How I learned to create low-code applications?

What is low-code app development? Is low-code application development difficult? What is the entry barrier for Webcon? In the following article, I describe the path I went through from the point of view of a “non-coding” graduate of the Webcon Academy.

1. How to start with building a low code application in Webcon?
2. Is it all about creating a low code application with Webcon?
3. Is it possible to use programming skills in low-code app development?
4. Summary
5. Even more about Webcon BPS…

Webcon is a low-code tool used to improve business processes. With its help, we will automate workflows, create user-friendly forms and generate the necessary documents and attachments.

 

Thanks to the intuitiveness of the Webcon tool using the “building blocks” method, building fully functional and functional applications will be possible even for people who know little or nothing about programming. If you ever wondered how to develop a low-code application (as some say “how to build a low-code app”), the solution is ready.

I found out about it myself during my student internship at TTMS. It was there that I had my first contact with the Webcon tool, and it took only a week for me and other participants to create my first simple applications.

How to start with building a low code application in Webcon?

To build a process, first you need to add a diagram, specifying what steps will be included in it and how they will be connected with each other with subsequent paths visible to the user at a later stage in the form.

The diagram is built from ready-made elements based on the Drag & Drop method, which, together with the graphic representation, results in high intuitiveness, noticeable from the very beginning of working with the tool.

Low-code Application Development Process Steps

Building a low-code application is a challange, but it is also not as difficult as we might think. How to create a low-code app? We can choose from the following types of steps:

• Starting step – the first step in the process
• Intermediate step – a step that is neither starting nor ending and requires assigning a task to a selected person
• System step – a step that is neither a start nor an end step, does not require a task assignment, and transfers the assigned tasks on a step to the next step
• The waiting for sub-runs step – allows you to wait for the task to finish within dependent, peer-to-peer workflows and sub-workflows
• Workflow control step – allows you to define different paths depending on the fulfillment of the condition checked on the step by the element
• A positive final step
• A negative final

These are the steps you can follow, while creating a low-code application. If several paths come from one step, buttons at the bottom of the user form will appear, allowing you to choose which path to go through.

The exception to the above situation is the workflow control step – then the decision to choose the path is made not by the user, but by the system automatically, based on the rule set by us during the configuration of the step and the form data. A bit more about creating rules later in this article.

After configuring the steps, you need to add attributes, that is, fields on the form that will hold different types of data. Visibility, editability and the necessity of attributes in individual steps are set on the Attributes Matrix.

There are three types of fields to configure the behavior of attributes on the form:

• Blue field – visible / invisible attribute
• Green field – Read-only / read-only attribute that can be changed by JavaScript / editable
• Red field – attribute required / not required

Is it all about creating a low code application with Webcon?

This initial configuration allows us to start the process, fill in the form and proceed to the next step – up to the final step, closing the process. However, it often happens that the correct, fully functional operation of the application requires us to introduce additional rules and validate the data entered in the form. As before, also at this point we usually do not have to worry about the lack of programming skills – in the Webcon rules editor we will find a toolbox with ready-made elements, from which we can use the Drag & Drop method to create rules without writing a line of code.

The toolbox consists of the following tabs:

• Operations – here we find arithmetic operators, logical operators and comparison operators supported by Webcon.

• Functions – here we find a number of built-in functions that will allow us to significantly improve the process of creating rules.

Functions are grouped into thematic catalogs, and their names clearly indicate their purpose. If we have any doubts how to use a given function, then after dragging it to the edit field of the rule and hovering the cursor over it, we will get full information about its operation and accepted arguments.

• Values – here we can refer to the values stored by the attributes of the current form, previously created constants, system attributes and context variables.

The value panel allows you to efficiently create conditions for circuit control. In the example from Figure 1, we are dealing with a vacation process that includes the “Does it require approval?” Workflow control step. – at this step we want to check whether the type of leave selected by the user is a vacation on demand and if so, then skip the acceptance step. For this purpose, we run two paths from the workflow control step – one for leave on demand and the other for other types of leave. Enter the rule in the Workflow control tab in the step configuration panel.

Usually, we use two functions in the path selection rules:

• IF THEN – which allows you to enter a condition and effect
• PATH – which allows you to select the path to go after checking the condition

In our case, the value of the form that we will be checking is the ID of the type of leave selected by the user. For leave on demand, it is equal to 3507.

• Objects – here we can refer to data sources and application data.

In the Applications group, we can refer to the values of application attributes stored in the database (in business rules), types of forms, workflows and individual process steps.

• Parameters – here we can add or refer to a previously created parameter.

Thanks to parameters, we can create universal rules that can be used multiple times for different fields. The parameters for distinction are marked in yellow.

Each time when calling a rule with a parameter, we will be asked what value each of them should take – we can then refer, for example, to the value of an attribute from the form.

In the example above, the Date Validation rule was used twice to compare different dates with each other. Form attribute values and the TODAY function returning the current date were used here.

Is it possible to use programming skills in low-code app development?

More advanced business requirements can sometimes require you to use the basics of programming. When creating rules, we can use in Webcon the integration functions:

• SQL COMMAND – allowing to execute a query and retrieve values from a specified database
• SDK EXECUTION – which allows you to calculate a value using the SDK Business Rule

The ability to write SQL queries will also be useful when creating MSSQL database sources or adding some actions to the process, e.g. integration actions, launching actions and moving the sub-workflow, and changing the values of many fields. When creating e-mail templates, we can use the knowledge of JavaScript basics to format the appearance of the template. It is worth adding that also here the built-in Webcon functions and commands will significantly facilitate our work.

Summary

Answering the question in the article’s title- currently creating an application does not require programming skills. Is it easy? More and more popular low code tools such as Webcon uses intuitive methods, such as “building blocks” and Drag & Drop, providing us with ready-made elements for building applications and making this process accessible, understandable, pleasant, and possible to be carried out by almost everyone. Not having to write many lines of code also saves a lot of time.

However, programming skills can be used, allowing for the creation of much more advanced solutions and the implementation of complex business requirements. Often, however, they are not necessary to create a fully functional product.

Even more about Webcon BPS…

Webcon, as an agile low-code development platform, is revolutionizing the way companies approach BPM (Business Process Management). This no-code BPM and development platform offers a seamless integration platform for businesses seeking efficient solutions without the complexity of traditional coding. Its user-friendly interface enables even those with minimal technical expertise to engage in no-code workflow automation, fostering a more dynamic and responsive business environment. The platform’s versatility extends to diverse applications, making it an ideal application platform for businesses looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With Webcon, companies can easily adapt to changing market demands, ensuring agility and innovation in their business processes.

FAQ

• What is a low-code application and its benefits?

  A low-code application is a software development approach that requires little to no coding to build applications and processes. It allows users to create applications using graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional computer programming. The benefits include faster development times, reduced costs, and the ability for non-programmers to create or contribute to applications.

• Can someone without programming skills use Webcon for low-code app development?

  Yes, Webcon is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it suitable for individuals with minimal or no programming skills. It uses a ‘building blocks’ method, allowing users to construct applications using pre-built elements and a drag-and-drop interface.

• What are the key steps in developing a low-code application using Webcon?

  Key steps include adding a process diagram, configuring process steps (like starting, intermediate, and final steps), setting up attributes for forms, and creating rules for data validation and workflow control. These steps enable the creation of a functional low-code application without writing extensive code.

• Are programming skills necessary for advanced features in Webcon low-code development?

  While basic low-code applications can be created without programming skills, more advanced features in Webcon might require some programming knowledge. For instance, writing SQL queries or using SDK execution for complex business rules can enhance the application’s capabilities.

• How does Webcon ensure ease of use for low-code development?

  Webcon ensures ease of use through its intuitive ‘building blocks’ approach, drag-and-drop interface, and a toolbox with pre-built elements. This allows users to create applications and automate workflows without deep technical knowledge, making the development process accessible and efficient.