Low-code application development

Appian is a process platform that enables organizations to transform their end-to-end processes. Appian developers use low-code tools and process orchestration, automation, and intelligence capabilities to build applications using a visual, drag-and-drop interface, connect data via APIs and Appian’s data fabric, and orchestrate work between business users and digital workers. 

Appian’s low-code platform empowers developers with pre-tested, secure application components that work across devices. Additionally, Appian supports federated development, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly across projects while ensuring consistency and adaptability as business needs evolve.

Low-code and no-code platforms have vastly different use cases and functions. Low-code platforms are geared toward professional developers and enable them to combine visual, drag-and-drop development functionality with minimal hand coding. Low-code provides flexibility and speed for creating applications and processes to support enterprise-level needs.

By contrast, no-code software is geared toward citizen developers or business users. No-code enables non-technical users to build workflows without any coding required. Standalone no-code platforms do not offer the power or flexibility professional developers need to build sophisticated applications. Learn more about low-code vs. no-code development.

An Appian developer is a professional developer with the background, knowledge, and technical expertise to build mission-critical applications and processes on the Appian Platform. Typically, these developers have trained in Appian’s low-code development practices via Appian’s training courses. Appian offers multiple levels of certification, from Associate Developer to Senior and Lead Developer. The higher the certification level, the more complex solutions the developer is prepared to build. Learn more about Appian certifications.

Most Appian development doesn’t require direct knowledge of a traditional programming language. However, Appian does offer a proprietary programming language called SAIL (short for “self assembling interface layer”) that enables users to create rich, interactive forms that are responsive across devices—all using a declarative interface that doesn’t require you to know all the finer details of the underlying technical implementations. Additionally, Appian also supports the ability to develop in other languages like Java or Python via web services as needed.

Building custom applications in Appian does require previous development expertise. Although, when building with ready-to-use modules in Case Management Studio, citizen developers can launch solutions for the business faster and empower users to modify workflows within a secure, no-code interface.

Low-code development is perfect for enterprise processes and applications if used in the context of an enterprise process platform. These platforms include the ability to use visual interfaces, pre-configured application components, and enterprise-grade development and governance tools to design, test, and deploy applications quickly.

To develop enterprise-grade applications, teams can leverage role-based access, automated workflows, and modular design elements, ensuring that applications are robust, secure, and compliant with enterprise standards. Low-code also simplifies collaboration, as business and IT teams can co-create solutions, streamline feedback cycles, accelerate application deployment, and support continuous improvement by using integrated development environments for building their business apps. 

Additionally, Appian offers several capabilities that support enterprise applications, including:

• A cloud-native architecture with an Autoscale feature to handle high-throughput processes (up to 6 million per hour).

• Robust automation features such as enterprise AI, robotic process automation, and process orchestration to help offload repetitive tasks from humans and improve efficiency. 

• A data fabric architecture that enables organizations to integrate data from multiple sources in a virtual layer and gain a 360-degree view of their enterprise data. Using a data fabric can also significantly cut down on data programming time, further speeding up development cycles. 

• Significant investments in security and compliance for data privacy and regulatory governance. 

To see Appian in action, check out our demo library.