Emerging Application Development Trends

Published: June 8, 2012 4 min. read
Svitla Team
By Svitla Team
Mobile Development Web Development
Emerging Application Development Trends

 

The pace by which information technology advances is nothing short of phenomenal, and this applies even with application development trends. Application development methodology evolves at such swift tempo that an emerging approach is somehow eclipsed before the former has reached maturity with the advent of a new one. Brace yourselves, folks! A profound analysis of the goings-on in the application development sector might see the following trends:

Upcoming trend #1: HTML5 and native applications battle it out for desktop and mobile supremacy

HTML 5 logo

HTML5 is the fifth revision of HTML where the last update, HTML4, goes as far back as 1997. HTML5 represents the next evolutionary step towards greater interoperability, offering a more standardized procedure for writing the code even for complex web applications. In terms of capabilities for cross-platform mobile applications, HTML5 is packed with features designed to accommodate smartphones and tablet PCs. In addition, the syntax used in HTML5 makes it easier to integrate graphics and multimedia content without the need of installing proprietary APIs and plugins.

Native applications are described as a locally installed application designed to work for a specific computer environment. For example, a native application will only run under a specific mobile phone operating system. Compared to HTML5, native applications run without the need for a browser.

Upcoming trend #2: The rise of cloud computing

Cloud computing is considered by software application developers as a very lucrative frontier in anticipation of the emergence of countless opportunities. Current technology allows end users to access cloud-based applications using a desktop, a mobile app or a web browser. In cloud computing, applications and their associated data are stored on remote servers, thus eliminating the need for local installation. Additionally, cloud computing shares a number of characteristics with autonomic computing, client-server model, grid computing, mainframe computers, utility computing, and peer-to-peer architecture.

Upcoming trend #3: NoSQL and the fall of relational databases

NoSQL is described as a database management system which do not utilize SQL as its main query language. Compared with the usual relational database programs, NoSQL uses key and value mappings. Moreover, NoSQL does not depend on a fixed schema (i.e. conventional database table). Key value mapping allows storage of data structures, making it possible to create a hierarchical database. NoSQL also enables the user to arbitrarily define keys and values and does not place too much importance on the data format.

Supporters argue that NoSQL is very much capable of efficiently handling massive data sets compared with relational databases. The efficiency of NoSQL is its use of optimized hierarchical structures which tend to minimize data retrieval overhead. Comparatively, conventional relational databases would have to perform complicated table cross-referencing just to retrieve a specific piece of information.

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NoSQL also offers alternative query methods such as key/value lookup, XPath lookup, and JavaScript programming language. Although NoSQL is still in its early stages of development, it augurs the great possibility that alternatives to SQL may be developed toward maturity.

Upcoming trend #4: Evolving user interfaces

Advances in desktop and mobile technologies have opened up a lot of opportunities to explore alternative forms of user interfaces or UIs. Research in consumer-centric UI options such as voice, gestures, touch, and kinect are currently underway. Software developers emphasize the need to consider such alternative UIs in order to fully maximize the potential of software products in the market.

Upcoming trend #5: Pumping up GPU computing for business applications

Despite the excitement and interest generated by numerous visually-engaging software applications, business applications are practically stuck in the gutter. Soon, the era of bland and monotonous business applications will be over. Software developers are currently looking into ways of rendering business applications with the much needed makeover. Hence, developers are focused on producing more interactive and intuitive business applications by taking advantage of advanced hardware capabilities. So far, this has been one of the most anticipated developments among the upcoming application development trends.

Applications do come and go. This is the sad and inevitable reality generated by innovation and creativity in applications technology. Trends may also be long or short-lived, but by any measure, users stand to benefit from any application development trends, because the bottom line in finding that ultimate development method for various applications is functionality for the end-user.

Written by
Svitla Team
Emerging Application Development Trends

FAQ

What are the most significant emerging trends in application development?

The major emerging trends in application development include the war between HTML5 and native applications over dominance of desktop and mobile platforms, facilitated by the fast emergence of cloud computing that enables people to run their apps and store data remotely with no need for local installations. The other major trend is the move from standard relational databases to NoSQL systems, which eases handling large datasets and makes it more flexible and efficient. User interfaces are being upgraded by voice, gesture, and touch controls; business apps are getting more interactive and visually attractive through advanced GPU computing. All these trends are aimed at enhancing functionality, user experience, and scalability in modern software development.

How is artificial intelligence shaping the future of app development?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the development of applications by making them more intelligent, adaptive, and personalized at the user experience level. AI-driven technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision support apps in analyzing data, pattern recognition, and automating complex tasks. This supports easier interfaces, better decisions in apps, improved automation, and support within apps. Continuous advancement in the field of AI will assure innovation as well as productivity through all steps involved in app development, from design to deployment.

What role does low-code/no-code development play in modern application creation?

Low-code/no-code development platforms democratize application creation by allowing people with minimal coding knowledge to build functional applications. In most cases, these use some visual interface and pre-built components, significantly reducing both the time and resources normally associated with development. Such businesses can prototype solutions rapidly and thereafter deploy them as well, fostering agility and innovation. While not expressly discussed in the text above, simplified development and faster deployment can fairly be described as falling under the general evolution of application creation.

How are security concerns being addressed in new app development trends?

Best practices and advanced technologies are what developers prescribe for secure coding, code encryption, and regular security checks in the new trends of app development to keep user data as well as vulnerability attacks away. In this series, multi-factor authentication, access control systems, secure data storage, and strong encryption become normal standards. Continuous monitoring, regular updating, and proper third-party library management reduce risk factors and enable a faster response to new threats, ensuring both the user’s privacy and business interests in this fast-paced app landscape.

What technologies are driving innovation in application development today?

Technologies driving innovation in application development today include advanced web standards like HTML. Cloud computing is transforming how applications are deployed and accessed by making scalability synonymous with flexibility. NoSQL is about the new ways big and complicated data can be managed. Among these are user interfaces that include voice, gesture, and touch controls, plus powerful GPUs being applied to ensure greater interactivity for business applications-a precursor to what modern apps might eventually accomplish.