In 2024, the world of making computer programs will change a lot. There will be new and better technology, but also more things to worry about to keep our computers safe. Before putting new software out there, we have to check it a lot to make sure it’s safe and works well.
The ever-changing landscape of software development trends is a significant factor for enterprises, startups, and entrepreneurs. The current market, with a valuation of $260.38 billion, is expected to surpass $700 billion by 2026. In this highly competitive market, it is essential to ensure that your application distinguishes itself and garners the highest number of downloads.
Thus, making computer programs in the future will be like a dance between being creative and ensuring everything is reliable. This year, people were excited about AI and ML, which help computers learn and be wise. But now, the most important thing is to ensure they work well and don’t have any problems.
New Opportunities in Software Development for 2024
Software trends have continuously evolved, with a few prominent movements standing out this year. Progressive web apps have maintained popularity as an alternative to native app development. Simultaneously, low-code platforms have become an industry necessity due to their ability to reduce development time significantly.
On the other hand, cutting-edge trends in software development, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain Development, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are currently at their peak.
But what does this signify for the future of software engineering trends? Furthermore, how can software development companies contribute to shaping the direction of these software technology trends?
It is valuable to examine present software development trends by comparing them to the predictions made in the previous year to gain a clearer understanding of the future. This approach allows us to gauge how far the software industry trends have advanced, the emerging advantages of custom software development for businesses, and what might be on the horizon for the upcoming months. Now, let’s delve into each software development trend.
1. AI-Powered Efficiency with Prudence
In 2024, one can anticipate that software developers will readily embrace AI/ML tools, such as Python, with a strong emphasis on optimizing AI’s efficiency. However, companies will approach the adoption of AI with great caution, considering potential security risks and the necessity for robust guardrails related to transparency, security, and trust.
Consequently, while software developers on a global scale will advocate for a thoughtful selection of AI tools and services, business stakeholders will underscore the importance of careful development to uphold system stability.
Likely, tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and secure development frameworks for AI will gain more prominence as future strategies for software development in the year 2024.
2. Low-Code/No-Code Development
Developing software applications often requires a time-consuming process. However, imagine if there were a more straightforward way to create applications with minimal coding. Low-code application development provides an ideal solution!
Gartner’s research states that businesses of all sizes are poised to embrace low-code development in the coming years. According to their estimates, the adoption rate will surpass 50% within the next decade.
Let’s talk about how we can start using low-code development. And also, what cool things we can do with it. Low-code software development is an approach within software engineering that empowers developers to swiftly bring their ideas to life while staying within budget constraints.
Low-code platforms function similarly to purpose-built Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). You might be wondering what “purpose-built” means. Designers create these platforms to address specific requirements and challenges. For a more practical grasp, let’s delve into some of the most prevalent and favored low-code use cases.
- We are utilizing an existing SaaS infrastructure and tailoring it with potent supplementary features to align with the specific requirements of your business.
- We are shifting from conventional spreadsheets to a contemporary, internet-based relational database.
- We are enhancing the viability of outdated applications by modernizing them and extending their functional lifespan.
- We are streamlining the development of intricate applications from the ground up more efficiently and expeditiously.
- We are crafting a comprehensive web application that integrates various elements, such as business intelligence and data visualization, to create an immersive user interface.
✍ Top Low Code Platforms:
- Appian
- Visual LANSA
- Mendix
- Zoho Creator
- Microsoft Power Apps
3. The Ongoing Success of React Native
React Native remains a dominant force in the realm of hybrid development. Its exceptional capacity to craft top-tier cross-platform applications using a singular codebase has brought about a transformation in the industry, simplifying the application development process for numerous developers and businesses.
Serving as the preferred choice for hybrid development, React Native has become an indispensable asset for enterprises aiming to expand their presence in the ever-expanding global market. Its influence continues to grow without any indications of diminishing.
4. Demand for Outsourcing
The demand for outsourcing is reaching a critical juncture in software development. Outsourcing has become a widely adopted and talked-about approach that every organization turns to instead of relying on an in-house team. According to Deloitte’s report, 70% of respondents have identified cost reduction as the primary concern regarding outsourcing.
Outsourcing companies specializing in development offer various services, including development, MVP creation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. Additionally, they have access to a vast pool of skilled professionals with expertise in various technologies.
For startups, software development outsourcing is an ideal choice, as it enables them to tap into a large resource pool without the burden of managing salaries or IT expenses. Even major players like WhatsApp and Skype adopt this strategy for their project development, entrusting it to third-party software development companies.
✍ Benefits of Outsourcing:
- Outsourcing firms can lower your software development expenses while reducing your workload.
- This approach will reduce the time and costs associated with recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining long-term employees.
- Engaging with a top software consulting company for outsourcing allows you to harness innovative minds and technical expertise to create software solutions.
5. New Programming languages
In recent years, significant technology giants such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have made substantial investments in the creation of high-performance programming languages that not only provide excellent user experiences but also seamlessly work across various devices.
These languages, including Google’s Go, Apple’s Swift, Microsoft’s Rust, and TypeScript, present a fresh alternative to traditional, general-purpose languages like C or Python.
To stay competitive, software development companies must remain adaptable and open to new trends in software development, recognizing that the swift evolution of programming languages directly influences the dynamics of the overall market.
6. Cybersecurity in the Spotlight
In 2024, we expect a significant increase in adopting AI and machine learning technologies in software development. A strong emphasis will accompany this on fostering innovation and ensuring a rigorous commitment to security and privacy.
In the coming year, the focus on cyber resilience will take center stage, surpassing conventional cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, zero trust will undergo a comprehensive transformation into an AI-driven approach, promising adaptive security in the face of constantly evolving threat landscapes.
7. QA Automation Driving Software Quality
In the year 2024, QA automation will play a crucial role in guaranteeing the quality of software. QA automation approaches will incorporate emerging trends such as the integration of AI, the cohesion of DevOps, and the early identification of critical issues.
This automation will facilitate the prompt discovery of problems, ultimately leading to software of higher quality, reduced testing durations, and significantly enhanced user experiences. The combined impact of these elements will propel software quality assurance to new heights in the upcoming year.
8. Smart and Secure Platform Engineering
The software development sector must broaden its horizons beyond DevOps, Kubernetes, and Microservices architecture to boost efficiency, foster security awareness, and bolster innovation capabilities. The year 2024 is poised to usher in an increased emphasis on constructing various platforms, from self-service internal developer platforms to software lifecycle management platforms.
This strategic shift aims to eradicate redundant tools while bolstering security and compliance in cloud-native applications and AI/ML advancements. Our experts predict that the upcoming year will witness a heightened demand for expertise in Infrastructure as code, container orchestration, and security automation.
9. Cloud-Native Technologies Continue to Evolve
Cloud-native technologies and architecture enable you to design, build, and manage workloads crafted explicitly for the cloud environment, fully capitalizing on the cloud computing model.
The implementation of cloud-native technologies empowers you to create and run scalable applications within modern, dynamic work settings, whether they are private, public, or hybrid clouds. This approach encompasses microservices, immutable Infrastructure, containers, service meshes, and declarative APIs.
Being cloud-native is synonymous with agility and increased speed. As a result, many organizations transition from merely facilitating business opportunities to becoming powerful tools for strategic transformation, enhancing business growth and velocity. Speedy introduction of innovative ideas into the market becomes critically important in this context.
10. Web 3.0 will Continue to Improve
Are you curious about what the future of the Internet holds? You can find the answer in the latest advancements in software development, specifically Web Three, often called Web 3.0.
Much like its predecessors, Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, the current cutting-edge technologies in software development are driving the transition to Web 3.0. Three fundamental IT architecture tiers characterize this new era of the Internet:
- Interaction: This encompasses the content, hardware, and software we engage with.
- Computation: It involves the underlying logic that facilitates these interactions.
- Information: This tier deals with the data and structure required to execute computing functions with precision, efficiency, and security.
What sets Web 3.0 applications apart is their complexity and interactivity. They move beyond the basic, static web pages typical of previous versions.
Developers create Web 3.0 applications using JavaScript development, adding dynamism and responsiveness. They also leverage the capabilities of modern computer hardware to improve loading times.
These applications are accessible on desktop browsers and high-end mobile devices, such as smartphones with OLED displays. Furthermore, in the coming year, we expect to see a surge of Web 3.0 applications compatible with a broader range of devices.
✍ Advantages of Web 3.0
- Accessing Data Anywhere: With Web 3.0, you can get your hands on information from anywhere you want. It’s like having a superpower to find stuff online.
- Your Data, Your Rules: Web 3.0 gives you back the power over your information. It’s like having your secret code to protect your data from prying eyes.
- Build Your Blockchain: Web 3.0 lets you create an extraordinary online system called a “blockchain.” It is like a digital club where anyone can join and do cool stuff.
Conclusion
The field of software development is in a constant state of evolution. This article offers a wide array of forecasts and predictions, giving you valuable insights into the future of software technologies. It is essential to stay up-to-date with these advancements to ensure that your software evolves effectively.
To achieve this, partnering with a software development company like 21Twelve Interactive can be highly beneficial. They can provide essential support and grant you access to cutting-edge services and technologies. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends in software engineering and successfully implement best practices in custom software development.