DEFINITION
Citizen Developer (CD)
A citizen developer is a non-professional programmer or a non-IT person who creates applications, automates processes, or develops software solutions. This is possible thanks to no-code and low-code platforms that allow users to work with software without having to know how to code. Citizen developers are often employees within an organization that don’t work within the IT sector but still work on software in some capacity. They are however usually monitored by the IT department to ensure security and proper functionality.
Synonyms
Non-technical developer
Acronyms
CD
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Synonyms
Non-technical developer, citizen programmer
Acronyms
CD
Examples
Atfinity utilizes a no-code architecture that allows our clients’ compliance team to directly handle the software and configure it to their needs, acting as citizen developers. This is possible because our software uses a simplified configuration system that we can teach just about anyone. Some no-code platforms take this a step further and create development tools that only require drag-and-drop and point-and-click configurations, further lowering the barrier to entry for citizen developers.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of citizen developers for organizations?
Citizen developers allow for non-IT employees to work directly with software, making it so that organizations don’t have to hire a separate IT professional. For example, banks can have their compliance team act as citizen developers, utilizing their knowledge of relevant regulations and allowing them to tailor key processes via the no-code/low-code system.
Are citizen developers a replacement for professional developers?
No! While citizen developers are more convenient in certain contexts, such as making small changes to the software, their capabilities are limited. For example, if the software needs to be changed outside of what the no-code architecture allows or if unforeseen technical issues arise. In these cases, having a professional developer is essential.
What do citizen developers need to get started?
Because citizen developers by definition don’t have an IT background, a no-code platform isn’t enough on its own. Namely, citizen developers need to be provided with guidelines for app creation as well as some training. Furthermore, the overseeing team should manage access controls and audit the software to ensure alignment with expectations and security.
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worldwide trust Atfinity to drive their digital transformation.
Book your demo today and see why leading financial institutions worldwide trust Atfinity to drive their digital transformation.