2023 is ending, but the year has seen rapid growth in the software development sector.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a transformative force in various industries, and Web Development was no exception.
According to GMI’s Software Development Market Size Report –
This article discusses the factors in which developers need to level up their game.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Since its launch in 2015, Progressive Web Apps has marked a major milestone in its evolution. With the surge in mobile usage, PWAs offer website owners an enticing prospect to improve user experiences, mimicking app-like interactions while reducing development expenses.
Showing the impact of PWAs, consider the case of Pinterest. Realizing the need for more useful outreach, they strategically reworked their website, converting it into a Progressive Web App using React.
The outcome was great, with a 40% increase in user platform engagement and a 44% surge in advertising revenue after just three months of reliable effort.
Foundational Skills: CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
Despite the ongoing fundamentals, developers must always improve their grasp of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Keeping pace with updates like HTML6 and CSS4 is vital.
Furthermore, learning the latest language features and best practices remains essential as JavaScript evolves with ECMAScript updates.
Integration of RESTful API and GraphQL
The efficiency of front-end performance depends on data fetching. RESTful APIs maintain overall use.
They must be able to seamlessly integrate both RESTful APIs and GraphQL based on specific project requirements.
Low-Code/No-Code Development
The tech industry is seeing a surge in low-code software development.
Low-code development is a software development approach that allows them to create apps with minimal manual coding.
Visual interfaces, pre-built components, and drag-and-drop features simplify app development.
Joe Ghattas, RVP UK at OutSystems, states, “The increasing complexity and speed of software development over the past years has created a strong need for a change in how software is built. While technologies like low-code have been boosting developer productivity for years, this year saw generative AI joining low-code as a key tool for enhancing developer experience, automating routine aspects, and tackling the blank canvases of the developers’ world.”
LCNC includes two related yet separate methods for app development. The major difference between low-code and no-code is as follows:
- No-Code: App development without writing code, where users use visual tools and pre-configured components for assembly. This makes it suitable for those with minimal coding experience.
- Low-Code: In LC development, coding is present but very simplified compared to traditional methods. They use visual interfaces and pre-built components for faster and more intuitive app development.
According to Gartner’s research,
Ghattas added, “Throughout 2024, we will see many developers having to unlearn the default ways they’d traditionally been building software from scratch and make room for a new AI-assisted co-worker to enter their teams. More and more developers will engage in conversations with their platforms and leverage generative AI to give suggestions and improve the user experience. Software teams can start projects faster, accomplish much more in less time, and overcome barriers that previously caused projects to stall. This will continue to take away the burden of repetitive tasks, open new opportunities for those willing to learn and adapt, and boost the overall job satisfaction in the industry.”
Can AI Replace Developers?
Although these tools deliver notable results, the tech remains immature to replace programmers.
While tools such as ChatGPT can tackle various tasks, nudging us toward the concept of Artificial General Intelligence, it still falls short of emulating human thought and behavior.
Ghattas responds, “As understanding around AI-assisted technology grows, the way developers perceive and handle AI will mature too. Fears around AI taking developers’ jobs will fade away. AI will be seen as a colleague who deserves trust but also requires robust control and security standards, especially for highly sensitive scenarios. This will drive the development and implementation of new regulations and standards that will streamline the use of AI and set the bar high for the market to push for a strategic, secure, and sustainable innovation.”
Also Read: Choosing a Software Development Framework: What Developers Need to Know
Wrap Up
As developers transition into 2024, adopting Artificial Intelligence, learning foundational skills, and incorporating evolving techs such as RESTful API is crucial. Also, it is essential to understand low-code/no-code development.
The industry is seeing a shift where AI becomes a valuable co-worker instead of a replacement. With ongoing improvements, they must adapt, promote trust in AI, and contribute to developing strong standards. This ensures a strategic, secure, and sustainable innovation landscape.
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