Technology keeps evolving at a steady pace, but not everything is certain. In between super-smart IoT and futuristic AR/MR/VR applications, something unpredictable and disruptive is bound to happen. The following are the most exciting trends we expect to see in software development in 2023 but don’t hold us to that. When it comes to DevOps, there’s always a surprise on the horizon.
Be that as it may, these five trends will greatly impact the future of software.
1. DevSecOps Will Introduce New Security Practices
Though DevOps has remained reliable for years, something was always missing. By working in unison from the very start of the software development lifecycle process, developers and testers have built a strong foundation for future teams to follow. This multidisciplinary approach is a powerful formula for delivering high-quality products, and it’s only getting better with time.
According to JFrog, a California-based software company that specializes in DevOps, current models imply a ratio of 200:5:1 developers to operations to security people. That’s why “any security issue identified by a security vulnerability scanning tool needs to be reviewed by a very small security team that may even lack the technical knowledge.” What is the best solution? DevSecOp.
Instead of leaving software vulnerable to cyberattacks or waiting until the product is finished to think about possible threats, DevSecOp introduces a new model where security checks are conducted from the very beginning of the development lifecycle and at each phase.
In 2023 (and hopefully beyond), DevSecOps should help build a better development framework and safer products.
2. More Developers Will Experiment With AI Coders
Why do something when AI can do it for you? This classic sci-fi trope has been subject to many loud discussions lately as artificial intelligence becomes better equipped to tackle various human tasks. Whether it paints like Michelangelo or writes complex codes, AI is no longer afraid to challenge our innate possibilities. Will it replace human coders? No way, at least not in 2023.
This year, we’ll see more developers introduce AI to automate software development. Some will experiment with AI tools that write simple codes, while others will stay true to manual coding. Both will embrace the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence as a product or software feature, especially when developing data filtering and image recognition tools and chatbots.
3. No-Code Software Development Gains Momentum
One of the most praised qualities of modern-day software systems is their user-friendliness. No matter how complex, new solutions usually come with little to no learning curve and can be used by beginners and professionals alike. The widespread use of intuitive software in non-technical fields such as art or agriculture is making developers rethink how software is made in the first place.
If sophisticated solutions can be made to be granny-proof, why not empower non-technical users to develop their own custom solutions?
Many professional developers are already using so-called low-code development to increase production efficiency. Low-code development can be further simplified and made available to non-coders through user-friendly drag-and-drop applications.
In 2023, we expect programming tools for non-programmers to explode on the market. That will have far-reaching consequences on software development, enabling all tech-savvy businesses and individuals will to build their own apps and websites.
It’s undoubtedly a good thing that technical coding will no longer be a barrier to entry. But will all consequences be that good? We’ll see.
4. Mixed Reality Is Still Our Favorite Perennial Trend
If mixed reality feels like old news, that’s because it essentially is. VR, AR, and MR have been among the favorite topics in tech circles for the last decade, but not for the lack of progress. The technology behind mixed reality is simply too complex, fascinating, and futuristic, which accounts for its slow development and even slower implementation on the mass market. 2023 might be different.
With Microsoft, Samsung, iTechArt, and others paving the path forward, this year’s progress will force more developers to think about new and creative ways to introduce mixed reality in their products. VR technology is slowly becoming a staple in industries such as education, healthcare, transportation, and retail, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a competitive requirement.
5. Developers Will Keep Solving a Puzzle That’s IoT
The IoT industry is expected to be worth over $1 trillion by 2024, according to GlobalData. It’s already powering critical operations in hospitals, plants, and smart cities. IoT has incredible potential and more applications than we could count, but it has one big problem – security. The more smart devices we add to the architecture, the more vulnerable the network. It’s the IoT’s catch-22.
Developers will keep working on a couple of potential solutions throughout 2023. When implemented right, network segmentation can isolate threats before they penetrate LAN and compromise other devices. DevSecOps will help nip many software vulnerabilities in the bud, too. By the look of it, we’re hoping for a calmer year for avid IoT users.
Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments!
