The term “low-code” was introduced in 2016, but the technology enabling low-code app development has been around for quite some time. In fact, the first technology that evolved into what low-code is today appeared back in the 1970s. It emerged from Fourth-Generation Programming Languages and the principles of Rapid Application Development, both of which contributed to early forms of rapid prototyping tools.
Software development has seen a remarkable evolution over the past few years: The emergence of rapid prototyping tools, robust frameworks that offer ready-made features through component-based development, and the widespread adoption of agile methodology for mobile application development and other software projects. This drive towards efficiency and speed is where tools like FilamentPHP truly shine. In fact, it’s a game-changer in this landscape; it enables teams to prototype swiftly, launch, validate, and iterate with unprecedented agility.
So, When Is Low-code a No-brainer?
Despite the increasing adoption of low-code app development platforms for their rapid and cost-effective app development capabilities, businesses are still seeking clarity on the specific circumstances in which their use is most beneficial. The answer is simple: Low-code use cases include applications that involve the handling of large amounts of data, feature multiple screens with dashboards and filters, and aim to simplify business operations.
Low-code development tools empower developers to create complex applications quickly, reducing the need to write extensive code. This efficiency is particularly beneficial when building data-intensive applications. Component-based development within these platforms simplifies the creation of dashboards, charts, and filters through pre-built components that can be customised to specific application needs.
So if your application requires you to handle a lot of data, has multiple screens, aims to simplify business operations, and doesn’t involve a lot of complex or non-standard screens—low-code is the obvious choice. It helps you accelerate your app development process while ensuring that it meets the required standards of quality and functionality.
Rapid Development and Launch with Filament—A Case Study
We recently leveraged Filament’s capabilities to expedite development for a multi-tenant Laravel application. The application had some requirements around basic ETLs, deployment scripts and other tasks that supported and enhanced its core functionalities.
A critical need emerged: Streamlining deployments to eliminate manual intervention. FilamentPHP, a powerful low-code solution within the Laravel ecosystem, proved to be the ideal choice. Its capabilities as a low-code solution were a key factor in our decision.
The app required multiple CRUDs, two-factor authentication, repeating fields, and a number of long-running tasks to be executed in the background. Fortunately, most of these features are available out of the box with FilamentPHP—including the 2FA, which is a first-party Filament plugin. Laravel’s seamless job-handling further simplified the implementation of background tasks.
Consequently, we were able to get the app ready in a very short time—two weeks—with a polished UI; furthermore, the strong and easy-to-use APIs of Filament minimised the risk of errors in its native features. Let’s look at why Filament is such a great choice as a low-code solution.
Why Laravel FilamentPHP?
FilamentPHP shines as an exceptional low-code solution, offering developers an efficient, user-friendly and highly customisable platform. It empowers both seasoned developers and novices to create complex web applications effortlessly. This makes it perfect for startups, enterprises, and anyone in between looking to reduce costs, accelerate development, and streamline project delivery.
With its active and constantly improving community, FilamentPHP is a standout option within the Laravel ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, FilamentPHP helps speed up development, cut costs, and smooth out project delivery. Oh, and don’t worry—even though it’s a low-code tool, you can still get down to some serious engineering to ensure your application can handle growth.
Here’s why FilamentPHP is a great choice:
Ease of use
You can create applications tailored for handling tasks like data management (CRUD) effortlessly. This means businesses can quickly deploy apps that streamline their operations.
Easy to extend
As confidence grows, FilamentPHP allows you to take that next step—extending and customising applications to meet specific, unique needs.
Well-tested code
FilamentPHP excels at simplifying your development journey by focusing on configuration and leveraging existing APIs to create your application. This approach significantly reduces the risk of errors. We’re all aware of how expensive it can be to fix a bug in a production environment.
A great plugin ecosystem and community
FilamentPHP offers a range of Filament plugins that enable developers to deliver results even faster. While Laravel already has a large ecosystem of open-source and paid solutions that cover various needs, FilamentPHP similarly provides a diverse range of plugins—including a Media Library Manager and a Kanban Board. Currently, with over 100 active plugins created by more than 40 contributors, FilamentPHP reflects a thriving community actively engaged in development and contributions.
Security
Security is of paramount importance for any organisation—and FilamentPHP simplifies its implementation. Features like SSO, password policy, and two-factor authentication are readily available and quick to set up.
A perfect synergy between CX and DX
Filament’s user interface plays a pivotal role in accelerating development. With its rich component library—including aesthetically pleasing forms, versatile pop-up modals, and dynamic panels—FilamentPHP provides developers a treasure trove of tools to streamline their workflow. The simplicity and ease of use of Filament’s APIs make the developer experience (DX) exceptionally smooth, ensuring that the user experience (CX) and DX are harmoniously optimised.
Consistency
FilamentPHP significantly enhances code consistency within an organisation. Development with Filament revolves around configuring and leveraging existing APIs and utilising its rich component-based development library—which includes elements like forms, modals, and dynamic panels. By using these pre-built components for features such as dashboards, charts, and filters, and with standard functionalities like CRUD operations and two-factor authentication out of the box, developers are naturally guided towards a more uniform coding style. This standardisation means developers feel more comfortable with the codebase; it also significantly reduces the risk of errors by leveraging well-tested code and easy-to-use APIs.
Beyond the benefits for developers and development speed, leveraging these reusable flows and components also helps provide customers with a CX that is often well-tested, as these elements are frequently used and refined across applications within the organisation. For example, using popular reusable flows and components for image uploading and cropping can provide users with a sophisticated and tested UI/UX for that specific task.
At Focalworks, we have extensive experience in Laravel development—from simple websites to complex enterprise projects. Leveraging FilamentPHP as a rapid development platform, we combine its power with our expertise to ensure your development initiatives achieve their goals—whether launching smoothly or reaching ambitious heights!
Let’s speak about your requirements—and let us understand how we can help you build a solution that unlocks the full power of low-code.
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