Low-code and no-code development platforms for IBM i, including tools like Lansa, Profound UI, Fresche Solutions Presto, CNX Valence, Eradani, and broader options such as Amazon Honeycode, AppSheet, Mendix, OutSystems, Appsmith, Microsoft Power Apps, Zoho Creator, Appian, Kissflow, and Rapid Ext JS, covering their capabilities, benefits, and considerations for modernizing legacy applications, accelerating development, reducing costs, and addressing scalability, security, and customization challenges.
You don't have to be a trained developer to code.
Low-code and no-code development platforms are paving the way for developers and non-developers to deliver custom web applications and mobile apps for your business. There are several different categories of app builders that are no-code.
- Code driven platforms
- Drag and drop builders
- Data-driven platform
Low-code and no-code tools bridge the gap between SaaS and custom-built applications created by developers. "When properly implemented, they enable faster application development, lower costs, and increased digital dexterity for employees outside IT." "While low-code/no-code services lower the bar for business users to experiment with building simple applications, they have their downsides. They introduce problems around scalability, security, and customization that IT teams may have to address." Read more here. Get to know low-code/no-code tools from major cloud vendors
IBM i Platform No-code and low-code tools.
There are a number of low-code platforms that exist in the IBM i ecosystem. Lansa has been around for a long time. It allows you to turn your RPG developers into full-stack developers allowing you to create web and mobile applications in no time. Profound Logic, with Profound UI is a low-code or no-code tool that allows developers who do not have HTML, CSS, or JavaScript experience "to create a completely modern Web application." Fresche Solutions has a number of products that also offer low-code or no-code options one of which is Presto, a builder that allows you to transform Green Screens into web pages. CNX offers a low-code app builder, Valence, where little and even no-coding is required thus allowing you to build powerful business apps in minutes. Eradani is a newcomer to the space and allows you to take advantage of a plethora of APIs that are available.
The versatility of the IBM i Platform.
The beauty of the IBM i is its ease of use and versatility, which allows organizations to leverage an endless number of open source low-code and no-code platforms. Here are just a few you can explore. Honeycode allows you to build apps without programming. It's a solution for when standard spreadsheets and out of the box software packages don't fit your internal business needs. Automate repetitive tasks and build apps that give you the power to see data just how you want it. A visual editor tool allows you to link your database to a spreadsheet, build a UI, link the data, set conditions, and then share the app with your team. It's a simple and powerful solution. Appsheet is an intelligent no-code platform. Collect data from almost any source, sync it across devices, and be more productive. It will allow you to do anything from scan barcodes, send emails, integrate platforms, capture images, generate reports, and apply logic all in a matter of minutes. Mendix is a powerful low-code development platform where "thinkers become makers". It does not matter if you are a business user or a developer, this robust, enterprise-class platform will help you extend the reach of your IBM i and RPG applications.
Low-code and no-code options are the future.
Many developers don't like the thought of stepping outside of RPG, PHP or Java environments to develop applications. However, there are countless IBM i and AS/400 developers who have. There is a place for no-code and low-code. I believe it is a smart choice for IBM i shops who are looking for a path "to modernize legacy applications, or to automate integrations across multiple platforms."
As of 2025 here are some additional low-coding platforms to consider.
- OutSystems: Enterprise-grade platform for scalable, secure apps with AI-driven development and robust integrations.
- Appsmith: Open-source tool for developers to build internal dashboards and tools with JavaScript flexibility.
- Microsoft Power Apps: Builds apps within Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging AI Copilot and seamless 365 integrations.
- Zoho Creator: User-friendly platform for rapid, secure web/mobile app development with robust integrations.
- Appian: Automates complex workflows with drag-and-drop, AI, and cloud-native integrations for enterprises.
- Kissflow: Balances no-code ease and low-code flexibility for workflows, forms, and integrations.
- Rapid Ext JS (Sencha): Builds data-rich web apps with reusable UI components and Git support.
Share
Found this article interesting? Others in your network may too. Please use the social media buttons to spread the word. Thank you!
Ongoing Insight
Get Talsco Weekly: Where IBM i security, talent, and continuity intersect
Each week, Talsco Weekly covers:
- Real-world IBM i talent and succession planning ideas
- Questions hiring managers should be asking—but often aren’t
- Signals that talent gaps may be becoming security gaps
- Practical insight from inside the IBM i ecosystem