“Why Business Teams Should Refrain from Leading Application Development”
Over the past decade of developing WaveMaker, one recurring theme has emerged: business users often expect low-code platforms to enable them to create feature-rich applications with minimal technical expertise. While it is true that low-code platforms can empower non-technical users to build applications, this expectation can be problematic. The reality is, while these tools can help create basic apps, they shouldn’t be relied upon for mission-critical or complex enterprise solutions.
In 2021, Gartner predicted that by 2023, the number of “citizen developers” in large enterprises would outnumber professional software developers by a ratio of 4:1. While this has not yet fully materialized, the rise of citizen development programs is undeniable, prompting a need for a closer examination of this trend. Citizen development refers to non-technical users building applications using no-code or low-code platforms that automatically generate code for them. These platforms have found a niche in creating simple, functional tools without involving professional developers.
Take, for example, a simple internal tool like a leave management application. It’s easy to see why an enterprise might want to use citizen development for this task. These applications are typically straightforward, with little to no complex business logic, requiring minimal integration or modern user interfaces. The risk is low because the app is only used within the organization and doesn’t need to adhere to strict security standards. In this case, low-code platforms can be a cost-effective solution to save time and resources.
However, the story changes when it comes to building mission-critical enterprise applications. Unlike simple internal tools, these applications often involve complex business logic, require integration with multiple systems, and must meet high security and performance standards. Business teams, without the technical expertise, can struggle with these challenges. Handing over the development of such applications to business users without proper oversight and expertise can lead to significant issues in terms of scalability, security, and long-term maintainability. Thus, while citizen development is a valuable approach for specific, simple applications, it should not extend to complex, enterprise-level solutions where professional development is crucial.