Software has gotten more complex over the years. Learn more about how the Unqork platform can help you manage complexity without sacrificing sophistication.
It goes without saying that building with code is hard, but it seems like it’s just been getting more and more difficult lately. Development times are slowing down, more large-scale projects are going over budget and over time, and return on investment isn’t where it needs to be. What’s changed? Software complexity has increased.
The factors behind software complexity
So, what causes software complexity? The answer is, well, complex. Industry leaders have been considering this question for years, and there are many different ways to break it down. Some developers would argue software complexity is a combination of high cognitive load, what it takes to understand the APIs, design & implementation of software, and high collaboration costs.
At Unqork, we find it helpful to think about software complexity as a snowball picking up snow and debris as it rolls down a hill. The starting snowball is the simple fact that basic applications simply don’t cut it anymore. As software grows larger and more advanced with time, it becomes harder for development teams to reach the high bar and meet requirements.
“Big Code” is an excellent example of this. We’re in an era where codebases are growing exponentially and showing no signs of slowing. In 2020, 51% of IT managers reported having 100 times the volume of code, while 18% reported a 500x increase. In an application built on millions of code lines, it’s nearly impossible to ensure your application is fully functional and secure until the end of the development process, and by then it might be too late.
In 2020, 51% of IT managers reported having 100 times the volume of code, while 18% reported a 500x increase.
There are also smaller complexities the software snowball will pick up as it zooms down the hill. These challenges are manageable on their own, but you’re in for a headache when you lump them all together in a code-based application.
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UI: UX/UI design is a relatively recent addition to the application development process. 10 years ago, developers were only focused on whether or not the application was functional, not if it was enjoyable to use. Now, the user’s experience on an app is a critical consideration, which adds another layer of complexity.
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Scalability and agility: Today’s enterprises need apps that can handle tens of thousands of users without missing a beat. Plus, you need to constantly update your applications and add more integrations in order to drive value. As an app expands and incorporates more technology to meet shifting needs, it becomes more complex.
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Compatibility: The tech world is vast, so developers must build applications that can run on multiple devices (desktops, phones, tablets, etc.) and multiple operating systems. It’s not uncommon for an app to work well in one browser and misbehave in another. Constantly testing and re-coding to ensure compatibility increases complexity.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that any of these circumstances are ever going to go away completely. Technology will continue to advance, and we will require more from it as it does. Is there any way to rein in software complexity before it gets away from us?
Fight software complexity with Unqork
No-code is the key to shrinking software development back down to size and making the development process more manageable for you and your team. Software gets complex quickly when you need to keep stacking code on top of outdated systems to squeeze out functionality. On the Unqork platform, you build with microservices instead of code—this breaks software systems down into smaller pieces that work seamlessly together. A microservices approach helps you avoid being overwhelmed by a project, and makes it easier to scale up and adjust as technology needs inevitably grow.
The Unqork platform’s drag-and-drop workflows, reusable components, and visual interfaces make it fast and easy to build applications. All Unqork output is live and ready for use as soon as you create it, letting you keep a watchful eye on what you’re building to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Plus, Unqork helps you fight complexity by making testing easier—our QA team checks and double-checks every application to make sure it’s the best it can be.
Low-code is still code, and still attributes to software complexity.
However, don’t confuse lack of complexity with a lack of sophistication! The applications you build on Unqork are high-quality, robust, and more than capable of handling the needs of even the largest enterprise. Since Unqork is easy to use and learn, collaboration between team members is simple and streamlined. The Unqork platform also lets you create fully functional prototypes that reflect changes in real-time for faster feedback and development.
Technology will continue to change and grow more elaborate with time—and we must adapt alongside it. With Unqork’s no-code platform, you can reduce software complexity without sacrificing sophistication along the way.
To learn more about Unqork, schedule a personalized demonstration with one of our in-house experts today. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest no-code developments.
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