How Low-Code Platforms are Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

<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>

<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>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>In web development, having a unified tool that bridges the gap between designers, clients, and developers is crucial. It not only saves valuable time but also prevents integration issues and reduces lead times, ultimately cutting down costs significantly. Qodly stands out as such a tool, offering a seamless experience where designers can create stunning interfaces, clients can visualize their ideas come to life, and developers can efficiently implement these designs into fully functional web applications.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Exploring Qodly Studio's Drag-and-Drop Interface</h2><p>Qodly features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface through Qodly Studio. This design environment allows you to create functional front-end pages without needing extensive coding knowledge. You can quickly assemble an application interface with a few clicks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Components and Templates</h2><p>Qodly Studio includes various components and templates, helping you efficiently bring your ideas to life efficiently. These elements are flexible and customizable, so you can adjust them to meet your specific needs. Additionally, Qodly continuously adds new components and templates, ensuring you have access to the latest tools.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Qodly in action</h2><p>Watch our video demonstration to see Qodly in action and discover how it simplifies web development for designers, clients, and developers alike.</p><p class="text-align-center"><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7UTF-DvplbY" 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>Choosing the right platform to build your software can be overwhelming. Two popular options are formula-based platforms and development platforms. But what exactly are they, and which one is right for you?&nbsp;</p><p data-sourcepos="5:1-5:127"><span>Let's see which one is your best fit!</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Formula-Based Platforms: Building with Elegance (and Efficiency)</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="7:1-7:179">Imagine creating software with drag-and-drop ease, using pre-built formulas instead of lines of code. That's the magic of formula-based platforms. These platforms are perfect for:</p><ul data-sourcepos="9:1-12:0"><li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:143"><strong>Citizen Developers:</strong> Business users with limited coding experience can build basic applications to automate tasks or streamline workflows.</li><li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:135"><strong>Rapid Prototyping:</strong> Quickly test your software concept and get valuable user feedback before diving into full-fledged development.</li><li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0"><strong>Simple Applications:</strong> Build internal tools, data dashboards, or primary customer portals without the complexity of traditional coding.</li></ul><p data-sourcepos="13:1-13:9"><strong>Pros:</strong></p><ul data-sourcepos="15:1-18:0"><li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:124"><strong>Easy to Use:</strong> Intuitive interfaces with drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built components make development a breeze.</li><li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:98"><strong>Faster Time to Market:</strong> Get your application up and running quickly without extensive coding.</li><li data-sourcepos="17:1-18:0"><strong>Reduced Costs:</strong> Citizen developers can build basic applications, potentially reducing reliance on professional developers.</li></ul><p data-sourcepos="19:1-19:9"><strong>Cons:</strong></p><ul data-sourcepos="21:1-24:0"><li data-sourcepos="21:1-21:106"><strong>Limited Functionality:</strong> Customization options might be restricted compared to development platforms.</li><li data-sourcepos="22:1-22:107"><strong>Scalability Concerns:</strong> Formula-based platforms may struggle with complex or large-scale applications.</li><li data-sourcepos="23:1-24:0"><strong>Vendor Lock-In:</strong> You might be limited to functionalities offered by the specific platform.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Development Platforms: Building Without Limits</h2><p data-sourcepos="27:1-27:172">Development platforms offer a more traditional approach, empowering developers with robust tools to build anything they can imagine. These platforms are ideal for:</p><ul data-sourcepos="29:1-32:0"><li data-sourcepos="29:1-29:108"><strong>Complex Applications:</strong> Build feature-rich applications with complex functionalities and integrations.</li><li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:119"><strong>Custom Solutions:</strong> Tailor applications to your specific needs and integrate them with existing systems.</li><li data-sourcepos="31:1-32:0"><strong>Scalability:</strong> Development platforms can handle large amounts of data and users without breaking a sweat.</li></ul><p data-sourcepos="33:1-33:9"><strong>Pros:</strong></p><ul data-sourcepos="35:1-38:0"><li data-sourcepos="35:1-35:108"><strong>Complete Control:</strong> Developers fully control the code, allowing maximum customization.</li><li data-sourcepos="36:1-36:86"><strong>Scalability:</strong> Build applications that can grow and adapt to your evolving needs.</li><li data-sourcepos="37:1-38:0"><strong>Flexibility:</strong> Integrate with various tools and libraries to create truly unique solutions.</li></ul><p data-sourcepos="39:1-39:9"><strong>Cons:</strong></p><ul data-sourcepos="41:1-44:0"><li data-sourcepos="41:1-41:105"><strong>Steeper Learning Curve:</strong> Requires coding expertise, which can be a barrier for non-technical users.</li><li data-sourcepos="42:1-42:100"><strong>Slower Development Time:</strong> Building complex applications from scratch takes time and resources.</li><li data-sourcepos="43:1-44:0"><strong>Higher Costs:</strong> This may require hiring professional developers, which can be expensive.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>So, Which Platform is Your Perfect Match?</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="47:1-47:94">The answer depends on your project requirements and technical expertise. Here's a quick guide:</p><ul data-sourcepos="49:1-51:0"><li data-sourcepos="49:1-49:132"><strong>Choose a Formula-Based Platform if</strong> you need a simple application, have limited coding experience, or value rapid development.</li><li data-sourcepos="50:1-51:0"><strong>Choose a Development Platform if</strong> you need a complex application, require complete customization, or have the resources for professional development.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Enter Qodly: The Best of Both Worlds!</h2><p data-sourcepos="56:1-56:243"><span>But what if there was a sweet spot in the middle?&nbsp;</span></p><p data-sourcepos="56:1-56:243"><span>Introducing </span><a href="https://qodly.com/"><span>Qodly</span></a><span>, a hybrid low-code platform that combines the ease of use of a simple builder with the flexibility of a developer playground.&nbsp;</span></p><p data-sourcepos="56:1-56:243"><span>With Qodly, you can leverage pre-built components and a visual drag-and-drop interface to get started quickly while still being free to customize your app with code if needed. This makes Qodly the perfect solution for many projects, from basic workflows to complex business applications.</span></p>

<p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:231"><span>For years, businesses have been stuck between two extremes when needing new software: custom development, which can be expensive and time-consuming, or off-the-shelf solutions, which often lack the specific functionality required.</span></p><p data-sourcepos="5:1-5:9"><span>Low-code/no-code (LC/NC) development platforms offer a tempting middle ground. By using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, these platforms allow businesses to create custom applications without needing a team of professional programmers. But is LC/NC a magic bullet?</span></p><p data-sourcepos="7:1-7:31"><span>Like most things in tech, the answer is "it depends." Here's a breakdown of when LC/NC development shines and when it might be better to consider traditional coding:</span></p><h2><strong>When LC/NC Wins</strong></h2><ul data-sourcepos="11:1-12:100"><li data-sourcepos="11:1-11:177"><strong>Simple workflows and processes:</strong><span> Do you need an app to streamline data entry, customer onboarding, or internal approvals? LC/NC platforms excel at automating these common tasks.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="12:1-12:100"><strong>Fast turnaround times:</strong><span> Got a burning business need that can't wait for months of development? LC/NC lets you build prototypes and deploy solutions quickly.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:194"><strong>Citizen developers:</strong><span> Business users with limited coding experience can leverage LC/NC tools to build solutions that directly address their needs. This frees up IT for more complex projects.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="14:1-15:0"><strong>Cost-effectiveness:</strong><span> LC/NC generally requires fewer resources than traditional development, making it attractive for startups and businesses with limited budgets.</span></li></ul><h2><strong>When to Code It Old-School</strong></h2><ul data-sourcepos="18:1-22:0"><li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:184"><strong>Complex integrations:</strong><span> Does your application need to interact with multiple back-end systems or databases? LC/NC platforms may have limitations in complex integration scenarios.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="19:1-19:157"><strong>Scalability concerns:</strong><span> Do you expect high user volumes or massive data sets? Traditionally coded applications might offer better performance and scalability.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="20:1-20:134"><strong>Security is paramount:</strong><span> Dealing with sensitive data? Custom development allows for more granular control over security measures.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="21:1-22:0"><strong>Unique functionalities:</strong><span> Do you need a unique feature that doesn't exist in any pre-built component? Coding provides the flexibility for such creative solutions.</span></li></ul><h2><strong>Enter Qodly: The Hybrid Advantage</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="27:1-27:35"><span>Not all LC/NC platforms are created equal. </span><a href="https://qodly.com/"><span>Qodly</span></a><span> stands out as a hybrid low-code solution that seamlessly blends the ease of no-code development with the flexibility of custom coding. Qodly empowers both business users and professional developers to collaborate effectively, creating sophisticated applications that meet diverse business needs. With Qodly, organizations can leverage pre-built components for rapid development while also having the option to write custom code for more complex requirements. This hybrid approach ensures that applications are not only built quickly but also tailored precisely to the business’s unique challenges, making Qodly a versatile and powerful tool in the LC/NC landscape.</span></p>

<p><br>Qodly introduces the concept of <a href="https://github.com/qodly/custom-components">Custom Components</a>, empowering developers to extend the platform's capabilities and tailor webforms to their specific needs.&nbsp;</p><p>Custom Components are user-created building blocks developed to address unique requirements or introduce specific features not covered by the default set of Qodly built-in components.&nbsp;</p><p>These components are crafted using React, providing a flexible and robust foundation for developers.</p><h2>Benefits of Using Qodly Custom Components</h2><p>The integration of Custom Components into Qodly offers a range of advantages:</p><ol><li><strong>Extensibility</strong>: Tailor webforms precisely to meet specific project requirements, providing a flexible and customizable solution.</li><li><strong>Reusability</strong>: Share Custom Components across diverse projects or within the Qodly community. This fosters collective enhancement and collaboration among developers.</li><li><strong>Efficiency</strong>: Enhance development efficiency by utilizing pre-built Custom Components. This approach speeds up the development process, reducing the time and costs associated with building components from scratch.</li><li><strong>Customization</strong>: Tailor your application components to fit your exact needs.</li><li><strong>Consistency</strong>: Ensure a consistent look and feel across your application by using standardized custom components.</li></ol><h2>Qodly Custom Components Repository</h2><p>This <a href="https://github.com/qodly/custom-components">repository</a> is a collection of custom components created by the community. It serves as a central location for developers to share and discover new components for their projects. Contributions are welcome and encouraged!&nbsp;</p><h2>How to Install Qodly Custom Components</h2><ol><li><strong>Choose the Component</strong>: Browse the Qodly Custom Components <a href="https://github.com/qodly/custom-components">repository on GitHub</a> and select the component you want to use.</li><li><p><strong>Download the Latest Version</strong>: Click on the component, navigate to the Releases section, and ensure you download the latest version. Click on the zip to download it.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/install_component.gif" data-entity-uuid="8e8b7ce5-240e-44e9-9a10-f0f82bdf09c9" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="1679" height="871"></p></li><li><p><strong>From the Qodly Side</strong>:</p><ol><li>In the Components section, click on the button <strong>Upload component</strong>.</li><li>Browse to the component you just downloaded or drag and drop it.</li><li>Click <strong>Install Component</strong>, then <strong>Reload</strong>.</li><li>The component should appear in the list of <strong>Custom</strong> under the Components section.</li></ol><p><img src="/sites/default/files/customCompQodlySide.gif" data-entity-uuid="207797cb-0668-4b7c-9f43-b33f24e5d105" data-entity-type="file" alt="" width="640" height="480"></p></li><li><strong>You are Good to Go</strong>: The component is now ready for your project.<br>&nbsp;</li></ol><h2>Example: Using a Qodly Custom Component</h2><p>To demonstrate the power of Qodly custom components, consider a scenario where you need to integrate a&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/AyaBengherifa/Qodly-pdfViewer"> PDF viewer</a> into your application. Instead of creating this component from scratch, you can download an existing PDF viewer custom component from the Qodly Custom Components repository on GitHub and use it in your project.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p width="855" height="481" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XfJmevGmpsg" title="Qodly Custom Component: Grid Layout" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">&nbsp;<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e7CCBfcv2iw?list=PLcUzCPYm5QO9w8hIoc6CC-85NXK5tVjDM" title="" 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>&nbsp;</p><p>What about a super-flexible dashboard? We have <a href="https://github.com/metayoub/qodly-grid-layout">Qodly Grid Layout</a>, a custom component that lets your users drag, resize, and rearrange elements on their screen, creating a custom dashboard that perfectly fits their needs.</p><p><iframe width="855" height="481" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XfJmevGmpsg" title="Qodly Custom Component: Grid Layout" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Qodly custom components offer a powerful way to enhance your web applications with tailored, reusable elements. By leveraging these components, you can create more efficient, consistent, and engaging applications that stand out. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just getting started, exploring Qodly custom components is a step towards more flexible and dynamic software development.</p><p>Stay tuned for more tutorials and examples of how to make the most of Qodly's capabilities!</p>

<p><span>Choosing the right deployment option for your application is crucial for ensuring security, scalability, and a smooth user experience. This blog post will delve into the two primary deployment models, on-premise, and cloud, highlighting their advantages and considerations to help you make an informed decision.</span></p><h2><strong>On-Premise Deployment:</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="7:1-7:72"><span>In an on-premise deployment, you host your application and its data within your own infrastructure. This offers you:</span></p><ul data-sourcepos="9:1-9:111"><li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:111"><strong>Greater Control:</strong><span> You have complete control over your application's hardware, software, and security.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:122"><strong>Data Privacy:</strong><span> Sensitive data remains within your organization's network, potentially addressing compliance concerns.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0"><strong>Customization:</strong><span> You can tailor the environment to your specific needs and integrate it seamlessly with existing systems.</span></li></ul><p data-sourcepos="13:1-13:58"><span>However, the on-premise deployment also comes with challenges:</span></p><ul data-sourcepos="15:1-18:0"><li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:134"><strong>Upfront Costs:</strong><span> You'll shoulder the initial investment in hardware, software licenses, and IT staff for maintenance and updates.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:95"><strong>Scalability Limitations:</strong><span> Scaling resources up or down can be complex and time-consuming.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="17:1-18:0"><strong>IT Management Burden:</strong><span> Your IT team is responsible for ongoing maintenance, security patching, and disaster recovery.</span></li></ul><h2><strong>Cloud Deployment:</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="21:1-21:175"><span>Cloud deployment leverages a remote server infrastructure managed by a cloud service provider (CSP) like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Here are the key benefits:</span></p><ul data-sourcepos="23:1-26:0"><li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:133"><strong>Cost-Effectiveness:</strong><span> You typically pay a monthly subscription fee based on your usage, eliminating upfront infrastructure costs.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:96"><strong>Scalability:</strong><span> Cloud resources can be easily scaled up or down to meet fluctuating demands.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="25:1-26:0"><strong>Reduced IT Burden:</strong><span> The CSP handles server maintenance, security patching, and disaster recovery, freeing up your IT team.</span></li></ul><p data-sourcepos="27:1-27:55"><span>However, cloud deployment also has some considerations:</span></p><ul data-sourcepos="29:1-32:0"><li data-sourcepos="29:1-29:142"><strong>Vendor Lock-In:</strong><span> Switching cloud providers can be complex if your application heavily relies on a specific platform's features.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:163"><strong>Security Concerns:</strong><span> While CSPs offer robust security, it's essential to understand their data security practices and implement additional measures if needed.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="31:1-32:0"><strong>Limited Control:</strong><span> You relinquish some control over the underlying infrastructure compared to an on-premise deployment.</span></li></ul><h2><strong>Choosing the Right Deployment Model:</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="35:1-35:109"><span>The ideal deployment option depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:</span></p><ul data-sourcepos="37:1-37:1"><li data-sourcepos="37:1-37:1"><strong>Security Requirements:</strong><span> On-premise deployment might be preferable if your application handles highly sensitive data.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="38:1-38:118"><strong>IT Expertise:</strong><span> It might be a viable option if your IT team is well-equipped to manage an on-premise deployment.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="39:1-39:119"><strong>Scalability Needs:</strong><span> Consider future growth projections and how easily your deployment model can accommodate them.</span></li><li data-sourcepos="40:1-41:0"><strong>Budget Constraints:</strong><span> Cloud deployment often offers a more predictable and potentially lower overall cost structure.</span></li></ul><h2><strong>Conclusion:</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="44:1-44:258"><span>Both on-premise and cloud deployments offer distinct advantages and considerations. By carefully evaluating your business needs and priorities, you can choose the deployment model that best empowers your organization.</span></p>

<p>In today's fast-paced business world, the demand for custom applications is higher than ever before. However, developing these applications can often be a time-consuming and complex process that requires extensive coding expertise. This is where Qodly, a hybrid low-code platform, comes into play. But the question remains: Is Qodly suitable for citizen developers?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What Is Qodly?</h2><p>Before we dive into whether Qodly is a good fit for citizen developers, let's take a closer look at what Qodly is all about. Qodly is a hybrid low-code platform developed by 4D, a leading company 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.&nbsp;</p><p>Qodly aims to streamline the app development process by combining the efficiency of low-code development with the flexibility of code customization. <a href="https://qodly.com/blog/introduction-qodly" target="_blank">Learn more about Qodly in this blog post.</a></p><h2>What Is a Citizen Developer?</h2><p>According to <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/citizen-developer">Gartner</a>, a citizen developer is an employee who creates application capabilities for consumption by themselves or others, using tools that are not actively forbidden by IT or business units. They report to a business unit or function other than IT. 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.<o:p></o:p></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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;">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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;">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 what hybrid low-code is, it is best to get a better understanding of low-code platforms.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><h2>Qodly and Citizen Developers: A Perfect Match?</h2><p>Now, let's address the question: Is Qodly suitable for citizen developers?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Here are some key factors to consider:&nbsp;</strong></p><h3>Hybrid Low-Code Approach&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>Qodly's hybrid low-code approach makes it an attractive option for citizen developers. It combines the simplicity and speed of low-code development with the ability to dive into custom coding when needed. While it may require some initial skills acquisition, the learning curve is relatively short.&nbsp;</p><p>QodlyScript, the functional language used in Qodly, is user-friendly and easier to grasp than languages like VB Script. If you've ever created a macro before, you'll find that mastering QodlyScript can be achieved in just a few days, allowing you to unlock the full potential of Qodly for your custom applications.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>User-Friendly Interface&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>One of the key features of Qodly is its user-friendly interface, known as Qodly Studio. This web-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) allows users to design and build applications with ease. You can leverage drag-and-drop components, visually design data models, and control permissions, all without extensive coding knowledge.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><h3>Customization&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>Citizen developers often need to create applications tailored to their specific business needs. Qodly excels in this area, offering complete control over customization. You can build applications that suit your industry requirements without getting stuck in lengthy coding processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Integration and Performance&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>Qodly seamlessly integrates 4D technology with open-source web frameworks, ensuring high performance and efficiency. This means your applications will run smoothly, even if you don't have advanced technical expertise.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Deployment and Management&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p>The platform provides streamlined deployment and management through the Qodly Cloud Management Console. This simplifies the process of deploying applications and managing them, making it accessible to those with limited technical knowledge.&nbsp;&nbsp; Support and Resources&nbsp; Qodly doesn't leave you in the dark. We offer extensive resources, including documentation, tutorials, and video walkthroughs, to help you get started. Plus, our support teams are ready to assist you when needed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>To conclude</h2><p>Qodly is a tool that can be great for people who aren't expert coders but want to make their own custom web apps. It's easy to use, lets you make apps that fit your needs, and doesn't require you to be a coding genius. If you're someone who wants to build apps without getting tangled up in complex code, Qodly could be just what you're looking for. It helps you focus on improving your ideas rather than struggling with coding.&nbsp; Give it a try, and you might be amazed at how it can make your app-building journey much smoother.</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/pageLoaders/pageLoaderOverview">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>

<h2>Who was the hackathon aimed at, and what was the theme?</h2><p>The very first Qodly Hackathon on the sports theme concluded on August 28th. This event, the first of its kind organized by Qodly, aimed to unite developers worldwide on a current, unifying, and boundary-crossing subject: sports.&nbsp;</p><p>The low-code platform was open and accessible to all who wished to unleash their creativity, and the developers responded eagerly.&nbsp;</p><h3>How did the competition unfold?</h3><p>DevHack24 started on May 27th, and participants had until August 21st to submit their creations. In addition to the joy of creating, developers showed curiosity and a thirst for learning and developed innovative concepts that gave us a glimpse of future needs.&nbsp;</p><p>The DevHack24 community engaged with the future and took us through applications that competed in novelty, progress, and avant-gardism. Starting from real needs, some created value in record time to materialize their vision into a deployable and shareable application.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>And what about the jury?</h3><p>The jury also included members from New Zealand, the United States, Germany, and France. Their specializations were varied and complementary.&nbsp;</p><p>Sophia Willows, representing New Zealand, specializes in software engineering and is deeply involved in the field. She readily shares her expertise.&nbsp;</p><p>Hassan Ould, an engineer by training who is passionate about low-code/no-code and an expert in growth marketing, was based in France. His sharp expertise in low-code and precision in application functionalities were highly appreciated. His high-level sports background also motivated him to join the DevHack24 jury.&nbsp;</p><p>Ricardo Mello, based in Canada, connected early in the morning to participate in the closing webinar and provided valuable feedback to the finalists.&nbsp;</p><p>Stephan Klein, from Germany, joined the jury upon discovering the Hackathon, complementing everyone's contributions.&nbsp;</p><p>The diversity of the jury members enriched the deliberations and allowed the winners to receive high-quality feedback.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Who are the winners?</h3><p>The three winners shone with their innovation, creativity, and imagination, transporting us into a world as incredible as it is futuristic. These winners, whose stories will be detailed in upcoming blogs, come from Canada, Morocco, and France.&nbsp;</p><p>Congratulations to Cyril Limpalaer, Neyl Nasr, and Saadia Aboutarouc for their work's excellence and perseverance.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><iframe width="855" height="481" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rkPLh-be5Q" title="DevHack24: Closing Ceremony" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>A big thank you to all the participants who amazed us and confirmed that innovation knows no bounds and that, thanks to platforms like Qodly, imagination can become reality without being a coding expert.</p>