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Originally Posted On: https://www.ncntechnology.com/top-10-software-trends-to-look-for-in-2023/

The software industry is constantly evolving and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. But, businesses need to stay ahead of trends to keep up with the competition and remain competitive as software continues to grow in complexity year after year. So, this article explores the top 10 software trends to look out for in 2023.

1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are expected to be top software trends in 2023 as they continue to grow in capabilities. The latest advancements in AI and ML showcase how they can create human-like work through generated art pieces and written content. However, these two examples only scratch the surface of the capabilities of AI and ML.

As more and more companies adopt these technologies, they are expected to become increasingly prevalent in a wide range of industries. AI and ML have the potential to transform entire industries by enabling the automation of creative work in every field. From solving software problems to creating marketing assets, AI and ML can make any worker more efficient when used appropriately.

2. Cloud Computing

With cloud computing, businesses can access computing resources over the internet rather than having to maintain their on-premises infrastructure. This can be more cost-effective and provide greater flexibility as businesses can scale their computing resources up or down as needed.

In addition, cloud computing can make it easier for businesses to collaborate and access their data from anywhere with an internet connection. These benefits explain the massive growth in the cloud computing market with forecasts predicting the market to grow to over $1 trillion USD by 2027.

3. Microservices

Microservices are small, independent units of code that can be easily developed, tested, and deployed. This makes it easier for teams to work on different parts of a project simultaneously allowing them to quickly turn around complete projects or updates to existing projects. Microservices also allow for greater flexibility and scalability in software development as they can be easily combined and reassembled to meet changing needs.

Alongside the growth in cloud computing and agile development methodologies, microservices continue the trend of fast-paced development timelines in 2023.

4. Native Mobile Development

Native mobile development involves building apps specifically for a particular mobile operating system. By developing for a specific OS, developers can access the full range of features and capabilities of a device, such as a camera and GPS. Developers can also better optimize apps for specific devices and operating systems, providing a better user experience. Hybrid apps carry specific constraints that prevent developers from fully optimizing an app and accessing device features.

So, as mobile applications continue to grow more complex, mobile developers are switching hybrid development methodologies to native mobile development to accommodate this growth in complexity.

5. Adoption of IoT Devices

With an expected 15 billion IoT devices by the end of 2023, software needs to keep pace and integrate IoT connectivity into software solutions. In 2023, enterprise software needs to be capable of managing and analyzing the data being generated by these devices. This may involve the development of new software applications or the integration of IoT capabilities into existing applications.

The integration of IoT devices into a business’s operations can also require the development of new software systems. These systems must integrate the management and coordination of the devices while also ensuring that they work together effectively. Expect businesses to continue investing in IoT software systems and IoT devices in 2023.

6. Augmented & Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offer new ways for businesses to engage with their customers. AR involves overlaying digital information in the real world, while VR involves creating a fully immersive digital environment. Both technologies have a wide range of applications, including entertainment, education, training, and marketing. In recent years, these technologies became more accessible and realistic making them an appealing choice for marketing a wide range of products.

7. Data Security

With the proliferation of connected devices and the growth of cloud computing, businesses are collecting and storing more data than ever before. This data is often sensitive and, if compromised, could have serious consequences for a business. As a result, ensuring the security of this data is crucial. Between 82% of CIOs believing that their organization is vulnerable to a cyberattack and the average ransomware attack costing an organization nearly $5 million USD, cybersecurity in 2023 needs to improve.

8. Progressive Web Apps

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are web-based apps that can be accessed from a web browser, but they offer a native app-like experience. They offer many of the benefits of native apps without the long development times and high costs associated with native apps.
PWAs also offer cross-platform compatibility, meaning that they can work on any device with a modern web browser. This lets businesses reach a larger audience without requiring separate development teams for different operating systems and devices. With businesses continuing to move to PWAs for these benefits, the market for PWAs is expected to grow by nearly 40% annually.

9. Blockchain

A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed database that stores a record of transactions. The data in a blockchain is encrypted and linked together in a chain, making it virtually tamper-proof. In addition, all transactions on a blockchain are recorded and can be traced, providing a high level of transparency.

These characteristics make blockchain technology well-suited for a variety of applications, including finance, supply chain management, and the secure exchange of sensitive data. As the public continues to grow trust in blockchain solutions, blockchain technology will begin permeating into nearly all software applications.

10. Low-Code & No-Code Development

Low-code and no-code development platforms allow developers to build applications without having to write as much code. This can make it easier for businesses to create custom software solutions without needing to have a large team of developers.
Low-code platforms provide a visual interface for building applications making it easy for nearly anyone to quickly pick up the platform and begin building software applications. No-code platforms take this concept even further, allowing non-technical users to build applications without writing any code at all. Gartner predicts that applications developed using low-code tools will account for over half of all software development activities by 2024.

Conclusion

As businesses settle into the rapid technological adoptions required from quarantine mandates, successful businesses in 2023 will continue to push the envelope of what technology is capable of. From AI and ML tools to AR and VR, new technologies continue to grow more capable of automating portions of nearly every job. Staying ahead of these software trends in 2023 will be crucial to keeping up with the competition.