Building Low-Code API (CRUD, Filtering, Pagination…)

Building and deploying a production-ready, scalable API that includes CRUD, filtering, and pagination is now achievable in minutes - something that was never possible before without low-code technology.

For example, with low code, you can:

• Define your data model by creating database tables 
• Directly in your browser
• Through the graphical interface

And you're done:

• All the basic (CRUD) API functionality is instantly available
• API also includes filtering and pagination
• It is automatically scalable from one to a million users (and beyond)
• API doesn't require infrastructure management (no DevOps)
• Publishing/deploying your app only takes a couple of clicks
• No local setup is required - everything is done in the browser

This is why claims that low-code IDE can 3X developer productivity are not an exaggeration. 

So many parts of the app (especially repetitive boilerplate code) are completely automated and free up developers' time so they can focus on what's really important.

Low Code API Development

Another thing that stands out when talking about low code is that it's possible to learn it within 1-2 days.

Why?

Because low-code technology doesn't introduce any new programming language or framework. Instead, it leverages existing technologies (JavaScript, MySQL, GraphQL, AWS) and uses them in a new, smarter, and more productive way.

This allows 17+ million JS developers to keep what they already know and, with a minor 2-day adjustment, become 3X more productive.

For that reason, when you compare traditional programming vs. low code, it is obvious that low code is a clear winner.

Every new project that doesn't use this technology is immediately setting itself up for a 3X disadvantage in the marketplace. And in a highly-competitive environment, no project can afford to be 3 times slower. Especially when the barrier to entry is so low (1-2 days).

If you want to try it out a bit, feel free to go through these development tutorials and see how easy it is to get started with low code.

Low-Code Capabilities

One great feature of low code is GraphQL API integration.

When comparing GraphQL vs. RESTful API, it is clear that GraphQL leads to much more productive development. It allows frontend developers to get any combination of resources in a single server call.

With REST API, backend developers need to define every endpoint and all data that's being returned. And if frontend developers need something unique, they can:

• Either make multiple API calls that create additional strain on the server
• Or wait for the backend to create this unique data response

Both options lead to increased costs. That is why GraphQL is the preferred option because, at the same time, it manages to:

• Reduce development time
• Reduce infrastructure costs
• Reduce time to market

However, low code doesn't limit you in any way, including GraphQL. So if you have a real need to use REST API, you can create REST endpoints with webhook functions.

Low-Code Role System

Aside from the awesome features mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is important to emphasize low code's user roles system.

Nearly every application needs some form of role system for its users. And it takes a significant amount of time and resources to develop it.

The fact that low-code technology has this system prebuilt just goes to show how much time and effort went into anticipating developers' needs.

With this system, new user roles can easily be created and assigned through the browser's graphical interface. It is easy to define which role has access to what data in just a few clicks.

Low-Code Data Management

Having a graphical interface by default is a great advantage when it comes to data management. Because right out of the gate, admins can add or edit data without requiring developers to build special UI screens just for them.

This is an additional way how low code preserves and protects valuable development time. Everything is built in a way so that developers can put most of their focus and energy into solving issues that really matter.

Building With Low Code

Once you know how to build, the next question becomes, what to build? Aside from these API business ideas, it is important to focus on what people really want.

The best ideas are usually the ones you get through industry experience. Those are the things that bothered you personally or you heard a lot of people constantly complain about.

So in a way, the best ideas aren't ideas at all. They are the things people already desperately want to fix, but for some reason, they've never got to become anyone's priority. However, they can be yours.

After you build your solution, the question becomes how to turn it into a business. For starters, you may want to look into planning an API monetization strategy (if you don't already have one in place).

Also, since SaaS (Software as a Service) is currently the most popular business model for web applications, maybe look into that. Specifically, you can read more about a SaaS business model.

To Sum It Up

Building APIs using low code is the most productive way of development today. It provides 3X improvement over traditional programming while offering all the flexibility with regard to customizing your app.

Low-code technology makes app development much faster because it automates repetitive boilerplate code.

On top of that, it uses GraphQL, which removes a lot of burden from backend developers and allows the frontend to get any combination of resources in a single server call. All without any additional effort from the backend side.

To Learn More About 8base Low-Code Technology

• Try it out for Free
• Read about the 8base Backend
• Read about the 8base Frontend
• Visit the Community or Documentation
• Contact sales and partnerships