The software development industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Over the last few years, the software sector has seen many changes and updates, ranging from the use of open-source software to the move to outsourcing models.

The upcoming months are expected to bring new trends and innovations to the industry that will help strengthen law enforcement technologies for use by local and state law enforcement departments across the U.S.

Here is a look at some of the software development trends to watch for in 2023:

1. AI-Assisted Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) programming has seen rapid advancements over the last several years. While there have long been tools available to help write source code with the use of AI, more advanced AI-assisted coding has recently developed, such as Amazon CodeWhisperer and GitHub Copilot. The recent release of ChatGPT has revealed the true power of AI technology and how it will likely be used in the future.

2. Kubernetes Adoption

Kubernetes was developed in 2014 by Google before being donated to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Also referred to as K8s, Kubernetes is an open-source container platform used to automate software deployment, management and scaling.

According to a survey published by Statista, more than 60 percent of organizations adopted Kubernetes in 2022 and this number is expected to skyrocket in 2023. The use of containers can greatly simplify the provisioning of resources for developers who may be time-pressed. Many developers are finding the use of Kubernetes to reveal many opportunities for software growth.

3. Python and JavaScript

Python and JavaScript are popular programming languages used in the coding world. Python offers built-in data structures that combine with dynamic typing and binding, making it the optimal choice for rapid application development.

JavaScript, on the other hand, is a scripting language commonly used to create interactive web pages. As it uses client-side programming rules, it runs via an internet browser without the need for resources from a web server. Look for both Python and JavaScript to grow in popularity in 2023.

4. Crypto and Blockchain

There are currently around 500 cryptocurrency exchanges, almost 600 globally, that invite investors to trade Ethereum, bitcoin and other digital assets. Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies use the technology of blockchain, a digital database distributed among the nodes of a peer-to-peer network.

Blockchains are responsible for storing information electronically in digital format, but what makes this innovation so popular is that blockchain guarantees the security of data records without the need for a trusted third party. Unfortunately, crypto and blockchain development will likely see a wind down in 2023.

5. DevSecOps Growth

DevSecOps stands for development, security and operations. This trending practice in application security is designed to help automate the integration of security throughout all phases of the software development lifecycle. The use of DevOps is changing the way that software is developed and delivered.

The main difference between DevOps and DevSecOps is the culture of shared responsibility. As security continues to be a major concern for businesses across the globe, DevSecOps is expected to grow tremendously over the next few years.

6. Reliance on the Cloud

While cloud technology is not a new trend, it is expected to grow and evolve in 2023. The cloud is made up of servers that users access via the internet, as well as the databases and software that run on these servers.

As data continues to grow, the need for more complex cloud technology that can quickly and automatically convert large amounts of information into a digital format is evident. More cloud providers will likely join the industry with some providers focusing on solving specific tasks, such as training machine learning models or data mitigation. Many software developers are likely to benefit from this cloud competition, resulting in better quality and greater affordability.

7. Move to Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is the next evolution of the world wide web, providing users with an immersive digital experience. This technology involves concepts such as cryptocurrency, individual control of personal data and desensitized record-keeping on the blockchain.

Compared to Web 2.0, Web 3.0 aims to adopt technologies, including AI and machine learning, more effectively to enhance the overall user experience. Platforms on Web 3.0 will not be centralized and will instead rely on a global network to prevent one authority from disrupting it. Data will also be more secure as users will have enhanced control over the data they share on these platforms.

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