Getting Started with SAP Build: A Beginner’s Guide to Low-Code Application Development

Low-code platforms like SAP Build are transforming the way organizations approach application development by allowing users with little to no coding experience to create robust apps.

In fact, the global low-code platform market is expected to grow to a staggering $187 billion by 2030, highlighting just how significant this shift has become. By offering intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built components, SAP Build enables users to bypass the complexities of traditional coding. This guide will walk you through the essentials of low-code development and how SAP Build can be your gateway to mastering it.

How SAP Build Stands Out Among Low-Code Platforms

SAP Build is not just another low-code platform; it’s an all-encompassing solution designed to integrate seamlessly with both SAP and non-SAP environments. What sets SAP Build apart is its ability to serve both beginner developers and seasoned professionals. Its user-friendly interface allows those with no coding background to create apps with ease, while more experienced developers can take advantage of its extensive customization features to meet complex business needs.

One of the key features of SAP Build is its pre-configured templates, which save time by allowing users to start projects with a solid framework already in place. Additionally, SAP Build’s strong integration capabilities make it easier to incorporate the platform into existing business systems. This adaptability ensures that users don’t need to overhaul their IT infrastructure to benefit from the platform.

But what is low-code application development? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Low-Code Development and How Does It Simplify Application Creation?

Low-code development is a streamlined approach to software development that significantly reduces the amount of hand-coding required. Rather than writing extensive lines of code, users can develop applications through visual interfaces and pre-configured elements. This model allows even those with minimal technical expertise to participate in the development process. In contrast to traditional software engineering, which can take weeks or months, low-code platforms enable the creation of functional apps in a fraction of the time.

SAP Build, in particular, stands out by providing users with a highly intuitive environment where they can build applications without worrying about syntax, coding errors, or deployment intricacies. It simplifies the development process by offering drag-and-drop tools, making it easier to bring ideas to life. This shift towards a low-code model is crucial for businesses that need to adapt to changing markets quickly without the constraints of traditional development cycles.

SAP Build Apps: Visual Tools for Effortless Creation

SAP Build Apps is a critical component of the platform, allowing users to design applications with minimal effort through visual creation tools. With SAP Build Apps, users can model data, define business logic, and design user interfaces—all without writing code. The platform’s intuitive design allows users to drag and drop elements into place, making it easy to visualize how an app will function before it’s fully developed.

The visual nature of SAP Build Apps doesn’t just simplify the development process; it also helps users make more informed decisions about app functionality. By offering pre-built components and real-time previews, SAP Build Apps ensures that users can quickly see how their app will behave in real-world scenarios. This allows for rapid iteration and refinement, which is essential for businesses looking to bring apps to market quickly.

Key Advantages of SAP Build Apps

There are a number of advantages to using SAP Build Apps for coding.

Scalability and Long-Term Growth

As part of SAP’s Intelligent Enterprise concept, SAP Build Apps is designed to scale with your business. This platform evolves to meet your growing needs, ensuring that it stays relevant with cutting-edge technology trends. SAP Build Apps is a future-proof solution, making it an excellent long-term strategy for application development. Whether you're starting small or preparing for significant expansion, the platform’s flexibility allows your applications to grow alongside your business.

Streamlined Development Through SAP BTP

SAP Build Apps is deeply integrated with SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), offering a centralized system for app development. This single point of entry streamlines project management from inception to deployment. By integrating AI and machine learning into business processes, SAP Build Apps enhances operational efficiency and automates repetitive tasks. For companies already using BTP for application development, integration, and extension, SAP Build Apps provides an ideal solution for creating lightweight mobile applications that are both efficient and scalable.

Easy Deployment on Multiple Platforms

SAP Build Apps simplifies the deployment process across various operating systems, enhancing usability and accessibility for a wide range of users. Much like other hybrid approaches, you can develop an application once and then seamlessly deploy it as a web-based app or as versions compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. This capability makes it easier for businesses to reach a broader audience without investing in separate development efforts for different platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building with SAP Build Apps

Leveraging SAP Build Apps for your projects involves the following steps:

• Define Your Requirements: Begin by clearly identifying the requirements for your app, including the necessary data sources, user interfaces, and business logic. Use SAP Fiori design guidelines to ensure that your app has a user-friendly and responsive interface.
• Model Data and Logic: Design your app’s data model and business logic within SAP Build Apps. This step also includes implementing necessary connectors and configuring security and authorization features.
• Integrate and Extend: Integrate your app with existing systems and extend functionality as needed. Use the pre-built connectors available in SAP Build Apps to reduce development time and effort while ensuring seamless integration with both SAP and non-SAP systems.
• Test and Deploy: Thoroughly test your app before deployment. SAP Build Apps includes built-in testing and deployment tools to ensure that your app is reliable and scalable. By accelerating time-to-market, these features help you get your app into production more quickly.

Learn more about SAP Build Apps in this post.

Tackle Challenges with SAP Build’s Flexible Customization Options

While SAP Build is designed to be accessible and easy to use, there are instances where businesses might need more advanced customization to meet complex requirements. Although low-code platforms generally reduce the need for extensive coding, SAP Build offers professional developers the tools they need to customize components, ensuring that even highly specific business needs can be met.

In cases where advanced business logic or unique integrations are required, SAP Build provides flexibility through its ability to support custom code. This allows professional developers to extend the capabilities of the platform while still benefiting from the efficiencies of low-code development. Whether it’s creating intricate workflows or integrating with legacy systems, SAP Build ensures that businesses are not limited by the platform’s simplicity and can scale as needed.

SAP Build is revolutionizing the way businesses approach application development, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. Its low-code environment empowers organizations to create applications faster, with less coding knowledge, while offering the flexibility to meet even the most complex business needs. From automating processes to fostering team collaboration, SAP Build offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance productivity and innovation.

Ready to take the next steps with SAP Build? Check out this post.