February 24, 2023

Low Code For BaaS (Fast Backend Development)

8base
@8base

Low code is a remarkable new technology that allows you to create a backend that is:

  • Production-ready
  • Scalable out of the box
  • Fully customizable
  • Has most common endpoints and filtering enabled through GraphQL
  • The entire backend can be created within 10-20 minutes
  • And overall, both frontend and backend developers can enjoy a 3X increase in productivity after only 1-2 days of trying it out

This time frame is not an exaggeration. For a production-ready backend to work, you only need to define a data model.

You can simply create database tables straight from your browser, and you're literally done.

Watch this short 6-minute video that demonstrates the simplicity and power of low code when building a BaaS.

What Is BaaS?

BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) is a technology that allows developers to build backend apps without the need for handling server architecture.

Unlike cloud technology that only handles physical architecture, BaaS (and specifically low code BaaS) completely removes the need for architecture handling.

This means low code backend apps can be published and scaled from one to a million users without requiring any manual change to the code base. 

No DevOps?

DevOps is completely automated, making apps built with low code easy to maintain. Also, there is no added cost of hiring a dedicated team.

The entire process of setting up, publishing, and scaling your backend (and frontend) is simplified. This makes it possible to go from zero to a published backend within 20 minutes.

Of course, this all depends on the number of data models. If more data models and more database tables need to be defined, it will take a little longer.

But essentially, we are talking about doing major backend work in hours that previously took days or even weeks.

BaaS vs. SaaS

BaaS is just a subcategory of SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), so it behaves like any other SaaS. Its most distinguishing features are the subscription model and browser delivery system.

The subscription model doesn't require high upfront costs. And as long as you're paying monthly installments, you're getting the latest software version with all its features.

Since SaaS apps are accessible through a browser, low code BaaS doesn't require any special software or installation. Everything you need is already on your computer.

After you make an account on a low code platform, you can start making your backend apps immediately.

How Does Low Code Work?

The key thing to remember is that low code is not some new type of technology. Instead, it's an extension of existing technologies, like JavaScript, MySQL, GraphQL, and AWS.

This enables developers to learn low code technology within 1-2 days and be immediately productive.

In fact, developers using low code can expect 3X productivity improvements.

What Makes Low Code Unique?

Unlike other technologies/languages/frameworks that may or may not have higher productivity, faster-running code, or fewer bugs - low code is the most practical.

And the biggest feature that makes it practical is the slight learning curve. Especially considering the impressive productivity gains that are achieved through low code technology.

SHORT LEARNING CURVE

The learning curve is the biggest deciding factor if the technology is going to be massively adopted or not.

For example, almost every developer encountered in their career Vim/Emacs text editors that are great productivity tools.

You can find countless videos of people demonstrating the benefits and productivity unleashed with those tools. And yet, relatively few people use them.

Why?

Because it takes months (or longer) to become proficient in using them.

No company and barely any individual have months to invest when the project deadlines are right around the corner. So many features to release, so many quirks and bugs to fix, and so little time.

And therefore, barely anyone has the time to tackle these tools. So the conclusion is that a long learning curve is the enemy of adoption.

This is why low code technology was built from the ground up, with this top of mind.

If low code only takes 1-2 days for an average developer to gain 3X in productivity - there are no obstacles to mass adoption.

Future Of Low Code BaaS

This decade is going to be defined by low code technology. Incredible productivity gains simply cannot be ignored by the market. Especially when it's so easily accessible with so little effort.

To say that a low code future is bright is an understatement.

It will completely change the way software apps are built. On top of that, many projects that were previously not financially viable will now have a chance.

Because increased productivity also means a lower cost of development. Because now you can build a software project for a third of the cost.

This will utter a decade of unprecedented innovation because low code significantly lowered the barrier to entry for new startups.

It will be truly amazing to see what incredible new apps and billion-dollar companies will arise from this low code revolution.

To Sum It Up

Low code technology is the fastest way to build backend applications. It is automatically scalable and doesn't require the DevOps team to manage its architecture.

Using low code, you can achieve a 3X productivity increase within 1-2 days of learning it. Everything you would try to build with traditional programming can be built with low code because it's completely customizable.

Today, low code is at the beginning of a massive decade-long trend that will transform the way applications are built.

And as always, those that catch this trend early will enjoy massive benefits and advantages ahead of the slow-moving competition.

To Learn More About 8base Low-Code Technology

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