As valuable as developers already are, they will become even more valuable in 2024 and beyond.
Whether or not they are in the technology industry, all modern organizations must take steps to utilize digital tools effectively. A recent McKinsey Digital article stated, “More and more traditional companies are realizing that to compete and grow in a digital world, they must look, think and act like software companies themselves.” Software developers are already essential to advancing companies’ digital agendas.
The software developer role will become even more important in 2024 and beyond. One of the main reasons is that its scope has expanded with the emergence of new technologies such as cloud computing , artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain . Furthermore, as the digital world expands, so does the need for cybersecurity solutions.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are other areas where developers are needed more than ever. As the market for AR and VR software used to drive innovative solutions is still new, the industry requires developers to use their knowledge and creativity to customize them. Watch an expert's take on the top software development trends in 2024.
This expansion of the developer role comes at a time when many thought it would diminish with the rise of AI-generated code. However, AI-supported code development paves the way for developers to take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing the use of non-human generated code. Other new tools, such as low-code and no-code (LCNC), also require human oversight.
The scope of the profession has expanded
The scope of the software development profession has expanded since around the year 2000. During this time, technologies such as cloud computing, AI, blockchain, and many other advancements have emerged. As innovation is increasing, companies will need more experts in these areas. In addition to the many new technologies, there are also many new hardware systems that use them.
Now phones, tablets, cars and TVs include software components. To obtain the most targeted knowledge, manufacturers of these items require software developers who specialize in them and who know the appropriate software languages, such as Dart, TypeScript, Pony, Python 3, Rust, and Swift. A consensus among technology voices reports that these are the most sought-after programming languages for 2024:
In addition to having knowledge of specific hardware and software languages, software developers must be adept at specific processes. They must also know how to work closely with business operations functions to ensure that software products are developed and delivered quickly and efficiently.
Therefore, software developers with skills in continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), and other methodologies will be in greater demand. According to coding educator freeCodeCamp , “The (CI/CD) approach involves frequent code integration, automated testing, and continuous deployment of software changes to production.”
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AI-generated code is not infallible
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have made their mark, especially in creating software code. However, it is crucial that companies use AI-generated code responsibly, verifying its integrity and ensuring compliance with established rules and protocols.
Although generative AI helps in software development, it cannot completely replace developers. According to a recent KnowledgeHut blog post , even if AI could write all of the company's code, software engineering experts would still be essential for development, maintenance, and improvement. Thus, software developers will not be replaced, but will be able to take on more managerial roles.
Using generative AI tools in this way offers substantial benefits. Developers can increase productivity by reducing code generation time, allowing greater focus on improving testing processes, resulting in higher quality code and better software overall.
Cloud usage is increasing
Just as downloads have replaced physical disks as the standard way to use software, cloud computing is replacing on-premises hardware installations as the standard way to host applications and create development environments. This transition has many reasons, whether related to security, scalability, agility or collaboration. Cloud computing is essential in many companies today and its use will continue to grow, although perhaps with a difference. A recent Forbes Technical Advisory Article suggests that companies look at private cloud infrastructures and focus on deploying equipment at the edge, due to the cost, complexities, and associated loss of control of the cloud.
Regardless of the chosen infrastructure, software developers will be tasked with ensuring the smooth functioning of cloud computing. Developers working with cloud solutions can take on roles such as cloud architect, security specialist, engineer, or administrator. All of these positions offer extensive advancement opportunities and flexible working conditions.
Low-code and no-code development requires oversight
A recent article fromThe Customer Data Platform Resource notes that in the business world, “one of the most significant changes coming soon is the move away from hard coding and toward a codeless workplace.” Just to give an example, according to the article, 455 million websites currently use WordPress, which provides LCNC methods for website development.
LCNC development platforms allow professionals who don't know coding languages (known as citizen developers ) to create software. These processes offer many advantages to companies, including cost savings and the opportunity for teams to create applications that are highly customized to their procedures and needs.
However, specialized developers are still needed to oversee results and provide guidance to LCNC developers. Because applications developed using LCNC platforms are typically less sophisticated, software developers may be asked to step in to take them to the next level. Additionally, software developers are needed to create the code underlying the LCNC platforms themselves.
IoT devices are vulnerable to threats
The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a ubiquitous technology. Almost everything imaginable is becoming “connected”, including production equipment, inventory items, electrical grid structures, medical devices, vehicles, elements of urban infrastructure, household appliances, personal devices and even clothing.
As disparate as they are, all of these things can send and receive data. To do this, they need software, which in turn requires code development. According to an article published in Robotics and Automation News , “Software development for IoT applications requires careful consideration of specific challenges and requirements.” Such consideration requires the involvement of software developers with experience in this area.
The skills needed for IoT software development in 2024 include C/C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python languages, as well as tools such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, IoTivity, and Eclipse Kura. Due to the possibility of data loss or theft, much of which is highly confidential, developers must also be proficient in ensuring maximum security.
IoT systems must be tested effectively. Functional testing on all IoT devices is essential to ensure proper operation and communication. These tests verify reliability and vulnerabilities under a variety of conditions and are essential for protecting against cyber threats.
Blockchain is not just for cryptography
Since its introduction, blockchain technology has been widely associated with cryptocurrency development. There are good reasons for this, as it was the technology that enabled the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and provides high levels of security, trust and decentralization, as well as other qualities essential to the functioning of cryptocurrency.
Blockchain technology has the potential to be useful for a wide range of uses, the number of which continues to expand. In 2024 and beyond, it will likely be used for data storage, identity verification and supply chain management, as well as within other technologies to increase security.
Software developers are a critical component in creating these implementations. Its functions include the design, development and maintenance of blockchain system software. Specifically, they can perform the following tasks.
Software developers working with blockchain technology must have a variety of skills, including a deep understanding of blockchain concepts, knowledge of programming languages – such as Solidity, Rust, C++, Python, Go, JavaScript and TypeScript – the ability to develop smart and decentralized contracts. applications, awareness of security issues, understanding of distributed systems, and the ability to test and debug software.
The evolution of software development
A recent Forbes Technology Council article points out that while tech companies have been in the news recently for laying off tech workers, they are far from the only ones hiring professionals with these skills. It states that “Top industries currently hiring software developers include finance and insurance, healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing.”
New technologies are constantly appearing and may require the need for senior software developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% growth rate in the need for this profession between now and 2032, a rate it considers “much faster than the average for all occupations.” It further states, “About 153,900 vacancies for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”
US News and World Report listed Software Developer as the best job for 2023. Given the breadth of opportunities explored here and the chance to constantly create, software development is poised to remain strong in 2024 and beyond.
