Low code/ no code

: adoção e impacto no desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação

Abstract

Low Code/ No Code platforms have transformed the information systems development landscape, enabling individuals with little or no programming experience to develop technological solutions quickly and efficiently. This change is driven by the growing demand for innovation in organisations and the lack of trained programmers, which makes it essential to look for more accessible and agile alternatives for development. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the impact, advantages and obstacles related to the implementation of Low Code/ No Code platforms in the corporate environment, with special emphasis on the role of knowledge workers and information technology specialists. The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on an interpretive paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with specialists in the area of Information Technology and with a leading development company, Mendix. These interviews sought to identify concrete examples of application, obstacles to implementation, perceptions about security and future expectations regarding the evolution of these platforms. The results show that although there are clear benefits in terms of development agility and accessibility, substantial challenges remain, especially integration with legacy systems and technological dependence on suppliers. Security, commonly considered a vulnerability, appears to be a progressively lessened concern due to the advancement of the platforms themselves, which incorporate rigorous compliance and data protection practices. The conclusion is that Low Code/No Code platforms make a significant contribution to the digital transformation of institutions, favouring the democratisation of software development and the improvement of internal processes. However, their adoption must be carried out through a critical and strategic analysis of their limitations and the contexts in which they are applied.

Date of Award	21 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Andrade (Supervisor)