If you ask an IT expert about the most groundbreaking technology of the 21st century, nine out of ten respondents would have the same answer: Artificial intelligence (AI)
Here’s what it means.
AI is no longer a hidden secret today. Recent advancements in generative AI have resulted in remarkable breakthroughs in every sector, particularly software development. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing billions of dollars to stay ahead of the curve. Presently, OpenAI seems to be leading the race with tools like ChatGPT, DALL.E, etc.
So, how does AI impact the global software development industry? What skills do software engineers need to secure their jobs amid AI-driven digital transformation?
Read this article to learn about five software development trends that would reshape the IT sector in the age of AI and beyond.
A Quick Overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is a technology that enables machines to exhibit intelligence like human beings. AI-powered systems can think, act, and respond in minutes. They can interpret large datasets, process information, and identify specific patterns to assist in informed decision-making.
To better understand the concept of AI, consider the below example.
Suppose you are a customer support representative at a small organization. You receive hundreds of queries from clients daily. Most of these queries are similar and have the same questions.
Now, instead of responding to similar queries yourself, what if you use AI software that handles multiple client requests simultaneously? You can train that software using the previous data about common questions asked by customers.
Eventually, the AI-powered tool can save you time and you can focus more on customer relationship management. This way, you can apply AI to automate routine tasks and become more productive.
5 Software Development Trends Driven by AI
Explore these five software development trends to see how AI is powering next-generation solutions that are transforming the lives of millions of software users globally:
1. Low Code/No Code Software Development
AI is not only improving the software functionality; it is also making software development more seamless and easier. Today, non-technical users or beginners can also develop high-tech solutions. Thanks to low code/no code tools for making this a reality.
Low code/no code software development is not a new concept. It has been used by developers for years. These tools are used to build custom applications without using complex programming languages.
However, AI has taken low code development to the next level. Several AI-powered tools are now available that allow users to develop apps using simple prompts.
One example of such a tool is Devin, which is the world’s first AI software engineer. Devin breaks down lengthy software development projects into smaller tasks, remembers context, and takes a strategic approach to building high-quality software. Besides, it can handle end-to-end development, identify and fix bugs, and accelerate the app release.
Therefore, development companies are now investing in low-code/no-code tools to minimize the coding process and make software development more efficient.
2. Progressive Web App Development
You must be an active user of Twitter, Spotify, Starbucks, etc. All these are progressive web applications. And these are trending nowadays.
Progressive web apps offer unique benefits like cross-platform compatibility and cost efficiency. They can be developed in less time as compared to traditional web and mobile apps. Users can access these apps on various platforms and devices without losing functionality or performance.
Hence, most customers prefer progressive web apps, particularly in the e-commerce sector. The smooth UI/UX of these apps combined with faster loading times make these apps relevant in today’s dynamic business landscape.
3. Agile and DevOps
DevOps has played a key role in transforming the software development process. It improves collaboration between designers, developers, and QA engineers. Besides, DevOps practices enable faster software delivery with increased adaptability.
Agile methodologies, on the other hand, have been useful in iterative development. Companies using Scrum and Kanban achieve higher customer satisfaction and improved user experiences.
In the coming years, the focus will be more on combining agile methodologies with DevOps. This integration can optimize the software development lifecycle and promote innovation in the workplace. Besides, IT businesses can respond to changing market demands swiftly and ensure continuous delivery.
4. Protection Against Cybersecurity Attacks
AI has indeed been very helpful in expanding software functionality and performance. However, there’s also a dark side to this technology.
Cybercriminals have now started using AI for targeted and vicious malware attacks. A study conducted by Sapio Research and Deep Instinct revealed that 85% of cyberattacks involved the use of generative AI in 2023. Over 650 cybersecurity experts participated in this survey.
AI empowers cybercriminals and similar bad actors in many ways. They can use this technology to create hyper-realistic phishing campaigns. Besides, the technology can build powerful malware and malicious code that can evade traditional defenses. As a result, criminals can steal sensitive and confidential data and use this information for inferior purposes.
Only AI can address this challenge. Developers are now leveraging robust cybersecurity measures backed by AI systems to deter cybercriminals. Encryption and access control mechanisms are now a regular part of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Some companies have even used AI to implement data governance frameworks and comply with data regulations.
These steps have significantly reduced the intensity of cybersecurity attacks. This software development trend is likely to continue for decades.
5. The Rise of Web 3.0
The AI revolution is now a reality. The next breakthrough will be Web 3.0, and it has already started taking shape.
Web 3.0 refers to the combination of blockchain and Metaverse to achieve maximum efficiency. The combination ensures decentralization, greater security, and no third-party control over development processes. As a result, users can enjoy privacy-focused experiences at minimum expenses.
Therefore, decentralized apps (dApps) are expected to gain more popularity in 2024 and beyond. These apps promise safer browsing while giving users more control over their online interactions.
So, we can predict more customized solutions powered by Web 3.0 in the future.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the global software development industry. The recent developments in generative AI have delivered remarkable results in terms of improved software functionality and enhanced user experiences.
Based on our research, we have listed five software development trends that will be the primary focus of IT firms in the age of AI. These include low code/no code development, progressive web app development, agile and DevOps, cybersecurity, and web 3.0.
However, the trends may change with new developments in AI. Hence, we need to stay updated with the latest breakthroughs to succeed in today’s thriving business landscape.