What is Low-Code?

In short: Low-code development is the modern way of developing software, working with standard components, visual models, and AI instead of programming everything line by line. The goal: less manual programming, shorter lead times, and software that better aligns with the business.

Low-code replaces traditional methods of custom software development, such as for (business) software that meets the needs of the client or organization in every respect. With low-code development, applications are designed and implemented using standard components, instead of starting from scratch and writing code line by line the old-fashioned way.

What is low-code

How does low-code development work in practice?

In practice, a low-code process often looks like this:

Analysis & Modeling
The required processes, data models, and user roles are defined.
Configuration instead of programming
Screens, workflows, authorizations, and integrations are configured using standard components, AI, and visual editors.
Automatic code generation
The platform generates the necessary code and structure (for example, a layered architecture for the front-end, business layer, and database).
Customization
Where necessary, developers add unique business logic or integrations.
Rapid testing, adjustments, and deployment
Thanks to low-code development, prototypes and initial versions can be tested by end users within days or weeks, after which improvements are made iteratively.

Low-code, no-code, and traditional development: the differences

It helps to position low-code against other approaches such as traditional development and no-code:

In traditional development ("high-code"), entire applications are often manually programmed in languages like C#, Java, or JavaScript. This results in maximum flexibility, but also longer lead times and higher costs.

No-code revolves around fully visual tools without programming language, aimed at simple apps or departmental solutions. These are fast and accessible for non-technical users, but limited in complexity, scalability, and integrations.

Low-code development combines the advantages of high-code and no-code: rapid development with the ability to add code where needed. This makes low-code highly suitable for complex, mission-critical systems and for integrations with existing applications and data sources.

View a complete comparison of the different development methods here

Why Do Companies Use Low-Code Development?

Low-code development emerged from the need for faster development cycles and, due to a shortage of skilled developers, reduced dependency on programmers. With low-code development, developers and even non-IT personnel can quickly build applications and maintain them easily.

“Low-code benefits providers, IT departments and business users alike, as it enables them to build, test and deploy solutions faster and more efficiently.”

Low-code software also offers a wide range of functionality, including integration with external systems, reporting, analytics, and mobile app development. They also offer the option to integrate with legacy systems and custom software solutions. This makes low-code ideal for organizations that want to future-proof their existing systems, a need that often comes up in companies that have existed for some years.

The 5 biggest benefits of low-code development:

Faster time-to-market
Lower development and management costs
Less reliance on scarce developers
Modernization of legacy systems
Better alignment with the business

The Financial Aspect of Low-Code

Low-code not only helps create custom software solutions, but combined with AI, it can often structurally reduce the total costs of software development. This will be a key consideration for companies, especially in 2026.

How is this possible? Low-code minimizes the need for a large IT department, as low-code providers develop software tailored to each company's needs. Moreover, internal development and maintenance of these standard systems is eliminated or reduced, saving companies time and money.

Furthermore, by using low-code development, companies can respond more efficiently to the changing needs of their customers and the market, for example, by implementing new processes more quickly. This saves companies valuable investments in lengthy development processes. Low-code development accelerates the time-to-market of custom systems by an average of 2 to 10 times.

View an example of low-code development in practice here: A working business application in 2 days

The Silicon Low Code platform

With our Silicon Low Code platform, we develop standard screens and functionalities up to 10x faster than with traditional development methods. By combining software generation with standard components, we save our clients significant time. We also utilize our own proprietary software products and components for features such as dynamic forms, workflows, and document generation.

What sets low-code development with Silicon apart:

No vendor lock-in
Avoid the infamous vendor lock-in thanks to readable code with a developer-focused platform.
Hundreds of features out-of-the-box
Get started right away with a wide range of standard features, such as multilingualism, multi-tenant capabilities, user management, and reporting.
Competitive pricing, regardless of scale
Reduce your dependence on scarce IT experts with the low-code platform that works for both SMEs and large multinationals.
Secure and high-performance
Now, and in the future. Enjoy low risk and flexible, high-performance applications with Silicon's proven, secure solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Low-Code

1. Is low-code only suitable for simple apps?
No. Modern low-code development is used specifically for business-critical applications with complex processes and integrations. Unlike no-code, low-code does allow for customization and scalability.

2. Are developers still needed if I use low-code?
Yes. Low-code makes developers more productive, but it doesn't replace them. Thanks to low-code development, developers can focus on the components that make business applications truly unique, such as architecture, integrations, security, and custom logic.

3. Am I at risk of vendor lock-in with low-code?
That depends on the platform. Silicon Low Code was developed specifically to prevent vendor lock-in, with transparent, customizable code and an open architecture.

4. How quickly can I have an initial version live?
Depending on the complexity, an initial working version (MVP, prototype, or pilot) can often be achieved within a few weeks. Simple web interfaces based on existing data can sometimes be developed in just a few days.

5. Is low-code secure enough for my organization?
Yes, provided you choose a platform and implementation partner that implements high-level security, works according to standards (such as ISO 27001), and has experience with business-critical systems.

Ready for the next step with low-code?

Want to explore whether low-code is the right choice for your organization, processes, and IT landscape? With a personalized demo of Silicon Low Code, we'll show you: