Focused female software developer working on code in a modern office setting, with lines of code visible on her dual monitors and a notepad beside her keyboard.Ongoing digitization across industries, from apps to data analysis platforms, is making software development one of the fastest-growing and most reliable areas of the technology sector. This rapid transformation is also impacting software development methodologies and frameworks as new tools and applications are introduced, improved, and expanded. This expansion is a big reason why software development is such an exciting and attractive area of study among the various types of STEM programs. For a successful software development career, students need a strong foundation in traditional software development principles and theory. But to future-proof their careers, developers also should understand the emerging trends that will inform what they work on and how they complete projects. In this article, we will discuss five trends in software development that showcase key shifts in the field. Understanding these technologies and their implications can help aspiring software developers specify their professional goals—and ensure that they can explore the wide range of software development and engineering careers for years to come.

1. AI-Driven Development

AI is already transforming the way we live and work, and it will continue to do so. Globally, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of more than 37%, to reach almost $200 billion by 2030.

In software development, AI is being applied to enhance and streamline the development process. AI can automate some processes and promote greater efficiency, giving developers more time to focus on higher-value projects and complex challenges. Some ways that AI is being used include:

  • Project planning and risk management: AI-powered tools can estimate how much time and resources a development project will require and anticipate potential challenges and obstacles. This allows developers to create realistic, data-informed schedules that can be adjusted for risks.
  • Intelligent code assistants: These tools use predictive text to anticipate user intentions and reduce errors. They may also be able to recommend optimizations and review code for issues or inefficiencies.
  • Data analysis to predict bugs and other issues: AI can help identify hiccups in software code and other performance problems ahead of time, empowering developers to proactively address issues.
  • Automated testing and deployment: AI can streamline these processes, significantly reducing the time it takes to test and install software programs.
It’s estimated that 75% of developers will be using AI tools by 2028, a massive increase from just 10% in 2023. AI will not replace software developers and engineers, but these tools will support their work, enabling them to complete projects faster and ensure high quality.

2. Businesses Adopting Low-Code and No-Code Development

Learning to code software takes significant time and effort. Today, low-code and no-code development alternatives are empowering the average professional by minimizing the need for advanced, highly technical knowledge. Tools are already widely available in the form of visual drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components and templates that help users of platforms like Squarespace and Constant Contact create professional websites, landing pages, and emails. Low-code and no-code solutions are also increasingly being used for more complex applications. It’s estimated that low- and no-code development tools will be used to create more than 70% of business applications by 2025. Often powered by AI, low- and no-code platforms can reduce development time by up to 90%. Rather than replacing developers, low- and no-code solutions allow developers to focus on more challenging and customized projects. The expertise of senior developers will also be needed to improve low- and no-code tools for changing user needs and expectations. In order to gain the knowledge required to tackle low- and no-code platform development, as well as other interesting software development innovations in the industry, professionals may consider a master’s in software development. Pace University offers an online MS in Software Development and Engineering that will help you refine your expertise in software design and development, software management, and team resources management.

3. Remote Work Drives an Increase in Cloud Computing

While the push toward remote work was initially driven by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, both businesses and employees have discovered other benefits, including higher productivity; reductions in costs related to parking, transportation, and office space; and access to a larger talent and employer pool.

As a result, more companies are implementing cloud solutions in their operations, which offer more accessibility and flexibility for distributed teams. They’re also scalable, enabling teams to allocate resources based on need. With these tools, companies have the agility to quickly respond to changing market needs, consumer demand and feedback, and other trends and developments. For software developers, cloud applications can work hand-in-hand with DevOps to speed up the development lifecycle by:

  • Supporting greater operational efficiency
  • Streamlining and automating routine tasks
  • Reducing human error
  • Facilitating continuous testing, monitoring, and improvement
As a result, the demand for cloud software engineers is increasing rapidly. Current or aspiring developers may want to take a course in distributed software development, which is offered as an elective in the MS in Software Development and Engineering curriculum at Pace University, to gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of this area.

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Aim to Provide a Better User Experience

As users increasingly turn to mobile devices to access the Internet, apps have become the usual solution to provide a high-quality user experience on a smartphone. However, people don’t always want to download an app due to space and privacy concerns. This is causing more businesses to create progressive web apps (PWAs). These applications load quickly and provide push notifications, but there’s no need to download anything. They’re even available when phones aren’t connected to the Internet. PWAs are also platform-agnostic, so there’s no need to create different versions for smartphones, desktops, and tablets. Add in the fact that they’re easier to design and maintain, and PWAs can significantly reduce development costs and time-to-market. As more businesses incorporate these apps, software developers need to know design principles and best practices for ensuring PWAs meet consumer expectations. In addition to an understanding of front-end development technologies, they’ll need to know techniques for optimizing performance, such as ensuring that images and designs load quickly and correctly.

5. Microservices Architecture Simplifies Deployment and Scaling

The traditional monolithic model of computing architecture, in which all application components are packaged into a single unit, is rapidly being replaced by a microservices model. This framework is characterized by two or more independent services, each focused on a specific business function, that communicate via application programming interfaces, or APIs. The microservices model offers major benefits to businesses and software developers:

  • Speedier development: Since microservices are smaller than full-scale application architecture, they require less code and testing.
  • Independence and resilience: Each microservice functions independently, so changes in one have minimal impacts on others. This minimizes maintenance requirements and the risk of system-wide failures as a result of one microservice failure.
  • Greater agility and flexibility: Each service can be deployed and scaled independently based on business needs.
  • A diverse development environment: Developers can use different programming languages and frameworks based on what is optimal for each service.
As a result, the vast majority of modern enterprises are embracing the microservices model. Classes like Contemporary Software Engineering and Practice in the Pace MS in Software Development and Engineering can help prepare developers to approach software infrastructure in a variety of ways.

Be Ready for Tomorrow’s Software Development Trends

The growth areas we’ve discussed in the article are just the beginning: software development is always evolving, and these changes are transforming the nature of development work. Because of this, it’s more important than ever that professionals keep up with emerging trends and the direction the field is taking. Software development and engineering require rigorous education in methodologies, theories, and practices related to designing, developing, and delivering software systems. Understanding how to apply concepts to real business needs and requirements can help professionals navigate the innovative solutions of today and tomorrow.
Know you want to delve into the world of software but unsure what direction you want to take? Read our other articles to learn how to choose the best master’s degree for your goals:
The curriculum of the Pace University online Master in Software Development and Engineering is grounded in established engineering principles and regularly updated based on industry trends and feedback. This helps ensure students are prepared to succeed after graduation and throughout their careers. Our graduates are well-positioned to explore exciting innovations and contribute to crucial advancements in software design and development.

About the Online MS in Software Development and Engineering at Pace University

In the online MS in Software Development and Engineering program from Pace University, you can develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills you need to excel in a global marketplace. Our STEM-designated curriculum focuses on three core themes:

  • System and software design
  • Software management and evolution
  • Team resources management

MS in Software Development and Engineering students include recent graduates from technical programs interested in deepening their knowledge of the field, working professionals ready for a career change, and experienced software developers seeking to update their skills and advance their careers. You can complete this 100 percent online program on a full- or part-time schedule and choose from 10 electives. Pace also offers two certificate options either as part of the master’s program or as stand-alone programs:

  • Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering
  • Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering
Pace University also offers an on-campus option of the MS in Software Development and Engineering. Request a brochure to learn more about the program, or get started on your application today!
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