We are witnessing a significant shift in software development with the rise of low-code and no-code tools. These platforms are not only empowering citizen developers to build applications but are also transforming how businesses approach software development. 

As per Gartner’s report, in 2025, 75% of large enterprises are expected to use at least four low-code development tools, reflecting a broader adoption across industries. Moreover, 66% of developers are either using no-code already or planning to do so. This highlights the growing acceptance of the technology among developers. 

Despite this growth, developers remain essential for complex tasks. LCNC platforms accelerate development, reduce costs, and increase accessibility, but they also have limitations in customization and scalability.

In this blog, we will explore why you shouldn’t fear low-code/no-code development tools. We’ll also discuss why a low-code, no-code development process should be embraced. Additionally, we will highlight the top LCNC platforms trending right now among developers. Let’s start! 

It’s essential to clarify that low-code development will not replace developers. Moreover, citizen developers won’t replace experienced senior developers or even junior developers with a few years of experience. 

Low-code tools are beneficial for all developers, especially for professional high-code developers. These tools significantly accelerate application development, which is especially valuable for IT developers working on critical applications. 

Think of low-code as a catalyst in your development methodology, designed to augment, not replace, the role of developers. 

Low-code doesn’t eliminate the need for coding. It automates routine tasks, allowing developers to focus on complex, high-value projects that require custom coding and expertise.

The demand for skilled developers will continue to grow as technology evolves. Low-code tools can’t handle all development tasks, ensuring that developers will always have work, especially in areas requiring specialized skills.

Low-code platforms facilitate collaboration between developers and non-technical stakeholders. This results in more effective communication and better project outcomes. Moreover, it allows us to focus on technical aspects while others handle business logic.

Low-code tools automate routine tasks, giving us more time to innovate and work on strategic projects. This accelerates digital transformation and allows businesses to stay competitive.

Low-code developers tend to report higher job satisfaction and better pay compared to those working exclusively with traditional high-code tools. In a recent survey, 42% of low-code developers said they were “very satisfied” with their jobs, notably higher than the 31% among high-code-only peers. And when it comes to earning six figures, 72% of those high earners were using low-code, compared to just 64% sticking solely to high-code.

Many industries continue to experience a talent gap, with more open developer roles than qualified professionals to fill them. Low-code platforms can ease this pressure by enabling developers to build apps and features more efficiently, helping reduce the workload caused by limited team sizes.

So there’s nothing to worry about, developer roles aren’t going anywhere. Citizen developers aren’t replacing you; instead, low-code tools can become a powerful ally in your toolkit. Embrace the shift, and you may find greater job satisfaction and even stronger career growth.

Now, the question arises: what are the top LCNC platforms you can explore to learn and grow? Let’s explore them in the next section of our blog. 

Want to build powerful AI apps effortlessly? Read our latest blog, “Top 6 AI app builders for 2025: A complete guide to easy and efficient solutions”.

ToolJet is an open-source, AI-native, low-code/no-code internal tool builder designed to accelerate the development of custom internal tools. It leverages AI and a visual drag-and-drop interface to help users build complex applications quickly and efficiently.

Key features:

• Open-source, full-stack platform: ToolJet is open-source, allowing for extensive customization and flexibility and giving users full control over their apps.
• Drag-and-drop UI builder: The drag-and-drop app builder makes it easy to build applications without writing extensive code, allowing non-developers to participate in app creation.
• Self-hosted deployment: Self-hosting ensures full control over your data and security, which is crucial for industries with strict compliance requirements.
• Enterprise-grade security: ToolJet provides robust security features, including role-based access and encrypted communication, making it suitable for enterprise environments.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://docs.tooljet.com/docs/
• GitHub: https://github.com/ToolJet/ToolJet
• Community: https://www.tooljet.com/slack

Appsmith is a robust, open-source, low-code platform that excels in real-time collaboration and is ideal for building dashboards and internal tools. It stands out for its versatility and ease of use for developers.

• Drag-and-drop UI builder: Simplifies the process of building user interfaces, making it accessible for non-developers.
• Real-time collaboration: Teams can collaborate on app development, seeing real-time changes and updates for faster workflows.
• Customizable templates: Offers a variety of pre-built templates that are easy to customize to meet unique business needs.
• Integration with databases and APIs: Easily connects with a wide range of databases and APIs, allowing for seamless data flow across apps.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://docs.appsmith.com/
• GitHub: https://github.com/appsmithorg/appsmith
• Community: https://discord.com/invite/rBTTVJp

Retool is a developer-friendly platform that lets you quickly build internal tools by connecting to databases and APIs. It is ideal for tech teams looking to streamline app development without sacrificing control.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop UI builder: Create complex UIs by dragging and dropping elements without the need for significant front-end development work.
• Connect to databases and APIs: Easily integrate with popular databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL and APIs, enabling real-time data manipulation and display.
• Custom JavaScript logic: Retool supports custom JavaScript for more advanced users, allowing you to build dynamic interfaces and add logic to your apps.
• Version control: Retool provides built-in version control to track changes, collaborate with team members, and roll back to previous versions if necessary.
• Role-based permissions: You can assign users roles and permissions to ensure secure access to your app’s data.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://docs.retool.com/
• GitHub: https://github.com/tryretool
• Community: https://discord.com/invite/aEHwpVd7yF

Budibase is an open-source platform that empowers businesses to build custom internal tools quickly. Its open-source nature gives users full control over their apps, making it a great fit for teams with specific needs or technical expertise.

Key features:

• Open-source platform: Budibase offers complete flexibility in building and deploying your apps, giving you control over your data and codebase.
• Drag-and-drop interface: Build internal tools easily with its intuitive drag-and-drop builder, which doesn’t require coding knowledge.
• Customizable templates: You can start with a template and customize it to fit your unique business requirements, speeding up the development process.
• Version control: Budibase offers built-in version control, making it easy to track changes, collaborate, and revert to earlier versions when needed.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://docs.budibase.com/docs/what-is-budibase
• GitHub: https://github.com/Budibase/budibase
• Community: https://github.com/Budibase/budibase/discussions

Glide is well-suited for mobile app development with its structured layout and functionality. 

With just a few clicks, you can install the apps you have created on your computer or phone, launching them as progressive web apps that run via the internet. This makes testing, sharing, and distributing your apps incredibly easy.

Key features:

• User-friendly interface: Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for non-technical users.
• Templates: Offers pre-designed templates to help users quickly build different types of apps.
• Customizable: Provides options to customize the design and functionality of apps.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://www.glideapps.com/docs
• GitHub: https://github.com/bumptech/glide
• Community: https://community.glideapps.com/

Bildr excels at creating web apps, Chrome extensions, progressive web apps, and blockchain-enabled Web3 apps. 

Key features: 

• Drag-and-Drop interface: This tool offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor for designing and building applications, making it accessible to beginners and experienced users.
• Customization and scalability: Provides extensive design flexibility and scalability options, ideal for startups and businesses needing tailored web applications.
• API Integrations: Supports robust backend integrations and allows users to visually bind API for martech responses to UI components, enabling real-time updates.
• Workflow automation: Includes features for defining workflows based on triggers, conditions, and actions, enhancing app functionality.

Important links: 

• Documentation: https://www.bildr.com/for/developers
• GitHub: https://github.com/bildr-org
• Community: https://discord.com/invite/mmfTVHV2rV

Softr has been one of the best no-code tools of 2024.  It was created to help developers build web applications, client portals, and internal tools without requiring any coding knowledge. Softr might not have the complex feel of more powerful apps, but it offers a surprisingly robust range of build options and customization tools. 

Key features:

• Extensive integrations: Softr integrates with over 30 apps and tools, including Zapier and Mailchimp, allowing for seamless workflow automation.
• Customization: Offers a wide range of customizable templates and blocks to fit your brand’s unique look and feel.
• Security and Compliance: Provides robust permission-based access control and is SOC 2 (Type II) compliant.

Important links:

• Documentation: https://docs.softr.io/
• Community: https://community.softr.io/

Appian is a leading low-code platform designed to accelerate the development and deployment of enterprise applications. It empowers both professional and citizen developers to build process-centric and case-centric applications efficiently.

Key Features of Appian:

• Drag-and-drop Interface: Appian low-code offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies application development. This feature allows developers to create applications quickly without extensive coding knowledge.
• Full-Stack Automation: Appian integrates artificial intelligence, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), decision rules, and workflow management on a single platform. This enables seamless automation of complex business processes.
• Data Fabric: Appian’s Data Fabric is a virtual layer connecting disparate data sources, allowing users to unify and optimize enterprise data for powerful composite applications.

Important links:

• Documentation: https://docs.appian.com/
• GitHub:https://github.com/appian
• Community: https://community.appian.com/

Low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms are designed to simplify the development process by providing essential features that optimize application development. These platforms come equipped with pre-built templates, integration options, and hosting solutions, which significantly reduce the time and effort required to build and deploy applications.

1. Pre-built templates:

LCNC platforms offer a variety of pre-designed templates for different application types. These templates help you quickly set up the basic structure of their applications, allowing them to focus on customization and functionality rather than starting from scratch.

For instance, ToolJet offers a library of more than sixty pre-built templates. You can easily customize these components to suit your specific needs.

2. Integration options:

LCNC platforms typically include integration tools that allow users to connect their applications with external services, databases, or APIs. This enables smooth data exchange and functionality extension. 

At ToolJet, we support more than sixty external data sources. This includes smooth integration with databases, AI systems, APIs, and other platforms.

3. Hosting solutions:

LCNC platforms provide flexible hosting options that cater to different business needs. Many platforms offer built-in cloud hosting, which automates scaling, security updates, and performance optimization. 

Alternatively, some platforms allow users to self-host on their own cloud infrastructure, providing more control over the CI/CD pipeline and infrastructure management. 

ToolJet supports both self-hosted and on-premise options. 

By leveraging these features, developers can focus on high-value tasks like innovation and customization. Let LCNC platforms handle the more mundane aspects of application development. This synergy enhances productivity and accelerates the time-to-market for new applications.

Looking to optimize your business processes? Read our blog, “Top internal tools builder of 2025: The best way to optimize business processes fast”.

LCNC tools are not here to replace developers’ code but to help them. These platforms allow you to focus on complex, high-value projects by automating routine tasks. As the demand for skilled developers rises, embracing LCNC tools can enhance productivity, innovation, and career prospects. 

Whether you’re building applications with ToolJet or other platforms, the future of low-code development is collaborative, not competitive. So, use these tools to accelerate your work and stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape.

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