The Future of Coding: Top Software Development Trends for 2025

By 2028, 75% of software engineers are expected to utilize AI-driven systems, a sharp rise from just 10% in early 2023. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in software development practices, such as platform engineering and the evolution of DevOps, are set to define the industry's future.

Software development forms the backbone of the digital world, and as its significance grows, so too does the number of professionals in the field. In 2022, there were 31 million developers globally, which is projected to reach 45 million by 2030, according to Developer Nation Community.

As software development evolves, professionals must stay on top of the trends that will define the future. Reports from leading firms like Gartner, Deloitte, and IronHack highlight some of the key trends set to shape 2025.

1. Platform Engineering

Platform engineering is about creating a robust technological ecosystem that accelerates application delivery. According to Gartner, platform engineering is driven by dedicated product teams tasked with developing reusable tools, services, and applications. These teams act as internal service providers, offering self-service solutions that streamline innovation and efficiency in software development.

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80% of software engineering organizations will implement platform engineering teams to enhance productivity. A similar initiative has been seen with BBVA’s ONE project, which aims to foster continuous improvement by enhancing the developer experience and standardizing development tools for over 15,000 developers.

2. The Next Evolution of DevOps

DevOps has become a cornerstone of modern software development by enhancing collaboration between development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams. As we move into 2025, the next generation of DevOps will emphasize further automation, tighter integration of security practices, improved collaboration, and a greater focus on user experience and developer well-being.

According to Global industry Insights, the DevOps industry is expected to expand by 20% between 2023 and 2032, reaching a worth of $70 billion. This expansion is a result of the growing need for agile development methodologies that enhance operational effectiveness and streamline operations.

3. Artificial Intelligence in Software Development

Generative AI is rapidly transforming software development. By 2028, it's expected that 75% of developers will use AI-based tools, a leap from just 10% in 2023, according to Gartner. AI-powered systems are streamlining tasks such as code generation, legacy code translation, design-to-webpage conversion, and automated testing.

By automating tedious operations and spotting possible mistakes, these AI solutions help engineers increase productivity and free up time for higher-value work.

4. No-Code and Low-Code Platforms

No-code and low-code platforms are revolutionizing software development by enabling faster application delivery without the need for extensive coding knowledge. According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of new enterprise applications will utilize no-code or low-code platforms, a significant jump from just 25% in 2020.

These platforms, such as Google’s AppSheet, AirTable, and Webflow, offer developers a streamlined, intuitive way to build applications, reducing development time and allowing for more efficient, flexible workflows.

5. Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing

By the end of 2024, the number of IoT-connected devices is expected to surpass 207 billion. Combining AI with IoT leads to the rise of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), which uses machine learning to analyze data from IoT devices, enabling systems to self-correct and adapt in real time.

Edge computing is also emerging as a key trend, bringing data processing closer to the source, improving real-time responsiveness, and enhancing data security. As developers face challenges like integrating diverse devices and processing real-time data, the convergence of IoT and edge computing will play a critical role in the future of software development.

In addition to these trends, developers must be prepared for advancements in quantum computing, blockchain adoption, and the continued strengthening of cybersecurity. Understanding and adapting to these technologies will enable developers to build the next generation of digital solutions and services.