Software development is always changing. Every year, new tech and ways of doing things come up, changing how we make and use software. As 2024 gets closer, it’s important for developers and people who love tech to keep up. In this article, we’re going to look at some big trends that will shape software development in 2024.
1. Artificial Intelligence
AI is not just a cool word anymore; it’s important for making software. By 2024, we’ll see more AI tools that help developers a lot. These tools will make their work easier by doing boring tasks, creating code, and fixing problems. Also, using AI to test and check code will make the software better and faster to build.
2. Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is popular now, not just in IT but in other areas too. They’re changing how we make and run things and the way we do it. ML helps a lot in different parts of making software, like choosing what to work on, making smart choices, planning budgets, making quick prototypes, and helping with coding and testing.
One cool part of ML is Generative AI. It makes new stuff using files, text, sounds, and pictures. It’s helping in making software, marketing, and even in making medicines. In three years, it’s expected that Generative AI will make 10% of all new data.
For software making, Generative AI is starting to do the basic coding stuff. This lets coders work on the trickier parts of coding.
3. Quantum Computing Integration
Quantum computing is still new, but it’s getting better all the time. By 2024, it might start being used in making software. It’s good at solving tough problems that normal computers can’t. This could change things a lot in areas like code security, making things work better, and creating simulations.
4. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is about using many computers to handle online transactions. By 2027, it could be worth $5,798 million just in healthcare. Here, blockchain can help find mistakes in patient data, make data safer, and let patients see their health records easily. Also, there’s a growing trend in making decentralized apps (DApps) with blockchain. These apps use many computers, not just one, which makes them more flexible and secure with something called smart contracts.
Software development keeps changing, and so do the tools and languages developers use. Looking ahead, new programming languages and tools are coming up. They look set to change how we make software in big ways.
5. Low-Code and No-Code
Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs) and No-Code Development Platforms (NCDPs) are changing how we make software. They have ready-made parts that you can just drag and drop to quickly make mobile and web apps. This is great for expert developers to speed up their work and for people not in IT, making coding more open to everyone.
Even though these platforms are getting popular, some worry about how well these apps will work in the future, if they can grow, and if they’re safe. But, because they’re easy to use, more people are making software now.
Some popular platforms are Outsystems, Mendix, and Appian. Each one has different cool things to offer for all kinds of coding projects.
6. Upcoming Programming Languages
New programming languages are all about being more efficient, safer, and easier to use. They’re great for both experienced coders and people just starting. Some of these languages are user-friendly, making it easier for more people to learn coding. Others are made for specific areas like data science, machine learning, or system programming, with special features for these fields.
For example, Rust is getting popular for system programming because it’s safe and fast. Kotlin and Swift are becoming favorites for making mobile apps because they use modern code and have strong tools. We’re also seeing new languages made just for certain areas like finance, healthcare, or logistics. These have special features and ways to connect with other systems.
7. Development Tools and Environments
As new programming languages come up, the tools and places we use to make software are also getting better. Today’s Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are smart. They help with things like finishing code for you, working together in real time, and connecting smoothly with cloud services.
These tools now cover everything in making software. This means better tools for automatic testing, continuous integration, and deployment (CI/CD) processes and cloud-based environments. With these, developers can write, test, and launch code from anywhere.
8. Big Data
Big data is all about dealing with huge or complex sets of data, both organized and not, using advanced ways. It’s changing because we need to handle unstructured data better and find the important bits in huge amounts of data. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.
In the future, we should watch out for things like data fabric. This makes it easier to bring different data sources together. We’re also looking at the growing data marketplace and improvements in analytics, edge computing, and artificial intelligence.
9. DevSecOps
DevSecOps means mixing development, security, and operations in software making. It’s a big change in how we think about making software, putting security first in every step.
Nowadays, keeping software safe is super important. With more online dangers and the high cost of data leaks (like $4.24 million on average), making software that’s safe from the start is key. Our study found that almost 80% of companies are using DevSecOps in at least one team. They want to keep things safe without slowing down.
Along with DevSecOps, there’s this idea of ‘shift-left’ in making software. It means thinking about security from the very beginning, not just at the end. This change means using tools that spot security problems in the software, and everything connected to it, like databases and APIs.
10. Development for IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to grow a lot, by 10.53% each year for the next five years. This means more devices that can run software and big changes in how we track and collect data. It’s changing how we use IoT devices, making everything more connected, and even impacting things like keeping track of stock and sending goods. We need to turn all this IoT data into useful info, which is why there’s a big need for AI and analytics.
Right now, the IoT world is dealing with not having enough chips, which is slowing down its growth. But, even with this problem, it’s expected to pick up speed again in the coming years.
11. The Shift Towards Edge Computing
Edge computing spreads out IT systems to work closer to where users and devices are. This makes things work faster and better. It’s like bringing cloud tech right to your doorstep. Gartner says that by 2025, every big company will use edge computing.
As 2024 gets closer, edge computing is becoming more than just a cool term. It’s being used for real stuff like machine learning, analyzing data, and putting data together. Bob Gill from Gartner says that edge computing is already helping businesses make money, save costs, be safer, give better service, and try new things.
Also, edge computing will be important for companies wanting to be more eco-friendly and cut down their carbon emissions.
12. The Growth of Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR), are now being used in more than just games. They’re popping up in online shopping, healthcare, making things, and schools. There’s even talk about Apple bringing out an AR/VR headset.
Brands need to keep up with how popular AR is getting. People are getting used to cool stuff like seeing products in real-time or trying things on virtually. So, AR is moving from being a fancy new thing to something normal when you shop or use services.
Conclusion
The future of making software is promising. AI, machine learning, and quantum computing are making software smarter and faster. Blockchain is making things safer and clearer. Low-code and no-code platforms let more people make software. Big data, DevSecOps, and IoT are changing how we manage info and stay safe. Edge computing means faster processing right where we need it, and AR is making cool new experiences. All these changes are not just about making software; they’re changing how we live and work. It’s a great time to be part of this changing world.
