Guest Blogger
Jonathan Baker
The software development industry is an ever-changing and dynamic field. Developers must always be on the lookout for the next generation of tools and technologies that allow them to keep up with changing user demands. As we look ahead to 2024, there are a number of trends that are poised to change the very landscape of software development. We’ve put together this list of some of the top trends in 2024 that are worth keeping an eye on.
The lockdowns during the COVID pandemic played a significant role in accelerating the massive shift towards cloud services. Cloud services became so popular because they freely allowed businesses to scale up or down in response to the market, providing lots of flexibility during a time that was filled with uncertainty. According to Statista, cloud system infrastructure service is forecasted to grow by 32.7% in 2024 compared to 2022. As businesses continue to invest in cloud services in order to digitize their operations, this trend is likely to continue throughout 2024 and beyond.
Within the Internet of Things, edge computing refers to the processing of data closer to where it’s created (i.e. the “edge” of the network). This significantly reduces both latency and bandwidth usage. This is extremely important for IoT devices which generate colossal amounts of data. Additionally, edge computing enhances privacy and security by keeping the data local.
According to a report by Grand View Research, in 2019 the global edge computing market size was valued at approximately 3.5 billion USD. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 37.4% between 2020 and 2027.
DevOps is a set of practices that combines both software development and IT operations. Its aim is to shorten the development cycle as much as possible while still delivering a continuous stream of high-quality software. By 2027 the global DevOps market size is expected to reach just shy of 25 billion USD, up from less than 11 billion in 2023. By 2025 it is expected that advances in automation will result in a streamlined development process where testing, deployment, and monitoring will require fewer resources and less time.
When it comes to shipping a functional and fully-featured software product, choosing the proper methodology for your project is crucial. If the scope of your project is clearly defined and the chances of any changes are very low, the waterfall method and its rigid sequence of steps is likely to be ideal. But if your project is large in scope and you plan on making changes along the way based on feedback, the agile approach will work best. If you have a highly experienced team with the expertise required to handle a dynamic project within a tight timeframe, we would suggest the scrum methodology. Because each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, your team should carefully analyze them to figure out which approach will best fit your needs.
A particularly hot-button issue this year; AI will continue to evolve and grow, driving new possibilities for business and software innovation. Things like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing are no longer just futuristic buzzwords; they have become essential components of modern software development. In fact, according to a report published by Stanford University, AI patenting has grown by 34% year-over-year since 2000.
Low-code/no-code (NCLC) programming has recently emerged as a crucially important trend in software development. What makes it so special is its ability to empower non-technical users or rookie developers to create fully-functional applications with little to no coding skill, alleviating the shortage of experienced engineers. In 2024, these NCLC platforms are expected to become even more advanced, furthering the potential contributions of inexperienced developers while also accelerating the time-to-market for their product.
Progressive web apps are a hybrid application that combine the best features of both mobile and web apps. They can be accessed from a web browser but still offer much of the same functionality associated with native apps, such as push notifications and even offline access. In 2024, we can expect an increasing number of developers to adopt progressive web applications as they strive to deliver a seamless and engaging user experience across a multitude of platforms and devices.
Just about everyone is familiar with Bitcoin, but blockchain technology has potential applications that go way beyond just cryptocurrency. It offers a secure means of recording and monitoring transactions, making it particularly effective in preventing fraud. According to figures published by Statista, the blockchain market is projected to reach just shy of $40 billion by 2025. As the blockchain continues to gain momentum, decentralized applications have also become increasingly popular. A surge in decentralized apps is expected throughout 2024 which will likely have enormous impact on the supply chain management, healthcare, and finance industries.
As cyber attacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, cybersecurity will be an absolute priority in 2024. Developers will have to stay on the cutting edge, implementing robust security measures into their products in order to ensure data stays protected and consumer trust is maintained. Businesses must stay up to date with all the latest threats, and employees must be trained on the most safe and secure practices to protect data. Globally, the market for cybersecurity is expected to be worth nearly $350 billion by 2026, indicating just how important this trend is expected to be.
While quantum computing is still in its infancy, 2024 could possibly be the year for a number of breakthroughs in the field. A mainstream adaptation of quantum computing is still a ways away, but developers should keep an eye on any advancements they could leverage to solve complex issues. Once fully realized, quantum computing has the potential to solve staggeringly large and intricate problems that current computers couldn’t even dream of taking on. This technology is poised to revolutionize numerous industries, including cryptography, systems optimization, and simulations.
Looking forward to 2024, the field of software development will be a hotbed of innovation and progress. Whether it’s the integration of AI and the blockchain or the rise of edge computing, developers will be in the eye of the storm when it comes to framing the digital world of tomorrow. Be sure to stay informed and always be willing to adapt as you navigate the evolving trends that will shape the software development industry for years to come.
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