This article explains what low code is and how it can help organisations, in the context of Microsoft’s low code development platform, the Microsoft Power Platform.
Low code is about making software development more accessible and easier by reducing the amount of traditional coding required during the development process.
However, “low code” is not the same as “no code.”
Like using Excel, where formulas involve some coding, low code platforms make development simpler but still usually require coding for more complex tasks.
Low code doesn’t mean anyone can just develop a production ready app or system with ease . Therefore, it’s important to manage the expectations of individuals and organisations considering using the Microsoft Power Platform without development experience.
Sure, many non-technical users might be able to create something basic, but without development experience, it will likely only take you so far.
For example, Microsoft’s ‘Maker Copilot’ is an AI tool in the Power Platform’s maker portal, that enables you to build apps through natural language prompts with detailed problem statements. This can actually generate a table schema, suggest audiences and the types of suitable apps, and even build the app for you. While this is truly low-code (or even no-code), it’s probably going to be limited to pretty simple forms that you interact with.
As soon as you want to use automation or scripts, you’ll be starting to push the boundaries, and you’ll probably find yourself getting into some degree of coding.
Microsoft Power Automate is a prime example. Automation tasks can start as simple drag-and-drop connectors between thousands of different services. However, there’s still often a need for a small degree of coding to complete an automation.
For example, if a customer wanted to automate email notifications based on specific dates in their data, the initial setup would be simple, but comparing dates would need basic coding. This highlights the need to manage expectations: low code platforms simplify development but don’t always remove the need for coding entirely.
Using low code platforms effectively requires more than just having the tools. It demands the person using the tools to have a developer’s mindset and experience.
It’s not just about experience in how to code in the syntax; it’s about skills and experience when it comes to things like handling errors, solving unforeseen issues like expired keys, considering who should be notified and how etc. You need to think like a developer and focus on the bigger picture, the potential risks and negative scenarios, and having relevant experience is essential for that.
Therefore, it’s vital for customers to assess their level of technical expertise and experience in-house, if they want to take on doing these kinds of things.
At Chorus, we’re advocates for customers being as self-sufficient as possible, but we do ask that our customers include us in discussions when they’re thinking about doing something themselves. This just means bouncing an idea off us, so we can advise on whether it’s a good idea, if it could be solved more efficiently, or whether it poses a risk.
This collaboration and transparency with our customers ensure the best use of the Microsoft Power Platform and can help prevent their system straying from its intended path.
This approach empowers customers can do as much as they can, but crucially with us as their partner keeping them safe and secure.
There are huge benefits to low code development platforms. At Chorus, our teams of Microsoft Power Platform developers can use the Power Platform’s low code tools to develop business solutions for customers that are typically quicker and more affordable to build than it would be with traditional development.
Low code can do much of the development heavy lifting and can create huge efficiencies for both the developers and customer. Solutions built on the Power Platform also benefit from the investment and support from Microsoft, such as security and feature updates, as well as things like optimised database, redundancy, prebuilt and configurable security models, rich integration capabilities, and full API out of the box etc.
In summary, the Microsoft Power Platform and low code development tools can make software development accessible to more people. However, development experience and skillsets are still often required to create robust business solutions.
If you want to benefit from the powerful capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform, our Power Platform consultancy services can help you build solutions that solve your specific business challenges, improve processes and enhance the value of your business data.
Contact Chorus with your ideas and we’d be delighted to discuss the possibilities of the Microsoft Power Platform with you today.