According to Gartner’s latest forecast, the global market for this technology is expected to reach a total of $26.9 billion in 2023, an increase of 19.6% from 2022.
What are we talking about?
Low-Code Development Technologies (LCDTs) are tools that allow users to create applications and systems without having to write a large amount of code.
This is achieved through the use of graphical user interfaces, templates, and predefined components that can be dragged and dropped to create applications.
In this way, the need for advanced programming skills to create applications is reduced, making software development more accessible and affordable.
LCDTs are often used in areas such as business process automation, the creation of applications for mobile devices, and the construction of websites.
How does it work?
Low-Code Development Technologies (LCDTs) often offer a graphical user interface that allows users to create applications using predefined elements such as templates, components, and widgets.
These elements can be dragged and dropped into the interface to create the structure of the application. Users can also customize the applications by setting different options and adding custom code if necessary.
Once the application has been created, it can be tested and debugged within the same interface before it is deployed. In this way, Low-Code Development Technologies allow users to create applications quickly and easily without having to write a large amount of code.
Low-Code Development Technologies can be used anywhere where applications or systems need to be created. This includes businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.
They can also be used in educational environments to teach students how to create applications without advanced programming knowledge. In general, Low-Code Development Technologies are useful in any environment where applications need to be created quickly and easily.
Market forecast
Hyperautomation and composability will drive the adoption of Low-Code Development Technologies (LCDTs) until 2026
“The high cost of technological talent and a growing hybrid or borderless workforce will contribute to the adoption of low-code technology”
Jason Wong, Gartner’s distinguished vice president of analyst.
Hyperautomation refers to the use of a combination of tools, including Low-Code Development Technologies, to automate processes and tasks.
Composability refers to the ability to combine different technologies and tools to create new capabilities.
These two factors will drive the adoption of Low-Code Development Technologies as businesses and organizations seek to automate processes and tasks to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
It is expected that the combination of these two trends will drive the adoption of low-code development technologies, as these tools facilitate automation and the creation of composable applications.
Gartner predicts that the global market for low-code development technologies will grow by 20% in 2023. Gartner is a technology research and advisory company that makes predictions about the technology market.
According to their forecasts, the low-code development technologies (LCDT) market will experience strong growth in 2023 due to the increasing demand for business and mobile applications, as well as the need to automate processes and reduce development times. This will drive the growth of the low-code development technologies market worldwide in the coming year.
It is expected that by 2026, developers outside of formal IT departments will represent at least 80% of the user base of low-code development tools, compared to 60% in 2021.
Table 1. Low-Code Development Technologies (LCDT) Revenue (Millions of US Dollars)
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP) | 6,324 | 7,968 | 9,960 | 12,351 |
| Business Process Automation (BPA) | 2,416 | 2,585 | 2,761 | 2,940 |
| Multiexperience Development Platforms (MDXP) | 2,081 | 2,508 | 2,999 | 3,563 |
| Robotic Process Automation (RPA) | 2,350 | 2,892 | 3,401 | 3,879 |
| Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) | 4,680 | 5,668 | 6,668 | 7,838 |
| Citizen Automation and Development Platforms (CADP) | 554 | 732 | 953 | 1,232 |
| Other Low-Code Development (LCD) Technologies* | 92 | 109 | 126 | 146 |
| Total | 18,497 | 22,462 | 26,869 | 31,949 |
* Other low-code development technologies include rapid mobile application development (RMAD) tools and rapid application development (RAD) tools. RAD tools are/were only local and mainly desktop applications. Low-code is the evolution of RAD to the cloud and SaaS models.
Notes: Gartner defines a no-code application platform as an LCAP that only requires text input for simple formulas or expressions. The LCAP market therefore includes no-code platforms. Additionally, “no-code” is not a sufficient criterion for tasks such as citizen development, as many complex tool configuration tasks do not require code but still require specialized skills. Columns may not sum to totals shown due to rounding.
Source: Gartner (December 2022)
In summary
Low-code development technologies (LCDTs) have been around for several years, but have gained increased importance in recent times due to the growing need to create applications sustainably, quickly, and efficiently.
This is partly due to the increase in demand for business and mobile applications, as well as the need to automate processes and reduce development times. As a result, low-code development technologies (LCDTs) have become increasingly popular among developers and companies looking for an easy and affordable way to create applications.
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