Mendix, a leading low-code application development platform, has recently unveiled updates to its platform that aim to streamline DevOps workflows and empower developers to effortlessly create applications with embedded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. In this article, we will explore the key features introduced in Mendix 10 and discuss how they enhance the low-code development experience.
Overview of Mendix’s low-code application development platform
Mendix has been revolutionizing the software development industry with its low-code platform, empowering businesses to rapidly create and deploy applications using visual modeling and drag-and-drop components. By abstracting the complexities of traditional coding, Mendix allows even citizen developers to participate in creating impactful solutions without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Now, let’s delve into the new features introduced in Mendix 10.
Git repositories for version control
Mendix 10 introduces the integration of Git repositories, enabling developers to effectively manage version control. This integration facilitates collaboration among development teams by providing a centralized repository to track changes, merge branches, and roll back to previous versions if necessary. With Git, developers can work concurrently on different features, ensuring seamless teamwork and efficient code management.
Mendix Pipelines for CI/CD
Ensuring continuous integration and delivery, Mendix 10 integrates Mendix Pipelines, offering a dedicated environment for CI/CD processes. Developers can now automate testing, building, and deployment tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and ensuring the rapid delivery of high-quality applications. Mendix Pipelines streamline the iterative development process by providing consistency and repeatability, resulting in faster release cycles and improved collaboration among development, testing, and operations teams.
Support for Webhooks
Mendix recognizes the importance of integrating with existing CI/CD platforms, and with Mendix 10, the platform adds support for Webhooks. With Webhooks, developers can seamlessly connect Mendix applications to other CI/CD tools, allowing for instant notifications and triggering of builds and deployments. This integration fosters a holistic DevOps ecosystem, enabling smooth communication between different systems and facilitating the creation of end-to-end automated workflows.
Solutions Kit for preserving customizations
To streamline the application upgrade process, Mendix 10 introduces the Solutions Kit. This feature enables developers to retain customizations made within an application, preventing them from being overwritten during upgrades. With the Solutions Kit, businesses can confidently upgrade their applications while preserving critical enhancements and customizations, ensuring a seamless transition without sacrificing previous investments.
Portfolio Manager for project tracking
Mendix now offers a Portfolio Manager tool that allows businesses to effectively track and manage their projects. This tool provides comprehensive visibility into project status, timelines, and resource allocation. With the Portfolio Manager, project managers can gain valuable insights into project progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to maximize efficiency and deliver projects on time.
Integration with Jira project management software
To leverage existing project management workflows, Mendix 10 introduces a connector for seamless integration with Jira, a leading project management software. This integration enables users to synchronize project data, tasks, and track progress without leaving the Mendix platform. With Jira integration, development teams can work seamlessly with project managers and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring transparent project tracking.
Extensibility framework for customizing IDE
The Mendix Studio Pro IDE is now customizable through an extensibility framework introduced in Mendix 10. Developers can enhance their development environment by adding plugins, wizards, editors, and third-party integrations. This extensibility framework empowers developers to tailor the IDE according to their preferences, improving productivity and user experience during the development process.
Incorporation of Mendix Assist into Mendix Chat
Mendix 10 expands the capabilities of Mendix Assist, an AI-powered bot, by incorporating it into Mendix Chat. Mendix Assist generates validation logic for data entry, improving the accuracy and efficiency of input handling. With Mendix Assist in Mendix Chat, developers can leverage AI-powered assistance within the development environment, making it easier to handle data validation and significantly reducing errors during the development process.
Integration of third-party AI services into Mendix Runtime
To further enable the development of “smart apps,” Mendix plans to integrate third-party AI services and models into the Mendix Runtime. This integration paves the way for the seamless incorporation of cutting-edge AI capabilities, empowering developers to create intelligent applications that can automate processes, analyze data, and provide predictive insights.