Tutorial on
Low-Code Software Development: Fundamentals and Applied Examples
Instructor
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Martin Zimmermann
Offenburg University
Germany
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Brief Bio
Martin Zimmermann is a full professor in the Department of Economics at University of Applied Sciences Offenburg, where he has been since 2001. From 2002 to 2008 he served as Department Chair. From 1994 to 1998 he worked as a scientist at IBM European Networking Center and Deutsche Bank Group. During 1998-2001 he was a Professor at University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil, Switzerland. Between 2016 and 2020, Martin Zimmermann was Vice Director of the newly founded Department of Computer Science at the University of Lucerne. He received a M.S. (Diplom) from KIT in 1989 and a PhD in 1996 from the J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt. He authored more than 50 papers in international book chapters, journals and conference proceedings. He received several best paper awards, e.g., for his contributions to the topics of visual programming and context-based mobile applications. His research interests span mobile devices, the development of cross platform based mobile applications, and visual programming with focus on user-centered context-based mobile applications. Much of his work has been on improving the understanding, design, development and performance of context-based applications.
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Abstract
Abstract
Low-code development platforms enable software creation by integrating visual programming elements, allowing for a more inclusive involvement of problem domain experts in the development process. This integration enhances both the efficiency and effectiveness of software development. This tutorial will examine the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of low-code platforms, along with their selection, implementation, architecture, and potential applications. A process model for selecting a low-code platform will also be presented. Specifically, the tutorial will include practical exercises using cloud-based systems such as MIT App Inventor and Thunkable. These hands-on exercises are an important component of the tutorial.
Keywords
Low code software development
Aims and Learning Objectives
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, significance, and potential of low-code software development, as well as the methodologies for developing applications through visual programming. To achieve this, various concrete scenarios will be analyzed, and corresponding mobile applications will be developed during the tutorial.This tutorial will provide an in-depth examination of the architecture of low-code platforms, enabling participants to better comprehend their functionality and capabilities. Additionally, participants will learn best practices for developing applications using low-code platforms, including practical tips for building effective applications.
Through hands-on exercises utilizing cloud-based systems, participants will develop several applications. These exercises will cover a range of topics, such as accessing sensors of mobile devices and integrating web APIs.
Target Audience
Researchers, practitioners.
Prerequisite Knowledge of Audience
Fundamentals of Computer Science Concepts & Programming Language Concepts
Detailed Outline
Over recent years, the functionality of numerous platforms has expanded considerably, and many new systems have been introduced to the market. More effective software applications facilitate better fulfillment of end-user requirements by minimizing the necessary communication between subject matter experts and software developers, thereby reducing the potential for misunderstandings in the specification and implementation of requirements.
The tutorial is divided into four parts and will cover the following topics:
Characteristics, importance and potential of low-code development:
We will identify the characteristics of low-code development and discuss how this is changing software development. This includes an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of low-code development.
Selection and adoption of low-code platforms:
We will discuss how to select and successfully adopt the right low-code platform, using a structured process model.
Low-code platform architecture:
This will include an in-depth look at the architecture of low-code platforms to better understand their functionality and capabilities.
Practical exercises: Through hands-on exercises using cloud-based systems we will develop several apps together: Access to the various sensors of a mobile device, cloud-based persistence, and integration of web APIs, including visualization of data.