With new applications being launched frequently by different developers, the competition in the software industry is constantly increasing. But how does a developer increase the probability of success for their software? The sure-shot answer is to make feature-rich, user-friendly software. However, another way is to identify and follow the upcoming software trends to make development easier, and faster with the latest features. This article will explain the top software development trends for 2023 that you can follow to create a program that millions will use. 

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Top Software Development Trends for 2023

 Software development is one of the leading and rapidly rising industries presently. Currently valued at over $260 billion, this industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5% for the next five years and may reach the $700 billion mark by 2027. The following are the top software development trends for 2023 that you should know so you can utilize them in your next software.

1.New Programming Languages:

Traditional all-purpose languages like Python and Java dominated the industry. Undeniably, they are versatile and are among the most widely used programming languages. However, new languages come with their specific functionalities. Languages like Rust, Go, TypeScript, and Swift are among the few that have been used by legions of organizations for software development.

The foremost reason is their user-friendliness, easy maintenance, and easy learning process. Tech goliaths, including Google, Microsoft, and Apple, are behind some languages. Moreover, these new languages are adapted per the latest hardware and follow the utmost standard for better functionalities. Cross-device optimization, easy deployment, and fast processing are some features of why developers have started to prefer these languages.

2.Cloud Computing:

Since the COVID-19 global pandemic began, many organizations started embracing cloud computing. Not just big enterprises, start-ups and several government organizations started implementing cloud computing. Experts predict that transitioning from traditional to cloud computing can increase twofold in the coming years. 

Organizations like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have made this transition easier with their cloud computing platforms, making this trend popular. Additionally, cloud computing is faster, more affordable, and requires less maintenance than the traditional method, which backs up the trend. 

3.DevSecOps will Rise

Over the years, DevOps has revolutionized software development as the collaboration between development and operations teams always provided high-quality software. Both teams implement the right practices from the beginning and contribute equally to create a better program. 

Even though DevOps is among the best cultures organizations can implement, it still leaves behind a crucial element; security. Security is among the key trends in 2023, and organizations will invest heavily in enhancing the security of their application. 

DevSecOps is the missing piece that completes the puzzle and makes the most effective model for software development. It implements security practices in the development process. The security teams commence their work in the early SDLC. Intending to enhance the security of applications, DevSecOps has the potential to become the top software development trend 2023.  

4. Artificial Intelligence on the Rise

Artificial intelligence is highly utilized in software development with features like chatbots, and image recognition, among others. The AI market is anticipated to reach over $1300 billion by 2029, and the organizations utilizing this technology in software development will have an added advantage over others. 

AI and machine learning are also extremely helpful in autonomous testing, saving significant testing time. Several IT giants have invested in AI for many years, and organizations should focus more on implementing AI practices in software development to get the most benefits. 

5. Kubernetes as the Global Container Solution

Docker has been considered the most widely used platform for containerization for the past several years. However, with the rising competition from other platforms, including Swarm, Kubernetes, and Mesos, Docker has started to lose its dominance in the containerization niche. The latest trends showcase that the user base of Docker is reducing rapidly, and most users are shifting towards Kubernetes as their primary container development solution. Kubernetes may become the industry standard in the coming years. 

6. The Rise of No Code/Low Code Development

Companies fight a never-ending race of developing and releasing software quickly. Writing the code or development is among the most time-consuming stages in the SDLC. With that in mind, no code/low code development implementation in the SDLC is becoming a major trend. Organizations no longer have to spend much time writing the code manually, saving a lot of their time which can be utilized in other crucial elements. 

No code developments have allowed non-development companies to enter the industry, as there is no need to learn advanced programming languages. Learning just the basics can get the job done quickly. Having these features makes no code/low code development one of the biggest software development trends in 2023. 

7. Focus on Cybersecurity

As software becomes widespread, it automatically becomes a target for a cyberattack. Cyberattacks are rising rapidly, and popular programs are becoming vulnerable to such attacks. Developers may believe that adding security while creating the program is sufficient to prevent attacks. However, they forget that attackers are keeping themselves updated with the new ways of breaching security. Keeping the same security practices will only cause breaches in the future.

With that in mind, cybersecurity has become a priority of organizations. This demand is going to rise in the coming years due to an increase in technological dependence. Moreover, organizations have now understood that cybersecurity is not a one-time thing but a recurring action. Also, cybersecurity practices are less expensive than the damage done by an attack. In 2023, organizations will focus more on cybersecurity by implementing different firewall programs and data encryption layers in the software. 

8. Blockchain 

There is no denying that blockchain is one of the hottest trends in the industry right now. Many believe that blockchain is just limited to cryptocurrency. Blockchain is a ledger technology capable of making transactional records highly secure. Industries like finance and healthcare are among the biggest targets of cyber attackers. 

Blockchain makes transactional data highly secure, adding additional protection from potential attacks. It can make the applications secure, make data verification easier, and adds transparency to the process. 

9. Progressive Web Applications

Progressive web applications use web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They act as native applications on desktop or mobile devices but do not require additional work to build a separate application. Organizations can publish the application, and users can put it on their device’s home screen rather than downloading it from the desired store.

PWAs have advanced performance, come in small sizes, and can offer all the features a website has. One of the most significant factors contributing to this trend is its affordability while providing all the essential benefits of an application. A higher number of organizations are expected to have progressive web applications in the future.  

10. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things has started to penetrate the daily lifestyle of most people by linking gadgets, automobiles, sensors, and many other things to everyday objects. In 2023, it is expected that IoT will expand its reach and will be used by several organizations in software development directly or indirectly.

Currently, many organizations using IoT have benefits like avoiding equipment malfunction, reducing expenses, and collecting extensive data quickly. 

11. Native Application Development will be Preferred

Organizations always remain confused about whether to use native or hybrid applications. Without a doubt, both come with unique benefits. In the last few years, hybrid applications have taken an upper edge, eradicating the need for multiple development teams and saving much money. 

However, the standards of native application development were left behind, making the application less intuitive. With that in mind, many organizations will move towards native development. Creating native applications requires more manpower and budget, so small businesses may not contribute to this trend, but big enterprises are surely going this way. 

12. Data Privacy

In this digital world, one of the biggest assets of an organization is user data. Most attackers are behind user data, and companies try to avoid this at all costs. Data privacy will become a significant preference when picking software. To ensure the utmost user data protection, organisations must meet the necessary compliances set by regulating authorities. 

Several countries have also made it mandatory for some software and organizations to have specific data privacy certifications to protect user data. More countries are anticipated to join this list in the coming years.

13. Microservices to Become Global

Monolith architecture is building big services and adding features with time. Even though different leading names use it, it poses a scalability challenge. Microservices break the functionality of an application into smaller, manageable sections. Each microservice performs a function, making the overall software faster and more efficient. 

Now the software development industry is embracing microservices at a global level, and organizations from different regions are anticipated to adopt this trend in 2023. 

14. Edge Computing to Grow

Cloud computing is proven to grow not just in 2023 but for many years to come. However, cloud computing may not seem helpful when the software faces low-quality bandwidth issues when it requires real-time data processing. Without an internet connection, the software will fail to reach the remote data centre, ending the entire purpose. 

In that case, the question arises, what should be done? The answer is edge computing. It is a computing method that moves the data to the local network. With edge computing, users can use the software online and offline. 

Providing this significant perk over cloud computing undoubtedly convinces several organizations to use edge computing. However, it will be used majorly by industries highly affected by blackouts. Edge computing is continually rising, and the trend is predicted to remain the same in 2023. 

15. Software Outsourcing

There are two approaches to software development; in-house team and outsourcing the process. Some organizations prefer the in-house team to have better control and communication in the development process. However, it may not be an efficient way of software development. 

Currently, legions of organizations are transitioning from having an in-house team to outsourcing the development process. Outsourcing the process provides benefits like budget-friendliness, quick response, better efficiency, quick delivery, and surety of having top talent. 

Rather than paying for hiring permanent employees, software outsourcing gives the flexibility of getting the same quality of work (or better) on a project basis. As more and more organizations make this transition, the software outsourcing industry will rise in 2023. 

Conclusion:

These are the top software development trends of 2023. Understanding and implementing these trends in software development will give organizations an upper edge over the competition. This information will allow you to prepare for the future and build software that will last many years.