Latest and Greatest Software Development Trends

Technology keeps advancing and growing. The latest technology trends are sure to bring a paradigm shift in the IT industry. There are a lot of new and upcoming technologies, especially in the software section. Software is slowly becoming the backbone of this computer-world.

We compiled a list of latest/top technologies in computer science, specifically software development.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We are starting our list of new technologies with a recognizable name in the modern technology trends of the software industry. For the last five years, technology has been evolving at a fast pace. Machines can now reason intellectually like humans and execute tasks like humans.

Artificial Intelligence has different subsections, including machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks grown exponentially. 

Most businesses now incorporate these techs to provide superior services to their customers. These techs have broad functions that have transmuted industries. However, AI services in the enterprise are still in the early stages.

The chatbot is one of these new trends that has eased human participation in almost everything. AI chatbots have substituted customer service and humanitarian assistance. Therefore, it made it less prone to errors. 

AI chatbots enhance correct customer behaviour analysis and reduce human resource engagement. It will make every task automated with trustworthiness and speed.

AI is fast becoming a dominant force in the technological world of today. AI has influenced many industries, including healthcare, finance, education, transportation with augmented analytics, automated testing, automated code generation, and mechanical solution development.

Blockchain

Blockchain is another new tech in computer science. It became standard with the introduction of digital currencies like Bitcoin. Banking, finance, media, and publishing industries now use Blockchain. It is also intensively used in the finance sector.

It helps to ensure secure logging of transactions in a reorganized ledger, which makes it tactically significant for businesses in all industrial verticals. 

Blockchain’s biggest strength is its ability to store any type of record in a public-facing database and protection from hackers. The data cannot be corrupted easily and attacked, and this has a significant effect on the future of modern software development trends.

Blockchain software developers are in demand because companies are planning to try their hands on blockchain development services. Developers are finding new and exciting ways to implement the software. 

Blockchain will change its direction of development, which was initially heavily focused on financial services. It will be utilized more in supply chain tracking.

IoT (Internet of Things)

The Internet of Things is covering a broad range of devices that are connected to the Internet. IoT applications have spread to many devices, both customer and industrial domains. Smart air conditioners, Bluetooth trackers, home-assistants, and Internet-connected devices are all part of this trend.

More devices are taking advantage of wireless bandwidth and power efficiency due to 5G technology, and this will produce new and thrilling possibilities for the future of IoT. 

The Internet-connected devices need to be energy efficient because they are always on and always communicating. This makes the demand for IoT software developers quite prominent for the foreseeable future. 

Immersive Technologies

This technology includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality, which is a combination of AR and VR. These modern technologies in software development have an enormous market, with its market size growing at an increased speed.

VR has defied the assumptions that it does not extend beyond gaming and entertainment. Walmart used VR to coach employees in customer compliance and service in 2019. The US Army uses MR tech for military training purposes. AR is utilized in eCommerce apps to make the shopping experience more captivating and interactive. E-commerce stores with AR allow customers to have a virtual try-on before they make their purchase.

AR and VR are useful in entertainment industry, marketing, education, training, and even rehabilitation after an injury. Both can offer museum-goers with a profound experience, improve marketing, and make amusement park rides even more electrifying.

Progressive Web Applications (PWA)

Website and mobile app drawbacks gave birth to Progressive Web Applications, which happen to have found the perfect centre. They attract many mobile app development companies because they are effortless to develop and maintain. Additionally, these apps can be loaded very fast, even with low internet speed.

Mobile apps fully support the hardware and software functionalities of their native platform, while websites offer the ease of being accessible from any browser. Progressive Web Applications has a combination of the best from both worlds. These apps incorporate new web technologies into a solution that makes it easy to set up pungent multi-platform web-based tools.

PWA has a browser script that runs in the background, independent from the web page, known as the Service Worker.

PWA seems to be a much better alternative to spending time and money on building mobile apps. They provide similar or more benefits and are created swifter. PWAs illustrate progress in reading completion, sessions per user, and overall engagement.

5G Network

In this decade, 5G is one of the most-awaited and latest technological developments. Among the newest software technologies list, it is one of the most practically useful. 

Indubitably, 5G is transforming the day-to-day devices, with smartphones at the top. 5G also allows for lower latency. Greater bandwidth accessibility is a massive benefit of 5G network propagation.

With 5G networks, certain limitations present in 4G will be reduced or removed. Security will experience noteworthy improvement, and AR will also become better. Progression in IoT is dependent on 5G’s upgrade. Smart devices and driverless cars will be contingent on the high speed, processing power, and lower dormancy of 5G for optimal performance.

5G pledges to offer speeds more than 1Gb/s (1000Mbit/s) compared to 4G+, LTE-A, or 4.5G.

What’s Next?

Since technology keeps evolving, there will be a lot more IT trends and hot technologies over time. We discussed the latest in software development trends. Keep in mind that these are not the only new trends in technology.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Top 12 Software Development Methodologies You Should Know

One of the keys to success when developing software is choosing a system and style of management smartly. Nowadays, there are different approaches to this, with each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Software development procedure has to do with splitting the working process into several stages, as well as assigning different tasks among the employees. There are various types of methodologies aimed at improving SDLC. Every method was created to best suit the needs at a certain time and to resolve the problems of those days. New approaches are still appearing to date.

It is important to define your goals, objectives, budget, and timeline, as well as to choose a method. In this blog post, we will be examining 12 common methodologies, with essential information, along with pros and cons.

1. Agile Development Methodology

Essence: This methodology’s primary focus is the product itself. All constant modifications, including internal changes related to the work of engineers, are based on users’ and customers’ feedback. The methodology is free of rigid frameworks; however, the working process is divided into short time boxes. Agile development methodology offers real results and feedback fast.

Pros: The quality of the final product is often top-notch, since problems are fixed at the early stage.

Cons: Constant changes and amendments aimed at improving the product may cause it to go astray from the main aim.

2. Waterfall Development Methodology

Essence: The waterfall methodology is strict and linear. A new stage can only commence if the previous one is concluded. Each phase progressively flows into the next one, and there is no going back to the preceding step. This approach is a strict sequence of completed tasks that make it easier to understand, which is why it is often regarded as a classic representation of software development.

Pros: It is simple, practical, and analytical.

Cons: It works well with exact requirements and needs only. Weak for long or ongoing projects.

3. Extreme Programming Methodology

Essence: Due to its ability to adapt to dynamic changing demands, Extreme programming methodology is believed to enhance the value of software. It is an ideal approach for unstable projects, as it requires involving the customer as much as possible. Also, this methodology assumes substantial flexibility. Besides, communication and constant feedback is the key to an efficient and happy team environment.

Pros: Encourages constant feedback and the courage to make difficult decisions. Customer participation results in high-quality products.

Cons: Elusive and unknown future results. Efficacy is at the mercy of the people involved.

4. Lean Development Methodology

Essence: The core component Lean development methodology revolves around its value for the client. Only the essential components that are worth it should be included; if not, it should be eliminated. The whole project is scrutinized significantly in advance to eliminate any waste of time or money since the approach focuses a lot on loss reduction. And like Extreme programming, feedback also plays a crucial role in the lean development methodology.

Pros: Perfect for projects with strict time margins and low budget.

Cons: Success is much more reliant on the working capacity of the team. 

5. Prototype Model Methodology

Essence: The idea of this approach is in the name itself – prototype methodology. Developers present samples, and only after customers assess the functionality of these samples, the final development begins. This means there will be thorough research and prototyping to avoid unnecessary risks before getting down to business.

Pros: Low risks of failure and increased chances of top-quality functionality.

Cons: Too much of client involvement can slow down the whole process.

6. Dynamic Systems Model Methodology

Essence: For this approach, a strict time frame and assigned budget are the two main focus. Delivering within a time frame and budget, a successful and valuable software is the concept here. The participation of users is also important. Continuous feedback is accepted by the Dynamic systems model methodology to provide functionality within the agreed requirements.

Pros: The required functionality is accomplished as fast as possible with the help of great communication between developers and users.

Cons: This methodology is not suitable to meet the needs of a small organization, and costs are rather substantial. 

7. Feature Driven Development Methodology

Essence: Planning, designing, and the building are all feature-based. Feature-driven development methodology involves repetitions to enhance functionality and deal with diverse intricacies. This approach aims at managing the work of a large number of teams within a big organization.

Pros: Facilitates any developer with suitable skills and expertise to manage the tasks. Great with huge projects. The pre-set standards streamline the developing procedure.

Cons: It is not ideal for a small organization since it requires leading developers to supervise the process. A strict deadline can be difficult to guarantee.

8. Rational Unified Process Methodology

Essence: The four stages of the developing process are the highlights of this approach. Six main development disciplines take place in all four stages. Creating software of high value without increasing the budget and missing the time frame are the emphasis in this approach.

Pros: It avoids risk by taking into consideration clients’ evolving needs. Consistent and stringent documentation.

Cons: The whole process may be too challenging. Consequently, a professional developer is needed.

9. Spiral Model Methodology

Essence: The Spiral Model merges waterfall ideas with repetitions. Eliminating the risks at the early stage of the project is the main idea. Each stage includes setting and achieving goals and getting feedback from clients. Progressing from one stage to another in a spiral model entails finishing and eliminating risks before moving forward.

Pros: Repetitions help to control the risks. The process of estimating the costs is uncomplicated. Progress is achieved fast because there is a system of developing procedures.

Cons: Not appropriate for small projects and organizations. Risk of failing to meet the fixed budget and time limit.

10. Joint Application Development Methodology

Essence: The Joint application methodology involves significant collaboration between users, designers, and developers. The concept here is to eliminate errors at an early stage. Consequently the approach involves a facilitator, end-users, developer, observers, mediators and experts for a workshop session to aid the development process.

Pros: Fast elimination of errors and solving of differences. Invaluable information is realized within a short period.

Cons: Planning consumes lots of time and energy. Needs a considerable budget. Expert professionals with applicable experience are needed.

11. Scrum Development Methodology

Essence: Effective when it comes to achieving results and straightforward to understand. The working process is partitioned into sprints. Assignments for each sprint are fixed previously and are then deliberated after this period. This all makes Scrum development methodology very flexible.

Pros: The team is in charge of decision-making. Constant update, and light control to keep the team always on guard.

Cons: Costs can often be uncertain. Only expert professionals can be involved. Big projects cannot be supervised with this approach.

12. Rapid Application Development Methodology

Essence: The concept here is to attain fast results with emphasis on fast prototype releases and repetitions. Consequently, quick feedback is gathered, errors are removed, and the desired results are accomplished. Also, the focus is to adapt so that the software is made functional and effective fast. 

Pros: Customers supply constant feedback for improvement.

Cons: Highly expert professionals are needed. Too dependent on team performance. It is not fitting for small projects.

Let Us Help You

Dedicating time and energy to outline your goals and objectives will help you comprehend which method to use if you want to thrive. Painstakingly scrutinize each methodology before selecting one because every methodology has its advantages and disadvantages.

Now you should feel more confident in choosing the right approach that will be the best fit for your team, and we can help with that. Get in touch with us today to discuss the best option for you.

Top Three Approaches To Mobile Application Development

Every business wants to make the next best mobile application to bring in traffic. Nowadays, businesses are continually developing and are moving in the direction of developing themselves. They are attempting to coordinate the most recent trends and technologies with the help of the best mobile app development companies, which can be helpful for their clients and can generate higher incomes. These three approaches to technology will give you further insight on mobile development applications that your company can choose from.

Native Applications

As the title suggests, it is the most time-honoured approach to mobile application development. Based on mobile platforms, operating systems or even specific devices, this particular technology approach is illustrated by different source codes and development. For instance, there are applications with different versions for Apple iPhone and iPad. 

Leading-edge performance and its ability to perfectly exploit the hardware features of the device are some of the many perks of this approach. However, as with most technological functions, it comes with its flaws; lots of resources, the need to maintain numerous projects to support each platform and certain requirements for development tools for each platform.

Cross-platform Applications

The most prominent alternative to the traditional approach is cross-platform mobile application. The principle on which it operates is its ability to maintain a single project for the application, by writing the code once and adapting it to each environment. All of this is done with the help of many available frameworks on the market. The primary edge of this approach is that it's easy to maintain and new features can be added faster, keeping different device versions consistent with each other.

Now, it is considered as a realistic solution because of considerable advancement in the frameworks used to develop mobile cross-platform. Be that as it may, certain applications can face trouble with this particular approach if they require high performance or really advanced utilization of specific device characteristics.

HTML5 Applications

There is no better technology to use than HTML5 if your business is looking at developing web-frontend applications for mobile devices. And these applications, completely based out of HTML 5, are referred to as “mobile web”.

This technology approach operates on the fact that you would use the same tools used in developing a web app or creating a website. Talking about its advantages, it wins a trophy for its affordability. Mainly because all the tools are easily available and mobile development can be integrated with web development.

In spite of the impressive sites and applications that HTML 5 can be used for, there is a risk of lower performance. As well, any discrepancy between user experience and typical user expectations is not taken into consideration by websites. Hence, it is suggested to intensively strategize user acceptance testing with actual end users of your mobile application.

To make your mobile application it is very important to choose the right technology for your business and this decision is based on the needs and requirements of your company. 

For expert advice on software that can help improve your business, feel free to reach out and we will get back to you shortly.