12 Best Software Development Trends for 2024
Software development is constantly evolving and will continue to evolve in the coming months. Technological and societal needs drive many of the changes we are likely to see. For example, the need for a reliable way to execute contracts is taking blockchain to a new level, and new possibilities for using artificial intelligence (AI) are making the industry increasingly think about "AI ethics."
Many companies are deciding to accelerate digital transformation, and developments from companies like ESK Solutions will help them find new ways to grow their business for the benefit of clients, society, and their own profits. No one has a crystal ball to know exactly what the landscape will look like in 2024, but the forecasts below are likely based on current trends.
#1 Focus on Cloud Technologies
2023 demonstrated the need for cloud services that can scale up or down. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some industries thrived while others (e.g., tourism) saw a sharp drop in demand. Companies using cloud platforms avoided having to pay for data center services they did not need. Thus, in 2024, many more companies are likely to move their operations to the cloud.
#2 Growing Use of Blockchain
Although blockchain technology is well known for its role in cryptocurrency, it has other applications, all of which help prevent fraud in sensitive transactions. In 2024, we expect expansion of some features, including use in smart contract platforms. The following video explains what smart contracts are and how they are used:
#3 Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
In 2024, we also expect the evolution of artificial intelligence, as companies leveraging AI capabilities are likely to succeed. Particularly interesting is the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP), which allows computers to compose texts and programs. And awareness of AI ethics—that is, how software engineers program machines to "do the right thing"—is likely to grow as computers take on more human functions.
#4 Surge in Low-Code/No-Code Development
The demand for software engineers outstrips their availability, making low-code/no-code (LCNC) programming essential for businesses that need the ability to easily advance new initiatives. This type of software allows people without development training to create databases and other applications to support agile operations. This capability is becoming more common and will evolve in 2024 and beyond.
#5 Popularity of Python and JavaScript
Programming languages that are easy to learn and use are becoming more popular, so Python and JavaScript are likely to remain in demand in 2024. Python is widely used in data science and a number of other fields, while JavaScript remains the most popular language overall, especially for beginner developers.
#6 Progress in Using Modern Languages
Modern development languages are also poised to meet the demands of today's software engineers. Languages like Rust, Go, and Kotlin are becoming more popular due to features such as type inference, null safety, expressiveness, and conciseness. In particular, some experts predict that Rust will break out in 2024. Microsoft and Amazon recently announced significant investments in Rust.
#7 Growth of Native App Development
With the proliferation of mobile devices, mobile apps are becoming increasingly important. To create the most flexible and performant applications, software development teams in companies that can afford it prefer to use native app development, meaning creating two or more separate versions of the app to work with each major mobile operating system (OS).
#8 Rise of Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combine the advantages of websites and mobile apps, providing users with a seamless experience without the need to create separate mobile apps for each specific OS. They are built using languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, and can run on any platform that uses a web browser. Since PWAs can reduce costs and increase customer engagement, their use is likely to grow in 2024.
#9 Expansion of IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding, encompassing billions of connected devices in many industries such as healthcare, agriculture, shipping, and manufacturing, enabling countless modern conveniences. Each of these devices requires software to operate, creating a huge demand for software engineers to write that software and provide the security needed to ensure that none of them become an entry point for hackers into a particular system.
#10 Escalation of Edge Computing
Edge computing, which supports IoT, occurs closer to where data is generated. For example, utilities can use edge devices to collect equipment information and process it near the installation site, sending only relevant information to the main office. Software engineers must ensure that such devices take full advantage of computing speed and data processing efficiency, while also considering special security considerations.
#11 Importance of UX
Software development is not just about functionality. It's also about usability. That is, users should easily understand how to work with applications, regardless of their size and complexity. User experience (UX) has become a major business factor in recent years and will continue to shape how companies design products and services. Therefore, in 2024 and beyond, engineers will increasingly be expected to focus their efforts on this area.
#12 Expansion of CI and CD Usage
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) are part of the software development process, with CI ensuring that code changes made by multiple engineers are integrated into the software project. CD facilitates quick and stable changes to configuration and functionality, as well as bug fixes. Both processes enable development companies to complete projects faster, saving money and increasing efficiency, which is key in 2024.
2024 Will Be a Big Year in Software Development
Thanks to all these advancements, the coming year will see many innovations and ways to further leverage technology to achieve outstanding results. This will be especially true as more companies achieve digital acceleration and begin to approach the use of technology differently to achieve their financial, social, and customer goals.