The hottest 2024 developer trends you need to know about

The software development world is a fast-paced one, with new trends emerging all the time. We know many of you are too busy to sometimes keep on top of the latest technology and developer trends, so we’ve scoured the web and spoken to experts for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 developer trends and highlighted how we can support you in each area. 

Here are some of the top developer trends to watch in 2024 

Dominant Trends

Cloud-Native Development:

Building and running applications in the cloud using containerisation, microservices, and DevOps practices. This fosters scalability, resilience, and agile development.  

Grey Matter is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider that specialises in offering expert Azure licensing advice, commercial, and technical services. Check out our 6 advantages of building cloud-native applications blog for more information about the benefits of cloud-native development. 

AI Everywhere:

From chatbots and recommendation engines to image recognition and predictive analytics, AI is being integrated into software across various fields.  

From Microsoft’s Copilot  (the latest release is for Microsoft 365) to JetBrains AI, many of the vendors we partner with offer great AI functionality and services to improve productivity when developing your software and applications or carrying out day-to-day business tasks. 

Cyber Security Concerns:

As software becomes more complex and interconnected, securing it becomes paramount. Developers are focusing on robust security architectures and proactive threat detection.  

At Grey Matter,our dedicated cyber security solutions team offers expert advice, and a wide range of  cyber security software and services from pen testing and cyber security awareness training to endpoint security and firewalls. Our team can help you achieve multi-layered protection, compliance and qualification for frameworks like Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and Cyber Insurance. 

Multi-Cloud Adoption:

Moving beyond dependence on a single cloud provider, businesses are leveraging multiple cloud platforms for better flexibility, cost optimisation, and redundancy.  

In addition to offering Microsoft Azure, Grey Matter can also supply AWS licences. 

Low-Code/No-Code Platforms:

Democratising software development allows users with minimal coding skills to build basic applications using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built modules.  

We offer various low-code and no-code platforms, such as Microsoft Power Platform and Visual LANSA.  

Rising Stars 

Generative AI and OpenAI:  

Tools like ChatGPT and OpenAI's generative capabilities are revolutionising code generation, automation, and content creation, potentially streamlining development processes.  

Take a look at our AI in application development blog for more information on this topic. 

Augmented Reality (AR):

Blending digital elements with the real world, AR is finding applications in fields like training, maintenance, and entertainment, requiring specialised software development.  

Edge Computing:  

Processing data closer to the source (e.g., IoT devices) for faster response times and reduced latency, impacting network architectures and software design.  

Many of our partners, including Microsoft, Intel, and Embarcadero have solutions that can support your IoT or Edge Computing journey. We even have an IoT Kickstart Programme. 

Instant Applications:

Providing immediate access to applications without downloads or installations, using technologies like WebAssembly and progressive web apps (PWAs).  

At Grey Matter, we partner with various partners that offer web app development tools including Sencha, Progress Telerik, GrapeCity and Infragistics.  

Language Landscape 

Python's Reign:

Python's versatility and ease of use make it a top choice for AI, web development, and data science, solidifying its position as a leading language.  

Many of Grey Matter’s partners offer Python tools, such as JetBrains PyCharm, Delphi Python libraries, and Intel. 

New Challengers Emerge:

Languages like Kotlin for Android development, Go for microservices, and Rust for systems programming are gaining traction due to their specific strengths.  

One of our partners, JetBrains, has several IDEs covering these great languages. And with the All Products Pack, you can easily take advantage of utilising different languages for your different development needs. 

JavaScript Remains King:

Despite new contenders, JavaScript continues to dominate web development thanks to frameworks like React and its dominance in browser environments.  

From JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA to Sencha, we supply various tools for JavaScript development. 

How Grey Matter can help you keep on top of your tech 

As you can see, we offer a wide range of developer tools to enable you to create and deploy amazing apps and software for your market. But it’s not just about selling you a licence, we can advise on which tools and specific licensing schemes are best suited for your development and financial requirements. We also offer Microsoft cloud services for Azure and Microsoft 365, mapping and geolocation tools that you can integrate into your applications. Plus, cyber security and business software keep your organisation secure and efficient. 

If you’re ready to take the step and take hold of any of the trends mentioned above for your organisation and need our help, fill in the contact form below or call +44 (0) 1364 654 100.