The software industry is constantly evolving with the aim to provide high-quality solutions to our ever-present digital problems. Software development is fast progressing and is taking the lead in providing in-demand services to a growing audience base.

Fast-paced adoption of software solutions is posing organizations with a challenge where they need to develop software solutions that not only meet the ever-changing expectations of clients, employees, end-users, or customers but which can also be streamlined as quickly as possible.

There is a market need for capable and experienced professionals with a deep understanding of software development and its trends. These professionals should be able to foresee the changes expected in the industry and should be able to grow accordingly.

We will look at some of the trends that are currently underway in the software development space. The article will further elaborate on the importance of these trends for businesses, big or small, to give a clear picture of what lies ahead in the software development industry.

1.     Language Framework and Coding

Language and coding form the general framework of software development. The languages developers use are advancing in lockstep with the technology integrations in hardware and software.

The importance of coding lies in the creation of user-friendly, secure, and reliable apps. Coding enables developers to create apps that can work across multiple platforms — web, mobile, or even desktop applications — without compromising on any aspect of usability or security.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for coders is expected to improve by 22% in this decade.

Fortunately, there are platforms that train developers in the right skills needed for the IT market. If you are thinking of hiring a software engineer, you should consider a Revature software engineer, who are not only well-taught but have hands-on experience in different skills required in software engineering and development.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ranked multiple languages in terms of use, popularity, and learning—Python, Java, and C-Language topped the charts.

MySQL on the other hand is the most popular programming language amongst database handlers and creators.

2.     Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer to think and act like a human. It is an umbrella term for the entire range of technologies that enable computers to perform functions that normally require human-like intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, linguistic analysis, and language translations.

In 2011, IBM’s supercomputer, Watson was able to defeat two contestants in Jeopardy—the popular trivia game show—and won $1 million. It was a milestone in AI technology for the developers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its technological ramifications have come to be known as the ‘fourth industrial revolution.’ AI technologies are transforming the industries of healthcare, transportation, banking, retail, and many others.

3.     Blockchain

A technology that is mostly known for producing the cryptocurrency bitcoin, blockchain has also been able to make its mark in the enterprise industry.

It follows the peer-to-peer (P2P) networking that connects multiple computers with equal permissions and responsibilities to process data. It provides a safe, decentralized, and transparent way to perform the business tasks.

This includes everything from payment processing, to data and contracts securitization, to automating processes that take place across multiple locations.

Blockchain technology has taken over industries like:

• Finance– Blockchain can help banks reduce costs by automating their back-office operations. For example, blockchain allows banks to streamline their lending processes by using smart contracts to automate loan repayment terms. The technology also makes it easier for banks to share data with other financial institutions in real-time.
• Healthcare– Blockchain is helping healthcare providers implement new ways of delivering care and improving patient outcomes. For example, doctors are using blockchain to share patient data with hospitals and other healthcare providers in real-time. In addition to improving patient care, blockchain can help fight fraud and improve clinical outcomes by tracking patients’ medical records from beginning to end.
• Supply Chain Management– Blockchain is used in supply chain management (SCM) to track the movement of goods from suppliers all the way to the customers’ doorsteps through multiple stages of production and distribution.

4.     Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to grow in importance for software developers, as more devices are going online or migrating to the cloud. IoT devices collect data from their immediate surroundings and then operate appliances, that are connected over the Internet, through programmable sequences to execute certain actions.

IoT devices have a range of uses, including environmental monitoring and industrial control systems. In home automation, IoT is used for thermostat regulation or allowing intuitive control of the lights.

As more and more IoT devices are connected to the network, their use will likely increase significantly in the coming years. Developers harness the data from the devices so they can understand how to better serve businesses, governments, and the consumers.

5.     Cybersecurity

The development of software will continue to be a major focus for software developers. However, with the development of software, cybersecurity is becoming a major concern for companies.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2021, 847,376 complaints of cybercrime were reported in the year. As more and more companies are digitizing, the need for software that protects valuable data grows exponentially.

Cybersecurity is an important part of any organization’s security strategy. It may seem like an afterthought, but it should be considered an essential part of your overall security plan.

Companies can either hire a professional or contact third-party service providers to provide them with system-wide security.

Conclusion

The future for working in the IT industry has never looked as bright. The trends mentioned above point to a growing emphasis on innovative applications and solutions that resolve the needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations.