Low-code development platforms enable users to automate processes, integrate software, build APIs and create applications faster and more cost-effectively. They offer a selection of pre-coded, reusable functions and services. These functions reduce the amount of manual coding required, thereby accelerating delivery. But how much time do these tools really save? Are the savings worth the effort of selecting and learning how to use a new solution?
Putting low-code development tools to the test
When we created Linx, our goal was to automate and simplify. We needed a tool that would enable developers working on complex projects to automate smaller, time-consuming processes so that they could dedicate more time to the complex parts of the job. We also needed a simple tool, so we gave Linx a powerful drag-and-drop interface. We have a number of case studies that show just how powerful this tool is, but we decided to up the ante and have a bit of fun by inviting developers to see how fast they could create an app using Linx.
The Challenge
How fast can you create an app that serves the exchange rate at a particular time?
The challenge was to use Linx to create an application to call a forex API, get the current exchange rate for ZAR Rand to Euro, then create and send an email with the result at a scheduled time every week. It was a simple exercise. The goal was to showcase how easy it can be to access an open API and create an automated, repeatable solution.
The Result
Pro-code
Linx
Connecting the API
120 mins
3 mins
60 mins
5 mins
Timer service
240 mins
3 mins
Testing
30 mins
5 mins
Total time
7.5 hours
16 minutes
This challenge highlighted the huge time-savings offered by low-code development. The winner completed the task in just 16 minutes. In contrast, building this little application using traditional development methodologies took roughly a day. This is just the beginning. The options are endless. In this example, developers used Linx to call an exchange rate, but it can be used as a low-code API builder to call any API, including weather, geolocation, airlines etc.
Once you have the data, you can use Linx to automate the processes that follow. In this case, the developers set a rule to email the exchange rate when it reached a certain level. Put yourself to the test and tell us what you think. You’ll be amazed at how much faster you’ll be!
Further reading:
Building an API for your single-page application
Building and hosting a low-code API