Citizen Developers: No Code’s Key to Inclusivity

As the name suggests, no code and low code solutions only require minimal coding and very often do not require the expertise of a developer to master. The emergence of no code and low code software has opened up the sector to non-developers and is allowing them to create solutions without running through reams of instructions on Reddit. With user-friendly features such as drag and drop usually in play, any user can simply create applications in no time!

 Empowering Non-Developers

The technology field and in particular the developer community has always been known for driving inclusivity and supporting others. Citizen developers should definitely be incorporated into that philosophy.

Citizen development democratizes the skills required to build applications, so anyone with an idea can bring it to life with no/low code solutions. This could be a finance manager, a sales team member or an entrepreneur starting their own business.

Citizen developers represent the creative force that should be leveraged by forward-thinking organisations.

In the past, citizen developers would have been restricted to the likes of spreadsheet formulas, but now, with so many new innovative solutions being developed, each with their own application, anyone can build enterprise standard products.

Opening the door to non-coders is especially beneficial for smaller companies that may not have the capacity to employ further internal development teams while freeing up existing dev talent for more strategic matters. For fast-moving start-ups no code solutions are ideal as they drive agility and applications can be built by anyone for their own specific needs.

We Are All Developers Now

 To some developers, no code solutions are seen as the enemy and they could be concerned that automation could remove the need for the role. However, it’s not one or the other, there will always be the need for developers, especially for bespoke applications that cannot be achieved with no code solutions. 

Also, no code solutions will always require governance by IT, to prevent security and privacy risks emerging. So even though these solutions empower anyone to get involved and innovate, there will always be a place for the experts to maintain the groundwork and ensure no issues arise.

Companies should embrace the power of citizen development, letting IT focus on the deeper architectural concerns whilst the citizens create applications that will drive efficiency within business processes. Helping you to get sh*t done!

Are you are pioneering no code solutions provider, or a citizen developer who has developed an application? We want to hear your story, get in touch.