Top 12 software development trends for 2021
Software development is constantly evolving and will continue to do so in the coming months. Technological and social needs are driving many of the changes we are likely to see. For example, the need for a secure way to execute contracts will take blockchain to the next level, while new AI uses will force the industry to worry more about “ethical AI.”
Many companies have embraced digital acceleration, and advances in software development by companies like BairesDev are helping them find new ways to drive their business forward for the benefit of customers, society, and their bottom line. No one has a crystal ball to determine what the landscape will look like in 2021, but the projections below are base on current trends.
#1 Emphasis on cloud computing
The year 2020 showed the need to scale cloud services up or down as needed. While some industries thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, others (such as travel) saw demand plummet. Companies with cloud-based platforms avoided paying for data center services they did not need. Many more companies are likely to move to the cloud in 2021.
#2 Growing use of blockchain
While blockchain technology is known for its role in cryptocurrencies, it also has other uses, all of which help prevent fraud in sensitive transactions. Some functions to increase in 2021, including use in innovative contract platforms. The following video explains what smart contracts are and how they use:
#3 The evolution of artificial intelligence
AI expects to continue to gain traction in 2021, as companies with AI-enabled capabilities are likely to thrive. Of particular interest is the area of natural language #processing (NLP), which enables computers to write text and software programs. And awareness of ethical AI — ensuring that software designers program machines to ‘do the right thing’ — is likely to grow as computers begin to control more human functions.
#4 Low-Code/No-Code development will increase dramatically.
The need for software engineers has outstripped their availability, making low-code/no-code (LCNC) programming essential for companies that need to move forward with new initiatives quickly. This type of software allows people without a developer background to create databases and other applications to support agile operations. This capability is becoming more prevalent and will grow in 2021 and beyond.
#5 The Rise of Python and JavaScript
Easy-to-learn and easy-to-use programming languages are becoming increasingly popular, which is why Python and JavaScript are likely to remain in demand in 2021. Python is widely used in data science and many other fields, while JavaScript remains the most popular language in general, especially among development novices.
#6 Trends in the use of modern languages
Modern development languages are also ready to meet the demands of today’s software developers. Languages such as Rust, Go, and Kotlin is gaining popularity thanks to features such as type inference, null safety, expressive power, and conciseness. In particular, some experts predict that Rust will make a breakthrough in 2021. Microsoft and Amazon have both recently announced significant investments in Rust.
#7 Native app development boom
With the proliferation of mobile devices, mobile apps are becoming increasingly important.
To create the most flexible and performant apps possible, software development teams working in companies that can afford it are opting for native app development, which means creating two or more separate versions of an app that run on each central mobile operating system (OS).
#7 Native app development boom
With the proliferation of mobile devices, mobile apps are becoming increasingly important.
To create the most flexible and performant apps possible.
Software development teams working in companies that can afford it are opting for native app development, which means creating two or more separate versions of an app that run on each central mobile operating system (OS).
#8The Rise of Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) mirror the advantages of websites and mobile apps to give users a simplified experience without building separate mobile apps for specific OSes. They are made using languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML and can run on any platform that uses a web browser. As PWAs can deliver cost savings by improving customer engagement, their use to increase by 2021.
#9 IoT Expansion
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding to include 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 make it work, creating a massive need for software engineers to write it and contribute to the security needed to prevent each one from becoming an entry point for hackers within a given system.
#10 Escalation of Edge Computing
Edge computing, which supports IoT, takes place closer to where the data creates. For example, utilities can use edge devices to collect information about equipment and process it nearby, sending only the relevant information to the central office. Software engineers are required to ensure that such devices exploit the computational speed and processing efficiency they are capable of while also being aware of special security considerations.
#11 Importance of UX
Software development is not just about functionality. It is also about usability. Users must be able to easily understand how to make applications work, no matter their size or complexity. User experience (UX) has become a critical business driver in recent years and will continue to determine how companies design products and services. Therefore, in 2021 and beyond, engineers will be increasingly required to focus their energies on this area.
#12 Increased use of CI and CD
Continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) are part of the software development process, with CI ensuring that code changes by numerous engineers integrate into a software project. CD promotes changes in configuration and features, as well as bug fixes, rapidly and sustainably. Both processes allow development companies to complete projects faster, save money, and increase efficiency, all of which are key in 2021.
2021 will be a big year in software development
With all these developments, next year will see many innovations and ways to continue using technology to drive remarkable results. It will be especially true as more top software development companies in India achieve digital acceleration and begin to think differently about using technology to achieve their financial, social, and customer service goals.
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