End of low code due to GenAI?

December 3rd, 2024

By: Anthony Dickinson

Anthony Dickinson

In the previous trend report, Patrick Stevens described four ways to accelerate the different stages of the software production chain using generative AI (GenAI). This raises the question: will GenAI replace low code? Or does it actually give a boost to low code?

Is GenAI slowing low code adoption?

We can wonder whether the adoption of low code will slow down or accelerate with the advent of GenAI. "I'm convinced that low code will continue to be accepted and implemented at the same pace. Because it's not GenAI and low code against each other, but with each other. They reinforce each other", says Anthony Dickinson, CTO of Conclusion Low Code Company. "At the same time, we see low code increasingly being incorporated into the heart of the organization to realize functions in critical processes."

And that's exactly what Gartner thinks in the latest version of the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP): by 2029, the share of Enterprise LCAPs used to deliver mission-critical application development will grow to 80%, up from 15% in 2024.

Not low code vs GenAI, but low code AND GenAI.

GenAI tools specifically aimed at providing support during high-code development have been around for a while. Examples include GitHub, Copilot or Tabnine. These services are already fully integrated into the developer's workflow and accelerate the realization phase. "We also see a similar movement in low code. You can develop even faster, make even fewer mistakes, and therefore focus even better on solving the customer's question", says Anthony. AI increases the potential of low code.

The application of AI in the development process has been commonplace in low-code platforms for a long time. Anthony: "That's why the leading enterprise low-code application platforms, such as Mendix and OutSystems, have already embraced AI in 2019. It is integrated into the development environment. This way, after each action in code you will see a bullet, with one click you will get a list of possible follow-up actions within the context of your current function and application. If your follow-up action is listed, click on it and that action will be executed fully automatically. In this way, AI strengthens low-code development."

Low code and GenAI are driving a shift in development

Low code made the transition from textual to visual coding. Thanks to GenAI, we are on the eve of the next step: coding via natural language. This means you can generate (part of) your application, data structure, logic and user interfaces via a prompt. You can then tweak these by iterating on them. "This is already available in our low-code development environment and I expect this development to expand rapidly in the near future", says Anthony.

The human link between low code and AI: the augmented developer

It is clear that GenAI and low code complement and strengthen each other. It is not (just) about technology, but rather about giving it a place in the process. "Our consultants are therefore not only the connecting factor between business and technology, but also between low code and GenAI", says Anthony.

He gives an example. "When developing a field service application for Mammoet, we created our own widget, supported by ChatGPT. This allowed us to create the right widget in just a few iterations, by refining the prompts each time. Our consultants' insight and adoption of AI in their production process ensures the best mix of people and technology. This enables us to create the perfect solution for users using the right technologies."

Low code involves more than developing code

Developing and modifying an application is just one facet of custom software development. There is so much more to it. Think of monitoring and managing the entire landscape, insight into and linking with other systems, governance of all components, data, but also facilitating collaboration between business and IT. Anthony: "All these facets are stored on a low-code platform. This offers organizations room for innovation. With AI as a driver, especially in low code."

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Conclusion

End of low code due to GenAI?

Is GenAI slowing low code adoption?

Not low code vs GenAI, but low code AND GenAI.

Low code and GenAI are driving a shift in development

The human link between low code and AI: the augmented developer

Low code involves more than developing code

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