Low-code software designed to help nonprogrammers write code is being infused with generative artificial intelligence
Though various forms of less-code-based development have existed for more than a decade, newer visual-based platforms—often called “low-code” as a whole—have gained popularity in recent years as technology leaders are increasingly pressed to deliver more with less. Shamim Mohammad, chief information and technology officer at Richmond, Va.-based CarMax Inc., said the used-car retailer is using several low-code and no-code platforms as part of its strategy to rent, buy, or build certain technology. To reach their full potential, low- and no-code tools “must evolve their platforms to incorporate generative AI,” he said. “AI and machine learning can empower users to more rapidly create powerful business tools, capabilities,” Mr. Mohammad said. “It will also free up scarce and highly valuable software engineering resources.” Market-research and consulting firm Gartner Inc. predicts that by 2026, developers outside of IT departments will account for at least 80% of users of low-code development tools, up from 60% in 2021. The global market for low-code development technologies is projected to reach $26.9 billion in 2023, an increase of 19.6% from 2022, Gartner said.