Term is Novel, But The Concept is Not That Much
There have been so many efforts since the 90s that contributed to the low-code to no-code platforms being a solution that gets to see the light now, but in the 90s and early 2000, no one actually knew or used the term low-code. So, what was present at the time were the practices, ideas, and early innovations that helped give this concept a name. In 2014, Forrester decided to coin a clear term for platforms that follow certain aspects now known as low-code platforms. This coinage was the birthdate for the term but as we said, practices and ideas were present way before. What Forrester did was put a tag on it so no more guesses and speculations are shared about this matter. But, it’s worth the mention and sharing that the term no-code was present since early 2000 according to Google Trends data as shared by Formstack. So, now we get to know at least when the term was created, not so bad!
Initiators of The Trend
Now, this is where the gossip starts. If you scroll down the internet search page results, you’ll find different opinions about the leading initiators of the low-code to no-code trend. That’s to be expected if we consider the changes this concept has gone through over the years and the fact that people have various definitions of what falls under the low-code to no-code definition and classifications. Listed below are those we believe to have been a part of this turning point and revolution right from the start.
4.1. HyperCard
HyperCard was released by Apple in 1987. It aimed to empower users with applications and databases with no code required. It relied on providing its users with graphical interfaces so they could easily interact with them while building their own applications. Something that is now a very distinctive feature of low-code and no-code platforms alike. It also allowed the low-code option by enabling those who had extra knowledge of development to write some code when needed. However, this was optional which meant that the platform worked just fine for users who didn’t want to code. HyperCard was defined as an application program and a programming environment because the term low-code to no code was not coined yet at the time. Following its first release, there have been many other versions of it, but ultimately everything was called off especially when the tool was no longer something that Mac users could use for free. This placed more limitations and demands on the sponsors to meet and in the end, HyperCard became a brilliant idea that ended but definitely paved the way for other brilliant ideas to come after like HTTP and JavaScript.
4.2 Bubble
With its headquarters in New York City, the Bubble’s low-code to no-code platform has managed to become the first official platform in the low-code to no-code industry. It was founded on June 21, 2012, making it the first of all time platform to propose the idea of enabling non-tech users to build websites and applications via one platform. Something that all low-code to no-code platforms offer to their users nowadays and Maestro Blocks is definitely one of them, as we enable users to build not only websites and applications but also intricate big systems. And if this indicates anything, it’s the fact that low-code to no-code platforms are no longer an option to be looked down on. They’re part of the game and here to initiate a new change.
4.3. Microsoft Excel
According to some, the concept of low-code to no-code platforms was first introduced by Microsoft Excel in 1985 and not by any other tool or platform. To be honest, those who adopt this belief have some convincing points that we can understand. For instance, Microsoft Excel has enabled its users to use the spreadsheet as more than just a spreadsheet! Users of Excel can use it as a database and calculate complex numbers through quick filtering options that give users the ability to set the rules of the equations the way they want. Thus, they won’t need to do calculations of huge volumes of data manually. Instead, they can set the software to do that on their behalf via a set of unlimited features and rules. As we can see, this truly fits well with the concept of low-code to no-code and we see why these claims were made. The current definition of the term, however, is what draws the line here. When you talk about a low-code to no-code platform in 2023, the first thing that comes to mind is a platform that allows users to build apps, websites, and systems with little or no code to achieve the best results. Therefore, it’s fair to say that in a sense, the concept’s perception has changed over time.
Though using various terms may at some point get confusing, we believe it helps users understand that low-code/no-code refers to a variety of technology-related concepts. The distinctiveness lies, at this moment, in the fact that they are frequently associated with the word “platform”. As a result, this has led to the generation of yet another term known as PaaS; short for Platform as a Service as a way to distinguish these platforms.
Dizzy yet?
Hang on! In this take, the most important thing for you is to learn more about concepts rather than terms and jargon, since these come, go, and change with time more than your mind could possibly imagine. Some people have already started cutting the term short to “LCNC” which stands for low-code/no-code. Okay, sometimes things can be a bit rough in the tech world, but nothing we can’t help you with at Maestro Blocks.
Conclusion
The collaborative work of brilliant minds in the tech industry is what helped fuel the flames of low-code to no-code platforms. Initially, you may have thought that one person will end up being the innovator of this concept. Yet, what you have learned today is a much more beautiful fact which is multiple brains and ideas have set up the road for low-code to no-code platforms to walk on. What we’re witnessing today is a paradigm shift in the applications, websites, and system development sector that has been driven by innovative technological solutions over years of dedication and hard work. What used to be an exclusive skill is now an inclusive one that anyone can access via low-code to no-code platforms. After all, that’s what these platforms are all about, enabling non-techies to become tech-savv
