What is an OutSystems developer?

Thinking about hiring an OutSystems developer?
This is what to consider before actually deciding.

If OutSystems is lowcode, and lowcode is for everyone (including people without a programming background) why are OutSystems developers needed? What does an OutSystems developer actually do?

Phew, these are loaded questions. Fortunately, Near Partner has quite a few OutSystems developers, We have answers and we’ll walk you through it all.

OutSystems: a quick recap

OutSystems is a low-code development platform that allows businesses to quickly create and deploy applications with minimal manual coding. It offers a visual interface, pre-built templates, and automation tools to streamline the development process. This means developers can build web, mobile, and enterprise-grade apps faster and more efficiently than with traditional coding methods.

Key advantages of OutSystems include:

• Time to market: Rapid development and deployment.
• Flexibility: Easy customization and scalability for future growth.
• Cross-platform: Applications work seamlessly across web, mobile, and desktop.
• Cost-effective: Reduces development costs by minimizing manual coding efforts.

OutSystems (and low-code in general) is widely used for everything from internal tools to customer-facing applications and is making businesses innovate faster and stay competitive.

What does an OutSystems developer do?

An OutSystems developer is a specialist who uses the OutSystems platform to create applications much faster than traditional coding allows. But they’re not just someone who drags and drops components. They bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions – in a word, they are problem-solvers. Here’s a breakdown of what they typically do:

1. Build applications quickly and efficiently

OutSystems developers use the platform’s low-code environment to create everything from customer portals to internal management systems. Whether you need a mobile app for your customers or a new tool for your sales team, they can get it up and running fast. And unlike traditional developers who spend weeks (or even months) writing lines of code, OutSystems developers use visual tools, pre-built templates, and automation to deliver quality apps at lightning speed.

2. Customize and tailor solutions

Every business is unique, and OutSystems developers know that. While the platform offers a lot of out-of-the-box functionality, they can customize your application to meet your specific needs. They can modify the look, feel, and functionality of the app to reflect your branding, work processes, or unique challenges. It’s not about one-size-fits-all – it’s about delivering something that works perfectly for your business.

3. Integrate with existing systems

Most businesses already have software in place. It could be a CRM, ERP, or other tools that are vital to daily operations. One of the great strengths of OutSystems is how well it integrates with other systems, and an experienced developer knows exactly how to make everything work together. So, if you need your new app to pull data from your customer database or sync with your accounting software, an OutSystems developer can make that happen without any headaches.

4. Optimize for performance

Building an app is one thing, but ensuring it runs well is another. OutSystems developers focus on optimizing the performance of the applications they create. They monitor the speed, ensure there are no bugs or glitches, and tweak the app so it performs well even under heavy usage. This means your customers or employees will get a fast, easy experience every time they use it.

5. Provide ongoing support and maintenance

The job of an OutSystems developer doesn’t end once the app is live. They provide ongoing support, making sure your application is up to date with the latest features and security updates. As your business evolves, they can make changes, add new features, or scale the app to handle more users. In other words, they make sure your app grows with your business.

Skills and technologies that make an OutSystems developer

Familiarity with OutSystems is a must, but there’s a lot more that makes a great developer stand out.

1. Strong software development background

OutSystems is a low-code platform, but that doesn’t mean the developer can skip knowing how to code. The best OutSystems developers have a solid foundation in traditional software development. Why? Because even though OutSystems simplifies the process, it’s still built on robust programming frameworks like .NET. You’ll find that many of the top developers are fluent in languages like C#, Java, or Python. This allows them to extend the platform when needed, troubleshoot efficiently, and handle more complex scenarios.

An OutSystems developer should also be proficient in web-based languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages help with the fine-tuning and customization that make apps visually appealing and highly functional. A developer with a deep understanding of how web technologies work behind the scenes can make your OutSystems app truly shine, rather than delivering something that looks generic or clunky.

2. Mastery of SQL

OutSystems applications often interact with databases, which makes SQL (Structured Query Language) a key skill. A proficient OutSystems developer should be able to create, query, and manage databases efficiently. If your app is pulling data from a CRM, handling user input, or displaying data analytics, understanding SQL ensures the app can access and manipulate data without a hitch. You don’t want someone who just builds the front end without considering how it communicates with the database – that’s where things can go wrong quickly.

3. Mobile development skills

OutSystems makes it easy to develop for mobile and web, but having a developer who understands mobile development ensures your app won’t just function – it’ll provide a great user experience. This includes knowing how to optimize for different screen sizes, managing battery usage, and ensuring fast load times, especially when users are on the go.

4. Soft skills: flexibility, collaboration, and communication

The technical skills are only part of the picture. The best OutSystems developers are flexible, adaptable, and great communicators. But why are these so important?

• Flexibility: OutSystems thrives on rapid development cycles, which means priorities can shift quickly. A developer who can handle changes without missing a beat is invaluable.
• Collaboration: OutSystems projects often involve multiple stakeholders, from business teams to IT. Developers need to work well with others – they’ll need to brainstorm ideas or integrate feedback.
• Communication: Clear communication is also key, especially when explaining technical details to non-technical teams or keeping everyone updated on progress.

5. Business acumen

A great developer should also have a good grasp of common business processes and challenges. They don’t need an MBA, but having experience working with business users to build proofs of concept or being familiar with industry-specific needs can make a huge difference. Developers who understand the bigger picture can help craft solutions that align with your business goals, not just meet technical specs.

6. Agile methodology expertise

The relationship between OutSystems and Agile development is almost inseparable. Both prioritize speed, flexibility, and collaboration. Agile values working software over extensive documentation, making it the perfect match for the rapid development cycles that OutSystems encourages. A developer who’s experienced in Agile will excel in delivering functional, iterative releases while adapting to feedback and changes along the way.

Drive innovation with our OutSystems developers

In short, an OutSystems developer is like your in-house tech problem-solver. They help you move faster, stay agile, and keep everything running effortlessly.

That’s why having one on your team can be the competitive edge you need.

Need help with your next OutSystems project? Let’s talk about our OutSystems services! At Near Partner, we’re a cohesive team of developers with several areas of expertise, and we’re ready to collaborate with you and get the best solutions for your business. Still unsure about what route to take? Sceptical about lowcode and how it can help your business? Let’s brainstorm and jumpstart your business together: get in touch!