Low-code: It’s not what you think with OutSystems

How do you react when someone mentions low-code? If you’re like many developers, you probably roll your eyes. Who wants to work with something that can only produce ugly or simple apps or both, takes away your control, and locks everything in a black box where no code sees the light of day?

During the time you’ve been developing a healthy dose of suspicion, there's a platform that's been quietly transforming perceptions and pushing the boundaries of what's possible: OutSystems.

The OutSystems platform isn't just another tool that provides generic low-code. It's a high-performance platform designed to empower developer creativity.

But don't just take my word for it. Let's hear from seasoned, experienced developers who have experienced the OutSystems difference firsthand.

From skeptic to champion: Real stories of transformation

Craig St. Jean, Chief Technology Architect at Xebia, once approached OutSystems with disbelief. Like many others, Craig assumed it wouldn't meet his team's specific requirements. Yet, after diving into the platform, he discovered a newfound freedom in his development process. "I went from being a skeptic to becoming an OutSystems champion," he admits.

Similarly, Praveen Kumar Natarajan, a Technology Specialist at Heineken, shares his revelation: "OutSystems is not limited to just 1% of use cases; you can build anything you want." It's a sentiment echoed by developers worldwide who have transitioned from doubters to champions.

Finding joy again: OutSystems removes the parts of coding no one loves

Even developers who love writing code can admit that there are aspects of it that just aren’t fun. There’s the monotonous and boring code structure repetition–a common part of development that’s hard to embrace enthusiastically. Debugging is full of frustrations, especially when the bugs are intermittent or hard to find. Updating code already in production to address technical debt or meet new customer or business needs can be draining. And dependency checking an app portfolio? One word: “Ugh.”

OutSystems provides automation and visual development to handle all the things that steal coding joy. “When I found OutSystems, I got back to my joy in IT and developing applications. And this is what kept me in the IT business,” says Roy van de Kerkhof, Founder and Director, NovioQ, Netherlands.

Defying expectations: OutSystems and code

Think you can’t code with low-code? Think again. The OutSystems IDE integrates with Visual Studio so you can create extensions to the visual language. These extensions basically wrap standard C# code that can be used in the visual model. Plus, there’s no black box; the source code is there, ready to inspect. You can even bring in native code as reusable components to enhance a capability.

Here’s how Natajaran puts it: “Want to write your own customized JavaScript? You can. Want to write your own .NET code? You can. Want to create your own logic? You can.”

Transforming careers: The OutSystems effect

The impact of OutSystems extends beyond the development process; it's a catalyst for career growth and personal fulfillment. Didier Leroy, a Solutions Architect at CM, tried OutSystems during an internship and discovered a newfound passion for software development. "OutSystems changed my mind," Didier reflects, highlighting the platform's ability to inspire and invigorate.

Didier is not the only one. Seventeen years ago, Rafael Pereira started using OutSystems. “I had moved from graphic design to software, but was about to give up because of the complexity. Then I tried OutSystems. Now I’m helping people build applications with OutSystems. Some are from sales and some have been programmers for years. But they all agree that OutSystems is the only platform they want to use now.” Rafael has also founded three companies, two of which focus on OutSystems: Digital Alchimia (OutSystems Consulting) and Academia RafaOutSystems (OutSystems Training Partner).

Looking ahead: A future with OutSystems

OutSystems is leading the charge towards a future where creativity knows no bounds. With its intuitive visual language, transparent source code, and vibrant community, OutSystems empowers developers to build the same kinds of applications they are currently coding by hand.

So, to all you developers out there, it's time to embrace the possibilities that OutSystems offers. Whether you're a doubter or a seasoned enthusiast, there's a world of innovation waiting to be unlocked. With OutSystems, the only limit is your imagination.

If you’d like to hear more about what seasoned developers really think about OutSystems—in their own words— check out our new “OutSystems: The low-code solution developers actually love” ebook.