Software Development Trends That Dominated 2022: What Suits Your Business

How to Choose the Right Software Development Trend?

Choosing the latest trend in software development is not easy. You must consider the skill set of the software development teams. Likewise, you must look into your preferred methodologies.

Once you determined the approach that works best for your project, you need to commit to it. Without commitment, it will be hard for your team to expedite the whole process.

A clear vision of the project’s goal will help you select the top trends in software development.

• Determine the Software Requirements’ Flexibility

In software development, you must look into the flexibility of the project requirement.

• Identify Your End-Users Precisely

It is easier to develop software if you already know the demographics of your end-user. You will have an initial idea of the features and functionalities you need to include.

However, it is a different story if you do not know your audience. After the launch, you might get feedback requesting for added capabilities.

Some users may also ask you to change the app’s design. The requested changes will definitely impact the timeline and methodology of your project.

• Assessing Software Development Scale and Scope

Scope determines the number of custom software developers in your software development project.  

The entire development team’s size will increase in proportion to the project scope. Therefore, more significant projects necessitate more comprehensive and organized project management approaches.

• Choose the Development Speed that Matches the Most

Some software development approaches are best for sprint-based development. Using this approach allows full deployment of a partially-finished system. 

Other projects may work best if a linear and rigid development approach is used.

• Assess the Location of Your Development Team

Software developers that are working in other areas need a collaborative environment. It would be best if they have the right tools and equipment to bridge the time zone difference.

The inability to bridge this gap may cause problems in the future. Even if the team uses a popular software development trend, the project may not push forward.

• Employ Competent Developers

The skill set of your team is important. This will determine the success of your chosen software development process model. For development, you need to employ the finest developers. Here are some suggestions for selecting and hiring the top software development teams.

• Analyze the previous performance or track record
• Assess the developer team size
• Learn about development methodologies and project management processes
• Determine the location of the developers
• Conduct research on test cycles

The Software Development Trends of 2022

Now, let’s examine the core topic of this article. Below is the detailed list of our selected top 21 Software Development Trends of 2022!

Automated Code Reviews

The number of newly released software continues to increase every day. This happens because of the ever-changing demands of the market.

But building software takes a considerable amount of time. So how do software developers adapt? They use tools known as automated code reviews.

Automated code reviews spare development teams from manually inspecting their codes. 

Famous automated code review technologies include Codacy, CodeClimate, DeepSource, and VeraCode. Considering the number of code lines written each day, the usage of such software development tools is a recent trend that is urgent. Tools for automated code review offer the following advantages:

• They drastically accelerate code reviews
• They discover flaws and poor code more precisely than human code evaluators
• They assist businesses in maintaining code standards at every level

Automated code reviews also enable a software development company to build solutions quickly. 

Kubernetes

Kubernetes drives the increased popularity of microservices and containers. Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system. Needless to say, it is another development trend to watch. 

Experts believe that the percentage of businesses using Kubernetes will increase. The high adoption is because of the increasing demand for security and scalability. 

Accessibility is also something that Kubernetes provides. Apps that use Kubernetes can be accessed 24/7. Containerization and a microservices cloud design are ideal for such applications. 

Kubernetes helps maintain containers. It also automates software deployment. Lastly, it leverages microservices design in app development. 

Cloud-Native Technology

It is evident that businesses are now transitioning their on-premise technology to cloud. 

Sooner or later, cloud-native development will become even more popular. As a matter of fact, many of today’s web and mobile apps are built in cloud. 

Cloud usage increased even more with the pandemic. Due to health concerns, many companies had to operate remotely. 

At a glance, setting up a cloud infrastructure may look costly and complicated. But in the long run, the total cost of maintaining cloud technologies is cheaper. 

Cloud is scalable. Thus, it can adjust to business needs. It is also flexible and accessible. 

Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency

The period in which blockchain technology was connected exclusively with cryptocurrencies has gone. 

According to experts, numerous businesses are adopting blockchain technology at a phenomenal rate. 

Blockchain delivers an excellent degree of transparency and security. Also, this is not exclusive to fintech or financial services industry. Blockchain can be used in different business sectors. 

Here are a few examples:

• Supply chain surveillance systems
• Accounting software systems that track energy use
• Intellectual property protection platforms
• Software infrastructures for safe electronic voting

Consequently, a rising variety of blockchain-based applications would arise across various industries.

Machine Learning

Recent public attention has focused on machine learning (ML). Many are looking into it as a revolutionary innovation affecting several business areas. Practical applications of machine learning include: 

• Personalized suggestions and advertisements
• Voice and facial recognition
• Predictive analytics
• Fraud detecting software systems
• Virtual assistants and chatbots
• Self-driving automobiles

Consequently, AutoML technologies and no-code development AI are becoming more popular. Why? It is because:

• AutoML tools simplify and clarify the design of the machine learning pipeline.
• No-code AI software development systems automatically generate ML and AI models. These are often deployed to real-world problems.
• They offer an intuitive UI, drag-and-drop capabilities, and no need for coding.

Nowadays, even non-technical consumers and SMBs can access software development for machine learning. 

Microsoft and Google are the primary vendors of AutoML and no-code AI technologies. 

Narrow Artificial Intelligence (AI)

IMARC Group’s research shows that the global AI market reached $56.5 billion in 2021. AI is no longer seen as futuristic since many industries use it. However, scientists have yet to show the full capability of artificial intelligence. Technically, artificial intelligence has three categories:

Narrow AI (Weak AI)

Narrow AIs are intelligent algorithms. But they can only perform a single task. Limited AI includes image and voice recognition systems and software systems. Companies can tailor them to fit their specific needs. 

General AI (Strong AI)

These intelligent algorithms reproduce the human brain’s entire cognitive operations. They can acquire new information and apply it to resolve new challenges. Scientists are pretty far from creating intelligent robots with this degree of intellect.

Artificial Superintelligence

Theoretically, AI software won’t just imitate human actions, behavior, and cognitive processes. They will also achieve self-awareness and transcend our skills. This notion is unlikely to be implemented soon.

Most AI technology solutions nowadays correspond to the Narrow AI class. This trend will likely persist in the future.

DevOps Observability Tools

DevOps is becoming a standard approach in software development organizations. Observability tools are now essential for DevOps teams in big and small businesses. This is due to the increased popularity of microservices and cloud-native app development. The need to identify and resolve problems rapidly also explains DevOps’ growing popularity.

Observability is not the sole duty of one individual. Companies must instill a data-driven culture in decision-making. This is most especially in every software development team and department. 

Python

In 2020, JavaScript emerged as the most popular programming language. But, Python had surpassed Java and was racing to the peak of the list.

Python’s rising popularity appears to extend long this 2022 and the upcoming years. 

It is the preferred language in creating machine learning and AI-based solutions. As discussed, ML and AI are among the leading technological developments for 2022.

Java

Java was the undisputed top programming language for several years. But Java has lost ground to container-based programming and microservices. 

Fortunately for Java novice developers, the software community did not give up the fight. They began enhancing the language by introducing new capabilities. Thanks to GraalVM, developers can now create efficient, quick, and cloud-native Java apps.

Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC)

Low-code/no-code (LCNC) software development is a new technique for developing software solutions. It is known for simplifying software engineering. 

Anyone can build an app using these platforms even if they do not have enough coding experience. No-code and low-code enable them to do that through graphic user interfaces (UI).

Even traditionally non-digital sectors, such as agriculture, are experiencing a rapid digital transformation. These programming platforms have a vast potential. It empowers anyone to create digital solutions.

• 80% of respondents agree that low-code helps developers to focus on complex projects.
• 72% of low-code developers produce software applications twice as quickly as conventional developers.
• The low-code development platforms industry is likely to reach $46.4 billion by 2026. Its CAGR is expected to expand at 25% over the forecast timeframe.

Despite the skepticism of most developers, the low-code development method offers several advantages. One of these is a decrease in manual effort. Costs will also be lower. Likewise, it will accelerate development. 

Multimodal and Multipurpose Database

A decade ago, software solutions were far more straightforward than they are now. A solution must be able to interact with several kinds of data. 

This requires the integration of many databases. But maintaining multiple databases for a single application is not the ideal choice.

A single database that accommodates several data forms is better. Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB is a multimodal and multifunctional database sample.

Cyber Security

As the world becomes more digital and electronic, developers must take cyber security seriously.

• The average expenditure per worker in cyber security is likely to reach $42.52.
• The cyber security industry expects to generate $146.30 billion in sales.

To achieve the required cyber security capacity, experts must establish a plan. The software, hardware, and IT solutions must be considered as one integrated system. 

Deep Learning With TensorFlow

Familiarity with development tools is important to understand software development trends better. 

Today, Google’s TensorFlow is the top software development tool for AI. It is also used for machine learning and deep learning. 

One of its strengths is that it has a huge network of libraries. It also contains enough resources to build algorithms and intelligent models. 

TensorFlow is also intuitive and easy to learn. Developers can use this to create sophisticated apps in a simple operation. 

React and Angular

Platforms based on JavaScript/TypeScript will continue to dominate front-end web development tools. 

React and Angular models are the best examples of this. Your software solutions are flexible and SEO-friendly due to Facebook’s involvement with React.

Angular lets you build native and cross-platform apps with excellent efficiency and speed. Experts believe that React and Angular will continue to dominate web development. 

Progressive Web Applications (PWA)

Progressive Web Applications (PWA) proved to be the best option for many companies. As websites by origin, PWAs can also function as conventional mobile applications.

Users don’t have to download and install PWAs as mobile applications. But they can still experience the same feel and look. They help enhance the customer experience.

PWAs are much more cost-effective for organizations. This is why many software development for startups and small companies will opt for this form of software.

Outsourcing

The need for outsourcing software development is increasing significantly. Finding someone who can build robust custom software solutions is difficult. 

That is why businesses choose to outsource. This approach has several practical advantages, such as:

• Quicker software development
• Cost-effectiveness
• Improved quality
• Decreased risks
• Free business resources

The global software industry for IT outsourcing reached $342.9 billion in 2020. Experts believe that the value will hit $410.2 billion in 2027.

Remote and Hybrid Work

Software development in the setting of remote work appears to have a bright future. In 2020, global IT firms have to adopt new approaches so they could fulfill their tasks remotely.

The transition from on-site to remote employment was intimidating for many. Nowadays, it appears to have become the standard. It is evident that many organizations have embraced the concept of remote work.

Here is a study that shows how working from home has impacted software team performance.

• 59% of respondents shared that remote working boosted their software team’s efficiency
• For 42.6% of responders, meeting deadlines has gotten less complicated
• 64% want to work remotely three or more days each week

In 2022, virtual meetings, cloud, and digital collaboration tools will continue to trend. 

Augmented Reality (AR)

Many have long predicted augmented reality would be the most significant hit in 2021. 

Augmented Reality is one of the most popular software development methods. It empowers the virtual age and is always ready for future advancements. It is relevant to almost all architectural businesses, including retailing, navigational, and production.

Or, you might consider Augmented Reality as an advertisement for eCommerce customers. This ad style is fast gaining popularity as more people use social media platforms. 

Indeed, it is hard to ignore augmented reality. Even filters utilize AR. The fashion and beauty industries, for example, use augmented reality. These technologies are maximized to create complete looks and enhance facial features. 

The navigation sector is also another industry that benefits from augmented reality. In 2020, 3D maps are now able to include walking functionalities. Augmented reality made it possible. It improved how maps work. The maps became more dynamic and helpful to their users. 

Virtual Reality (VR)

The rapid and continuous growth of the gaming industry means virtual reality (VR) is here to stay. VR provides gamers with a realistic and first-person computer-powered visual adventures. 

But the video and video gaming industries are not the only ones that will maximize VR. 

The education sector and training industries are also exploring opportunities to leverage VR. Nowadays, more educational institutions invest in VR classroom technology. 

Businesses will also benefit from this technology. Various companies use VR for training. As training programs become more efficient, this will enhance customer service. 

Mixed Reality (MR)

Smartphones have launched a significant revolution. But what if we told you that mixed reality would radically alter our lives? If smartphones provide accessibility, mixed reality gives us a visual representation. A virtual reality picture of the actual human world!

Pokemon Go is a concrete example of mixed reality at work. At the height of its popularity, players enjoyed a genuine feel and look of the Pokemon world. 

If you are a businessman, you can use AR smart glasses and VR headsets to collaborate with your peers. 

It can also be handy for creating native apps for real estate, restaurants, and more.  

So what differentiates MR from AR and VR? MR gives you a view of the physical world. But in MR, digital and physical elements interact. Meanwhile, AR can only give you a view of the physical world with an overlay of digital elements. VR, on the other hand, will give you an immersive experience. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

We know that the Internet of Things has gone far, from standard mobile devices to automobiles. Almost everything now features sensors allowing you to watch collected objects and data. 

Finally, we may assert that the IoT has permeated every aspect of human existence. You can only use IoT to its full potential with other technologies like Big Data and AI. Still, it is one of the most critical advances in the computer world.

IoT became even more useful when COVID-19 struck. The pandemic “forced” healthcare companies to adopt technology-driven innovations. The number of online consultations rose and even reached billions. IoT in healthcare will not cease even in the new normal. 

IoT also plays a significant role in the emergence of smart cities. Advancements in edge computing and 5G will propel data mining to a whole new level. 

Indeed, cloud-native development is the future for the majority of software projects. Migrations from legacy systems will rise. Cloud infrastructure, DevOps/cloud-native development, and automation all have clear benefits.

In this regard, BIT Studios can help you manage and bridge the change to a business that is ready for the future.

Jeffery Thompson

Jeff eats and breathes technology. His undying passion for software development inspired him to establish BIT Studios, a reputable custom software development company that caters to SMEs and Fortune 500 companies. Jeff is a strategic thinker who combines creativity and expertise to build digital ...