A look at the possibilities and limits of the Low-Code approach
Low-Code and No-Code platforms have experienced a huge boom in recent years. They offer simplicity, speed and the ability to create systems without the need for deep programming knowledge. But how far can this approach really take us? Is it possible to create a reasonably functioning system just by “tinkering” in a graphical interface?
The magic of guides and graphic tools
At first glance, the answer is simple – yes, you can. Modern platforms offer a range of visual tools: wizards for creating forms, graphical workflow settings, rights and role definitions, or clear editing of database structures.
We at SmartFP have also followed this path and added a configuration wizard to our system that allows:
- define forms (including database link),
- set access rights and record statuses,
- manage the columns in the listings,
- edit workflow and button functions.
All this without having to write a single line of code.
Did you know?
No-Code platforms are designed for users without technical knowledge. They allow you to create applications and automation purely through a graphical interface, without the need to write a single line of code. They are ideal for simpler solutions where complex customizations are not needed.
Low-Code platforms offer similar simplicity, but also allow you to intervene in code where visual tools are not enough. In SmartFP, we’ve taken this further – you can easily “tinker” with the interface as with No-Code, but at the same time the door is open to further development and customization to meet your needs. You get both speed and flexibility without limitations for the future.
When clicking is not enough
Yet in practice, it often turns out that “just clicking” has its limits. While a graphical interface will speed up common setup and make configuration more accessible to less tech-savvy users, in more complex scenarios it may be faster and more efficient to write part of the definition manually.
That’s why we designed our wizard in SmartFP as a smart assistant – not as a replacement for the flexibility of manual setup, but as a tool to help when you want it:
- quickly edit the form,
- add a new field,
- change a simple workflow,
- or you just need help with possible parameters.
A combination that makes sense
Balance is the key to success. With us, everyone has a choice – use the wizard for quick adjustments, or customize the definition exactly to your liking by hand. Both options are fully compatible and can be combined with each other. This makes Low-Code not a constraint, but rather a speed-up where it makes sense.
Where is the future of system configuration heading?
The low-code approach is definitely not just a fashion trend. It’s a way to open up the world of app development to a wider audience while saving time for more experienced users. But it’s important to remember that any system should be flexible – that is, allow users to decide when they want to “click” and when they prefer to “type”.
At SmartFP, we believe that it is this freedom that pushes the possibilities of modern systems further.