No-code development platform

No-code development platform (NCDPs) allows programmers and non-programmers to create application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional computer programming. No-code development platforms are closely related to low-code development platforms as both are designed to expedite the application development process. These platforms have both increased in popularity as companies deal with the parallel trends of an increasingly mobile workforce and a limited supply of competent software developers.
Platforms vary widely in their functionality, integrations, and market niche. Some applications may focus solely on a specific business function such as data capture or workflow while others may seek to integrate entire enterprise resource planning tools into a mobile form factor.
No-code development platforms are closely related to Visual programming languages.
Use.
NCDPs are used to meet the needs of companies that are seeking to digitize processes through cloud-based mobile applications. No-code tools are often designed with line of business users in mind as opposed to traditional IT. This shift in focus is meant to help accelerate the development cycle by bypassing traditional IT development constraints of time, money, and scarce software development human capital resources to allow teams to align their business strategy with a rapid development process. NCDPs also often leverage enterprise-scale APIs and web service catalogs, open data sets, and tested and proven template galleries, to help integrate existing business systems while adding a practical layer of user functionality. 
The transition from traditional enterprise software to a lean development methodology is also changing the role of traditional IT leaders and departments. Whereas IT once provided not only approval of new technology but procurement and development of new tools, IT's role is now increasingly one of governance over line-of-business who develop niche tools for their work stream.
The potential benefits of utilizing a NCDP include:
No-Code vs. Low-Code.
The distinction between no-code and low-code development platforms can seem blurry depending on the nature of an app platform's full set of functionality. However, there are a number of key distinctions that set apart the design and use cases for each type of platform.
Security concerns.
As no-code development platforms continue to gain in popularity, concerns over platform security have risen as well, particularly for apps that handle consumer data. A common assumption is that NCDPs are more vulnerable to security threats as these apps are often built by nontechnical business users. In reality, custom code is often a greater security risk than platform code which has been validated by its consistent use across multiple applications. No-code solutions allow platforms to hide what happens behind the scenes from users, so that end-users can change or modify a field without manipulating the functionality of the app and compromising security. 