Why is Zero Code / Low Code App Development getting popular?

Software development has traditionally needed programmers to write a large-scale codebase, manage infrastructure, and handle testing and deployment. But over the past ten years, a new model has emerged: zero-code and low-code development. These approaches modify software building, ensuring faster delivery, and entitle business users to build applications without deep programming knowledge. This article explores what zero code and low code are, how they work, and why they matter for businesses, and what measurable, tangible results they have achieved worldwide Ninox

1. Understanding Zero Code and Low Code

What They Are?

Zero code (also called no code) principles allow users to create applications completely through a visual interface(Source: SolutionsReview), drag and drop components, management consoles, and workflows, without writing any code. Low-code stages provide the same type of visual tools but still allow developers to add or customise code when needed for advanced features.

Both approaches are part of a wider classification of tools known as Low Code/No Code (LCNC) platforms. These platforms include services like Mendix, Salesforce Lightning, Microsoft Power Apps, OutSystems, and Kissflow, which are widely adopted across industries.

2. How Zero Code / Low Code Development Works

LCNC platforms typically rely on:

• Visual development interfaces that reduce hand-coding.
• Pre-built template components (UI elements, backend services, databases).
• Connectors to third-party services such as CRM systems, cloud storage, and analytics.
• Business logic modules that automate workflows and conditional behaviour.

This model shifts much of the repetitive or boilerplate coding to the platform layer itself and exposes simplified building blocks(Source: Wikipedia) (Source: SolutionsReview) to users. Thus, business analysts, operations teams, and citizen developers can participate in building tools without waiting for scarce developer resources(Source: Queue).

3. Adoption and Market Growth

Rapid Market Expansion

According to Gartner, the worldwide low-code development technologies market was projected at roughly $26.9 billion in 2023, growing nearly 20% from the previous year due to demand for quickness and automation.

Global Adoption Trends

Industry research indicates that 56% of companies globally have applied low-code platforms, with many citing improved process efficiency (53%) and employee productivity (51%) as major advantages.

4. Quantifiable Benefits of Zero Code / Low Code Platforms

LCNC adoption delivers tangible gains compared to traditional coding approaches. Below are several key findings from recent surveys and industry reports.

4.1 Faster Development and Deployment

• Businesses using low-code tools can decrease app development time by up to 90% compared to traditional coding(Source: Queue).
• Companies report building software 56% faster using low-code stages.
• Usually, app backlogs decrease significantly; 90% of users report having fewer than five pending app requests per month.
• SMEs should build basic data literacy via programs, short university/NGO workshops, and on the job training. Partner with local IT firms, data consultancies, or student interns to pilot low cost analytics projects and raise employee’s technical skills.

4.2 Cost Savings

• Building costs are reported to be 40% lower on average when using low-code tools.
• Some businesses avoid hiring multiple additional developers, saving an estimated $4.4 million over three years.

4.3 Productivity and Satisfaction

Surveys find that 80% of organisations report boosted productivity(Source: OutSystems) after adopting low code platforms.

5. Real World Case Studies

5.1 Schneider Electric

Global energy management firm Schneider Electric built 60 applications in 20 months using low-code platforms, allowing teams to deliver digital tools like field service apps far faster than with traditional development.

5.2 Ricoh

Ricoh reported an extraordinary 253% return on investment (ROI(Source: Kpmg) within seven months by replacing legacy systems with low-code solutions, modernising its application portfolio and cutting maintenance costs significantly.

5.3 Large Insurance Company

An unnamed insurance firm built an automated claims processing application in just three months, decreasing processing time by 80% and saving over $10 million annually.

6. Comparison to Traditional Development

Traditional software development follows a linear process: gathering, design, coding, testing, deployment, which typically requires specialised programming skills, months of effort, and significant budgets. On the other hand:

Basically, low-code platforms enable business units to create solutions directly while IT focuses on core architecture issues. This decreases bottlenecks and enhances agility.

7. Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities

• AI Integration: Vendors are progressively embedding AI to accelerate app design and testing.
• Cloud Adoption: More than 60% of usage now involves cloud-based deployment, offering scalability.

Challenges

• Security and Governance: Some enterprises report security and compliance concerns, particularly when integrating external services.
• Vendor Lock In: Applications built on specific platforms can be harder to migrate later.

9. Future Trends

The future will likely see:

• Stronger AI-assisted development, enabling natural language to generate applications.
• Hybrid models blending code-free interfaces with professional developer extensions.
• Expanded enterprise governance frameworks to ensure security and compliance.
• Rapid growth in no-code adoption, potentially dominating 70% of new enterprise applications by 2025.

Conclusion

Zero-code and low-code app development represent a transformative force in modern software creation. By dramatically decreasing development time, lowering costs, and modifying app development, LCNC stages are changing how organisations innovate. Supported by robust adoption data and compelling case studies, these are not just a trend; they are changing digital transformation strategies worldwide. Businesses that leverage them effectively can unlock agility, boost productivity, and respond more quickly to evolving market needs, positioning themselves for success in the digital economy(Source: Forrester).

About Author

I am Arun Sagar Rai, a Level 6 student at PCPS College, currently pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering. The domain of learned interest includes smart systems, robotics, and IoT. While working on this article, "Zero-Code and Low-Code App Development: Build Apps Faster Without Writing Much Code," I explored the trends and impact of software infrastructure, which is user-friendly, influencing the developments, speed, and connectivity of applications, and the automation of processes. The influence is particularly considerable in the context of AI and IoT systems, which require a capable and dynamic software layer.

About PCPS Research

PCPS Research is a dedicated initiative that places academics and research at the forefront through high-quality articles, blogs, and research publications. Through this platform, PCPS actively promotes and supports students’ research capabilities while also showcasing scholarly work researched and written by PCPS academicians. PCPS Research serves as a knowledge hub where readers can access credible and insightful content, reflecting the college’s commitment to academic excellence and its promise to be one of the leading IT colleges in Nepal, delivering career-focused skills