Understanding the definition of open-source low-code platforms
An open source low-code platform combines the speed and simplicity of low-code development with the flexibility of open-source software.
Low-code solutions simplify app development, making it easier to create applications without the need for traditional code through visual programming, pre-built components, and drag-and-drop interfaces. On the other hand, open-source platforms provide you with access to the source code, enabling customization and extensibility and allowing for improvements through community contributions.
Businesses that choose to adopt open-source low-code platforms can accelerate innovation, but they must also manage challenges such as security, compliance, and long-term maintenance. Additionally, the concept of "open-source low-code no-code" offers another option, providing open-source flexibility while incorporating no-code capabilities for users with little to no technical expertise.
What is the difference between open and closed source?
When evaluating different platforms, understanding the differences between open source and closed source is critical.
- Closed source is software that has a private source code. This means that the source code is protected by a license owned by the organization and not freely accessible. Also known as proprietary software, closed source usually provides enterprise-grade security, compliance, and technical support, and businesses and users must purchase the license to use it.
- Open source is the complete opposite of closed source. It grants users the access needed to modify, copy, and distribute the source code freely. Given its free access, it fosters collaboration but lacks dedicated support and requires in-house development expertise to guarantee security standards and maintenance.
Businesses deciding between open source vs. closed source must consider factors such as scalability, security, and developer productivity to determine the best fit for their business needs.
Benefits and challenges of low-code open source
An open-source low-code platform empowers organizations to build applications faster and tailor solutions to specific needs, but they also come with important considerations.
Low-code development tools transform how organizations build, deploy, deliver, and maintain applications through visual programming and reusable components. The key benefits include accelerated app development, increased agility, and cost savings.
However, when low-code technology is combined with open-source software, there’s an extra layer of caution needed. While open-source low-code solutions offer some benefits, they also introduce critical challenges with direct impacts on sustainability and performance in the long run. Key concerns include:
- Security risks: Open source software and components expose applications, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
- Ongoing maintenance: Any updates, patches, or compatibility issues are entirely the responsibility of the organization, often without vendor support.
- Scalability limitations: Some open source low-code platforms may lack enterprise-grade scalability and critical performance analysis capabilities.
Organizations must evaluate the trade-offs between flexibility and security, flexibility, and long-term maintenance—and cost.
Is an open-source low-code platform secure?
This is the million-dollar question. Security is a major concern associated with open-source software. Security risks include vulnerabilities from unpatched code, lack of centralized security oversight, and inconsistent compliance measures. For example, a vulnerability in the Log4j, a widely used, open-source Java logging library, enabled hackers to launch an attack on Minecraft servers in December 2021. Although there are patches, because Log4j is open source, this vulnerability continues to this day. Businesses investigating open-source low-code platforms must consider the robust security protocols needed to mitigate risks like vulnerabilities and the injection of malicious code into open-source libraries.
OutSystems low-code approach to security
For organizations looking for a secure, flexible, and scalable low-code platform, OutSystems offers an enterprise-ready solution with built-in security. Unlike other low-code solutions, OutSystems doesn’t compromise on security. It provides automated safeguards, advanced threat protection, and enterprise-grade compliance from development to deployment.
The OutSystems platform balances speed, security, and scalability, providing the necessary confidence to drive innovation without affecting compliance, operational efficiency, or time-to-market.
If your company is in the process of digital transformation, take a look at our low-code platform page or contact OutSystems sales to ask your questions about adopting the platform.
Open source low-code platform frequently asked questions
Although it has multiple benefits and is popular with developers and architects, open source technology has several challenges, such as security vulnerabilities, a lack of enterprise support, maintenance overhead, and difficulty scaling to meet massive demand.
No, OutSystems is not an open-source platform.
Some of the most popular open-source software includes Linux, Apache, Kubernetes, and PostgreSQL.
Open-source operating systems are systems with publicly available source code that can be accessed, modified, and distributed by anyone. Well-known examples include Linux, Ubuntu, and FreeBSD.
Many open source solutions are free to use. However, if you need an enterprise version with paid support and additional features designed for business needs are usually licensed, which means a fee for use.