Top 12 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 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 pushing the industry to pay more attention to "ethical AI."
Many companies are deciding to accelerate digital technologies, 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. Nobody has a crystal ball to determine exactly what the landscape will look like in 2024, but the predictions below are likely based on current trends.
#1 Focus on Cloud Technologies
2023 demonstrated the need for cloud services that can scale both up and 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 didn't 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 that help prevent fraud in sensitive transactions. In 2024, we expect expansion of certain functions, 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 AI, as companies leveraging AI capabilities are likely to succeed. Of particular interest is the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP), which enables computers to compose text and programs. Awareness of AI ethics—how software engineers program machines to "do the right thing"—will likely grow as computers take on more human functions.
#4 Surge of Low-Code/No-Code Development
The demand for software engineers outpaces their availability, making low-code/no-code (LCNC) programming essential for enterprises 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 Widespread Use 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 other fields, while JavaScript remains the most popular language overall, especially for beginner developers.
#6 Advances in Modern Languages
Modern development languages are also poised to meet the demands of contemporary 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 have recently announced significant investments in Rust.
#7 Growth of Native App Development
With the proliferation of mobile devices, mobile applications are becoming increasingly important. To create the most flexible and performant apps, software development teams in companies that can afford it prefer to use native app development—that is, building 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 a seamless user experience without the need to create separate mobile apps for each OS. They are built using languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, and can run on any platform with a web browser. Since PWAs reduce costs and improve 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 across many industries such as healthcare, agriculture, shipping, and manufacturing, contributing to many modern conveniences. Each of these devices requires software to operate, creating a huge demand for software engineers to write that software and ensure the security needed so that each device does not become an entry point for hackers into a system.
#10 Escalation of Edge Computing
Edge computing, which supports IoT, takes place closer to where data is created. For example, utility companies can use edge devices to collect equipment information and process it near the installation site, sending only relevant information to the central office. Software engineers must ensure these devices fully leverage computation 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 key business factor in recent years and will continue to shape how companies develop products and services. Therefore, in 2024 and beyond, engineers will increasingly be required to focus their efforts on this area.
#12 Expansion of CI and CD
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) are part of the software development process, with CI enabling the integration of code changes from multiple engineers into a software project. CD facilitates fast and stable changes to configuration and functionality, as well as bug fixes. Both processes allow development companies to complete projects faster, saving money and increasing efficiency, which is a key factor in 2024.
2024 Will Be a Big Year for Software Development
Thanks to all these advances, the coming year will bring 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 technology differently to meet their financial, social, and customer goals.