Top Programming Languages in High Demand

No matter how advanced Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning gets, programming languages remain the foundation of a well-rounded software system, interface, automation tool, you name it. We’ve been in this game for over 18 years, and we’ve seen changes and downturns of all sizes, yet still, we’re able to overcome adversity because of the immense level of value that comes from customized IT solutions.

It’s truly been amazing to see the innovation and evolution of software development, tools, and of course programming languages and how we leverage them. Today there are a handful of languages in-demand that developers should think about for their careers in addition to personal projects. To give you an example, for data science - Python, for web development - JavaScript, and for systems programming - Rust.

When you're a company delivering custom IT solutions, your programming languages need to be categorized to meet the needs of each industry you serve. For example, the languages we use to approach a LIMS system implementation in a laboratory are going to be a lot different than how we approach web development. It’s the small details that matter in software development; by 2024, it’s expected that there will be 28.7 million software developers globally. 

How can these upcoming developers prepare themselves for such a competitive landscape? By mastering the basics and those small details.

The Basics of Code

The most basic it can get when it comes to software development is understanding that every line of code, every variable declaration, and every algorithmic choice plays a crucial role in crafting your solution. When we look at programming languages in a broad sense we can categorize them into three distinctions: 

Interpreted languages: Translates code into machine code on the fly which is great for rapid development and prototyping. Some languages include JavaScript, PHP, and Python.

Compiled languages: These tend to be faster and more efficient than interpreted languages, as the code is translated directly into machine code which is great when developing performance-critical applications like a video game or operating system. Some languages include C, C++, and Java.

Scripting languages: Task automation and web development are the bread and butter of these languages. They’re often paired with other programming languages to create more complex applications. Some of these languages include JavaScript, Python, and Perl.

What’s in Demand?

We’re witnessing a massive shift in the way we interact with technology; everything is becoming automated and simplified which has a massive influence over which programming languages are used most. With that said, here is what we’ve organized as some of the most in-demand programming languages right now:

TypeScript/JavaScript

TypeScript and JavaScript stand out as highly sought-after languages in the landscape for many reasons but the key ones to note are:

• Their prevalence in web development.

• Their versatility in everything from front-end and back-end development to the creation of mobile applications.

• It’s ability to help developers identify and rectify errors at an early stage of the development cycle.

C#

Developed by Microsoft, C# is a great language for Windows desktop applications, web development, and video game development. It's in high demand because of its power, ease of learning, and broad industry applications.

PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language that’s also great for web development due to its simplicity and compatibility with different web servers and databases. It's particularly popular in industries like e-commerce, social media, and any content management systems.

Python 

Python is inevitable in terms of popularity. It’s a versatile, widely used high-level programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It finds applications in scientific computing, data analysis, AI, web development, and more. Its popularity has surged recently, making it especially highly in demand right now among beginners due to its user-friendly syntax and library support. Key benefits today for developers using Python to note:

• Hundreds of libraries and frameworks.

• Widely used in big data, machine learning, and cloud computing.

• A first-choice language for many developers, due to its simplicity.

• High demand for the language = bigger salary

Ruby

Ruby is primarily used in web development. It’s best known for its simplicity and readability and is in high demand across industries that also include e-commerce, social media, and content management systems. Ruby on Rails, a popular web framework, further bolsters its use in web development.

Java

Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language valued for its portability, security, and scalability. It’s extensively used in mobile app development, web applications, and enterprise software across a ton of different industries.

GO

GO is a newer age language that Google created 15 years ago to address some of the problems they were facing while developing their software infrastructure. GO was created to be a programming language that was easier to use but still had the useful characteristics of Java and C++. Knowing GO today is great for system and network planning as well as large-scale distributed systems. It’s also good to use for cloud-native apps.

C/C++

This is great for building a foundation for many other programming languages, which when you’re trying to learn to program can be invaluable. C/C++ is still heavily used in many industries, including gaming, finance, and aerospace which would present some great job opportunities for developers looking for work today. It’s often used for system programming, embedded systems, and high-performance applications.

Building Your Programming Arsenal

When you’re looking at prioritizing which programming language to learn, several key factors should be taken into account:

Type of Application: The kind of application you’re looking to develop is the most critical factor. Your choice of language has to align with the requirements and characteristics of your project.

Complexity of the Application: The complexity of your project plays a big role in influencing what you use. Make sure that what you select is well-suited to handle the intricacy of your application.

Efficiency: Language efficiency is essential, especially for performance-critical applications (Video games, medical imaging systems, transaction processing systems, etc.). Consider whether the language can meet your requirements for speed and resource optimization.

Ease of Learning: The ease of learning the language is obviously super important for beginners. Opt for a language with a beginner-friendly syntax if you're just starting.

Availability of Resources: While valuable, the availability of resources like documentation and community support is a secondary consideration. It should support your choice of language rather than dictate it.

The Takeaway

There’s a lot that goes into even the most basic principles of programming. That’s why when your company is looking for someone to take on an important project - you need a team of experienced professionals who can guide you to success.

ISU Corp specializes in project takeovers and software outsourcing - we’d love to match your problems with our solutions. But for developers on the come up in the market, the best thing you can do is be as versatile as possible, because that’s what companies need to thrive.

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

AI’s Revolutionary Strides in Custom Software Development

As custom software developers, design thinking is standard practice when it comes to any project. We put the user first and build the solution around their needs… This is nothing new. What’s new is that design thinking has changed and evolved into “platform thinking.”

Platform thinking is the understanding that modern consumers have evolved from passive observers in the product lifecycle to active contributors in the value creation process. For example: 

• Uber uses platform thinking to connect drivers with people who need rides. The more drivers and riders who use Uber, the more valuable it becomes, because there are more rides available and more people to connect with.

• Instagram connects people who want to share pictures and videos. The more people use Instagram, the more valuable it becomes; there are more photos and videos to see and more people to connect with. 

Simple enough? Hope so, because now we’re really going to change pace.

Artificial Intelligence Tools in Software Development

AI can assist people in creating and enhancing things, no matter how skilled they are. This approach to platform thinking will become something every business grasps. It’ll eventually get to the point where all employees are also materializing their ideas quickly.

Bear in mind that 41% of all code on GitHub is AI-generated, and as AI becomes an important part of making software, the teams and skills needed will change. AI is not a replacement, so much as it is an extension of work, which in software development always comes back to the team around platform engineering.

The Impact of AI on Software Development Roles

Businesses must anticipate AI's role in platform engineering as they look ahead. With the evolving approach to development, the following are some jobs that will change.

Interaction design roles will surpass UI design roles in demand. As visual AI progresses, the need for a manual UI layout and structuring of business processes will diminish. Interaction designers will guide AI in crafting user interfaces and user experiences through JavaScript design systems, visual guidelines, and consistent user testing.

Business analysts will be dramatically more important in shaping business strategies. AI will likely take on tasks like writing user stories, defining requirements, and even setting acceptance criteria. Instead of just documenting these criteria, BAs will evaluate the AI-generated concepts and align them with the platform-oriented mindset. AI will become the key driver of business strategies, with analysts guiding it in the right direction.

The role of test architecture will be a highly sought-after and well-paid position. With autonomously generated software, continuous testing will be crucial. As the development cycle shortens, the demand for testing will skyrocket. Simply automating user tests based on acceptance criteria won't work anymore. 

Test architects will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining intricate test architectures, conducting end-to-end testing of new features, consistently performing exploratory testing, and executing dynamic regression suites that evolve with time.

Software architects will arguably get the most out of AI under this umbrella. Even though we’re still technically in the early stages of AI integration in software development, we are seeing tons of growth in platform engineering. Businesses are shifting away from single-point SaaS solutions and consolidating their efforts on custom-built and SaaS-enabled platforms like ServiceNow, Salesforce, and Workday. 

In addition, software architects are devising governance systems to shape code standards, development processes, and other aspects along those lines. Going forward, they will leverage AI to create, enforce, and evolve these systems autonomously.

Putting It All Together

Custom software development is in an interesting spot because even though the industry itself is changing, it too has the power to influence and change other industries. Every facet of a business's operations spiderwebs with AI integration.

In healthcare, maybe it’s automating diagnosis and treatment recommendations. In finance, there could be new approaches to financial planning. Maybe in manufacturing, it’s personless warehouses. These are the kinds of visions we need to dream up as software developers while the change happens in real-time. Clients are looking for partners in transformation which means as a software development company, AI needs to be a priority internally and externally.

The Takeaway

Integrating AI in your business processes starts by knowing when you’re ready and where it’s needed. With that in mind, we created a free tool to help you determine whether or not your business is ready for AI.

How is your industry changing right now? How do you think it will continue to change in the next 5 years? These are the questions you need to be asking yourself in today’s marketplace because there will be stark differences between the companies who do ask and the ones who don’t.

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Introducing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot: The Next-Generation AI for Business Applications

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot is a new AI-powered feature that brings the next gen of AI and natural language processing to Dynamics 365. This is a direct byproduct of Microsoft's acquisition of OpenAI, which, since then, they have been working together on various AI projects. 

Copilot is based on the same language-learning model as ChatGPT, and It’s designed to work alongside businesses to help them create ideas and content faster. It does so by handling tedious tasks, providing insights, and the next best steps just by the user describing what’s needed. Copilot is the world’s first AI copilot natively built-in to both CRM and ERP applications.

Copilot uses natural language processing to understand what the user is trying to accomplish and provides suggestions and recommendations based on that understanding. Copilot works across all Dynamics 365 applications, including Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Commerce.

3 Key Features of Copilot:

• Natural Language Processing: Copilot uses NLP to understand what the user is trying to accomplish and then gives suggestions and recommendations based on that understanding.

• Contextual Answers: Copilot in Dynamics 365 Customer Service is an awesome tool for agents. Copilot drafts contextual answers to queries in both chat and email, as well as providing an interactive chat experience over knowledge bases and case history so this AI-powered expertise is always available. 

• AI-Assisted Content: Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales helps sellers with customer follow-up by generating AI-assisted content and recommendations, such as contextual emails based on the customer’s interests and preferences.

How Developers Can Use Copilot

With its machine-learning algorithms, Copilot has a lot to offer to developers, specifically when it comes to coding. Copilot works well with JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Ruby, and Go, and it can analyze code - and then provide suggestions for the next line. That’s still just surface level, this is a more in-depth look at what Copilot can do:

Documentation:

• It can create code comments, write a function or class descriptions, and explain code segments.

• Developers can ask Copilot to generate documentation for specific functions, classes, or code blocks, saving them time in the long run. 

Troubleshooting:

• When developers encounter issues or error messages, Copilot can help with troubleshooting. It will give suggestions for debugging, recommend potential solutions, and explain the more common programming errors.

• Developers can also describe the problem they're facing, and Copilot can guide them on how to address it.

Code Formatting:

• Copilot can help developers adhere to the guidelines for standards and formatting. It will suggest things like formatting options, style improvements, and best practices.

• Developers can use Copilot to automatically format their code or make it consistent with their preferred coding style.

Code Review:

• During code reviews, Copilot helps by suggesting improvements and identifying potential issues, and even offering alternative coding approaches.

• Developers can work with Copilot to make sure the code quality meets the standards.

Code Snippets:

• Copilot can supply code examples and snippets for common programming tasks, algorithms, and even libraries. Developers can request code samples for specific functionalities, which inevitably will save them the effort of searching for examples online.

Integrations:

• Developers can integrate Copilot into their preferred development environments, such as code editors or integrated development environments (IDEs). This allows them to access Copilot's assistance seamlessly while coding.

Customization:

• Developers may have the option to customize Copilot's behavior and preferences based on their specific coding requirements and coding standards.

Learning:

• Developers, especially those learning to code or exploring new languages, can use Copilot as a learning tool. It’ll provide explanations, code samples, and insights into programming concepts.

Use Cases

Microsoft claims that more than 63,000 organizations have used Copilot's AI features, the draw is that it can integrate AI and ML across business functions. The reason a company would turn to Copilot in 2023 is because this is where the potential to normalize AI lies for Microsoft users. 

Imagine the Chat GPT responsiveness integrated into every form of customer service, sales, informational sessions, email chains, supply chain management, and operations. When people say “AI will take over”, the underlying fear there is that it’s going to increase productivity and innovation to a point people couldn’t even conceive. 

The Takeaway

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot represents a significant leap in the integration of AI and natural language processing within business applications. Copilot is engineered to empower businesses by streamlining processes, which can either paint it as a public enemy or a trusted ally, depending on how it's embraced and leveraged.

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.