Top 5 Software Development Trends to watch out for in 2022-23
Software development is at the forefront of digital transformation today with applications being utilized across various business processes. From internal processes like resource management, talent acquisition, and finances to external processes like customer experiences, software development is a key driver in the operations and growth of modern businesses. While the field of software development has been around for some time now, it has gained much importance in the last few years due to the many benefits it delivers. A lot is happening in the field of software development and it is important to understand the latest trends to be able to leverage them and generate business value. Let’s look at the Top 5 trends for software development that will dominate in the coming year.
Low-Code/No-Code Application Development
Traditionally, application development has been a complex task that needs to be handled by expert and dedicated IT teams. Even the smallest of changes needed to be addressed by expert resources, increasing dependability and increasing the turn-around time for software development. With the rise of cloud computing, low-code and no-code development has gained popularity. Cloud platforms enable users to create their own applications through simple drag-and-drop operations by using existing libraries and features. This makes development faster and more accessible. According to Gartner, almost 50% of companies will use some type of low-code/no-code development for their business.
This trend does come with its set of challenges. Most of the time a high level of customization is not possible with pre-made codes and interfaces. Companies that have unique needs for their business verticals will have to depend on expert IT knowledge to make the most of their software. Here the services of a software development consulting partner are suitable who can either work with the business to customize and enhance the functionality of low-code apps or develop tailor-made solutions from scratch.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Aim to Provide A Better User Experience
Users expect their smartphone apps to be fast and reliable, without compromising the performance of their devices. Many times users might be reluctant to download a new application, especially if they are only going to use the app occasionally. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer the solution to this problem and are being used by many companies to offer the convenience of an application using standard website technology. With PWAs, developers can offer users the best of both worlds with less storage space requirements on phones. PWAs are quick to load and can be saved on the browser home screen for quick access. These applications are not only platform agnostic but are also faster to develop and low on maintenance.
DevSecOps Approach for Integrated Security
DevSecOps is the combination of development, security and operations. It is a development approach that incorporates security in the development lifecycle from day 1. The conventional development approach considers security checks after the completion of the development process. This results in a loss of time and resources, in case the software does not clear security checks. With the DevSecOps approach, security is a part of the development process and goes hand in hand with development and operations. This means that security issues can be addressed in real-time resulting in faster deployment of software that is secure and reliable. Teams are also able to maintain a higher security posture throughout the development process and eliminate vulnerabilities that may affect their work. According to a GitLab survey in 2021, 70% of security professionals believe that security has been moved earlier in the development process. This demonstrates the rising popularity of the DevSecOps approach.
Cloud Native Technology
Cloud-native technology is dominating the software development industry with applications across various industries for internal as well as external applications. Cloud-native software helps businesses streamline their app development process and aid better coordination and management across the organization. These apps offer flexibility to be hosted on public, private or hybrid clouds. Additionally, they can be run efficiently on multiple servers and can effectively support remote working capabilities. Scalability is another major advantage that allows companies to pay-as-they-go and expand their cloud infrastructure as per their current needs.
Web 3.0
Web 3.0 is the latest in the evolution of the internet. It will combine technologies like AI/ML, blockchain, IoT and 5G technology to present a more democratized version of the internet. One of the main features of Web3.0 will be decentralization using blockchain. So instead of centralized databases powering applications today, the new version of the internet will rely on blockchain to govern the operations of any platform. The advent of Web 3.0 will also be accompanied by more automation based on AI. This will also enhance personalization for users by providing results and suggestions based on their usage pattern, unlike today’s algorithms that rely on the popularity of results based on other users.
Conclusion
The software development landscape is evolving at breakneck speed and developers need to be updated with the latest in technology. These new and emerging trends will help create better user experiences and help in developing superior software with limited time and resources. As we grasp these latest technologies, it is important to understand their implications in terms of security and efficiency. This will help us in utilizing these trends to their full potential without compromising the integrity of existing systems.