5 of the Latest Technologies in Software Development
Today’s latest technologies in software development may be tomorrow’s outdated tech. Then again, they might be building blocks for the future, or, most likely, something in-between. There’s no denying that software development trends come and go, but many of them end up sticking around for the long haul, transforming the digital landscape—and in turn, the world—as we know it.
Whether you’re a developer, a business owner, or simply someone who recognizes the importance of keeping up with modern technology, checking in on the latest progress from time to time is a prudent move, especially if you’re planning on starting a development project in the near future.
Let’s take a look at some of the latest technologies in software development.
1. Low/No-Code Development
No-code and low-code development has gained quite a bit of traction in recent times as more and more developers (and their clients) recognize that they’re a viable means to save significant time and money. At the same time, there’s certainly still a place for custom coding in some applications. Taking a hybrid approach and determining which method to use on a case-by-case basis yields the best results.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important that you know exactly what no-code/low-code development means so you can understand why it’s at the forefront of the latest technologies in software development. To put it simply, no-code and low-code platforms—Knack, for example—provide developers with ready-to-use tools that can be implemented without the need to code them from scratch.
The reason why no-code/low-code is one of the most exciting software development trends is that these types of modular building blocks naturally hasten the development process without compromising the overall quality of the project. That said, these platforms should only be used when it makes sense and never at the cost of the project’s integrity. The developer must be able to recognize appropriate scenarios—there’s a stark difference between cutting corners and saving time.
Besides being one of the more advantageous out of all of the latest technologies in software development for its ability to save time, there are quite a few other benefits of low-code development to consider. Before we cover them, it’s certainly worth noting that time saved is money saved, and the Soluntech team is able to offer turnaround times 10x faster than the competition!
Another major reason why low-code is so popular is that it allows non-expert users to make updates and changes as needed over time, allowing for companies to be more self-sufficient. This democratization of the development process may seem like a threat to developers, but the simple truth is that there will always be a place for coding expertise.
The latest technologies in software development are always evolving, and many of them simply require an expert’s touch. The average layperson doesn’t typically keep up with software development trends or know how to make major platform adjustments. In fact, when clients are able to make minor tweaks and adjustments on their own, that allows development teams to stay focused on areas that do demand technical knowledge and experience.
Beyond helping devs achieve a finished project faster, no-code/low-code development empowers them to create prototypes quickly, even if they plan to create custom code down the line. These platforms are very scalable, so even a basic framework can be built upon over time. In short, no-code/low-code may not be the most jaw-dropping of the latest technologies in software development, but it’s clear that the utility far outweighs the lack of glamor.
2. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
While today’s artificial intelligence and machine learning are a far cry from what you see in sci-fi movies (at least in this context), they’re still very exciting technologies that can drastically improve a company’s operations, and in turn, its bottom line. You’re probably not going to see any robots, but what’s going on under the hood is still quite astonishing.
AI/ML can take many forms. Businesses use the technology to create automated workflows, reduce bottlenecks, forecast trends, improve customer service, bolster cybersecurity, and solve a vast range of other common problems. AI and ML aren’t necessarily the latest technologies in software development, but there’s no denying that they’re evolving at a rapid pace, as is their nature.
To put it simply, artificial intelligence ‘learns’ in a way that allows for self-improvement. That’s why it remains one of the most powerful, ongoing software development trends. Implementing the systems now allow for endless growth in the future. The more data the software is fed, the more agile and effective it becomes.
One common example of how AI can be used is to replace outdated spreadsheets. These days, human data entry is rarely required. Instead, one can program the software to recognize data and file it accordingly in real-time. Anyone researching the latest technologies in software development can see how incredibly beneficial that can be for a company that’s currently relying on human personnel for data management. Incorporating AI/ML processes frees up employees to perform tasks that genuinely do require a human touch.
3. Cloud-Native
Cloud computing isn’t new—it’s technically been around since the ‘90s—but it’s proven to be one of the most crucial development technologies, and it has become abundantly clear that it’s here to stay. Like all software development trends, cloud computing hasn’t remained stagnant, to say the least. Today, cloud-native development can be found in countless applications, with giants like Netflix and Spotify proving exactly why the cloud is still worth mentioning on a list of the latest technologies in software development.
There are countless reasons why developers would choose to work on the cloud and why clients would want to utilize cloud-based systems. Accessibility is a huge one. The cloud allows anyone with proper credentials to access the platform, making it easy for remote developers and end-users to work from virtually anywhere in the world (as long as there’s an internet connection).
Cloud-based platforms are also more secure, as data servers are vulnerable to physical damage. Being able to reduce reliance is a huge benefit, not only for protecting data but for saving space. Many companies that embraced the latest technologies in software development even just a few years ago have found that cloud-based solutions have saved them substantial amounts of money in this respect alone—maintaining servers and the space that holds them is expensive! Additionally, scaling up is a breeze, with no investment in physical infrastructure required.
4. Remote Collaboration and Outsourcing
Remote working and staff augmentation have become some of the most prominent software development trends due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced many teams to work from home. Necessity breeds innovation, and today, many teams have chosen to continue working remotely, regardless of whether or not it’s necessary, simply because they figured out how to make it work.
Fortunately, many of the latest technologies in software development lend themselves well to remote collaboration, as evidenced by the cloud-based solutions mentioned above. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom clearly gained an incredible amount of traction, as more and more professionals sought ways to connect with their teams from afar.
It’s worth mentioning that remote collaboration is just a small part of this shifting trend. These days, many companies are embracing distributed work methods—collaborations are formed all over the world, allowing contributors to work on their own time, and eventually all of the individual pieces come together to create a finished product. Naturally, without using the latest technologies in software development, this approach would be very difficult to manage.
Besides remote collaborations and distributed work, many companies are also discovering the advantages of staff augmentation as part of their permanent strategies. Hiring dedicated, full-time employees isn’t always the right move. Instead, it’s often more practical to contract reputable professionals on an as-needed basis.
Outsourcing temporary workers often comes with significant risk, but teaming up with a well-established development agency offers peace of mind, as well as higher quality results. It’s no surprise staff augmentation is one of the software development trends that’s growing increasingly common.
5. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn’t a new concept by any means, but it’s always at the forefront of the tech world simply because cyber threats are always evolving, and therefore protective systems must adapt as well. Many of the latest technologies in software development are used to bolster cybersecurity systems—AI/ML is a common example. Artificial intelligence allows cybersecurity systems to ‘learn’ to identify existing threats and then use that knowledge to recognize new threats and stop them in their tracks.
While many of the latest technologies are used to improve cybersecurity, on the other side of the coin, some of them open up new vulnerabilities that require cutting-edge solutions. For example, the internet of things (IoT) is still relatively new tech. Devices including everything from lightbulbs to refrigerators can all connect to the IoT.
Unfortunately, the latest technologies in software development often come with a price in their early stages. These ‘smart’ systems are among the fastest-growing software development trends, but cybersecurity isn’t always able to keep up. Cybercriminals often look to the latest tech because protective systems haven’t been implemented yet, and the IoT has been the target of many attacks in recent times as many users don’t realize that the devices can act as an open portal to a network’s gateways.
Besides IoT-connected devices, many other everyday devices from wristwatches to vehicles are connecting to wireless networks and Bluetooth. As more and more aspects of our lives become connected, it’s highly likely that developers will need to focus the latest technologies in software development on solutions to attacks on those systems. For example, once self-driving, autonomous vehicles become commonplace, developers will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them creating protective software to eliminate vulnerabilities.
Partner With Soluntech
We’ve only scratched the surface here. By the time you read this, there’s a strong chance that there will be new software development trends being created. In a field that demands constant, ongoing vigilance, Soluntech is a full-stack, end-to-end, award-winning agency you can count on for all of your software development needs—from start to finish and beyond.
We take great pride in staying on top of the latest technologies in software development so we can deliver the best possible products for our clients. Our small, dedicated team is capable of delivering top-quality results 10x faster and 80% cheaper than other agencies because we know the ins and outs of the latest development tools.
We encourage you to view our case studies to get an overview of the tremendous value we can bring to the table. Besides delivering world-class results faster and cheaper, our goal is to form lasting, meaningful partnerships with our clients. This mutually beneficial approach empowers both parties to achieve success, both now and in the years to come.
If you’re interested in implementing the latest technologies in software development, we invite you to schedule a free pre-consultation meeting. Before we start a project, we want to be positive that we’re the right team for the job. That’s why we boast a 91% project success rate, and it’s why our clients see a 21x average ROI in two years, on average. If we decide to move forward together, we can discuss the software development trends and how they can be used to improve your company’s operations and its bottom line.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk. The right software can be a major game-changer, so don’t wait. Brainstorm with a Soluntech expert today!