A model and workflow-driven approach for engineering domain-specific low-code platforms and applications

Abstract The need to produce software quicker and in greater quantities continues to grow, while the market for professional programmers struggles to meet the rising demand. Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) have been proposed as a solution that enables individuals without formal training to develop applications. However, current LCDPs typically rely on proprietary, fixed code generation processes, which limit flexibility, hinder interoperability, and risk vendor lock-in. To address these limitations, this paper introduces Dandelion+, a cloud-based low-code platform designed to create domain-specific LCDPs and applications within them. Our approach is highly model-driven, from defining the scaffolds of low-code platforms (e.g., models, meta-models, users, and roles) to creating applications. In particular, applications are powered by PlatFlow , a platform-aware graphical workflow language. Comprising both model operations and low-code-focused nodes, PlatFlow offers flexible control over the code generation process that drives LCDPs. We conduct two case studies to evaluate our approach. First, we confront Dandelion+ with other low-code platforms to design interactive applications and produce artifacts. Second, we report on the benefits of Dandelion+ in the industrial context of UGROUND, a Spanish software firm that uses low code in its projects.