7 Key Software Development Trends Shaping the Future [2024]

Software trends have been changing over time, and this year, a few key movements will be prominent in 2024.

Progressive web apps are still a popular alternative to native app development, while low-code platforms are becoming important because they save a lot of development time. Meanwhile, the newest trends in software development, like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Blockchain Development, and the Internet of Things are extremely popular. But what does this mean for future software engineering trends? How can software development companies shape the future of these technologies?

In this article, we explore the key software development trends expected to make a significant impact in 2024.

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Key Software Development Statistics for 2024

Reference: Statista

7 Key Software Development Trends

From AI to more cloud services and increasing concerns about data privacy, software development is always changing. Software development trends are reshaping how businesses make, launch, and handle digital solutions now. Each one is key in leading software development into the future. Now, let’s take a look at each software development trend.

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1. Low-Code/No-Code Development

Low-code/no-code development platforms have revolutionized the process of creating digital applications, enabling individuals without technical expertise to develop software easily.

By 2025, it's anticipated that nearly 70% of all app development projects will use these platforms, marking a significant rise from previous years.

These platforms streamline development processes, accelerate time-to-market for new applications, and enable collaboration between business users and IT teams. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to democratize app development and address the growing demand for rapid digital transformation across industries. A Forrester study reveals that businesses have seen up to a 70% reduction in development costs and time. With the acceleration of digital transformation initiatives, the need for rapid application deployment has made low-code/no-code solutions essential.

They are now integral to enterprise strategy, with the market expected to grow to $32 billion by the end of 2024, according to Statista.

2. Integration of AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are becoming more popular in software development in the US. A 2020 survey by O’Reilly found that over 48% of US businesses and organizations were already using AI in some way, and this number has grown since then. In 2023 alone, AI startups raised $50 billion, showing a strong investment in AI technologies.

AI can be used in software development for many purposes, such as automatically generating and testing code, using advanced predictive analytics, and adding customization features. The AI market in the US was valued at about $37.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $731.8 billion by 2032. A large part of this growth will likely come from its use in software development and business solutions.

3. Emphasis on Cloud Services

In 2024, cloud-native technologies will significantly improve, becoming easier to use and offering better performance, cost savings, and flexibility for IT needs. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are expanding their services with more advanced analytics, machine learning, and better security.

This encourages companies to move to the cloud for better data management, improved collaboration, and enhanced security.

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4. Evolution of AI Technologies

AI is progressing and creating new opportunities for business innovation. The fast developments in AI are ushering in a wave of chances fueled by emerging software technologies.

OpenAI's GPT-3, launched in 2020, has showcased AI's potential in generating human-like text, revolutionizing content creation, programming, and design. AI has made significant strides in healthcare, exemplified by Google's DeepMind AI achieving breakthroughs in protein folding, a complex challenge in biology.

According to Grand View Research, the AI market, valued around $196 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030. This growth is fueled by AI's integration into consumer products, enterprise solutions, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing public services, highlighting its pivotal role in the next phase of technological advancement.

5. Increased Importance of Data Privacy

Data privacy has emerged as a critical concern in software development, driven by regulatory shifts and increasing public worry about data misuse.

The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and similar laws worldwide has significantly altered how companies handle personal data, influencing collection, storage, and processing practices.

In 2020, Google announced plans to phase out third-party cookies in Chrome by 2022 to bolster user privacy. Apple's iOS 15 update also introduced app tracking transparency, mandating user consent before tracking their activities.

Market research by MarketsandMarkets indicates that the global data protection as a service (DPaaS) market is expected to grow from $28 billion in 2022 to $361.5 billion by 2032, underscoring the escalating importance of data security solutions.

6. Progressive Web Apps: Blending Web and Mobile App Benefits

The popularity of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) is on the rise as they blend the strengths of web and mobile applications. PWAs function through web browsers but deliver features typically found in native apps, including offline capabilities and push notifications. Google strongly advocates for PWAs, indicating their continued expansion in usage and adoption.

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7. Boost in Outsourcing Software Development

Outsourcing software development company provides business owners with increased flexibility and cost-efficiency. It allows companies to access specialized skills and expertise without the overhead costs of maintaining a full-time in-house team. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with projects that require niche or advanced technical knowledge. By outsourcing, businesses can scale their development resources according to project needs, whether expanding or reducing the team size as required. It also enables faster project completion by tapping into the remote provider's experience and streamlined processes.

Moreover, outsourcing can enhance innovation by bringing fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to the development process. It fosters collaboration across different regions and time zones, potentially leading to more creative solutions and improved project outcomes.

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References

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