Digitisation Basics
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Low-Code Development in 2025
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow IT teams or expensive app development, low-code offers a faster, simpler solution. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the technology on a non-technical level. And it answers the question if low-code is worth your time.
Sarah Amler
You’ve probably heard the term low-code development being thrown around lately. Maybe you're wondering, “What is it really? Do I need to know how to code? Can I use it to solve my business problems? And is it even worth my time?”
If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone.
For someone new to low-code, it can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you’re concerned that it’s too technical or that you’ll need a deep understanding of programming to get started. Or maybe you’re worried it’s just another tech buzzword without real-world value.
Here’s the good news: low-code development is designed for people like you — those who want to digitize processes without becoming a software developer.
This guide will help you:
- Understand what low-code development is and how it works.
- Learn what skills you actually need (spoiler: you don’t need to be a coder).
- Explore what you can build with low-code, from simple forms to complete solutions.
- Decide if it’s the right choice for your needs by addressing its advantages and limitations.
By the end of this post, you’ll know what low-code development is. And you’ll feel confident in deciding if it’s the right tool for modernizing your processes.
Let’s go: Welcome to the world of low-code!
In this video we explain in detail what low-code is. We can only recommend this as a supplement to this blog post.
What Is Low-Code Development?
Low-code development is a visual approach to software creation. Instead of writing endless lines of code, you use drag-and-drop tools and visual editors to create forms, digital workflows and whole software solutions.
Think of it like building with LEGO bricks — you snap pieces together to create something functional. Such pieces can be input forms, buttons, automated workflows, notifications via Microsoft Teams or email, summaries, automatically generated documents and so much more.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to digitally mapping your day-to-day processes with low-code.
Why Is It Called Low-Code?
Low-code means you might still need to write some code for advanced functionality. It's different from no-code, where coding isn’t required at all.
But don't let that put you off.
Most processes work without coding or you will be guided step by step by low-code wizards to create the code snippet.
The fact that you can still use code in various places also has numerous advantages. You are not limited to the platform's default settings. Instead, you can customize the built solution 100% to your requirements if necessary.
What Skills Do You Need?
Good news: You don’t need to be a coding wizard!
Low-code development is all about making software creation accessible. Here’s what you’ll need instead:
- Process understanding: Know how your business processes work and what you want to improve.
- Logical thinking: Be able to map out steps in a workflow.
- Basic technical knowledge: Understand basic IT concepts on a meta level.
- Optional coding skills: For the last 5 – 10 % of customization, some basic coding knowledge might help.
What Can You Build with Low-Code?
The possibilities are huge! You can use low-code platforms in every area of your company.
You can digitize paper-based processes. It gives you the opportunity to digitalize and automate small, everyday processes so that your team can work much more efficiently. But you also have the option of building complete software solutions for critical processes. This means you don't have to adapt your process to the software, but can adapt the software to your process.
You can create:
- Simple Forms: Collect data from users (e.g., a feedback form).
- Automated Processes: Approvals, notifications, and data updates.
- Full Solutions: Combine processes to build complex applications tailored to your business needs.
Why Should You Consider Low-Code?
Low-code development isn’t just a trendy buzzword — it has real advantages. It's a development that has been taking place for a long time and is increasingly finding its way into companies.
It's the perfect combination of two worlds: Standard software and custom development. With the help of low-code platforms, you can build individual digital solutions (as with custom software development). But all at significantly lower costs (as with the use of standard software).
Advantages you should know about:
- Speed: Digitize faster than with traditional coding methods.
- Independence: No more waiting for IT departments to deliver.
- Cost-Effective: Save money by doing it yourself or needing fewer developers.
- Control: Customize your processes exactly the way you want.
When Does Low-Code Make Sense?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to modernize your processes?
- Are you tired of relying on slow IT teams?
- Do you need solutions that fit your unique business needs?
If the answer is yes, low-code might be perfect for you.
Step-by-Step Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist to start your low-code journey:
- Define your goals: What processes do you want to digitize or improve?
- Map out your workflows: Break them down step by step.
- Choose a low-code platform: Look into tools like SharePoint, skybow Studio or Microsoft Power Apps.
- Experiment with drag-and-drop tools: Start with small projects, like a form or basic workflow.
- Learn basic coding concepts (optional): This can help with advanced customization.
- Test your solutions: Ensure they work as intended.
- Iterate and improve: Make tweaks to fit your exact needs.
Your Key Takeaways
Low-code development is a game-changer for businesses and individuals looking to create software without deep technical skills. Digitization is no longer an option. It's a must-do in order to remain competitive and to attract and retain skilled staff.
There's no technology that supports you in the digitization of your processes as well as low-code. It's the fastest, most customizable, simplest and most cost-effective solution.
Here’s why you should consider it:
- Save time: Build apps faster.
- Save money: Reduce reliance on developers.
- Gain control: Create solutions that fit your exact needs.
- Boost innovation: Modernize your workflows and improve efficiency.
With this guide, you’re ready to dive into low-code development.
Start small, experiment, and see how this powerful tool can transform your business processes. Happy building! 🚀
skybow Low-Code Academy
If you want to get started straight away but don't want to spend weeks on trial and error, then the skybow Low-Code Academy is the thing for you.
In just 5 weeks, you'll learn everything you need to digitize and automate your processes quickly, easily and efficiently using low-code.
You can find all the information here!
We look forward to starting your low-code journey with you. 💚
You want to create your next SharePoint project faster and easier with low-code?
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