Software Development Trends to Look Out for in 2023
The software development industry is constantly evolving, and as we look ahead to 2023, there are several trends that are expected to shape the field. From new programming languages and frameworks to emerging technologies and methodologies, developers and development organisations will need to stay up to date with the latest trends to stay competitive and relevant. This means it’s now more important than ever to choose the right outsourced team for your software development needs.
Below we explore some of the key trends expected to impact software development in the coming year.
1. Heightened interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming increasingly important in the software development industry. These technologies allow software to learn and adapt to changing conditions and user behaviours, resulting in more accurate and efficient applications. In 2023, we can expect to see more AI and ML-powered applications in multiple industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation to just name a few.
Developers will need to familiarise themselves with various AI and ML frameworks and libraries, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, to stay ahead of the curve. ChatGPT, the latest AI technology taking the internet by storm, and will be a key feature this year as developers test the program and implement it into their day-to-day operations.
Haefele Software Technical Director Johan Botha adds “At Haefele, we are in the process of trialling ChatGPT and other AI and ML-Powered solutions to assist with quality and productivity across all our disciplines which include business analysis, development, and quality assurance.”
He continues, “In 2023, we expect to see more developers at least experimenting with AI-generated code. I’m unsure what AI-assisted coding will mature to the point that these tools become an everyday part of most developer’s workflows by the end of the year, but I do think more coders will be playing around with these tools, and occasionally using them to generate relatively mundane code.”
2. Adoption of Microservices Architecture
“If we don’t create good architecture, then in the end, we’re deceiving our customers, because we’re slowing down their ability to compete.” – Martin Fowler, Thoughtworks.
Microservices architecture are a way of building software systems that are highly modular and loosely coupled. Instead of building a monolithic, all-in-one application, a microservices architecture breaks the system down into a collection of small, independently deployable services. Each service is responsible for a specific business capability and communicates with other services via APIs (application programming interfaces). This allows for greater flexibility and scalability, as individual services can be updated and deployed independently of the rest of the system.
One of the key advantages of microservices is that it allows for faster development and deployment cycles. Since each service is relatively small and focussed, it can be developed and deployed by a small, autonomous team. This can lead to faster time-to-market for new features and bug fixes.
Additionally, since each service is independently deployable, it can be scaled up or down as needed, without affecting the rest of the system. However, implementing a microservices architecture can also be more complex and challenging than a monolithic architecture. There are many additional considerations that need to be taken into account, such as service boundaries, data consistency, communication between services, monitoring and logging.
Currently, Amazon uses microservice architecture to release new code every 11.7 seconds. On average, Netflix has more than 30 development teams working on different releases, supporting 500 microservices and handling about 2 billion API requests a day.
Adds Botha, “In 2023, we expect to see more companies adopting a microservices approach to software development, as it allows for more flexibility and agility in a fast-paced business environment. Developers will need to be familiar with microservices concepts, such as service discovery and API gateways, to take advantage of this trend. Overall, microservices architecture is a powerful way to build large, complex systems, but it also requires a significant investment in planning, design, and infrastructure.”
3. Continued Growth of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been a major trend in the software development industry for several years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. More companies are moving their data and applications to the cloud, allowing them to take advantage of the scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness of cloud-based solutions. As a result, developers will need to be familiar with cloud-based technologies and platforms, such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform to adapt to this growth.
Drivers behind the continued growth of cloud computing include:
Scalability and flexibility
Cloud computing allows organisations to easily scale up or down their IT resources as needed, without having to invest in new infrastructure or hire more IT staff.
Reduced IT costs
Moving to the cloud can help organisations reduce their IT costs by eliminating the needs for expensive hardware, software licensed and maintenance fees.
Access to innovative technology
Cloud computing providers offer access to the latest technology and applications without the need for organisations to invest in new hardware or software licenses.
Improved security
Many cloud computing providers offer advanced security features and protocols that can help organisations better protect their data and systems from cyber threats.
Increased collaboration and productivity
Cloud-based tools and applications make it easier for teams to collaborate and share information, leading to increased productivity and better decision making.
Data accessibility from anywhere
Cloud computing allows users to access their data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling greater flexibility and mobility for organisations.
Disaster recovery and business continuity
Cloud-based disaster recovery and business continuity solutions can help organisations quickly recover from outages and maintain business operations during unexpected events.
High adoption rate among SMEs
Most SMEs are turning to cloud computing to level the playing field with larger enterprises and take advantage of the benefits of the benefits it offers, leading to its continued growth.
“2023 will see a push towards containerised systems,” adds Johan. “Platforms like Kubernetes makes it possible to run applications more environment agnostic. I expect that we’ll see an increase in the number of monolithic applications that run inside containers. Although containers are most often associated with microservices, there is no reason you cannot run an entire monolithic application inside a container. There are benefits to doing so, such as the ability to reduce the number of external environment dependencies you must worry about when deploying the app.”
4. Increased Adoption of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms
Low-code and no-code platforms have been gaining popularity in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023.
Key players Microsoft (Power Platform), Amazon (Honeycode) and Google (Appsheet) have invested tons of resources to get traction which seems to be paying off. These platforms allow developers to create and deploy applications without the need for traditional coding, making it easier for non-technical users to create their own applications. This can save time and resources, as well as increase collaboration and innovation within organisations.
However, there are also limitations and trade-offs to consider, such as decreased flexibility and customisation compared to traditional coding. Developers should be aware of these platforms and see how it could improve their workflows, as it is not binary.
Some things to consider about low-code and no-code adoption:
Complexity
Low-code and no-code platforms have limits to what can be achieved in terms of complexity and customisation. For more complex projects, traditional coding is often necessary to achieve the desired functionality and flexibility.
Control
With low-code and no-code platforms, there may be less control over the underlying code and technology stack, making it more difficult to make deep customisations or work with specialised technologies.
Scalability
While low-code and no-code platforms can be faster for initial development, they may not be as scalable as traditional coding over the long term.
Security
The security of low-code and no-code platforms may be a concern for certain types of applications, and traditional coding may provide better control and security features.
Johan adds that we can expect to see continued innovation in this area, including the development of more intuitive interfaces, advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, and integration with other technologies. “However, it’s important to note that traditional coding is still the best option for certain types of software projects. The two approaches complement each other, and the best solution will depend on the specific requirements of a given project.”
Haefele Delivery Director Jonathan Balmer, adds “We don’t foresee low-code and no-code replacing traditional development, at least not in the short to medium term. It still falls short in key areas, specifically for enterprise solutions. For now, it is an extremely powerful tool to spin up small app ideas or look at digitising and automating business processes.”
5. Emphasis on security and compliance
As cyber threats continue to grow, security and compliance will become even more important in the software development industry. Developers as well as other staff members will need to be aware of the latest security threats and best practices, as well as any relevant regulations and standards, especially with remote work increasing risks due to unsecured networks such as public locations. As a baseline, organisations should at a minimum, implement security measures such as encryption, authentication, cloud backups, and access control, as well as adhering to compliance requirements for data privacy and protection and doing recurring external penetration testing.
Says Jonathan, “We have noticed that our clients and prospects have increased their infosec requirements, which is great to see as it means there is at least an increase in awareness and implementation.”
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2023, the software development industry is expected to continue evolving at a rapid pace. With trends such as AI and ML, microservices architecture, cloud computing, low-code and no-code platforms, and emphasis on security and compliance, developers will need to stay up to date with the latest technologies and best practices to stay competitive.
At Haefele, we ensure all our developers are up to date on the latest trends and innovations to provide clients with the best possible service and business practices. Visit haefelesoftware.com today to discuss a project.