The software industry has seen rapid technological growth and new security threats in the last few years. Risk assessment, testing, and compliance are a must before full-scale deployment. Software development will change the way we live in the future. This year, we saw the obsession with AI, and it was implemented in many areas and industries. The focus was on finding a balance between cost efficiency and security.

Let’s see some of the latest software development trends to follow in 2025 that will give startups, SMEs, and large enterprises a view of what’s on offer and what’s trending in the market. From cloud to artificial intelligence, let’s learn about emerging tech that’s changing business across the IT industry. We will also consider how this new global software development market will change user experience, what opportunities will be available for startups to enter the market, and how new technologies and IT trends are changing business workflows to meet customer demands.

2024 Statistics and Facts in Software Development

Technology and Tools 2024

JavaScript has consistently had a dominant presence in developer surveys and on Stack Overflow since our very first survey. It has held the title of the most popular programming language every year, except for 2013 and 2014, when SQL took the top spot.

Programming Languages Use

JS

62.3

HTML/CSS

52.9

PY

51

SQL

51

TS

38.5

Shell

33.9

Java

30.3

C#

27.1

C++

23

C

20.3

AI in Software Development

In 2024 Stackoverflow reports 76% of respondents reported either using or planning to use AI tools, reflecting an increase from 70% the previous year. Notably, 72% of developers expressed a favorable view of AI tools, although this marks a slight decrease from last year. This dip may be due to the challenges and unmet expectations that come with the evolving nature of AI tools.
Below is a list of the most commonly used AI search and developer tools:

AI-Powered Code Assistants: Tools like GitHub Copilot, Tabnine, and Kite help developers write and complete code more efficiently.

AI Search Engines: Technologies such as ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Perplexity AI leverage large language models to provide more intuitive search experiences.

Automated Testing and QA Tools: AI-driven platforms like Testim and Applitools automate the testing process, improving accuracy and saving time.

AI for Debugging: Tools like DeepCode and CodeScan, use AI to identify and fix bugs more effectively.

AI Tools

ChatGPT

82.1

Github Copilot

41.2

Google Gemini

23.9

Bing AI

15.8

Visual Studio Intellicone

13.6

Claude

8.1

Codeum

6.1

WolframAlpha

5.6

PerplexityAI

5.1

Tabnine

5

Cloud Infrastructure

AWS usage among respondents remains unchanged in 2024 compared to 2023, while both Azure and Google Cloud have increased their share. Azure has risen from 26% to 28%, and Google Cloud has grown from 24% to 25%.

Cloud Platforms

ChatGPT

48

Github Copilot

27.8

Google Gemini

25.1

Bing AI

15.1

Firebase

13.9

Software Industry

Software development continues to be a leading field for developers, with 41% of respondents in the professional developer section of the 2024 year’s survey working within the software industry.

The Need for Developers Across Multiple Industries

Software Dev

41.3

FinTech

5.7

Telecommunication

5.6

Banking

4.8

Healthcare

4.4

Manufacturing

4.4

Retail and Consumer Services

4.4

Government

3.3

Media and Advertising

3.1

Higher Education

3.1

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Software Development

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we are witnessing some pretty impressive advancements in the field. Developers can now automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and ultimately build better software in less time. However, the impact of AI and Machine Learning on software development goes beyond just increasing efficiency. These technologies are also enabling developers to create more intelligent software with the ability to learn from user interactions and adapt to changing situations:

Facing AI Challenges

AI evolution has become increasingly central to software development. However, some challenges accompany the technology’s growth, so fostering responsible, effective, and sustainable AI solutions is essential. Here, we outline three vital challenges for the next years to observe and follow.

Ethical and Bias Concerns

AI models are susceptible to biases in the data they’re trained on, which can result in unfair or unethical outcomes. This trend highlights the importance of addressing data quality and implementing transparent, unbiased training processes to ensure fair and ethical aspects of AI decisions. Developers increasingly focus on creating frameworks to detect and mitigate biases, especially in sensitive applications like recruitment, healthcare, and finance.

Dependency on High-Quality Data

AI models require large datasets for accurate training, but acquiring high-quality data can be challenging. Inconsistent, outdated, or biased data can lead to poor performance and unreliable outcomes. As a trend, developers are emphasizing data governance, data cleaning, and using synthetic data to improve model reliability.

Job Displacement and Economic Impact

AI automates tasks across industries, and that’s what is causing growing concerns about job displacement. While AI can create new roles in some fields like data science and machine learning, many traditional roles may shift to extinction. This trend underscores the need for responsible AI adoption and encourages initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce to adapt to emerging technologies.

Increased Focus on DevOps Approaches to Reduce Time-To-Market

In an attempt to bridge the gap between software development and IT operations—two vital but frequently misaligned endeavors—DevOps is a collection of adaptable software production and delivery techniques. It’s a tactical approach rather than a particular technology that helps development and operations teams remove obstacles and concentrate on enhancing software development, deployment, and ongoing monitoring by cooperating.

As companies continue to compete for a piece of the market share, there’s been an increased focus on DevOps approaches to speed up software development and reduce the time-to-market. By breaking down traditional silos between teams and promoting collaboration, DevOps practices can streamline the entire development cycle – from planning and coding to testing and deployment. Not only does this accelerate the delivery of new features and updates, but it also helps reduce errors and improves overall software quality.

Software Development Outsourcing Teams

Software development outsourcing or nearshoring has become a popular trend for the past few years, with companies increasingly turning to external vendors to handle development tasks. Several factors drive this software development trend: cost savings, access to a tech talent pool, and faster project delivery times. Outsourcing allows businesses to leverage skilled developers with peculiar expertise worldwide, often at lower costs than hiring full-time, in-house teams, especially for projects with digital transformation tasks or contributing to developing software products.

A key benefit of a nearshore team is the ability to scale quickly. Companies find experts for specific software projects, such as mobile apps, custom software solutions, or web development, without committing to long-term hiring. It’s especially valuable for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources to build comprehensive, in-house development teams.

No-Code and Low-Code Development Tools

These development tools have made it easier than ever for non-technical folks to bring their ideas to life. These tools allow users to visually create applications through drag-and-drop interfaces without knowing how to code. With no-code platforms, you can use a visual interface to design and build your app, while low-code solutions offer a bit more flexibility with the ability to add your own custom code if needed. Unsurprisingly, the global low-code platform market will increase to approximately 65 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

Source: Statista

However, the lack of flexibility and customization in these development processes is one of their main disadvantages. Because low-code and no-code development utilize pre-built frameworks and templates, developers may find it difficult to modify them to meet the unique needs of their projects. Furthermore, these pre-built frameworks might not be sufficient for sophisticated applications, necessitating a return to traditional coding techniques. Another drawback is the challenge of expanding applications developed with low-code or no-code development tools. Businesses may find that the limitations of these technologies hinder them as they grow and their demands change. Read more about no-code and low-code platforms for non-technical users here.

AR and VR Features in App Development

AR and VR app development changes the mobile app development market when these technologies continue to evolve. These features have transformed how we interact with mobile devices, providing immersive and engaging experiences. Partnering with an experienced mobile app development company can take these advancements even further, ensuring seamless integration, enhanced functionality, and optimized user experiences that make the most of AR and VR innovations.

Education Example

AR and VR facilitate immersive learning, allowing students to explore complex subjects interactively. For instance, medical students can practice surgeries virtually, enhancing their skills without real-world risks.

• Virtual Classrooms: VR allows students to have virtual classrooms to engage with lessons and explore complex subjects.
• 3D Models and Simulations: AR allows students to interact with 3D models of the human body, molecules, or machinery, making abstract concepts easier to grasp.
• Outstanding Trips: VR-based virtual field trips can take students to historical landmarks, natural environments, or spaces.

Fitness and Sportech Example

In fitness apps, AR and VR create engaging and motivating workout experiences.

• VR Workouts: VR fitness apps, such as boxing or dance workouts, immerse users in virtual environments, making exercise feel like an adventure rather than a chore.
• AR Exercise Guidance: AR apps overlay real-time guidance, helping perform exercises accurately and safely.
• Gamified Workouts: VR and AR apps add game-like elements to fitness routines, encouraging users to reach milestones or compete with friends.

Real Estate and Interior Design

AR and VR help in real estate and design by allowing users to explore spaces and visualize changes.

• Virtual Property Tours: VR helps retailers to offer tour properties for buyers from anywhere, offering a 360-degree view of rooms and spaces to make a purchase decision.
• Furniture and Decor Placement: AR apps let users place virtual furniture in their homes to see how items fit and look.

Retail Apps Example

These apps utilize AR and VR features to enhance the shopping experience by offering various services online.

• Virtual Try-On: AR apps enable virtual try-on features for clothing, accessories, and makeup to see how products look before purchasing.
• Product Visualization: AR apps help visualize products in apartments or houses, such as furniture or home decor.
• VR Showrooms: VR showrooms provide a fully immersive shopping experience where customers can browse products.

Game Development Example

As a software development trend, augmented reality and virtual reality have changed the gaming industry.

Enhanced Immersion and Interactivity

AR and VR bring a new level of immersion to gaming. VR games place players into an immersive game environment, and AR games overlay game elements onto the real world, merging reality and gameplay.

New Gameplay Mechanics

In VR, players can physically move, dodge, and reach out to interact with objects in the game. In AR, geolocation-based mechanics allow to interact with characters in real-world locations.

Social and Collaborative Experiences

Games in AR and VR encourage social interaction and collaboration. VR platforms like VRChat allow players to interact in virtual worlds.

Reducing Our Environmental Footprint With Sustainable Software

There’s a tendency towards a sustainable future in software development. It’s not just about crafting applications; it’s about crafting a greener world. Sustainable software development principles guide developers towards eco-friendly solutions that minimize environmental impact. Despite this, many companies still cling to outdated practices, contributing to vast energy consumption and perpetuating unconscious software development. 

The explosion of software usage has fueled an unprecedented deluge of data. Our interactions with software generate vast amounts of information, commonly called “big data.” This data fuels machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making processes. It’s a valuable resource that drives innovation across industries, empowering businesses to enhance customer experiences, optimize supply chains, and develop cutting-edge products and services.

Embracing sustainable practices is vital and isn’t just about mitigating energy consumption and waste; it’s about delivering superior products that resonate with environmentally-conscious consumers. Some vital steps developers can take to build sustainable digital products:

1. Carbon Efficiency: Minimizing Environmental Footprints

Central to sustainable software development is reducing the carbon footprint throughout a product’s lifecycle. This entails meticulous attention to optimizing processes, minimizing resource consumption, and leveraging renewable energy sources wherever possible.

2. Electricity Efficiency: Designing for Energy Conservation

Efficiency is paramount when it comes to energy usage. Developers can significantly decrease electricity consumption by incorporating energy-efficient features into software design without compromising performance or functionality.

3. Hardware Efficiency: Maximizing Performance, Minimizing Waste

Responsible utilization of computing resources is essential for minimizing energy consumption. By prioritizing efficiency in hardware usage, developers can strike a balance between performance and environmental management.

4. Network Efficiency: Streamlining Data Transfers

Reducing carbon emissions related to data transfers are critical in sustainable software development. Developers can minimize environmental impact by employing strategies to optimize network efficiency while maintaining seamless connectivity.

5. Measurement for Sustainability: Tracking Progress, Driving Improvement

Effective sustainability initiatives hinge on robust measurement and analysis. By diligently tracking environmental impact metrics, developers can identify areas for improvement and drive continuous enhancement in sustainability practices.

6. Sustainable Goals: Prioritizing Environmental Responsibility

Setting clear sustainability metrics is fundamental to driving meaningful change. By considering environmental, societal, and economic factors, developers can align their goals with broader sustainability objectives, fostering a holistic approach to software development.

7. Lean and Agile Tools: Iterative Improvement, Minimal Waste

Adopting lean and agile methodologies is essential for promoting iterative improvement and minimizing waste in software development processes. By prioritizing user feedback and rapid iteration cycles, developers can enhance sustainability while delivering value to end-users.

8. “Green Coding” Concept: Harnessing Environmental Consciousness

Embracing the “green coding” concept involves designing software with environmental impact in mind. By prioritizing energy-efficient algorithms, resource optimization, and sustainable design principles, developers can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

9. Choosing Modern Tools: Aligning with Sustainability Goals

Selecting technologies that align with sustainability goals is crucial for sustainable software development. By leveraging modern tools and frameworks designed with environmental considerations in mind, developers can future-proof their applications and drive positive ecological outcomes.

Cybersecurity and Data Security

As the tech industry advances, the significance of cybersecurity and data protection in software development has never been more crucial. The latest trends are shaping the landscape, ensuring companies stay ahead of evolving security challenges and data breaches. There’s constant growth in the cybersecurity market worldwide, according to Statista.

Source: Statista

Zero Trust Architecture and Biometric Authentication

As traditional password-based authentication faces challenges, biometric authentication and zero-password solutions are gaining traction. Software engineering will focus on incorporating secure biometric authentication methods and exploring innovative zero-password approaches to enhance user security. Adopting a zero-trust approach, where trust is never assumed, requires verification from anyone trying to access resources, regardless of their location.

AI and ML Integration

AI and ML are becoming integral components of cybersecurity strategies. These technologies enhance threat detection, automate responses to security incidents, and provide predictive analytics to define potential vulnerabilities. In 2025, expect to see further integration of AI and ML in software development for proactive threat mitigation.

Quantum-Safe Cryptography

Quantum computing is a quickly developing technology that can handle issues too complicated for traditional computers. With the advent of quantum computing, traditional cryptographic methods face potential vulnerabilities. Quantum-safe cryptography is emerging as a proactive measure to secure data against the future threat of quantum computers. Software developers are likely to incorporate quantum-resistant encryption algorithms in their solutions.

Container Security

As containerization gains traction in software development, ensuring the security of containerized applications becomes paramount. In 2025, developers will focus on implementing robust container security measures, including vulnerability scanning, image signing, and runtime protection, to safeguard applications deployed in containerized environments.

DevSecOps Integration

DevSecOps, integrating security practices into the DevOps pipeline, is not just a methodology but a cultural shift. Companies will emphasize DevSecOps, fostering collaboration between development, operations, and security teams from the early stages of the software development lifecycle.

Cloud Infrastructure as a Software Development Trend

As of now, the cloud infrastructure market is booming. With notable players dominating the industry and a slew of services catering to diverse needs, the numbers speak for themselves. Market trends and statistics showcase the widespread adoption of cloud solutions across various sectors.

Factors Driving Cloud Infrastructure Growth

Several factors contribute to the unprecedented growth of cloud infrastructure. The increased demand for digital transformation, coupled with advancements in technology, creates a ground for the expansion of cloud services globally. Businesses harness the power of the cloud for sustainable growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the advantages of cloud infrastructure are abundant, challenges do exist. Security and scalability issues often loom, allowing businesses to fortify their operations and explore new solutions.

Key Technologies Shaping Cloud Infrastructure

The synergy between cloud infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies is reshaping the digital landscape. Edge computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain applications are becoming integral components, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of cloud services. Emerging trends, such as the integration of 5G and the proliferation of edge computing, are set to redefine the landscape.

Adoption of Hybrid Cloud Solutions

Businesses increasingly opt for hybrid cloud solutions, balancing on-premises infrastructure and public cloud services. This approach offers automated and scalable solutions, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, with real-world examples showcasing its success.

Edge Computing and Decentralized Applications in the Blockchain

Edge Computing marks a paradigm shift from centralized cloud architecture to a decentralized approach. The proliferation of edge computing will reshape how data is processed and analyzed.

Integration with Internet of Things (IoT)

Edge Computing seamlessly integrates with the Internet of Things (IoT), providing a decentralized infrastructure for IoT devices. This synergy optimizes data processing and addresses latency concerns, making it an ideal solution for applications requiring instant responses, such as smart city infrastructure and autonomous vehicles.

Blockchain and Decentralized Apps

DApps, or decentralized applications, have been designed to remove intermediaries in self-executing financial contracts, multi-user games, and social media platforms.

DApps also allow for secure, blockchain-based voting and governance and can even be integrated into web browsers as plugins for serving ads, tracking user behavior, or accepting crypto donations.

Practical Uses of dApps

Smart Contracts and Automation

Smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, play a pivotal role in DApps. In the following years, the automation capabilities of smart contracts will expand, enabling secure and trustless execution of agreements without the need for intermediaries.

Interoperability between Edge Computing and Blockchain

The convergence of Edge Computing and Blockchain facilitates new possibilities. Edge devices can participate in blockchain networks, contributing to consensus mechanisms and securely storing data on distributed ledgers. This interoperability enhances the overall efficiency and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.

Enhanced Security through Decentralization

Decentralization inherent in both Edge Computing and Blockchain contributes to enhanced security. The focus is on leveraging the distributed nature of these technologies to thwart cyber threats, ensuring data integrity, and protecting sensitive information from single points of failure.

Tokenization and Digital Assets

Blockchain enables tokenization, representing real-world assets in a digital form. These assets, tokens, can mean anything from real estate to art, providing new avenues for investment and ownership.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Evolution

Decentralized Finance, a subset of DApps, is evolving rapidly. We will see an expansion of DeFi services, including decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading. These financial services operate without traditional intermediaries, offering increased accessibility, inclusivity, and secure and efficient transactions.

Energy Efficiency in Edge Computing

As sustainability becomes a priority, Edge Computing is adapting to be more energy-efficient. In 2025, advancements in hardware and optimization algorithms aim to minimize energy consumption, making Edge Computing faster and a modern software development ecosystem environmentally friendly.

Continued Expansion of The IoT

We’re witnessing an unprecedented surge in the number and diversity of connected devices, ranging from smart home gadgets to industrial sensors, contributing to creating a more interconnected world. The deployment and adoption of 5G networks are catalysts for the expansion of IoT. With faster speeds and lower latency, 5G empowers a new era of connected devices that demand quick and reliable data transmission. In 2025, we’ll see accelerated IoT growth as 5G becomes more widespread.

As we mentioned above, IoT devices are generating massive amounts of data, and the integration of Edge Computing is a response to this challenge. We anticipate a seamless integration of Edge Computing with IoT, allowing data processing closer to the source, reducing latency, and enhancing overall efficiency. Statista forecasts that the IoT market is anticipated to grow at an annual growth rate of 13.60% (CAGR 2023-2028), resulting in a remarkable market volume of US$2,227.00bn by 2028.

Final Thoughts

Technology advancements and new security challenges will continue to change the software development industry in 2025. Evaluating risks, engaging in continuous testing, and ensuring compliance before deploying products at scale is vital. Key software development trends to follow in the coming year focus on striking the right balance between efficiency and security.