Low-Code and No-Code Development: The Future of Software Engineering

Low-code and no-code development platforms (LCNC) are revolutionising software engineering by enabling individuals with little to no programming experience to build functional applications. These platforms leverage visual development environments, drag-and-drop interfaces, and pre-built components to accelerate software creation and bridge the gap between business needs and IT capabilities. As digital transformation becomes a necessity across industries, LCNC platforms promise faster development cycles, reduced costs, and democratized innovation. However, despite their growing popularity, these platforms raise concerns related to scalability, security, customisation, and long-term maintainability. This paper explores the current state of LCNC development, its advantages, limitations, real-world use cases, and its potential to redefine the future of software engineering. It also outlines critical research gaps and offers a framework for integrating LCNC into enterprise software ecosystems while preserving software quality and governance.