What is Low Code? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
Low code is a software development approach that uses visual interfaces, drag-and-drop tools, and pre-built components to build applications with minimal hand-written code. Low code platforms (OutSystems, Mendix, Power Apps, Salesforce Platform) enable non-developers or citizen developers to build applications faster than traditional coding, but typically with more limitations and vendor dependency.
Low-code in the UK
Low code is relevant to UK businesses in specific contexts. Microsoft Power Apps (part of Microsoft 365) is widely adopted across UK enterprise and public sector for internal tools and workflow automation — low cost given existing Microsoft licensing. OutSystems and Mendix are used in UK enterprise for application modernisation. The UK government's "Citizen developers" initiative promotes Power Apps for local authority tools. UK limitations: low code platforms typically cannot satisfy all 18 GDS Service Standard points for government services, have limited UK GDPR data architecture control, and create significant vendor lock-in. ClickMasters recommends low code for internal tools where vendor lock-in risk is acceptable, and custom for external-facing products.
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