Introducing SAP Build

Low-code and no-code (LCNC) refer to a new style of visual programming that makes it possible to develop applications without programming. This style dramatically reduces the barrier of entry for anyone looking to take up application development. Yet, a distinction between low-code and no-code must be made:

• Low-code uses a traditional programming language-based environment combined with no-code platforms and is used by developers with at least basic technical knowledge.

• No-code is more straightforward and replaces traditional programming language-based tooling with a suite of visual development tools (for example, drag-and-drop components). It can be used by technical and non-technical people alike, such as citizen developers.

LCNC platforms not only aim to accelerate the development by professional developers, but they also aim to enable experienced business users with domain knowledge to get a suite of tools to build applications and automate their repetitive tasks without a technical background. With these capabilities, business users become citizen developers.

Citizen development is a disruptive solution to address the gap in technical expertise, especially that of experienced professional developers, that exists today. It offers a great way to foster a culture of innovation, which enables citizen developers and business units to fulfill their individual needs without waiting for the solution from the IT department. As a result, this approach could lead to a win-win situation for IT and the business department.

It is these non-technical business users who can now build process automation and applications that help address the requirements of their everyday work while, at the same time, reducing the risks of human errors and offering better customer experiences.

The above positioning of the Citizen Developer unveils a comprehensive typology, comprising four distinct quadrants, categorized by the demand for customization and flexibility throughout the development process and the prevailing developer skillset, all within the realm of development democratization. Each dimension further encompasses high and low variations.

Each SAP Build product can be used independently. Yet, SAP Build harmonizes the LCNC developer experience by providing a unified lobby for all solutions. The SAP Build lobby is the starting point for all SAP Build products and also offers standard functionality, such as lifecycle management and monitoring. Created artifacts such as UX components, workflows, data models, and business logic can be shared across products and projects, which enable the reuse of components and the creation of end-to-end solutions. All products offer a large set of prebuilt templates and modules that can be dragged and dropped into and out of the development canvas.

Discover plenty of prebuilt content packages for SAP Build in the SAP Build Content Catalog.Browse the content catalog to learn more about business and industry-specific content designed to enhance SAP applications such as SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business by Design, SAP Ariba, SAP SuccessFactors, and more.

The shortage of professional developers and the growing demand for applications and automation are two challenges that SAP Build addresses. SAP Build is a low-code platform that allows business users to provide their solutions by creating applications, automating workflow processes, and designing engaging business sites without writing code.