Category: Low-Code/No-Code

Build an AI Chatbot with OpenAI Assistant API and LangChain

Posted on by mkoftielieva

Technology has progressed so far that you can build an AI chatbot with minimum effort today. The world now really looks like some sci-fi stories come to life. OpenAI is one of the businesses standing at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We talked to Devtorium developers about how OpenAI’s Assistant API is reshaping how we develop digital assistants. Have you ever wondered what the development of chatbots looks like? Devtorium’s developers explore this superb AI-powered tool and share a tutorial on how to build a chatbot with Assistant API and LangChain.

Why Choose Assistant API to Build an AI Chatbot

Developers might have vastly different opinions on whether or not AI code-generation tools are helpful. However, everyone with experience working with OpenAI Assistant API agrees this is a magnificent tool. 

Assistants API is an NLP(natural language process) API currently available as a beta version. You can already use Assistants API for question answering, language translation, and code generation. However, its primary function is to assist developers in building chatbots within their apps. To start using Assistants API, you must have an OpenAI API account. 

Assistants API uses OpenAI-hosted models, access files, persistent threads, and call tools to respond to user queries. According to Devtorium developers, its most prominent and valuable features are:

  • Code interpreter and retrieval: Access and execute code from various sources.
  • Function calling mechanism: Call functions from other APIs.
  • Knowledge base: Store and access information from a variety of sources.
  • Easy conversation management with threads: Keep track of the context of a conversation.
  • Support for different models: Choose the best model for your specific task.
  • Customizable instructions: Control how your assistants respond to user requests and perform tasks.
  • Easy deployment: Deploy to a variety of platforms.

How to Build an AI Chatbot with Assistant API and LangChain

The range of AI software development services offered by Devtorium is vast. Therefore, we explored multiple AI solutions and technologies available today. One of our developers’ favorites is LangChain, a framework built around LLMs (large language models) and designed to simplify the creation of complex apps. This tool connects components: prompt templates, LLMs, agents, and memory to create a chain, hence the name LangChain.

In order for LangChain to work correctly with Assistants API, make sure you download version 0.0.331rc2 or higher. The latest RC version of LangChain can support Assistant API using an experimental package. The only class you need is OpenAIAssistantRunnable, which makes code much cleaner. 

Now, let’s get on with the guide on how to build an AI chatbot using these tools. Using the tips below, you can make an MnA assistant that will answer queries using a retrieval tool. No Chunking, no embeddings, and no vector database are required.

The steps to build an AI chatbot using this approach include:

  1. Create an Assistant API account and get an API key.
  2. Create an Assistant in the API by defining its custom instructions and picking a model.
  3. Install LangChain and create a LangChain project.
  4. Write a script that uses the Assistant API to send and receive messages from users and access and store information from LangChain.
  5. Deploy your chatbot to a web server, messaging platform, or mobile app.

Technical Instructions on Working with Assistant API and LangChain

1. Set up Assistant API 

  • Sign up for an OpenAI account
  • Get API key
import openai

     openai.api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY"

2. Create an Assistant

  • Define instructions for the scope of your chatbot, tools it can access, etc. 
  • Pick a model (code recommendation, text embedding, etc.)
assistant = openai.Assistant("assistant name", model="Davinci")

3. Install LangChain

  • Install LangChain and LangChain-experimental package
  • Import OpenAIAssistantRunnable
from langchain.llms import OpenAIAssistantRunnable

4. Handle user input and get assistant response

  • Take user message as input 
  • Process with OpenAIAssistantRunnable to get assistant response
user_message = input("User: ")

     assistant_response = OpenAIAssistantRunnable(assistant).run(prompt=user_message)["response"]

5. Connect LangChain memory

  •   Store data to use across conversations
  •   Access external APIs through LangChain agents
memory = {"context": {}} 

     agent = ExampleAgent()

     assistant_response = OpenAIAssistantRunnable(assistant, memory=memory, agent=agent).run(prompt=user_message)["response"]

6. Deploy chatbot

  •   Wrap in a web app/API, connect to a messaging platform, etc.

Bottom Line: Who Can Build an AI Chatbot with Assistant API and LangChain

As you can see from the post above, anyone with minimal coding knowledge can build an AI chatbot using tools like LangChain and Assistant API. Of course, an average person with no software development background won’t be able to do this unless they learn extensively.

However, the essential factor is that any small business can now access all the benefits of using a chatbot with minimal investment. All you have to do is contact our team and set up a free consultation. Our experts will discuss your ideas and requirements and come up with a plan that will fit your budget.

No reason for any business to not benefit from a chatbot today exists. So, contact us and take the next step in your tech growth!

If you want to learn more about how Devtorium developers work with AI, check out the following articles:

What Is the Best Website Building Platform for Small Business?

Posted on by mkoftielieva

The biggest challenge in choosing the best website building platform for small business today is that there are just too many of them. No doubt, when you visit the websites of different builders, you’ll see claims that they are the best and an impressive list of features used to prove it. Indeed, the truth of the matter is that many of these platforms are excellent. So, a business owner who is not an experienced tech professional working with websites might get confused fast.

Today, we’d like to bring some clarity to this issue. Devtorium has built dozens of websites for various industries, ranging from travel to eCommerce to derivatives trading. This experience gives our developers a perspective that enables them to help every client choose a website building platform best suited to their unique needs.

Below is a list compiled by our web development experts who share their top 5 website builders. These platforms are flexible and affordable, which makes them a great fit for small businesses.

Best website building platform for small business: WordPress, WIX, Shopify, Bubble, Webflow.

Best Website Building Platform for Small Business: Top 5

WordPress (+ WooCommerce)

WordPress is the number one website-building platform today. Over 43% of all websites on the internet run on WP. Despite the complex customization system, WordPress is the most flexible website builder you can find. If you wish to be in charge of the site and want to add unique functionalities and features, this is the choice for you. In fact, the Devtorium website is built on WordPress, so you can see exactly what our developers can do with this platform.

Moreover, small businesses specializing in online sales can easily create a WordPress store using a specialized plugin, WooCommerce. It’s one of the best eCommerce platforms today, and it allows you to run a store easily.

WordPress benefits:

  • WP is a powerful content management system (CMS) that is free to use. You must pay only for a hosting company and domain names.
  • WordPress is an open-source platform. Therefore, you can create a site with unique functionalities even with a small budget.
  • This platform has a vast library of add-ons and plugins (over 60,000). Having unlimited access to various extensions (free and premium) makes this builder the most flexible for adding features and designs.
  • There are thousands of themes and templates (free and premium). Therefore, you can create a beautiful site even without hiring a UI/UX designer.

AI capabilities:

WordPress offers multiple AI plugins that can diversify and boost website performance. They can perform various functions, including content creation, virtual assistance, security, and more.

Bubble

Bubble is our favorite no-code platform. Users created 2.3M+ apps on it, and the platform raised $10.3 billion in funding. Bubble has a robust and, most importantly, scalable infrastructure. Therefore, it’s perfect for entrepreneurs building MVPs and also serves as a great website building platform for small business.

Bubble benefits:

  • Bubble.io is one of the most scalable no-code platforms. It’s easy to update and maintain your Bubble website. 
  • The drag-and-drop design saves you time and money. You can design custom web apps from scratch without the limitations of preset templates. 
  • The platform handles hosting, so there are no hard limits on the number of users or data storage.
  • Bubble web development is compatible with all browsers and operating systems.

AI capabilities:

You can integrate AI in Bubble.io and optimize the website how way you want. It’s compatible with top trending technologies, including OpenAI and ChatGPT.

Webflow

Webflow is a no-code development platform that’s already used by 200,000+ organizations and businesses. Moreover, Webflow highly customizable. This website building platform for small business is a good option for design-oriented customers who wish to style the site precisely the way they want.

Webflow benefits:

  • Due to advanced design features, you can create complex rich animations, parallax scrolling, and a variety of micro-interactions. 
  • Webflow comes with a built-in Content Management System (CMS). Therefore, you can effectively manage and modify all your content with this tool.
  • The platform offers an extensive list of SEO tools and optimization options.
  • Webflow has a huge library of integrations, including app integration and automation, content marketing solutions, analytics, and targeting tools.

AI capability:

Webflow was planning to develop an integrated AI feature that would assist platform users. However, as of now, they only allow for the integration of third-party AI tools. You can learn more about Webflow’s plans for AI development from their blog.

Tips for choosing the best website building platform.

Shopify

Shopify is a website building platform for small business that specializes in online sales. As eCommerce goes, it’s hard to find a more comprehensive solution. Devtorium developers worked with Shopify extensively and they are very happy with the platform’s functionality, stability, and security. This all-in-one platform powers 10% of total US eCommerce sites. As Shopify offers unlimited storage and no product limit, you can scale from small to big online stores. This website builder works best for businesses that want to launch an online store really fast.

Shopify benefits:

  • The platform’s advanced functionality enables you to manage your online store easily. Shopify offers everything from marketing and payment tools to secure transactions and shipping options support.
  • You can use Shopify to sell online or in-person. The platform supports multiple outlets, including web, mobile, social media, online marketplaces, pop-ups, in-person events, retail locations, and brick-and-mortar stores.
  • Shopify is completely cloud-based and hosted. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about issues like web hosting, security, caching, etc.
  • Shopify has a 24/7 support team. It’s one of the few eCommerce platforms offering 24-hour customer service via email, live chat, and phone.

AI capabilities:

Shopify recently introduced a new AI tool called Shopify Magic. This proprietary solution helps users generate product descriptions for their shops. However, bear in mind that Shopify Magic’s suggestions may not be 100% on target. It’s a common weakness of all AI content generators.

Wix

Wix is a website building platform powering over 10.8 million sites. It has quite a few limitations in site management and design. However, this platform is well-suited for small businesses, consultants, bloggers, and entrepreneurs.

Wix benefits:

  • Wix provides access to its own web hosting and domain names (free and paid).
  • There is a built-in SEO tool. Therefore, you can improve the site’s ranking effectively.
  • Wix considers website safety and security. For example, all their websites have an SSL certificate and are automatically backed up.
  • Wix offers 24/7 customer support services for all paid plans.

AI capabilities:

Wix has artificial design intelligence (Wix ADI) that can assist you in designing a beautiful website. However, this feature is only available for some types of projects (portfolios, yoga sites, etc.). If your project fits the AI’s requirements, it will create images and content. In addition, it will connect your social media, create a contact form, or pick a suitable design for your audience.

Bottom Line: How to Pick the Best Website Building Platform?

The process of choosing the best platform and building a website using it can be rather straightforward and easy. As a business owner, you just need to take the following steps:

  1. Make a list of the things you want your website to have and do. It will be easier if you do some extra research. For example, you can look at what your competitors’ sites are like. Also, you can add some ideas of the things you enjoyed on various pages while browsing the Internet.
  2. Contact the Devtorium team and arrange a free consultation at a time convenient for you.
  3. Share your list of requirements with us. Devtorium developers, analysts, and designers will quickly come up with suggestions and estimates. Next, we’ll provide an offer with different options that will highlight different perks of specific platforms that you can benefit from while staying within budget.
  4. Pick the offer that you like most, and our dev team will do the rest. You’ll have your website up and running in no time!

Is Bubble the Best No-Code Development Platform?

Posted on by mkoftielieva

No-code development can’t replace professional developers yet. However, it’s certainly getting better at creating software. Some of the best no-code development platforms can already create efficient and reasonably complex apps. Bubble.io stands out among these services due to its reliability and versatility. We know this because one of the Devtorium teams is using Bubble to develop an ERP solution for our company.

According to forecasts, the global no-code/low-code development platform market will reach $187 billion by 2030. If things continue as they are now, Bubble will be among the top platforms there. So, if you are wondering whether to choose it for your own MVP development, keep reading. Our team compiled a list of the platform’s pros and cons based on their experiences.

Benefits of Using No-Code Development Platforms for Small & Medium Business

No-code and low-code development platforms have been around for a while. Initially, they were very limited and mostly served as aids for developers. In essence, even today, no-code development is often used to cut down the software engineer’s work hours and involvement in a project. However, this tech can’t replace the professional entirely. That’s because an expert must manage it.

That said, no-code development offers small and medium businesses a great opportunity. These platforms enable SMBs to create affordable customized software to boost their business’ productivity and speed up inner processes.

Moreover, using a no-code development platform is a fantastic way to build your MVP. If you have an idea, this type of solution will allow you to make it presentable to attract investors.

However, in order to make the most out of your no-code development project, you must understand the capabilities and limitations of the platform you choose. In this article, we’ll analyze Bubble, one of the leaders among the best no-code development platforms today. 

Is Bubble the best platform for no-code development?

Bubble No-Code Development Platform: Pros & Cons

Advantages of Using Bubble

Every Devtorium developer who used or even researched Bubble says its main advantage is that the platform allows you to write your own logic. Quite often, it’s a massive issue with no-code platforms because they only let you develop solutions based on built-in plans.

However, Bubble allows developers the maximum level of flexibility. So, you can use this platform to create almost any type of solution. For example, this includes marketplaces, SaaS, dashboards, or even your very own social network.

Our devs believe Bubble is an excellent platform to test your ideas. You can use it for developing an app fast and evaluating how all the features you want to include fit together. You can also use it to have a focus group test the app. This way, you’ll be able to assess and improve your app development plans. In addition, you can see the audience’s response to it.

Aside from the flexibility, Bubble offers a wide range of functionalities you can integrate into your app. This no-code development platform is extremely versatile and has a vast plugin marketplace. Therefore, there is hardly a feature you can’t find. Therefore you should be able to create precisely the type of software you want.

Moreover, there is a thriving Bubble community, and the platform’s support service works exceptionally well. So you’ll be able to find advice or discuss any questions you have. 

Bubble No-Code Platform Limitations

Even the best no-code development platforms aren’t perfect. So you need to consider their limitations before settling on a no-code platform for your project. In fact, your long-term plans are the foremost thing to consider when using Bubble. For example, if the platform doesn’t have the capability for features you want to add in the future, reconsider using it at all.

Of course, no-code development platforms evolve and release new features and functionalities regularly. However, betting the future of your own project on this chance is probably a mistake.

That said, you must remember that the features you might like at the idea stage aren’t what your target audience needs and wants. So from this point of view, creating a high-quality MVP with Bubble might pay off because you’ll be able to collect relevant feedback. But bear in mind that you might need to move to a different platform or even build your native app from scratch again using different technology.

In addition, we discovered that Bubble is flexible for functional design but not for UI/UX design. It’s a fundamental fact to keep in mind when you try to bring your idea to life using Bubble. You’ll be disappointed if you believe you can create a functional app and upgrade the design later, you’ll be disappointed.

Bubble no-code development platform is somewhat limiting in UI/UX design adjustments. It means you have room to create an attractive UI design as you start developing, but you can’t change it much after creating the app. So the solution is to have your design on hand when you start working with this no-code development platform.

Pros and cons of using Bubble for no-code development.

Bottom Line: How to Choose the Best No-Code Development Platform

If you think about no-code development, Bubble is definitely one of the best options today. Our developers tested it extensively and were very impressed. However, you need to remember that all these platforms have limitations. The most important among them is processing power.

Simply put, no-code is suitable for small and medium projects. However, enterprise-level businesses won’t be satisfied with the results.

You need to consider your specific needs and plans to choose the best among no-code platforms. Research what each option can deliver and pick the one that meets your needs best. Don’t forget to consider the price because these solutions won’t be free if you want to have a decent amount of processing power.

Devtorium Building an ERP Solution Using the Best No-Code Tools

Posted on by mkoftielieva

Do you agree that Bubble is among the best no-code tools today? The Devtorium investigative team studying low-code/no-code platforms seems to think so. That’s why our talented young developers are now using that platform to create their first ERP product.

According to the HR department, it’s looking great so far.

At Devtorium, we strive to stay ahead of all the latest technology trends, and no-code development is on that list. We’ve discussed this technology’s history in one of our previous posts. Today our team of devs, Anastasiia Shtopko and Roman Dziuba, will explain why they think Bubble is among the best no-code tools and how it can be used for building efficient ERP solutions for SMBs.

Best No-Code Tools Analysis: Why Bubble?

Devtorium’s resident expert researcher of the best no-code tools, Anastasiia, investigated all the leading platforms. She concluded that Bubble, while not perfect, is best-suited for developing highly functional software solutions with minimum input from the developer.

According to her, the biggest advantage of Bubble is that it’s similar to JavaScript in the sense that the developer can write their own logic for the solution. This feature gives Bubble users the flexibility to create highly versatile solutions.

Another massive advantage of Bubble is that it’s a highly comprehensive platform for no-code development. Of course, having some understanding of software development is an advantage. However, the platform is so easy to use that literally anyone can build an app with it.

Bubble also offers an excellent selection of courses called Bubble Academy. They guide students through mastering the Bubble platform and using its technical capabilities to the maximum. You don’t need any background knowledge of coding to succeed in these courses and use the platform efficiently.

On the downside, Bubble isn’t as flexible as a developer might expect from one of the best no-code tools. During their work with this platform, Anastasiia and Roman discovered that it has some serious design limitations.

According to Anastasiia, the way to overcome this drawback is to have the application design ready before you start building it in Bubble. This way, you can set everything up the way you need it.

However, it’s extremely hard to change the design of the ‘bubble’ you created. Therefore, if you choose to develop and improve your ‘bubble’ further, it might be hard or even impossible to upgrade its UI and UX.

ERP developed by Devtorium using the best no-code tools.

Custom ERP Made by Devtorium, or Our Experience of Working with Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

Of course, to explore the best no-code tools, our team needed to use them to create solutions. So we chose to develop an ERP, enterprise resource planning app to use within our own company first.

There are some fantastic cloud-based ERPs in the software market. However, the majority of them are designed for large-scale businesses. Our company needed some particular features and a solution that would be fast and efficient for an SMB-level business. So, that’s what Roman and Anastasiia are now working on using no-code development.

Both devs creating this in-house ERP system have just started their careers, and it’s their first project of this type. That’s why the resources offered by Bubble, and the extensive plugin library this platform has, are so necessary.

It might be just the beginning, but already our HR department has a chance to appreciate the solution. At the moment, the Devtorium ERP (sadly, it has no cooler name yet) can automate and facilitate essential tasks.

  • HR professionals can compile a database of all company employees with added important information. For example, when the work is finished, HRs or any other system user will be able to see what project the employee is working on or their vacation/days-off information. This can help small businesses track and manage their human resources more efficiently.
  • Our ERP can already manage the entire review process. At Devtorium, all employees receive 360-degree feedback. The Review functionality of our system allows the HR department to collect and process feedback, generate reports, and put in additional data, such as superior’s reviews and salary raise notifications.

According to updates from Roman and Anastasiia, there are more features to come. We are all looking forward to the things they will create!

ERP solution built using no-code development.

In Conclusion: Will Devtorium Use the Best No-Code Tools in Future Projects?

We are futurists at Devtorium, so we use cutting-edge technologies to their utmost potential. Being a company of developers, we also create such technologies.

It means that we greatly value our developers’ time. Therefore, we are sure to keep looking for and using the best no-code tools.

It’s true that today some people are anxious about rapid AI development and its impact on our society. However, we are 100% sure that AI-powered low-code/no-code technologies won’t replace developers. On the contrary, they offer fantastic assistance to software engineers.

Bubble and similar platforms are efficient and allow one to create very useful software. However, the resulting solutions are SMB-level at best. Professional and enterprise-level software is too complex, so no-code development can’t handle such tasks.

Moreover, developers today often need to spend a lot of time doing repetitive tasks or working on small projects. They are important, no doubt of that. However, this kind of work takes a lot of valuable time.

Low-code/no-code platforms can help automate tasks, saving time and effort for the developer. In addition, using those services cuts costs for the client. So, a software engineer has more time to work on more advanced and complicated tasks and test their ideas, while the client gets high-quality solutions at a lower price.

Everyone wins!

That’s the result we are working for at Devtorium. If you have a software idea and want to see how we can bring it to life in the most cost-efficient manner, contact us today!

No-Code/Low-Code: Origins

Posted on by mkoftielieva

We live in the no-code/low-code technologies era. But to understand how big an impact this truly makes on the development of humankind, it’s crucial to see where it all started. In this article, we’ll share some history of coding evolution and its impact on the technological capabilities of our civilization.

First No-Code/Low-Code Technologies

No-code and low-code technologies are visual-based programming approaches that make coding available to a broader range of specialists. In essence, using this technology, you don’t have to be a skilled developer yourself. You can use the visual interface to build solutions, much like LEGO blocks. This approach is getting extremely popular now. It’s because global digitalization boosts the demand for customized apps that can be used for anything from sorting one’s emails to managing a smart home.

The term low-code was introduced only in 2016. But the technology had been in development for decades prior. In fact, the first technologies that evolved into the low-code of today appeared back in the 1970-1990s as a part of 4the Generation Programming Language and Rapid Application Development.

It might surprise many, but the first no-code platform was Microsoft Excel, released in 1985. It was working with spreadsheets that became the origin of technology that’s revolutionizing our world today.

The development of this tech was pushed forward by cloud computing in 1997 and Salesforce in 2000. Salesforce proclaimed the rise of SaaS and boldly stated that it’s now the end of history for traditional software development.

From then on, it was:

  • 2006 Formstack.
    The first no-code form builder by Ade Olonoh.
  • 2006 Shopify.
    The launch of a no-code eCommerce platform that is currently valued at around $37 billion.
  • 2007 iPhone.
    The launch of the first iPhone triggered the rise of mobile app builders.
  • 2012 Bubble.
    Launch of the first no-code web development platform.
  • 2013 Webflow.
    The first platform that allows for 100% no-code creation of websites and apps.
  • 2018 Microsoft Power Platform.
    PowerBI, Flow, and PowerApps become a part of the platform that grants better connectivity with minimum coding requirements.

Computer assisted software engineering as the origin of low-code.

CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering)

Let’s take a look at how the no-code/low-code approaches evolved. The very first technology using these methodologies was CASE, Computer-Aided Software Engineering. As the name states, this technology implies using computers to facilitate software development. It’s applied to increase quality and reduce the number of bugs.

CASE is a checkpointed approach that helps everyone involved in the project to observe its development milestones. Moreover, it’s used for storing project-related documentation. CASE is an excellent labor-saver, and it helps keep the project organized and increases team productivity.

As of today, this approach is considered outdated because there are more efficient technologies available. However, CASE made a valuable contribution to software development evolution.

CMS (Content Management System)

No-code/low-code approaches are widely used in CMS today. However, due to the versatility of content management systems, applications of these approaches and full code can be used in different combinations. We’ll list some of the best examples.

  • WordPress.
    WP is a monolithic CMS that allows for low-code or completely no-code use from the front-end side of website development. You can literally set up a website using nothing but templates and have zero coding knowledge. Meanwhile, you can take it further by adjusting the PHP and CSS files. Therefore, you can apply the low-code approach.
  • Joomla.
    Joomla comes in second in popularity after WordPress, though it’s dwindling these days. It also offers lots of flexibility for no-code/low-code work. The framework is very user-friendly, so many businesses choose it to enable specialists to do immediate content work.
  • Shopify.
    Visual site builders relying on no-code/low-code technology became extremely popular with the rise of eCommerce. Shopify and similar eCommerce platforms allow launching a store within a day max. Shopify is very flexible regarding the low-code approach as it enables devs to customize the store. Therefore, it effectively resolves the issue of the limited visual branding, which is a problem for no-code platforms that only accept a small number of presets.
  • Wix.
    Wix isn’t exactly a CMS but a visual website builder. It’s one of the trendiest tools of this kind today, which isn’t a surprise. Using Wix requires no coding knowledge whatsoever. You can create websites extremely fast using a wide range of templates for any feature you need.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Application of no-code/low-code approaches allowed to take customer service as a whole to a new level. Customer relationship management systems handle aggregating, processing, and monitoring leads and customers. One can also use them for generating a variety of reports that can have a huge impact on business development.

No-code and low-code technologies make it possible for businesses to handle these tasks with minimal developer involvement. On the other hand, developers can focus on more important tasks and automate customer management for more efficient operation. When used well, these systems can collect and process vast amounts of data from all website interactions and produce valuable insights.

RAD (Rapid Application Development)

You could say that low-code, as we know it today, is a subset of RAD. Rapid Application Development platforms date back to 1991, and some of them evolved into the low-code platforms of today.

All in all, RAD is a part of the technology’s past. Meanwhile, low-code is what’s trending at present. However, RAD is still used occasionally. In particular, RAD is applied in projects that require integrating complex and highly specific business approaches with the UX-first approach.

For example, solutions that would benefit from the RAD approach include features like:

  • SaaS cloud monetization;
  • Multi-tenancy;
  • Developing a single code for cloud, mobile, on-premise, and web apps;
  • Establishing complex business rules;
  • No vendor lock-in.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

In a way, ERP is a more evolved and enterprise-oriented type of CRM. However, instead of managing customer data and information about their interactions with the business, ERP manages business processes and resources. The purpose of ERP solutions is to plan the most efficient use of resources to improve the overall efficiency and economy of the client-enterprise.

In the best-case scenario, a business should use both CRM and ERP software to enable the highest productivity and efficiency. In this context, no-code/low-code approaches allow the creation of solutions that one can adapt to unique business needs. Therefore, they help achieve the best possible results.

ERP development is where low-code technologies are developing most rapidly today due to high demand. As global markets enter a crisis and competition becomes fiercer, businesses have no choice but to seek maximum process optimization. No-code/low-code technologies provide them with solutions that can constantly achieve that result and improve.

Differences between no-code/low-code and pro-code.

Differences Between No-Code, Low-Code, and Pro-Code

To put it plainly, the difference between no-code, low-code, and pro-code approaches is the level of professional developer knowledge one needs to have to build applications.

With no-code, anyone can create an app even without any specialized knowledge. Low-code approach is more varied and requires some knowledge. It’s best suited for IT professionals or power users who need assistance from the machine to speed up, simplify, and automate processes. Pro-code, as the name suggests, is restricted to professional developers who can write the entirety of code from scratch.

From the app creation point of view, it looks like this:

  • No-code.
    Anyone can use the platform app builder to create a basic app using the ‘blocks’ afforded by the solution. No coding is necessary as the process is more like working with LEGO. Most no-code platforms have a simple drag-and-drop menu and can cater to a wide range of businesses.
  • Low-code.
    Low-code technologies allow customizing existing apps using scripts. You must have a decent understanding of coding. However, it’s rather low-level, so even non-professionals with some coding knowledge can do it. You can also study plenty of helpful guides and other materials online.
  • Pro-code.
    There are but a few things pro-coders cannot do. Regarding apps, they usually work on expanding their functionality through plugins. However, being total pro developers, depending on specialization, they can build an app from scratch.

It’s important to note that low-code and pro-code development aren’t mutually exclusive. It means that pros can use the low-code approach in some of their projects. In fact, this can help boost their overall efficiency and productivity.

How we use no-code/low-code approaches today.

No-Code/Low-Code Applications Today

Applications of no-code/low-code approaches are extremely versatile today. This technology helps strengthen enterprises, enhance smaller businesses, and open new opportunities for everyone.

Here are some examples:

  • Web-based portals for customers.
    Web-based portals are perfectly suited for customers as they enable them to handle many routine tasks. For example, searching for services, getting quotes, making payments, etc. Low-code allows businesses to launch such portals fast. Therefore, they can enhance customer experience and keep improving it continuously.
  • B2C mobile apps.
    Another way to enhance customer experience and satisfaction is by launching mobile apps. Again, low-code technology here allows to speed up the creation of such apps. Moreover, these mobile apps must be highly customizable. Therefore, a business can build a perfect match for its customers.
  • Core systems.
    No-code/low-code technologies offer an alternative to the traditional approaches of either buying a commercial core system or rebuilding the legacy one. The low-code alternative is more cost-efficient and flexible. It uses collaborative agile methodology applied to the application lifecycle. Cloud-native apps built on low-code portals are easily portable and can scale and ensure maximum uptime.
  • Monoliths to microservices transformation.
    Monolithic and microservices architectures both have pros and cons. However, microservices clearly are more popular now. Therefore, the number of enterprises switching to this type is increasing. Realistically, breaking down a monolith into microservices is hard and expensive. Low-code portals facilitate this task. Businesses can use them to launch microservices apps and functionalities. Essentially, today one can use APIs to ‘redevelop’ the architecture.
  • SaaS development.
    Building SaaS products can be challenging and risky. But with low-code platforms, the process becomes cheaper and faster. So, you can create, test, and roll out an app fast and see how it performs to plan future business strategies.
  • IoT-enabled apps.
    IoT solutions increase operational efficiency, but they are complex. No-code/low-code approaches allow easy integration with existing IoT platforms and the development of cost-efficient smart apps.

Devtorium no-code/low-code expert advice!

Presented by Viktor Kalinichenko, Devtorium No-Code/Low-Code Expert

According to Forrester surveys, about 75% of development shops are already adopting no-code/low-code technology or plan to do so. Considering the benefits and cost-savings it offers, this trend will only grow. We are already witnessing an unprecedented rise in low-code use, primarily among developers.

Here at Devtorium, we have it on good authority that no-code/low-code is the future that’s already happening. Our expert on this technology is Viktor Kalinichenko, who has worked in the IT industry since 1999. For over two decades now, Viktor has been watching technological approaches come and go. He used all the options listed above himself. Now he firmly believes that low-code is here to stay for a while. According to his expert opinion, it’s because the technology allows delivering top-grade results fast. Therefore, clients seeking to succeed in competitive markets are creating great demand. And compared to previous computer-assisted development technologies, no-code/low-code portals of today truly get the job done.

To those who wish to study this technology, Viktor recommends starting with something simple and popular, for example, Bubble or WebFlow, which you could learn using Bubble Academy or WebFlow university courses. The community there is also an excellent pointer to valuable materials on the subject. In addition, he says that all you need to jump into the no-code/low-code is to know how to use a mouse and have some business analytics skills. He promises to explain this in more detail in our upcoming articles that will focus on our own no-code/low-code developments and detailed studies of existing solutions.

See you soon in our future posts😉!

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