Introduction:
Over the years, the web and mobile development industry has witnessed a lot of changes. Be it in the responsiveness of the pages or the inclusions of third-party payment APIs, several new features and attributes have been adopted as a part of evolution. To be honest, the software development industry was never static in the past. Once a particular trend or technology became obsolete, another new trend replaces it, thereby bringing in the development processes’ evolution.
However, one question still lingers in the air. What kind of evolutions has been introduced in the web and mobile app development industry?
First of all, chatbots based on AI technology, a virtual spokesperson, have been introduced. Another scenario is the hybrid mobile applications. Previously, apps for Android OS and iOS were developed differently since the codes and syntaxes are separate for the platforms. But now, one code can be used to prepare an application compatible with both Operating Systems.
In addition, with advanced techniques and knowledge like AI, VR, Cloud services, and others, the market and customer expectations are changing a lot. Therefore, any business involved with the digital platform needs to update its web or mobile applications to meet the changing demands. This is where the development trends come into play.
What are the benefits of these trends?
- Enhances customer support online to provide quick resolutions and keep them updated.
- Progressive development allows the app to be opened in full-screen mode by incorporating the latest CSS class and title attributes.
- Helps in connecting smart devices through mobile applications.
- Allows developers to include all features in a single page with revelation via scrolling or internal links.
- User experience can be enhanced with motion interface implementation.
Now that we have seen its benefits, let us take a look at the top 5 web and mobile development trends
Top 5 web and mobile development trends-
With the app development industry constantly evolving, it’s hard to understand when technology or feature will become obsolete. Studies have shown that customer expectations and demands change very quickly. And that has forced developers to adopt new trends to meet the everchanging customer expectations.
In the section below, the best 5 mobile and web development trends have been explained.
1. Cross platform app developments
In earlier times, different codes were written for developing one type of application for the varied OS. For example, a code for Android OS would be different from the code written for Linux or Windows. This not only increased the complexity of the codes but also needed multiple skills for one application.
However, with the introduction of cross-platform development platforms, a developer can easily design applications with a single code. This code will be runnable on different operating systems. So, with cross-platform development, complexities have been reduced from the codes in open source projects.
In addition, codes written on cross-platform like Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, and others can be reused. A small function block needs to be written in the code to include a feature or new functionality in the app.
2. Inclusion of AI
The use of artificial intelligence has allowed developers to implement smart features and revolutionary functionalities in the applications. Be it an AI-integrated bot playing chess against the user or the wearable smartwatch tracking one’s health and feeding data to his/her smartphone; AI has become the hottest trend of 2021.
Users can also control the apps using a voice and speech system. In addition, businesses like Amazon and Netflix have integrated their business functionalities with artificial intelligence. AI improves performance and allows the incorporation of human-like behaviour for faster and efficient tasks like AR.
Chatbots that one can see on many applications are also designed using AI technology. Thus, in combination with NLP and machine learning, one can also improve data analytics with ease.
3. Use of IoT and IoT Security
IoT or Internet of Things is a new trend which allows the establishment of wireless connection between different physical objects. Objects having sensors, application software, or any other technology accessing the internet can be connected over a network easily. This is what IoT is, and it has transformed the entire app development industry.
One can now remotely control appliances with just a mobile app over the internet. Similarly, a group of sub servers of a company can be connected via a wireless network. Data transmission and receiving can be done with more speed and efficiency without the loss of any data.
In addition, IoT is also being used for security purposes also. It has made it easier for the implementation of double-layered encryption with asymmetric keys for protecting data transmission. Moreover, privacy APIs can be introduced in the IoT server networks for better protection.
4. Native application development
Native web and mobile development have also become a popular trend in 2021. The word “native" means that different codes will be written for different apps specific to the OS. For example, to develop an app for iOS, one will need Swift programming, but for Android OS, Java will be the best choice.
Native mobile applications are preferred because their performance is excellent since they are optimised as per the OS requirements. In addition, these apps are highly secured since they are runnable on different platforms. So, OS-based encryption can be integrated easily for enhanced privacy and data security. Furthermore, more features can be incorporated in the apps offered by the respecting OS platforms.
5. Cloud-based app development
Lastly, cloud-based app development has become quite popular in the recent years. First of all, cloud network integration with an app can allow the companies and users to store information on the cloud database accessible from anywhere. In addition, one can use the cloud technology to develop applications with the help of three distinct features- PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS.
Besides, the cloud network is highly secured. So, no data loss and theft can occur, provided the application has proper encryption layers. This is one of the main reasons why cloud technology has become popular for app developments.
The cloud technology also allows easy scalability to the applications, ensuring easy adaptation of the apps. Lastly, DevOps is based on cloud computing- one of the best programming languages for app development.
Conclusion
The web and mobile app development industry is changing continuously and evolving itself. With these evolutions, it has become possible for developers to incorporate new technologies into the apps, like cloud services, 5G networking, high data privacy, and others.
Owing to this, it is imperative for every developer and business to learn more about the latest app development trends. The knowledge will provide enough clarification about a particular evolving technology and how it can benefit the applicant.