Will the robots be taking software engineers’ jobs? Well, not this year. AI algorithms aren’t quite on humans’ level yet when it comes to coding. However, there will definitely be more robots doing mechanical jobs. So what roles will be left for humans in the future of software engineering? And what will the key trends be?
Demand for Skilled Software Engineers
Although AI and automation are set to take over more routine tasks, the demand for human ingenuity in software development will also increase. Developers of AI, augmenting software, blockchain technology and voice recognition technology will be particularly in demand.
Devs who are looking for the next step in their careers should keep a close eye on industry trends, which are changing faster than ever as progress accelerates. These ten trends are currently the biggest growth areas.
Top 10 Software Engineering Trends
1. Cloud-based Services
Cloud storage looks set to grow in size and functionality while dropping in price, and start-ups will emerge to challenge the dominance of Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
2. Low-code Development
Low-code-No-code development (LCNC) is a new trend that allows people without specialised coding skills to create their own code. But skilled devs are still needed to create the LCNC software in the first place.
3. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
The fact that these are growth areas is now old news, but developers are still struggling to create a “real” AI that can handle the most complex tasks without human intervention. Demand for fresh minds and fresh ideas in this sector will continue to grow.
4. New Reality with VR & AR
Virtual and augmented reality are no longer just for gaming. Fields as diverse as education, healthcare and e-commerce are jumping on the bandwagon, with online stores creating virtual fitting rooms and hospitals creating virtual human bodies for study and diagnosis.
5. New Coding Languages
Java, JavaScript, C, and even developer favourite Python could be eclipsed in the future by new languages like Swift, Rust, Kotlin and TypeScript, which are flexible enough to grow along with the rapidly evolving world of software development.
6. Continuous Integration & Continuous Deployment
Continuous integration allows developers to update their product with every new piece of code, while continuous deployment streamlines and automates the creation and implementation of code, cutting down on bugs and errors at launch.
7. Internet of Things
The worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) market will be worth 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars by the mid-2020s, according to Statista. “Things” connected to the internet will include everything from sensors to kitchen appliances to self-driving vehicles.
8. Big Data
Big data is set to get bigger as more companies demand detailed insights into their target customers’ online behaviour.
9. Blockchain
Blockchain, the technology behind bitcoin, is expanding beyond finance to healthcare, logistics, crowdfunding, real estate, the automotive industry and more.
10. Cybersecurity
Another industry that’s boomed during COVID as cybercriminals looked to exploit the vulnerabilities of jury-rigged remote working systems, cybersecurity looks set to continue growing as scams become more ingenious.
To sum up, security, machine learning, and quantum and cloud computing are the areas to watch in 2021 and beyond – and adding new languages like TypeScript, Rust, and Kotlin to proficiency in Python, C, Java, and JavaScript is a great way for developers to ensure they remain flexible and relevant in the future.