Which of the following is a characteristic of low-code development?

The emphasis on visual development tools is a fundamental characteristic of low-code development. This approach allows developers to create applications through graphical interfaces rather than extensive hand-coding, which makes the process more intuitive and accessible to a broader range of users, including those who may not have deep programming expertise. By using drag-and-drop features and pre-built templates, developers can rapidly assemble applications, enhancing productivity and facilitating quicker iterations based on user feedback.

In contrast, the other options highlight aspects that are misaligned with the principles of low-code development. For example, requiring extensive hand-coding would go against the low-code philosophy, which aims to minimize manual coding for efficiency. Similarly, low-code development actually promotes collaboration among team members by enabling a shared understanding of applications through visual constructs, rather than limiting it. Lastly, low-code platforms are designed to accelerate project timelines, so increasing project duration does not align with the goals of low-code methodologies. Thus, the emphasis on visual development tools truly encapsulates the essence of low-code development.