- January 10, 2023
- Posted by: Indium
- Category: Application Engineering
Low code is a software development approach that enables developers to build an application from a graphical user interface (GUI). This development method is fast and more efficient, with minimal hand-coding efforts. Low-code developers use robust low-code development platforms, like Mendix, to build apps using visual models and little to no hand-coding.
All these capabilities are thanks to the low-code platform’s advanced built-in features, pre-configured logic, connectors, templates, and modules, among other tools. As a result, low-code developers can build custom cross-platform applications in no time. But what skills are required to become a low-code developer? Here are the top 10 skills for anyone interested in becoming a low-code development expert.
This is one of our informative blogs on low code product development design; click here to read it.
1. Experience Working with Specific Low-Code Platforms
Low-code development platforms vary widely and have different features to help developers build their applications. While these platforms often have an intuitive user interface, you need to clearly understand the basic concepts, such as what goes where and when to do what.
Therefore, low-code developers must have experience working in a visual model-driven environment. This skill helps you to fully leverage the power of every feature of the low-code development platform. As a result, you can build top-quality, secure, and highly efficient low-code applications.
If you’re new to low-code platforms, you shouldn’t worry much. It will only take a short period before you understand how they work, especially if you choose the right low-code development platform. What’s more, some low-code platforms offer tutorials that can help you master the key concepts of building applications in the low-code development environment..
2. Collaboration Skills
Unlike traditional development methods, low-code development is more visual than textual. Therefore, users with limited programming skills understand what’s going on. As a result, a developer must have the ability to work in a collaborative environment because more stakeholders are involved in the development process.
Most low-code development platforms are designed with the collaboration concept in mind. They come with varying built collaboration tools for messaging, revision tracking, user stories, feedback loops, and more. Therefore, to have the upper hand as a low-code developer, you must be willing and comfortable to work with others to build functional and efficient applications.
3. Knowledge of Various Agile Frameworks
The conventional development approach impedes agility. However, low-code development is designed to foster business agility by supporting an iterative software development approach or agile development. This methodology allows developers to create apps in small increments instead of delivering the whole product at the end of the application development lifecycle.
Therefore, low-code developers must be well-versed in different agile development frameworks, such as Kanban, scrum, and crystal. These skills will facilitate a smooth application development process in the low-code environment.
4. Clear Understanding of UI/UX Design and Principles
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are two core features that determine the acceptability of an application. Low code allows the developer to automate various development lifecycle steps to provide software solutions. However, updates may be made directly to the application using the development platform, impeding the app’s user-friendliness.
Considering the significant impact of a poorly designed UI and UX, low-code developers must have an excellent background in these two concepts. This will increase the acceptability of your low-code application.
5. Programming Knowledge
While low code is based on model-driven logic, some programming knowledge is crucial. It helps you explore and get the best out of the platform by extending the features offered by the platform, creating an intuitive, high-performance low-code application.
Developers with a technical background in programming use the languages supported by the low-code platform to perfect their applications. Each low-code development platform supports specific programming languages. Therefore, before selecting your preferred platform, always check whether it supports the programming languages you’re comfortable with. For instance, Mendix supports JavaScript, Java, and CSS to help you create, customize, and improve your apps.
6. Database Management Knowledge
Like traditional programming methods, low-code relies on databases to manage and store crucial information about applications. However, they differ because low-code databases have simpler user interfaces, enabling users with limited programming knowledge to navigate easily.
Therefore, anyone interested in becoming a low-code developer should have common database management skills. This is because they will often use databases for various purposes, such as experimentation, customer interaction, partnerships, and record-keeping.
7. Effective Communication Skills
As initially stated, low-code development is collaborative in nature. Therefore, it requires frequent and seamless communication throughout all organizational levels. This helps build a highly impactful application that meets all expectations, including those of customers, business partners, and developers.
Excellent communication skills will help streamline the low-code development process. Also, it will minimize rework, as everyone will be on the same page and updated about every change.
8. Strong Analytical Thinking
A low-code developer is responsible for building seamless, error-free applications. Therefore, you must be an analytical thinker to understand the application’s logic and detect any patterns and weaknesses to improve on. For instance, most low-code development platforms offer various types of dashboards, which you can customize to suit your needs.
These dashboards provide crucial insights and statistics about your application. As an analytic thinker, you can take corresponding actions based on the dashboard reports to improve your application.
9. Great Attention to Detail
Like traditional development, low-code development aims to meet your customer’s needs. Therefore, you must be attentive to your conversations with customers and other business stakeholders. This will help integrate every feature requested, leading to better client satisfaction.
10. Strong Problem-Solving Skills
As previously stated, low-code development is based on agile principles, which require you to deliver small but functional components in each iteration. In each sprint, you will face difficulties and complaints from the customers or the business stakeholders. Therefore, you need to be a quick thinker to fix problems when they arise.
What’s more, the business needs keep on changing over time. As a result, you need to develop quick solutions to address the requirements as they emerge.
Whether you’re talking about low-code development, mobile app development, or app modernization, Understanding your company’s needs and assisting it in growing are critical for any solution or service provider. But how many people out there understand your requirements? Learn more about how we do it by
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Final Thought
Low-code developers are responsible for building efficient applications within a short period. To become a good low-code developer, you need key skills such as analytical thinking, agile development experience, and database management. These skills can help you to effectively work in a low-code development environment.
Ready to kickstart your journey as a low-code developer? Mendix is the right low-code platform to hone your low-code development skills. Contact us for more details.
