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Top 4 emerging trends in software development

Visionary Jeffrey Fry once said, "If you are not a trend setter, at least be able to exploit the ones you see."

In the current software development landscape, creators are nearly falling all over themselves and each other to come up with the most advanced, innovative features to set trends. However, with so many competing for attention and a growing client base in the sector, establishing trends is much easier said then done. It may be more realistic for many groups to take Fry's approach and leverage the current trends making waves in the software development scene, including the following:

Rising use of HTML5
One of the first decisions software creators must make is which language they will base their program on. Typically, many developers have opted for native codes, as they were familiar with the language and its uses. However, with the emergence of HTML5, a number of organizations are now utilizing this code instead. VentureBeat contributor Himanshu Sareen noted that HTML5 has been known in the consumer sector for some time, but it is now making its way into enterprise software, particularly due to its ability to foster successful business investments.

"Browser acceptance of new standards such as offline file storage, drag and drop, advanced drawing tools and multi-media playback without plugin support augment what it means to be a website," Sareen wrote. "As these standards have become fleshed out and implemented across browsers, we've seen everything from cutting-edge line-of-business Web applications to firewalled corporate intranets being deployed with large HTML5 support."

Designing with new platforms in mind
Software and technology expert Bill Chamberlin recently noted on HorizonWatching that these days, developers must design programs with new platforms in mind - namely hybrid cloud arrangements and the Internet of Things. Chamberlin pointed out that there has been increasing adoption of hybrid cloud platforms and applications must have the accessibility and flexibility to operate in this environment. Additionally, as the Internet of Things and its web of connected appliances grows, there will be new demands for software related to this platform as well.

Increasing focus on agile methods
Ochronus contributor Csaba Okrona stated that due to the benefits being offered by agile methods, these strategies have made more appearances in the development process, especially as a means to involve the users.

"Agile management is not only for managers," Okrona wrote. "There's a need for the whole team to have a good understanding about their own development and management process."

Components to agile methods can include test driven development, iteration-based development, behavior-driven development, extreme programming and continuous integration.

Gamification in a business setting
Another trend that is gaining traction, particularly within the enterprise industry, is gamification. Sareem reported that by transforming typical professional applications into games, employees are more likely to not only connect with the program, but will utilize it with enthusiasm.

"By gamifying employee efficiency and quantifying minute tasks in a business environment, enterprises are gaining all sorts of new data points around worker productivity," Sareem stated.

So, if developers can be the ones that create the trends, take a page from Fry's book and leverage the features and approaches currently gaining industry-wide popularity.

MESCIUS inc.

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