<p>Nowadays, businesses of all sizes rely heavily on mobile apps to facilitate client communication, optimize internal processes, and increase revenue. However, designing an app from scratch can take time and effort, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with limited resources. Here's where low-code platforms come into play, providing a more time- and labor-efficient app development and deployment method that doesn't necessitate a deep familiarity with computer programming.&nbsp;</p><p>Users of low-code development platforms can build sophisticated software programs using graphical user interfaces, drag-and-drop tools, and pre-made modules. This method facilitates the rapid development of customized software for commercial purposes by bypassing the necessity for hand-coded solutions. Low-code platforms also offer great adaptability and scalability to accommodate the inevitable changes in a company's app requirements.</p><h2>What Is A Low-Code Platform?</h2><p>A low-code software development platform allows users to create applications using only visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, rendering traditional manual coding archaic and obsolete. These great platforms proffer pre-built templates, workflows, and integrations that leave users in awe, for they can quickly build and deploy custom applications that meet their specific business needs. Moreover, these low-code platforms have many built-in features, such as security, scalability, and data management that need spellbinding. They allow users to create robust and scalable applications without extensive coding knowledge or expertise.<o:p></o:p></p><p>These otherworldly low-code platforms aim to expedite the application development process with the almighty power of magic, all while reducing costs and making it easier for mere mortals, also known as non-technical users, to participate in the development process.&nbsp;</p><h2>Features of Low Code Development</h2><div><ul><li><strong>Visual Modeling Tools</strong>:&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to low-code development, it's all about using pre-made templates and visual interfaces. As a result, it is easy to build programs. Low-code systems have pre-existing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-code_development_platform">modules</a> that accurately match the specifics. Therefore, it is appropriate for both novice business users and expert programmers. Low-code effectiveness allows you to enjoy the ease of the no-code strategy.<br><br><o:p></o:p></li><li><strong>Drag-And-Drop Interface:</strong> With these low-code systems, you can drop your content where you want. This trait is crucial and incredibly helpful. That makes it much quicker to develop new apps. Programmers of all skill levels can benefit from this.<br><br><o:p></o:p></li><li><strong>Scalability</strong>: With any low-code platform, scalability is a major concern. With low-code systems, adding more resources as the user base expands is easy because of the system's inherent scalability. In particular, this helps medium and small businesses that are growing. Companies can ensure their apps are ready for peak usage with the help of a low-code platform without investing heavily in new computer systems or extra employees. Many companies in today's fast-paced market are adopting low-code platforms because of the agility and responsiveness they provide.</li></ul><h2>Benefits of Low-Code Platforms to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses</h2><p><span lang="EN-US">Here are some of the ways low-code platforms can benefit small and medium-sized businesses:<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><p><span style="font-family:Symbol;" lang="EN-US"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="color:#0E101A;" lang="EN-US"><strong>Faster Time to Market</strong></span><span lang="EN-US">: The potential to drastically reduce development time is a significant perk of low-code platforms. With conventional coding approaches, businesses can create apps with low-code media in a fraction of the time it would normally take. This enables enterprises to meet the demands of their customers and adapt to shifting market conditions more rapidly. A quicker time-to-market can be a game-changer for SMBs wanting to gain an edge.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p></li><li><p><span style="font-family:Symbol;" lang="EN-US"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="color:#0E101A;" lang="EN-US"><strong>Cost Savings</strong></span><span lang="EN-US">: Low-code platforms are helpful to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs. They help keep software development costs down; traditional app development typically necessitates hiring skilled programmers and designers, which might be out of reach financially for new projects. Fortunately, low-code platforms have made it possible for businesses to create apps without the use of costly IT personnel or substantial coding skills or expertise. This can aid SMEs in better allocating their resources and allowing them to concentrate on other parts of their operations.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p></li><li><p><span style="font-family:Symbol;" lang="EN-US"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="color:#0E101A;" lang="EN-US"><strong>Increased Agility</strong></span><span lang="EN-US">: Companies today need to be nimble and quick to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the market. Companies can swiftly adjust to new demands thanks to the adaptability of low-code platforms. With a low-code platform, businesses can quickly make changes and updates to their apps without taking them offline for long periods. This enhanced responsiveness can help organizations maintain a competitive edge and capitalize on emerging possibilities.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p></li><li><p><span style="font-family:Symbol;" lang="EN-US"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="color:#0E101A;" lang="EN-US"><strong>Improved Collaboration</strong></span><span lang="EN-US">: Companies can streamline their efforts to work together on app development projects by using low-code platforms that are built to facilitate communication and cooperation among employees. Teams can work together in real-time on app development projects using low-code platforms by exchanging ideas, feedback, and progress reports. This can aid SMEs in developing apps that better serve their clientele and enhance operational efficiency.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Symbol;" lang="EN-US"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="color:#0E101A;" lang="EN-US"><strong>Greater Control</strong></span><span lang="EN-US">: The low-code platform gives enterprises more say in their app creation processes. With a low-code platform, businesses may tailor their apps to their needs without hiring expensive programmers or relying on third-party service providers. Small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from this increased leverage by having a more significant say over app development initiatives and the ability to guarantee that such projects are tailored to their specific needs.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p></li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>In conclusion, low-code platforms provide numerous advantages for small and medium-sized businesses that want to build applications quickly and efficiently. Companies that want to stay ahead of the curve and preserve their competitive advantage should invest in low-code platforms because they can shorten time to market, save costs, expand flexibility, improve collaboration, and give them more control. As the demand for mobile apps rises, low-code platforms will become increasingly important for SMBs looking to capitalize on this development.<br><br>&nbsp;</p><hr><p>Are you a citizen developer, freelancer, or a small company seeking to build end-to-end applications? Discover Qodly, a hybrid low-code platform for web applications backed by 4D, a pioneer in cross-platform app development for over 40 years.</p><p>With Qodly, you can create apps tailored to your needs without the hassle of extensive coding. Plus, if you wish to customize further, you have the freedom to add your code, ensuring you're never limited or stuck.</p><p>Experience high-performance apps, thanks to the seamless integration of 4D technology with open-source web frameworks. Learn more about this powerful platform today.</p></div>

<p>If you've heard of <a href="https://qodly.com/" target="_blank">Qodly</a>, great! If not, don't worry – this blog post is here to introduce you. In today's fast business world, time is super important. Making personalized customer apps matters, but it can take a while. Imagine speeding up app creation while maintaining quality and keeping complete control over how they look and work. That's where Qodly comes in – a hybrid low-code platform by 4D that makes it all easier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What is Qodly</h2><p>Have you ever heard of <a href="https://us.4d.com/" target="_blank">4D</a>? 4D has been a leader in cross-platform app development for over 40 years. Professionals worldwide have harnessed 4D technology to construct potent apps for healthcare, finance, telecom, media and entertainment, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation. And now, they're bringing Qodly – a hybrid low-code platform for web applications. But what's Hybrid Low Code? This approach combines low-code development's speed and efficiency with traditional development's advanced capabilities and freedom of customization. It's like a fast Lego building combined with an expert building – anyone can use it to make complex apps.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>The Qodly advantages&nbsp;</h2><p>Why choose Qodly? Because it's like speeding up app-making without compromising quality. With Hybrid Low Code, you can make super-fast apps that suit your needs without long coding. And the apps work well, thanks to the intelligent blending of 4D tech with open-source web frameworks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Accelerating App Development</h3><p>Crafting personalized, high-quality customer apps can often take time and effort, potentially slowing down your business initiatives. This is where Qodly steps in with a promise to revolutionize your app development journey.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Speed and Customization</h3><p>With its Hybrid Low-Code approach, Qodly ensures you can accelerate your app development process while maintaining complete control over customization. This means you can swiftly create powerful apps tailored to your industry needs without the lengthy coding processes often accompanying traditional development methods.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Top Notch performance</h3><p>At the heart of Qodly's seamless integration of 4D technology with open-source web frameworks. The result? A harmonious blend that guarantees high performance and efficiency, setting the stage for innovative app development.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Technical Insight: The Inner Workings of Qodly</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Behind Qodly's easy look is smart tech that makes app-making simpler. You can design and create your app in Qodly Studio, manage everything in Qodly Cloud Management Console, and run it on Qodly Server. It's all in one place:&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Qodly Studio:</strong> Your web-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that equips you with everything necessary to craft your app.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Qodly Cloud Management Console:</strong> Your central command hub to effortlessly manage all your applications.</p><p><strong>Qodly Server:</strong> The foundation of Qodly apps. It features an optimized and fully integrated Database for reactive and secure data processing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Let's delve into what this means for your web applications:&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1 - With the Studio, you can develop swiftly:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Start from scratch, a sample, or clone an existing app.&nbsp;</li><li>Choose templates and customize them to your needs.&nbsp;</li><li>Effortlessly drag and drop UI components.&nbsp;</li><li>Leverage the advanced Data Table, and design your Data Model visually.&nbsp;</li><li>Define roles and privileges with granular security – control permissions at every level of your data model.&nbsp;</li><li>Code and debug functions seamlessly with Qodly Script.&nbsp;</li><li>Bind data sources with drag and drop.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>2 - Streamlined Deployment and Management:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Deploy your app in your chosen Staging or Production environment with a few clicks using the Qodly Cloud Console.&nbsp;</li><li>Assign user roles, invite users, and ensure smooth operations.&nbsp;</li><li>Debug and restore your apps whenever needed.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>3 - Centralized Monitoring and Control:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Stop, restart, or clone your apps with ease.&nbsp;</li><li>Clone your app and reuse or customize your code for a new customer.&nbsp;</li><li>Access and transfer your dataset using a secure file transfer protocol.&nbsp;</li><li>Schedule automatic backups for peace of mind.</li></ul><h2>Getting Started&nbsp;</h2><p>Getting started with Qodly is straightforward:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Connect to <a href="https://cloud.qodly.com/signup" target="_blank">cloud.qodly.com/signup</a> and create your account in a few clicks.&nbsp;</li><li>Create your sandbox, and let Qodly prepare your environment.&nbsp;</li><li>Go to Qodly Studio and follow the Welcome Tour.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul><p>We have plenty of resources to help you get up and running. From complete documentation to tutorials to video walkthroughs. And if you need additional help. <a href="https://app.slack.com/client/T05KCGX84CS" target="_blank">Our teams</a> are here to help you out!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>The future with Qodly&nbsp;</h2><p>To sum up, Qodly is creating a game-changing platform to save developers much time. Instead of redoing the same work, they can focus on making things better.&nbsp;</p><p>If you've read this far, why not <a href="https://qodly.com/" target="_blank">give it a shot</a>?</p>

<p>In today's interconnected world, where data fuels innovation and drives technological advances, protecting personal information has become paramount. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a beacon guiding businesses and developers through the complex data privacy landscape. This blog post explores the importance of GDPR and how Qodly simplifies compliance for developers, enabling them to create robust and secure applications.</p><h2>Understanding GDPR&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://gdpr-info.eu/">The General Data Protection Regulation</a>, which came into force in May 2018, is a comprehensive data protection framework designed to empower individuals and regulate the processing of their personal data. The GDPR imposes strict guidelines on organizations, emphasizing transparency, consent, and safeguarding user information. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines, a damaged reputation, and legal consequences.</p><h2>Importance of GDPR&nbsp;</h2><ol><li><strong>User Trust and Transparency:</strong> GDPR ensures that users are aware of how their data is being collected, processed, and utilized. This transparency fosters trust between users and organizations, promoting a healthy digital ecosystem.</li><li><strong>Enhanced Data Security: </strong>The regulation mandates robust security measures to protect personal data from breaches and unauthorized access. This not only safeguards user information but also shields organizations from reputational damage.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Global Impact:</strong> GDPR's influence extends beyond the European Union, affecting any organization handling the data of EU citizens' data. Its global impact has spurred a worldwide shift towards prioritizing data protection.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Legal Compliance: </strong>Adhering to GDPR is not just a good practice; it's a legal requirement. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, emphasizing the importance of integrating GDPR principles into every stage of software development.</li></ol><h2>How Qodly simplifies GDPR Compliance for Developers?&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://qodly.com/blog/introduction-qodly">Qodly</a> is a hybrid low-code platform for web applications that is GDPR compliant by design thanks to a complete system of permissions based on granular security and automatic backup and restoration, among other features:</p><p><strong>Granular Security:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Qodly's key approach is to break down access controls and data protection measures into fine-grained components. Every entity, every class, every attribute, and every function is controlled by <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/roles/rolesPrivilegesOverview">privilege and role features</a>. This allows developers to define and implement specific controls at a detailed level, aligning with the precision required by GDPR for managing and protecting personal data.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Security-editor.gif" data-entity-uuid="3d20bed2-c20b-448f-8595-176d660caa92" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1920" height="954"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Automatic Data Backup:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Qodly addresses GDPR's requirement for robust data backup and disaster recovery systems by providing an automatic data backup mechanism. This feature enables incremental data restoration promptly during a physical or technical incident.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Apps monitoring:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Qodly goes beyond simple compliance by offering real-time metrics for monitoring your app server. Keep a vigilant eye on CPU and RAM consumption and data space utilization. Additionally, the ability to download logs provides a valuable tool for app performance analysis and troubleshooting. This way, you're aware of what's going on in case of a data breach.&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/monitoring.gif" data-entity-uuid="1f7bac38-871b-47bc-9fb2-7f2437e88b92" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1920" height="954"><p><strong>AWS and Cognito Integration for Access Management:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Qodly ensures GDPR compliance by integrating AWS and <a href="https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cognito/latest/developerguide/data-protection.html">Amazon Cognito</a>. Similar to its detailed Granular Security, this integration provides fine-grained control over user access. AWS offers a scalable infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, while Cognito facilitates secure user authentication and access control.</p><h2>To conclude&nbsp;</h2><p>As the digital landscape evolves, ensuring GDPR compliance becomes a regulatory necessity and a fundamental ethical responsibility.&nbsp;</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx7Lhb7h5PI&amp;t=1348s">brief yet insightful video segment</a>, we delve into Qodly's unique approach to permissions, a crucial aspect of GDPR compliance. Watch the video to understand how Qodly contributes to a digital ecosystem that respects and protects privacy.&nbsp;</p><p>By seamlessly integrating Qodly into their development processes, developers can maintain user trust, strengthen data security, and contribute to a digital ecosystem that respects and protects privacy.</p>

<p>Hello, I am Ichraq, a web developer with a passion for creating innovative web applications. Throughout my career, I have encountered challenges in dealing with intricate tasks like server setup, database management, and API integration. Seeking a more efficient way to develop web applications without compromising on quality and flexibility, I came across 4D, a prominent software company.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During a university job fair, I discovered 4D, a leading software company in cross-platform app development, and subsequently, I joined the organization. Within this context, I became acquainted with Qodly, a cutting-edge hybrid low code platform, promising to revolutionize the low code web app development. Intrigued by its capabilities. I explored the Qodly website, learning more about its features. Qodly presented a unique approach, allowing developers to build web applications using visual tools for repetitive tasks while also enabling custom features and logic implementation through code. The platform boasted a cloud-based environment for deploying, running, and managing applications seamlessly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Upon delving into Qodly's online Integrated Development Environment (IDE), I was impressed by its drag-and-drop UI components, robust data manipulation and binding features, and the Qodly Cloud Console.</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/Otask-DataModel_0.png" data-entity-uuid="b94bf689-90bf-4d15-ba10-df215f9d6ce4" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1920" height="922"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/dragDrop.png" data-entity-uuid="d45b271a-d47a-4f7a-849d-ad0c03c6922d" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1920" height="872"><p><br>The platform proved to be user-friendly and intuitive, supported by comprehensive documentation and tutorials that facilitated a smooth learning curve.</p><p>Motivated by the promise of speed, simplicity, and control, I initiated projects using Qodly. The first project aimed at enhancing collaboration among 4D Qodly developers through the creation of a knowledge base platform.<br>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/KnowbaseGF%20(1).gif" data-entity-uuid="8febbc1f-6a48-49ef-91c4-9f7a373a0f9f" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1920" height="1080"><p>The second project focused on developing a task management platform to streamline project management for project managers.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Otask-GIF.gif" data-entity-uuid="9144ee53-c977-4df4-aff0-7cc3b5a6719b" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1912" height="910"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Colleagues were thoroughly impressed with the applications' functionality, performance, and aesthetics. They appreciated how the apps met their needs and exceeded expectations, emphasizing the user-friendly nature and ease of maintenance facilitated by the Qodly Cloud Console.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The positive outcomes and feedback have made me a successful and satisfied Qodly developer, experiencing the benefits of faster and more efficient web app development. I extend my gratitude to Qodly for providing a tool that has significantly improved my low code development workflow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In software development's changing landscape, two words have become increasingly important in recent times: Low-Code and No-Code. These approaches for developing applications promise shorter delivery times, lower costs, and increased flexibility. However, it's essential for businesses and developers looking to exploit their potential effectively to understand the distinctions between these two approaches. In this blog post, we'll look at the differences between Low-code and No-code, exploring their differences and highlighting their unique benefits.</p><h2>Understanding low-code</h2><p>Low-code platforms allow developers to create applications with minimal manual coding and focus on visual development. These platforms typically offer pre-built components, drag-and-drop interfaces, and configurable logic to streamline the development process. While coding skills are helpful, they are not always essential for creating applications on low-code platforms.</p><h2>What about no-code?</h2><p>No-code platforms go a step further in simplifying application development by allowing users to create functional applications without writing a single line of code. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces, templates, and predefined logic, enabling users from all backgrounds, including business analysts and citizen developers, to create applications independently.</p><h2>Key differences&nbsp;</h2><p>Now that we've established the basic definitions, let's look at the main distinctions between Low-code and No-code development:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>1- Coding skill level:</h3><p><strong>Low-code: </strong>Although low-code platforms reduce the amount of manual coding required, developers still need a certain level of coding skill to customize and extend applications effectively.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>No-code:</strong> No-code platforms completely eliminate the need for coding skills, allowing users with limited technical expertise to create functional applications using intuitive interfaces and predefined components.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>2- Flexibility and customization:&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>Low-code:</strong> Low-code platforms offer more flexibility and customization options than No-code platforms. Developers can integrate custom code, leverage APIs, and fine-tune application logic to meet specific business requirements.</p><p><strong>No-code:</strong> While no-code platforms excel at rapid application development, they can have limitations in terms of customization and extensibility. Users are often limited by the features and functionality provided by the platform.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>3- Target audience:&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>Low-code:</strong> Low-code platforms are aimed primarily at professional developers and IT teams looking to speed up the development process and streamline workflows without sacrificing flexibility.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>No-code:</strong> No-code platforms are aimed at a wider audience, including business users, entrepreneurs, and citizen developers who want to create applications independently without relying on technical resources.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>4- Application complexity:&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>Low-code:</strong> Low-code platforms are well suited to creating complex, enterprise-level applications that require integration with existing systems, advanced logic, and scalability.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>No-code:</strong> No-code platforms are ideal for creating simple to moderately complex applications such as workflow automation tools, basic productivity applications, and simple data management systems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Qodly's position&nbsp;</h2><p><a href="https://qodly.com/blog/introduction-qodly">Qodly</a> is a hybrid low-code platform for web applications. This approach combines the speed and efficiency of low-code development with the advanced capabilities and freedom of customization of traditional development. While Qodly facilitates the rapid development of applications with the visual interfaces and streamlined processes characteristic of low-code platforms, it also allows for greater customization and flexibility, which aligns more closely with the low-code approach.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Conclusion&nbsp;</h2><p>Choosing between the "Low-code" and "No-code" methods is essential for creating software quickly and correctly. The Low-code method is suitable for professional developers looking for speed and control. In contrast, the No-code method is ideal for people who are not coders but still want to create applications quickly.&nbsp;</p><p>Qodly is a hybrid solution that combines the best elements of the low-code and no-code paradigms. With its hybrid low-code approach, Qodly offers the efficiency of visual development and streamlined processes, coupled with the flexibility of traditional development practices.&nbsp;</p><p>Remember, choosing the correct method depends on the complexity of your project and the people working on it. Understanding these methods will help you create better software faster!</p>

<h2>Introduction To Qodly Apps Templates&nbsp;</h2><p>Accelerate your app development with Qodly! Our platform is designed to speed up the creation process and equip you with advanced tools to build faster, more efficient applications. Dive into development with ease using sample apps, perfect for both learning and as a foundation for your projects. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking for a robust starting point, Qodly has you covered. Choose from a versatile blank template or leverage our feature-rich Qodly sample apps, complete with APIs, to kickstart your development journey. Experience the blend of speed, efficiency, and learning with Qodly – where innovation meets practicality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog%20images/templates.png" alt="Open AI template Qodly" width="1583" height="788"><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Sample App: Qodly And OpenAI&nbsp;</h2><p>Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn't just a buzzword – it's a game changer that's reshaping how we approach tasks, and it's not just for developers. You've likely heard about ChatGPT from OpenAI, a testament to how AI is becoming a part of our everyday conversations. But how can AI be practically applied, especially in the world of app development? This is where our latest exploration comes into play .&nbsp;</p><p>Why does this matter? Whether you're testing a new app or showcasing it to potential investors or users, having a robust set of data is crucial. However, generating this data can be time-consuming and complex. That's where AI comes to the rescue.&nbsp;</p><p>In this post, we delve into a proof-of-concept that illustrates how to seamlessly infuse your app with rich data, using AI tools. It’s not just about filling gaps; it's about enhancing the quality of your app testing and demonstrations.&nbsp;</p><p>Get ready to dive into a world where AI meets practical application, making your app development journey smoother and more innovative. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just curious about the intersection of AI and app development, there's something exciting here for you."&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>ChatGPT vs OpenAI API: Understanding the Differences</h2><p>ChatGPT is a variant of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) model that has been fine-tuned for natural language understanding and generation in a conversational context. It is designed to engage in text-based conversations with users, providing human-like responses and generating coherent and contextually relevant text. ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, customer support, and more, where interacting with users through natural language is required.&nbsp;</p><p>OpenAI API is the programming interface that allows developers to access and use the capabilities of ChatGPT and other models provided by OpenAI. It acts as a bridge between the model and developers’ applications, enabling them to send text prompts and receive model-generated responses.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What’s In It For Me?</h2><p>In the dynamic world of app development, integrating a Rest API with tools like Qodly not only streamlines your workflow but also unlocks new potential. Let’s delve into a fascinating use case to illustrate this synergy.&nbsp;</p><p>Picture this: You're crafting a cutting-edge app. You meticulously model your data, sketch out user interfaces, and map the user journey with Qodly’s intuitive webforms. But there's a hitch – your app needs data, and the usual sources like CSV or JSON files are not at hand, nor do you have the luxury of time to compile and clean a dataset.&nbsp;</p><p>Here's where AI steps in, not just as a tool, but as a transformative ally. Imagine a scenario where you could simply request, "Generate a list of French first names," or "Create typical timesheet comments," and voilà – your database brims with relevant, ready-to-use data.&nbsp;</p><p>In this proof of concept, we're not just talking about any AI; we're discussing a practical, developer-friendly AI application. It's about making your development process more efficient, allowing you to focus on creativity and innovation while AI handles the mundane task of data generation.&nbsp;</p><p>This approach is not just about saving time; it's about enriching your development process with quality data that's tailored to your specific needs. It's a glimpse into the future of app development, where AI becomes an indispensable partner, transforming your ideas into reality with greater speed and less effort.&nbsp;</p><p>Are you intrigued by the possibilities? Discover the ease and flexibility for yourself in the Qodly Sandbox. Simply search for 'Qodly and OpenAI' in the platform, and you're all set to explore. This user-friendly environment is designed for experimentation and learning, allowing you to seamlessly integrate AI into your app development process. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, the Qodly Sandbox provides an accessible and practical way to see firsthand how AI can transform your projects and workflow.&nbsp;</p><p>Getting curious? You can easily check it out in a Qodly Sandbox <a href="https://cloud.qodly.com">here</a>: search and select for “Qodly and OpenAI”, and you’re ready.<br>&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><a href="https://cloud.qodly.com"><img src="/sites/default/files/blog%20images/templates%202.png" alt="Open AI template Qodly" width="351" height="377"></a></p>

<p>In this testimonial, I aim to emphasize the benefits of a user-friendly, intuitive platform named Qodly, tailored for individuals like me who lack coding expertise but need advanced applications in my role as a Digital Marketing advisor. This is why I chose Qodly, and my experience with it was consistently positive.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Effortless Setup</h2><p>The concept of the Qodly hybrid low code platform equipped me with the necessary tools to create various Digital Marketing applications efficiently.&nbsp;</p><p>As a coding novice, I set a goal to understand the basics independently so that I could better communicate with my clients, gain time, and provide the best service possible.&nbsp;</p><p>I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I set up my account on Qodly. The platform provided the guidance I needed at my own pace, allowing me to progress comfortably in a new field.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Sandbox Your Way to Success: Prototyping Made Easy</h2><p>Exploring the documentation, I quickly grasped the fundamentals of application development using Sandbox templates for design.</p><p>The Qodly hybrid low-code platform not only saves me time but also reduces development costs by eliminating the need for expensive developers, making it a valuable tool for beginners like me.&nbsp;</p><p>The platform offers pre-built features such as databases, automation tools, and integrated APIs, streamlining the development process.</p><p>This experience completely changed my perception of coding and motivated me to push my limits. Fear has been replaced by curiosity to learn more and improve myself daily. I now connect as often as possible, and I am impressed by how quickly I am able to evolve these applications.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Progressive Training Takes You on a Step-by-Step Journey</h2><p>I was also impressed by the 17 progressive training modules, which covered technical aspects of the process and offered a step-by-step evolutionary program.</p><a href="https://qodly.com/tutorials"><img src="/sites/default/files/QodlyResources_0.png" data-entity-uuid="0a88b96a-4247-4bb2-831b-0fe84adf62bb" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1384" height="934"></a><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Beyond Coding: A Community to Support Your Growth</h2><p>Qodly's expanding <a href="https://community.qodly.com/">community</a> allows easy access to learning from fellow members and citizen developers, enhancing the overall experience and including everyone regardless of their coding level.&nbsp;</p><p>In conclusion, implementing a productivity-enhancing application has not only been rewarding but has also deepened my understanding of emerging technologies, such as hybrid code platforms.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What's next?</h2><p>I look forward to sharing more details about my final application with you soon and giving you more insights into my overall experience!&nbsp;</p><p>If you're also interested in how Qodly can transform your professional life, create an account <a href="https://qodly.com/get-started">here</a> and stay updated through our blog!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout my career, I've tried various project management apps, but I often found them lacking in customization options. That's why I took the leap to create my own web application using the powerful hybrid low-code platform, Qodly. With Qodly, I had the freedom to customize my app precisely the way I wanted it.&nbsp;</p><p>In this video, I'll walk you through how I transformed my Trello-like app. I added functionalities like visually managing boards similar to Trello, effortlessly searching and filtering boards for better organization, and seamlessly adding new boards to keep my projects on track. Qodly's flexibility allowed me to tailor the app to my specific needs, making project management a smoother and more efficient experience.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ulVRR_8hNrA" title="Build Your Trello Clone in Minutes!" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>

<p>I'm Eric Minyem, a web developer and digital manager. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of assisting several companies in their digital transformation process by taking on tasks such as project management, redesigning and designing web platforms using CMS like Drupal, WordPress, Spip, Wix, Typo3, Joomla, as well as developing E-commerce solutions with Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Digitalization is intensifying in the business sector. The emergence of Low/No Code/HYBRID technologies has facilitated the rise of Citizen Developers. These developers, increasingly present, are creating their own professional tools. Several advantages emerge from this innovative and pragmatic approach:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Reduction of time to market&nbsp;</li><li>Cost optimization&nbsp;</li><li>Transformation of business processes directly by users as a digital project manager, with Qodly, I wanted to test my abilities to create a complete landing page at a low cost and in record time.</li></ul><p>Qodly offers several templates (Dataclasses, HR...) that will save you time in the design phase. You can also create your own custom design and integrate it or use one of the many built-in design templates.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx7Lhb7h5PI" target="_blank">Several tutorials</a> (<a href="https://qodly.com/blog" target="_blank">blog posts and videos</a>) will help you understand the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lACBWXvkMY" target="_blank">Qodly interface</a>. We found the backend simple and well-designed.</p><p>We aim to discover Qodly's various functionalities by creating a landing page.</p><p>To do this, we've chosen and customized a predefined template called Business &amp; Travel, through which, under the theme of Travel &amp; Business, we've introduced logic and variables encoding links between locations (Paris, Singapore, London, Tokyo, New York)., versus Hotels, Cars, Flights, testimonials.</p><p>In the first part of the landing page, we created a slider with two images (Business &amp; Travel). You can also integrate a slider via custom components in the various zones available on the Qodly platform. We'll do that later.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/landingQodly.png" data-entity-uuid="2ccb7331-2604-484a-8175-e1d8c7ef896e" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="902" height="1334"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the second part of the landing, hotels, cars, flights, and testimonials are displayed according to the city selected.</p><p>We also integrated an online booking system for hotels, cars, and flights for each destination. Users can select their stay dates and preferences and make their reservations directly from the landing page.</p><p>- Hotels</p><img src="/sites/default/files/hotels%2BTestimonials.png" data-entity-uuid="e311f249-c1df-4784-9362-b58dd769c2f4" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="3360" height="1926"><p>- Cars</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Cars.png" data-entity-uuid="56d9ab1f-66e7-444e-a234-8c9e09e5c62c" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="3268" height="1264"><p>- Flights</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Flights.png" data-entity-uuid="25c13460-a741-4055-a936-c031292f6824" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="3238" height="1160"><p>- Testimonials</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Testimonials.png" data-entity-uuid="0492d4e4-1e0a-43b7-9de1-4b0d0e98db86" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="3332" height="808"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Finally, to make the user experience even more immersive, we added testimonials from satisfied customers who have already traveled with our services. These authentic reviews help reassure future travelers and strengthen confidence in our platform.</p><p>In conclusion, this landing page created with Qodly demonstrates the power and flexibility of this tool for developing quality digital projects quickly and cost-effectively. I am convinced that this experience with Qodly opens up new perspectives for companies' digital transformation. if you have any questions, feel free to connect with us on the <a href="https://community.qodly.com/" target="_blank">Forums</a> or <a href="https://qodly.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-20ieeffts-NU57SOXcbakmWgIMnJpStQ#/shared-invite/email" target="_blank">Slack</a>.</p>

<p><br>Have you been curious about Qodly but unsure where to start? This post is your perfect introduction!</p><p>Today, I'm taking you on a journey through building a fun and engaging application – a pet contest! But this isn't just any pet contest app; it's a chance to explore the exciting capabilities of Qodly, the hybrid low-code platform.&nbsp;</p><p>As someone who's transitioned from software engineering to product and marketing, I'm always on the lookout for tools that bridge efficiency and customization. Qodly's promise of both intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to test it with a simple yet engaging app—a pet contest!</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Building our Pet Paradise</h2><p>The application's idea is straightforward, a single-page interface where users can participate in three key actions:</p><p><strong>Add pets:</strong> People can upload a picture and name for their pet, adding them to the contest.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Vote for pets:</strong> This is the fun part! Users can vote for their favorite pets, making the cutest ones more popular.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>See top 10:</strong> Witness pet popularity come alive as the top ten "cutest" pets are displayed based on the votes.</p><p>This seemingly straightforward app serves as a perfect example to showcase Qodly's basic functionalities.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/petsapp2.png" data-entity-uuid="bcafde82-03d7-471c-8960-88e0a2a8aa8d" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1020" height="373"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Clicking the "Add New Pet" button will open a dedicated dialog, allowing users to upload their pet's picture and name. We'll delve into configuring this pet submission process in the next section.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/petsapp1.png" data-entity-uuid="f763f9bc-abcb-4c40-b147-91f5c60c0c7e" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1020" height="373"><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2><em>Building the backend with Qodly</em></h2><p><em>While the user interface may appear simple, there's some magic happening behind the scenes (don't worry, it's friendly magic!).</em></p><p><em>In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of models and webforms, the building blocks of our pet contest app.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>We'll see how Qodly eases the process with its intuitive tools.</em></p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Create The model</h3><p><a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/model/model-editor-interface">The model</a> defines the data structure for our app. We'll create a dataclass named Pet to hold information about each pet. This dataclass will have attributes like name, picture, and other relevant details.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/Pettable.png" data-entity-uuid="0cfdb38c-df5e-41ac-a94b-d344a4d54fda" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="498" height="322"><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Create The webform</h3><p>This is where users will interact with the app and provide information about their pets. &nbsp;</p><p>Qodly makes building web forms easy, even for those without coding experience! It allows you to create the form layout visually using drag-and-drop functionality.</p><p><a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/create-webform">Create a new webform</a> and call it index. Start dragging your components (see the following section).</p><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Setting Up The Voting Section:</h4><p>For the voting section:</p><p>- Start by dragging a <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/components/stylebox">stylebox</a>: This will act as a container for the voting elements.</p><p>- Inside the stylebox, drag an <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/components/image">image</a> component: Place this inside the style box to display the pet image users will vote on.</p><p>- Drag two <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/components/button">buttons</a> with the labels "Cute" and "Not Cute" inside the stylebox to capture users' votes.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/votingsection.png" data-entity-uuid="5fc1073e-69ba-407a-a659-8580248d4da4" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1218" height="430"><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Adding a new pet:</h4><p>Now, let's move to the action of Adding a new pet.&nbsp;</p><p>Drag a button onto your workspace. Clicking this button will later open the pet creation dialog.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/addnewpet.png" data-entity-uuid="379b66ba-e426-4bdf-981d-6db1ffa9883c" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1244" height="122"><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Displaying top 10 pets:</h4><p>To show the top ten pets, drag a <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/components/matrix">matrix</a> components inside the stylebox. Think of this matrix as a grid layout that will showcase the top ten pets.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/matrixlistpets.png" data-entity-uuid="dddf0a9a-19ac-4e45-8b8a-983980618786" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1796" height="834"><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Creating The Pet Creation Dialog</h3><p>Once users click the "Add New Pet" button, they'll need a way to provide information about their pet. In Qodly, this could be done through a <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/components/dialog">dialog</a>.</p><p>From the Qodly interface, use this button to create a new dialog and name it "addPet".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/dialog.png" data-entity-uuid="0fea38f0-3f44-4e2f-888e-9459dd3b7c8f" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1376" height="672"><p>Within the dialog, use drag-and-drop to add the following elements:&nbsp;</p><p>- A file upload component where users can select their pet's picture.&nbsp;</p><p>- A text input field for users to enter their pet's name.</p><p>- You can optionally add an image component that displays a default image when the dialog first opens. This can provide a visual cue to users about what kind of image they should upload.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/addnewpetdialog.png" data-entity-uuid="e03cd23e-2463-4b2d-bd1d-4b1192ae0270" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1324" height="820"><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Wiring Everything up</h2><p>Here comes the fun part!&nbsp;</p><p>Now that you've built the visual structure of your web form using Qodly's drag-and-drop features, it's time to connect everything and make it functional.&nbsp;</p><p>This will likely involve writing some code (don't worry, Qodly simplifies this process too)!</p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Adding a new pet</h3><p>The first step is to allow users to submit new pets to the contest. Qodly's <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/events#binding-standard-actions-to-events">standard actions</a> make this process easy—no single line of code is needed!</p><p>Go ahead and open your dialog,&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/opendialog.png" data-align="center" data-entity-uuid="163c106d-6ed6-446a-be16-83d25275804b" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="940" height="314"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What We Want to Achieve</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Before diving into the configuration, let's clarify the goal here: When the user uploads a pet's image, enters a name, and clicks "Submit," we want that information to be saved as a new entry in your database.&nbsp;</p><p>But before we get there, there's an important step: <strong>Mapping user input to the database</strong>.</p><p>Before we configure the button to save new pets, let's ensure the user's input is properly mapped to the corresponding fields in your database. Here's how to achieve this:</p><p>1 - <strong>Create a data source of type Entity</strong>: Name it "addPet". Refer to Qodly's documentation for detailed instructions on creating a <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/studio/design-webforms/datasources">data source</a> of type "<a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/orda/data-model#entity">Entity</a>" that reflects your pet's data structure (e.g., name, picture, etc.).&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/addpetds.png" data-entity-uuid="57357a6d-8d71-48ad-aeb8-2d53aaef3eaf" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="916" height="482"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>2 - <strong>Map input fields to entity properties:</strong> &nbsp;Once you have the entity data source, use Qodly's interface to map the user input fields (pet name, picture) to the corresponding properties within the entity. This ensures the data is stored correctly in your database.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/mapimage.png" data-entity-uuid="d25433fd-7823-4394-915c-7b602ce1967b" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1840" height="488"><img src="/sites/default/files/mapname.png" data-entity-uuid="2bca5836-a703-43a3-9126-e0a8689db141" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1836" height="372"><p>In Qodly's interface, navigate to the events panel for the "Submit" button within the pet creation dialog. This panel allows you to define actions triggered by user interactions.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/eventspanel.png" data-entity-uuid="c9a9418b-706c-4789-883f-5c67413812a6" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1124" height="614"><p>Within the events panel, choose the "on Click" event and then select "Add a standard action."&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/addsa.png" data-entity-uuid="65b5c7ab-7a49-4adc-86a3-dc5843f2c185" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="594" height="276"><p>From the available options, select the "Save" standard action. This action will save the data entered by the user to your database.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/saveSA.png" data-entity-uuid="94ec003e-08a6-4a19-92ea-29a6ef7c17e9" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="716" height="622"><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>BUT</h3><p>There's a crucial step before saving new pet information: <strong>pre-populating the entity with an empty record when the dialog loads (on Init)</strong>. Qodly will not automatically create a new entity instance for you to save.</p><p>By pre-populating the entity, you essentially create a blank "container" for the user's input. When the user clicks "Submit," the data entered (pet name, image) will be populated into the existing entity, allowing you to successfully save it to your database using the "Save" standard action.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/createnetity.png" data-entity-uuid="26559d41-406b-49ba-b68e-59b46e3b22a1" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1334" height="598"><p>Once you've configured the button action, test the functionality by adding a new pet. The user should be able to enter pet information, and clicking "Submit" should successfully save the new pet entry to your database.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Bonus</h3><p>Qodly offers a built-in <a href="https://developer.qodly.com/docs/data-explorer/">Data Explorer</a>, a web interface that allows you to:</p><p>- <strong>Browse and Inspect: </strong>Easily view all your entities (including pets) and their data.&nbsp;</p><p>- <strong>Search and Filter:</strong> Quickly find specific pet entries using search and filter options.&nbsp;</p><p>- <strong>Edit on the Fly:</strong> If needed, you can directly edit data within the Data Explorer for troubleshooting or adjustments.</p><p>Locate the Data Explorer within Qodly's interface:</p><img src="/sites/default/files/dataexplorer.png" data-entity-uuid="138ae9b9-47a4-446d-9842-01efab57c129" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1568" height="410"><p>If you can find your newly added pet with the corresponding details (name, picture), then congratulations! You've successfully saved the pet entry.</p><h3>Displaying the top ten pet</h3><p>Now that you can add new pets, let's showcase them on the main interface!&nbsp;</p><p>Here, Qodly's configuration shines with its user-friendly approach.</p><p>Start by creating a data source of type "Entity Selection." &nbsp;Name this data source "pets" to clearly represent its purpose. This data source will act as a bridge between your application and the database, specifically retrieving information about the top ten pets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/mapmatrix.png" data-entity-uuid="03469a34-0c71-4258-a4c1-c799e8a59df5" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="2012" height="1228"><p>With the "pets" data source created, it's time to connect it to the visual element displaying the pet list.&nbsp;</p><p>This element is a "matrix" in Qodly. Use Qodly's interface to map the "pets" data source to this list element.</p><p>Now, it's time to personalize how each pet is displayed on the list. Drag and drop the desired elements you want to show for each pet, such as the pet's name, picture, and any other relevant information. Qodly's visual interface should allow you to easily position these elements for a visually appealing presentation.</p><h4>Adding a CSS touch</h4><p>While we'll delve deeper into CSS styling in a future blog post, feel free to experiment with basic visual adjustments from the right-hand panel within Qodly's interface. You can adjust spacing and add a border radius to your image.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/dragndropattributes_0.png" data-entity-uuid="231f78b8-b733-4eb9-a4ef-f7eb6cd52ea3" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1806" height="450"><p>For now, you should be able to see the whole list of pets in your database. Let's refine it to see only the top 10.&nbsp;</p><p>Let's create a function that does that.</p><p>Go to your Qodly model and create a new function named topTen. This function will return a selection of pets, specifically the top ten "cutest" ones.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/toptenmodel.png" data-entity-uuid="5c927c47-993c-429c-be23-a7d878cc1441" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="552" height="558"><p>it will automatically create the function in the Pet class.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/petclass.png" data-entity-uuid="0f22e481-7c07-4d28-9a4d-31e48bffaf6a" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="928" height="380"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Simply add this code that displays the top ten pets:</p><pre><code class="language-4d"> exposed Function topTen() -&gt; result: cs.PetSelection result = this.query("totalCutes &gt; totalNotCutes").orderBy("totalCutes desc").slice(0,10)</code></pre><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This code snippet showcases the logic behind the topTen function:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>.query("totalCutes &gt; totalNotCutes"): This filters the pet selection to only include pets where the "totalCutes" score is greater than the "totalNotCutes" score.&nbsp;</li><li>.orderBy("totalCutes desc"): This orders the filtered pet selection by their "totalCutes" score in descending order (showing the most "cutes" first).&nbsp;</li><li>.slice(0,10): This limits the final result to the first ten entries, effectively retrieving the top ten "cutest" pets.</li></ol><p>In the next step, we'll configure Qodly to call this topTen function when the webform loads, ensuring only the top ten pets are initially displayed.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/functioncall.png" data-entity-uuid="eec5ff97-31a3-4648-aa02-d3a2b8c461af" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="584" height="292"><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/functionalconf.png" data-entity-uuid="8720719b-14e1-496e-82c7-417bd1b424e6" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1286" height="318"><p>Let's move to the last part.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Voting functionality</h3><p>Now that you have the cutest contenders showcased, let's allow users to cast their votes!&nbsp;</p><p>We'll implement two functions in Qodly to achieve this:</p><ol><li>randomPet function: This function will retrieve a random pet from the database, ensuring a dynamic voting experience for users.&nbsp;</li><li>vote function: This function will handle user votes, incrementing either the "totalCutes" or "totalNotCutes" score in the database based on the user's choice.</li></ol><h5>randomPet function</h5><p>Go to your Qodly model and create a new function named randomPet. This function will return a single random pet entity.</p><pre><code class="language-4d">exposed Function randomPet() -&gt; result: cs.PetEntity var pets: cs.PetSelection pets = this.all() result = pets.at(random%pets.length)</code></pre><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This function retrieves all the pets using this.all().&nbsp;</p><p>It then uses the random() function to generate a random number within the range of the pet selection's length. Finally, it uses the at(index) method to access and return the pet entity at the randomly chosen index.</p><h5>&nbsp;</h5><h5>Vote function</h5><p>Go to your PetEntity class (where individual pet data is defined) and create a new function named vote. This function will take a boolean argument (cute) indicating the user's vote.</p><pre><code class="language-4d"> exposed Function vote(cute : boolean) if (cute) this.totalCutes+=1 else this.totalNotCutes+=1 end this.save()</code></pre><p>&nbsp;</p><h5>Connecting Functions to User Interactions</h5><p>In Qodly's interface, configure your webform's onLoad event to call the randomPet function. This will ensure a random pet is displayed initially for voting.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/randomPet.png" data-entity-uuid="52fa8bcf-7443-43d7-9f09-2dcb5d4a7dcc" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="714" height="478"><p>Configure the "Cute" and "Not Cute" buttons with the onClick event. When a user clicks either button, trigger the vote function, passing true for "Cute" and false for "Not Cute" to update the corresponding vote count.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/cute.png" data-entity-uuid="9e4763ef-0337-4cc9-b77f-573f303057c1" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="752" height="532"><img src="/sites/default/files/notcute.png" data-entity-uuid="692103c4-19b6-4fe7-98fb-75b867a3f980" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="742" height="524"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Test the functionality by running your application. You should be able to see a random pet displayed on load. Clicking "Cute" or "Not Cute" should update the pet's respective vote count.&nbsp;</p><p>Congratulations! You've successfully built a core voting system for your pet contest application using Qodly's functionalities.</p><h2>Coming Up Next</h2><p>This is just the first step in our journey!&nbsp;</p><p>In the next part of this series, we'll use the power of CSS to create a visually appealing user interface. We'll also explore how Qodly empowers you to personalize your app beyond the basic functionalities.</p><p>Stay tuned for exciting updates, and get ready to build your own delightful pet contest app!</p><p>Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to connect with us on the <a href="https://community.qodly.com/">Forums</a> or <a href="https://qodly.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-20ieeffts-NU57SOXcbakmWgIMnJpStQ#/shared-invite/email">Slack</a>.</p>

<p>Businesses often use custom apps specifically designed to automate workflows or enhance customer experience. In the past, app development was a long, technical, and expensive process that only larger businesses could benefit from.&nbsp;</p><p>However, with the introduction of low-code platforms, citizen developers with little technical experience could develop their own apps quickly and affordably. Now, even emerging businesses can benefit from automating their systems with their own custom-built apps.&nbsp;</p><p>That being said, if you want to build your own app, you'll need to follow eight critical steps in the app development you'll that you'll need to follow.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/howtobuildacustomapp.png" data-entity-uuid="b046322d-45e7-40d5-b843-ddd8ed7829d0" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1236" height="828"><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>8 Steps to Make a Custom Application&nbsp;</h2><h3>Step 1—Ideation</h3><p>The first step is clearly defining your objectives and requirements for the app clearly. To do this, it is best to first start with the pain points you want to address first. For example, if you're going to develop an app to automate a filling system, first:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>List the problems with the current ways your filing system works.&nbsp;</li><li>Work out how the app can solve each one of these problems.&nbsp;</li><li>Then, lay out your objectives and requirements for the app.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Once you have a clear understanding of the app's intended problems and what it needs to be capable of solving them, it is time to conduct some market research.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 2—Conduct Market Research</h3><img src="/sites/default/files/conductmarketresearch.png" data-entity-uuid="86ad1982-b751-4b53-8572-d8b845866778" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1234" height="822"><p>Whether you are building an app that will compete with other apps in the market or simply one to be used in-house for behind-the-scenes work, you'll want to conduct thorough market research.</p><p>No matter how unique your idea is for a custom app is, there is likely something similar out there. So, it is essential to research and learn from all similar apps. Ask yourself:</p><ul><li>What does their app have that mine doesn't?</li><li>How is their app performing?&nbsp;</li><li>Are there any pain points that my app should solve that theirs doesn't?</li></ul><p>Ultimately, the purpose of this market research is to inform you about how you go about developing your own app.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 3—Choose a Low-Code Development Platform</h3><p>Low-code platforms allow companies and citizen developers to create apps as quickly and efficiently as possible. They provide the tools needed to create an app. Depending on which platform you choose, how you design and create your app will vary depending on which platform you choose.&nbsp;</p><p>As such, it is essential to find one that works for your needs before deciding on your app's design and development process for your app.&nbsp;</p><p>Some popular platforms out there to choose from include Salesforce, Microsoft Power Platform, and UiPath. These platforms offer features such as drag-and-drop functions, AI integrations, and team management tools.&nbsp;</p><p>For those wanting a simple all-in-one solution. Qodly combines low-code and hybrid options to allow more flexibility in the app development process. It is also made for those who want to develop, deploy, and run their apps all on one platform.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 4—Build an MVP&nbsp;</h3><p>Once you are ready to start the app development process, start by prototyping and testing the features you want. Once you are satisfied with your desired features, it is time to build an MVP or Minimum Viable Product. An MVP is the skeleton of the final product.&nbsp;</p><p>Start by designing the layout of your app and adding basic functionality to it along with the core features.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 5—Test It!</h3><img src="/sites/default/files/testtheapp.png" data-entity-uuid="5a975505-406d-41f3-9e8e-e86849535704" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1236" height="826"><p>Once you have your MVP, test it. Get feedback on the user experience and find all the shortfalls. Ensure all the core features function as expected, and list all the improvements and additions that the final product should have.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 6—Build the App&nbsp;</h3><p>Next, it's time to build the app. During this process, it is important to conduct regular code reviews and testing to ensure the app development process is heading in the right direction and to catch any bugs early on in the process.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 7—Quality Assurance&nbsp;</h3><p>Once your app is built, the next step is to develop a testing strategy for testing different app features to ensure that they meet predefined standards and objectives.</p><p>Performing functional and non-functional testing is also helpful. Functional testing ensures that everything is working correctly, and non-functional testing checks the app's overall performance, security, and UI of the app.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 8—Launch It and Collect User Feedback&nbsp;</h3><p>Lastly, it is time to launch your app and collect user feedback to improve its performance. Some of the best ways to collect user feedback are through interviews and surveys.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Summary&nbsp;</h3><p>All in all, custom applications can significantly automate your business process or improve customer satisfaction. With low-code solutions, citizen developers and those with low technical expertise can develop custom apps quickly and affordably—allowing even small companies to take advantage of the benefits that custom business applications can bring.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><hr><p>Are you a citizen developer, freelancer, or a small company seeking to build end-to-end applications? Discover Qodly, a hybrid low-code platform for web applications backed by 4D, a pioneer in cross-platform app development for over 40 years. With Qodly, you can create apps tailored to your needs without the hassle of extensive coding. Plus, if you wish to customize further, you have the freedom to add your code, ensuring you're never limited or stuck. Experience high-performance apps, thanks to the seamless integration of 4D technology with open-source web frameworks. Learn more about this powerful platform today.</p>

<p>Apps have become the “efficiency interfaces” of the business world. Instead of keeping track of important information or developing new processes in an excel sheet, custom apps have become the go-to solution to automate what was once done by hand.&nbsp;</p><p>However, businesses ran into a problem: apps just take too long to create from the ground up. The solution? Low-code. Low-code platforms became an easy and fast way to build apps without having to manually write all the code behind the platform.&nbsp;</p><p>Instead, low-code platforms implement a slew of pre-programmed “building blocks” that developers can simply drag and drop into place. This results in a lower amount of manually written code, hence: “low-code.”&nbsp;</p><p>Unfortunately, low-code solutions have their own set of problems as well, which is why a new form of rapid application development (RAD) was created - hybrid low-code. To understand hybrid low-code and the nuances of low-code vs hybrid low-code, it is important to first gain a better understanding of low-code platforms.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is Low-Code?</h2><p title="low code and hybrid development">Before diving too deep into what low code and hybrid development are, it will be helpful to know what the “competitors” are. What are the cons of Low Code?&nbsp;</p><p title="low code and hybrid development">There are three main types of platforms in app development:</p><ul><li title="Full code platforms"><strong>Full-Code Platforms</strong>: Full-code platforms lack pre-programmed building blocks. Instead, apps are built entirely by manually written code. While this type of platform allows for the creation of more complex and customizable apps, it is very time-consuming and requires expert developers. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</li><li title="No code platforms"><strong>No-Code Platforms</strong>: No-code platforms are the opposite of full-code platforms. Instead of having to manually write the code, these platforms rely solely on pre-programmed building blocks for app development. As a result, “citizen developers” or those with no prior coding experience, are able to build apps.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</li><li title="Low-Code platforms"><strong>Low-Code Platforms</strong>: Low-code platforms are somewhat in the middle between full-code and no-code platforms. They do have a set of pre-programmed building blocks but they also allow for some manually written code.</li></ul><p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog%20images/Qodly%20Low-code%20platform.%20No-code%20platform%2C%20Drag%26Drop.png" alt="Qodly: Low-Code platform, Drag&amp;Drop, No Code" width="1300" height="485">&nbsp;</p><p>While low-code may seem like the perfect balance between no-code and full-code, there is one large problem that impedes the development of cohesive business applications.&nbsp;</p><p>Low-code platforms often operate within their own integrated development environment (IDE). In other words, low-code platforms lack a “bridge” between other platforms. As a result, developers are forced to jump from one platform to the other.&nbsp;</p><p>This has created a segmented development process and ends up creating multiple independent development silos. Because of that, developers are forced to work within the confines of each IDE.&nbsp;</p><p title="hybrid development and hybrid low-code">To solve this problem, hybrid development and hybrid low-code platforms were created.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What is Hybrid Low-Code?</h2><p>A hybrid low-code platform allows developers to build apps without the confines of a low-code platform. To better understand this, imagine a development environment with a toolbar. The toolbar consists of three main tools: full-code, no-code, and low-code.&nbsp;</p><p>In this environment, a developer can easily switch between the best of all three platforms. The developer is able to build an app from pre-programmed building blocks, from manually writing the code, or from a little of both.&nbsp;</p><p>In other words, developers are not confined to a single platform but instead are able to build an app in an open environment between platforms.&nbsp;</p><p>As a result, with a hybrid low-code platform, the problem of jumping from IDE to IDE no longer exists. Instead, a seamless, efficient, and comprehensive app-building experience is created.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Is Hybrid Low-Code the Next Step in App Development?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog%20images/Qodly%20blog-Hybrid-lode%20vs%20Full-code%2C%20No-code%20vs%20Low-Code.png" data-entity-uuid="240a7116-1712-46a1-adca-5c06f1a309b2" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1300" height="485"><p>&nbsp;</p><p title="Hybrid low-code approach">Hybrid low-code approach allows for more flexibility in the app development process. Novice and citizen developers are able to operate in a hybrid low-code platform using pre-programmed building blocks. At the same time, expert developers can be called in to write more complex code.&nbsp;</p><p>This allows businesses to make use of both full-code and low to no-code options all within one platform which avoids the problem of creating independent IDEs or silos while maintaining the benefits of RAD.&nbsp;</p><p>As a result, a more cohesive and efficient way of building apps is made. So, it is safe to say that hybrid low-code is the next step in app development. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Summary</h2><p>All in all, apps are a great way to automate business processes. But when it comes to automating the app-development process, full-code platforms are just too slow and cumbersome.&nbsp;</p><p>So, eventually, low-code platforms became the answer by relying on pre-programmed building blocks and a small amount of manual coding.&nbsp;</p><p>Unfortunately, low-code platforms lack the comprehensiveness of full-code platforms and are limited to their own IDE which results in development silos. That is why hybrid low-code platforms were created - to bridge the gap between low-code and full code and to allow for an open and cohesive development process. As a result, developers can now enjoy the benefits of both full-code and low-code in one platform.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><hr><p><br>With the introduction of hybrid low-code platforms like Qodly, developers can now seamlessly integrate high code vs low code approaches, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient app-building experience. With <a href="https://qodly.com" target="_blank">Qodly,</a> a new hybrid Low-Code Platform, you can create business apps tailored to your needs without the hassle of extensive coding. Plus, if you wish to customize further, you have the freedom to add your code, ensuring you're never limited or stuck.&nbsp;</p><p>Experience high-performance applications, thanks to the seamless integration of 4D technology with open-source web frameworks. <a href="https://qodly.com/platform?" target="_blank">Learn more about this powerful platform</a> and start building your web apps for your business today.</p>