The role of the software developer has become increasingly important in recent years. As the vast majority of processes transition to digital and virtual environments, software development has become a crucial element in this advancement.

However, the work of a software developer today is very different from what it was a few years ago. Advances in the tools available to developers are enabling the creation of more innovative and robust projects at all levels, while also optimizing efficiency.

While software development remains one of the most in-demand jobs according to LinkedIn statistics, it is crucial for professionals to stay updated on how to differentiate themselves.

Moreover, this role now involves greater responsibilities and guarantees, such as anonymizing and protecting data, among others. Improving skills to offer high-quality services has become paramount.

Here, we review four trends that are setting the pace in advanced software development.

Software Developer: 4 Key Factors for Success Today and in the Future

1. Data-driven Management

Data-driven management (also known as data-first) aims to direct software development towards the proper use of data to create a simple and intuitive user experience.

This approach places data at the center to generate user-centric designs that optimize the user experience. By collecting data that provides insights into user behavior and attitudes, decisions can be made from a data-driven perspective.

For software developers, this capability is crucial for:

• Quick access to data and the ability to share it
• Reducing duplications, delivering complete and accurate data
• Efficient use of resources
• Increased security through visibility

Given that programs and programming languages are constantly evolving, having certainty about data helps professionals maintain control over one of the most important variables in their work.

Learning about data management involves multiple processes and cross-functional skills, making it a valuable field for exploring tools that facilitate data management.

With this principle in mind (data management, data knowledge, etc.), icaria TDM presents itself as a perfect tool for identifying data domains at the physical, functional, and business levels. It facilitates the use, transfer, sharing of information, and testing of these processes, helping manage test data in the following areas:

• Cost reduction, cutting storage, localization, and resource creation costs
• Halving wait times
• Improving the quality of the final software by expanding test coverage and anticipating fault detection

2. GDPR Compliance

Data protection has become a key responsibility for software developers, especially considering that audits and fines for non-compliance have been increasing year after year: in 2022, they were 630% higher than in 2021, according to the 2023 DLA Piper report.

Until relatively recently, data protection was far from being a priority for companies. They were aware of the principles of the regulation but did not take the necessary measures to protect data privacy.

Today, software developer must go beyond knowing the data protection obligations that companies must meet by design; they must also implement measures to comply with data protection requirements.

Tools have also emerged in this area to ensure compliance with GDPR rights, driving efficiencies in areas such as:

• Block period management
• Data erasure management
• Seed management

3. Code Maintainability and Software Entropy

Maintainable code is defined as code that, due to its ease of understanding and modification, allows applications to experience sustained growth.

This concept contrasts with "software entropy," which refers to the disorder that appears in systems over time due to continuous code modifications or the addition of new code. The disadvantages of software characterized by entropy include slower and more costly modifications.

Current software development pioneers have not only identified these problems but are also taking steps to avoid them. In this context, methodologies like MDA (Model Driven Architecture®) aim to accelerate and simplify processes by allowing abstractions or diagrams to generate code from them. In other words, the MDA perspective allows developers to maintain software generation templates based on extendable, scalable models with visible changes.

Among the most notable tools for this type of software development is Lean Factory, which can provide structuring models that apply beyond a particular platform, known as PIM (Platform Independent Model), for subsequent transformation into Platform Specific Model.

4. Custom Software Development

Today's software development work is also characterized by the need for custom developments.

In the pursuit of improved productivity and quality, alternative models like low code are facilitating custom software development by increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, and shortening system creation times.

The adoption rate of this model is so significant that by 2025, 70% of new applications are expected to be built using low-code development tools, according to Gartner.

As MDA facilitates low-code development, platforms like Lean Factory are leading efforts in custom software development.

Want to learn more about these trends and how to carry out a software development project that utilizes all current optimization possibilities? At icaria Technology, we lead initiatives that are already changing the way software development is understood and executed, and we can help you. Contact us to speak with our team and explore how we can support your software development needs.