DEV Community

Cover image for 2020's top ten software development stories
Le Truong
Le Truong

Posted on

2020's top ten software development stories

With the shift toward insourcing over the last few years, many organizations have begun rebuilding software development as a core competency.

On the one hand, software developers assist businesses in developing applications that leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and blockchain.

On the other hand, software development plays a critical role in application modernization and digitization, enabling new software-based functionality using modern cloud-native architectures.

What has become apparent in the decade leading up to 2020 is a shift toward deskilling software development through low-code/no-code tools and robotic process automation, which enable business people to create technology-driven initiatives without relying entirely on highly skilled software developers.

These applications are not self-contained – they should ideally communicate with back-end internal systems and, if necessary, external systems. The connectivity is not something that an average no-code/low-code user should be concerned about. Rather than that, the software development team creates the required integration with back-end and external computing services, which are then exposed via application programming interfaces (APIs).

As the business requires increased access to back-end functionality, more APIs are exposed. Taken to its logical conclusion, the software development team's work to develop software-powered functionality for the business will eventually be transferred to teams of business analysts and programmers working within specific line-of-business functions.

These individuals leverage APIs to assist them in developing low-code/no-code applications that connect to the organization's core systems. Additionally, the business may decide to make some APIs available to external business partners or third parties. This strategy enables the organization to create a more seamless customer experience across its partner network, extended and enhanced by third-party value-added services.

The following are the top ten software development articles published in 2020:

1. The art of creating satisfied customers

While AI is increasingly being used in modern software development, how well can an AI create applications that provide an excellent customer experience?

2. An artist's portrait of a software developer

Many programmers consider themselves to be artists in their own right. Computer Weekly examines what it takes to be a successful software developer in the modern era.

3. Creating software that enables older adults to participate in the digital world

The Covid-19 crisis has emphasized the critical nature of integrating older adults into the digital world. How can software companies design products that will appeal to generations born before the internet?

4. How to overcome impediments to application modernization

The majority of businesses will not be fortunate enough to be able to create a new cloud-native architecture. We examine how to modernize legacy applications.

5. Microsoft Windows' future is entirely dependent on its users

We examine how Microsoft is enhancing the developer experience and evolving the Windows desktop operating system platform.

6. Address bottlenecks before automating business processes

Business processes evolve, and intelligent automation necessitates an in-depth examination of what is not functioning optimally.

7. How crowd simulation modeling aids in the development of social distancing strategies by organizations

Crowd simulation modeling can maximize the Covid security of offices and other buildings by facilitating social distancing and assisting in the return of employees to their jobs.

8. Applications: Bringing the old and the new together

We examine how businesses can integrate legacy applications with more modern digital platforms.

9. What motivates application modernization?

Application modernization does not happen by accident, nor is it solely a result of digitization and cloud-first strategies.

10. From Pixar to GovTech: The Inside Story of Singapore's Artificial Intelligence Whiz

Chong Jiayi, a GovTech executive who spent nearly a decade at Pixar, is leading a team of experts to solve complex robotics and artificial intelligence problems.

Top comments (0)