Key Predictions to Watch in Software Development Space

IT and software spending in 2022 was expected to reach its peak at nearly $4.5 trillion, up 5.1% compared to 2021, as per a report by research firm Gartner. This year and the coming years will be no different as companies worldwide continue investing in software development and technologies.

Here are the top predictions and trends that software engineers should keep a tab on to stay at the top of their game:

1. Increased Use of AI and ML

The two much-talked-about technologies – artificial intelligence and machine learning – are all already playing a significant role in software development and will continue to do the same in the times to come. Newer models and platforms are now being built using AI and ML, and therefore it has become essential to master the technology to stay relevant in the ever-changing workforce.

Software developers are integrating AI and ML to make their existing applications and platforms smarter and more intelligent, thus saving time and costs. Their use will also help developers to create more personalized products for consumers. Market research company Tractica predicts that global income generated by deploying AI technologies will reach $126 billion by 2025.

2. Low-code/No-code

Low-code or no-code platforms, as the name suggests, help software developers to create software applications with minimal coding. The rising popularity of low-code and no-code development platforms is enabling even non-tech individuals to build and scale tech-based products and services.

Shortly, it’s highly likely that we will see a lot of companies offering products and services built on top of low-code or no-code platforms, making it easier for anyone with no technical expertise to create their software applications and platforms.

3. Increased Focus on Cybersecurity

In the past few years, there has been a renewed focus on cybersecurity with the rise in the number of cybercrime incidents and tougher government norms. As a result, around 65% of businesses are all set to increase their cybersecurity budget in 2023, according to the latest research – 2023 Technology Spending Intentions Survey – by ESG Global.

Going forward, software engineers must be more agile to take on cyber attacks. And therefore, more innovations in space are likely to arrive at the scene to stop malware, phishing, crypto-jacking, and other types of cyber attacks. 

4. Open-source software

Open-source software basically means computer software that can be used, modified, and distributed without the need to buy a license. Software developers and large conglomerates are likely to continue banking on open-source software to continue building platforms and applications that are easily scalable while saving costs.

Platforms such as Kubernetes and OpenStack will likely become more popular shortly as they offer developers more flexibility and are far easier to use. Moreover, developers can collaborate with industry peers on projects via open-source software to drive further tech innovation.

Software engineering, unlike many other areas of study, is a constantly evolving one, with new technologies and trends reshaping the field one innovation at a time. And therefore, it’s crucial for developers to keep track of the latest predictions and trends in the field of software engineering to keep themselves industry relevant, especially when artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) driven models are bringing significant changes to how we have thought of technology so far.

For software engineers, these frequent changes are intriguing and daunting, and adjusting to them involves stepping out of their comfort zone to upskill themselves. But with an ever-changing environment due to massive technological investments, preparing yourself beforehand is essential to gain a competitive advantage.