Have you ever imagined living in a world where programming doesn’t exist? Even though codes may seem distant from us, they are more present than we imagine!
Every technological development we experience today is thanks to advances in programming strategies and practices.
Since 1943, when the concept of the first programming language began to be developed, programming has been seen as a way to model the real world.
As a result, it became possible to automate various tasks in order to achieve greater agility and efficiency in process execution.
Currently, software and its programming are present in virtually every place, whether in our homes, schools, workplaces, or leisure spots.
Bringing it closer to the corporate world, in today’s article, we will discuss the main concepts and ideas associated with programming and how software positively influences your business.
If you want to learn and delve into this topic, be sure to check out the following topics:
- What is programming?
- What are the main programming languages?
- What is software?
- What are the principles of software architecture design?
- Best practices in software development
- Benefits of using DevOps in software development
- The importance of software for companies
- How can process automation improve the efficiency of your business?
- Key software development trends for 2023
Join us as we read through!
What is programming?
Programming can be defined as the act of writing instructions for machines to be able to execute a specific function.
In this way, through a set of codes, people communicate with computers and are able to configure them to perform a particular task.
Programming deals with the various components of the computer, which are manipulated to develop a simple command or even more complex systems.
Since computers don’t have their own consciousness of what needs to be done, after all, they are machines, it is necessary for humans to program them.
The great differential is that, after receiving the instructions, these devices have a processing speed much higher than ours.
That’s why we need to define detailed rules and carefully instruct them to perform some work.
What are the main programming languages?
Programming languages are precisely the set of rules and instructions that a programmer uses to create programs and software.
These codes are processed by computers, mobile devices, and other equipment to perform a specific activity.
Among the main programming languages used for system and software development, we have:
Python
Python is a versatile high-level programming language that is widely used by software developers for creating applications for data analysis, data visualization, and web automation.
Additionally, this language is particularly suitable for web backend development, desktop applications, data science, automation, and even deep learning applications.
For those starting to learn programming, Python is highly recommended as it has a syntax that is familiar to the English language.
Due to its flexibility and use of scripting language, Python allows users to employ different programming paradigms, including functional, procedural, imperative, and object-oriented programming languages.
Java
Just like Python, the Java language is high-level and is characterized as multifunctional.
This is because through Java, developers can create any type of application for any operating system.
So, since Java is quite versatile, it can be used for mobile app development, desktop applications, web applications, and even game development.
JavaScript
Together with HTML and CSS, JavaScript represents almost the entirety of the programming language used on websites worldwide, being a high-level language that is easy to learn.
In addition to being the most popular programming language for this purpose, JavaScript is excellent for web application development as it offers a very intuitive design.
With JavaScript, you can create dynamically updating content, control multimedia, animated images, and much more!
C#
C# is a high-level language that requires greater skills from programmers.
This language is particularly suitable for web development, mobile applications, game development, and virtual reality software development.
The C# programming language is one of the key players in the market due to its fast performance and improved stability.
Being compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, C# is considered the best programming language for learning to develop desktop applications based on graphical user interface.
C++
C++ is a mid-level programming language and an enhanced version of C.
It is naturally powerful and fast, allowing developers to create applications with excellent performance.
Among the uses of C++, it is common for this language to be used for video game programming, graphic software, and web browsers.
Due to its combination of low-level and high-level languages, C++ is an ideal programming language for system development, allowing abstractions for smaller projects.
Additionally, C++ is a multiparadigm programming language, supporting imperative, generic, and object-oriented programming.
What is software?
Now that you already have some knowledge about the foundation of creating any instructions for a computer, let’s delve into a higher level: software.
Software is nothing more than a set of instructions that need to be followed and executed by a machine, whether it’s a computer or an electromechanical device.
In other words, by being instructed using programming languages, software has the ability to manipulate, redirect, or modify data or events.
Computers have cycles for task execution, and software fits into the processing stage.
Software can be a web browser, a game, an audio, video, and photo editor, music apps, and even intelligent security systems for a company.
Software plays essential roles in the functioning of a computer. Altogether, these functions, libraries, and modules generate an executable program at the end of development.
What are the principles of software architecture design?
To bring the idea of a software to life and turn it into something tangible, a series of planning is required to ensure that the final product executes what was initially conceived.
One of the main strategies developed by programmers is to create code based on software architecture design principles.
These principles consist of a set of guidelines that help developers create a good system design.
These principles are usually abbreviated, and that’s why we will explain each one with its details and characteristics.
Take a look:
Principle of DRY – Don’t repeat yourself
The DRY principle is a concept in which programmers are encouraged to minimize code repetition as much as possible.
By doing so, the need to replicate changes made to a code that has been reused in multiple parts of the logic is reduced.
Additionally, the code becomes more concise, without unnecessary redundancies.
YAGINI principle – You aren’t gonna need it
The YAGINI principle tells us that code should only contain functionalities that are truly necessary.
This principle guides us to avoid including functionalities in our code that we think will be necessary in the future but have no utility in the present.
KISS principle – Keep it simples stupid
This principle guides programmers to write simple and easily understandable code.
In other words, with small methods, well-named variables, and comprehensible enough to not require excessive comments.
SOLID Principles
Finally, the SOLID principle is a set of principles designed to make software projects more flexible and sustainable.
SOLID is precisely the abbreviation of words that represent the following concepts:
S – Single Responsibility Principle: A class should have only one responsibility.
O – Open/Closed Principle: Entities should be open for extension but closed for modification.
L – Liskov Substitution Principle: Objects should be replaceable by instances of their subtypes without altering the correctness of the program.
I – Interface Segregation Principle: Every class should have a contract with its methods, and this “contract” would be the interface.
D – Dependency Inversion Principle: Depend on abstractions, not on concretions, in order to reduce coupling.
Best Practices for Software Development
The principles of code architecture design are not the only guidelines for developing good code.
In fact, there are a series of best practices that should be considered and applied to achieve success in a software development project.
Here are some of the key ones:
Accurate project estimation
Before getting down to work to start a project, it is necessary for the developer to have a correct understanding of the budget required for software development.
In addition, estimation goes beyond costs, also needing to consider the aspect of time.
After all, to write quality code, it is necessary to dedicate time to do it well and review it to make it even better.
Simple and clean cod
Software should not be built to be rigid throughout its lifecycle, as it is important to keep in mind that business requirements and user needs change.
That’s why we say that code is alive and needs to evolve.
However, to make these modifications, it is necessary to have code that is simple and clean, making it easier to understand and read.
This way, other developers can update it and make it scalable.
Following the principles mentioned earlier to reduce unnecessary complexity, it is important to apply the KISS, DRY, and YAGINI methods.
The execution of end-to-end tests
The execution of end-to-end tests is necessary to prevent bottlenecks from arising during code development and during its execution.
That’s why every developer needs to perform the following three:
- Test Driven Development (TDD): provides greater confidence in code quality.
- Behavior Driven Development (BDD): allows you to learn features and requirements directly from the client, and this alignment translates into code that is closer to user needs.
- Full integration testing: ensures that all components work together as expected and increases code coverage.
Consistent code for the team
Normally, software is developed by teams, so it is important to have a consistent coding style guide for your codebase.
When there is no codebase, these inconsistencies have negative impacts on the system’s quality and are usually costly to fix.
Constant code reviews
Just like in the production of any other product, code can also have errors, which is why reviewing it is necessary.
It is also important to have the support of a colleague to read the code, find errors and imperfections, and ensure the final code quality.
Benefits of using DevOps in software development
As you may have noticed so far, a good software development is done with the support of more than one thinking mind, right?
In this scenario, DevOps is a major trend and is increasingly becoming a reality and accepted among teams.
Basically, DevOps is a software development method that allows for greater interaction among developers.
Through this engagement, teams can simplify the development process and ensure that software is delivered with greater speed and quality.
That’s why developers work closely with the IT operations team to accelerate the compilation of software programs.
In addition, among the benefits of using DevOps in software development, we can mention:
Security
Even with constant attempts to make systems and applications more secure, virtual attacks are becoming larger and more sophisticated in their techniques.
In this reality, by implementing a DevOps culture, code can be tracked and code compliance can be ensured.
Agility in deliveries
Due to the continuous integration among professionals, one of the main advantages of DevOps can be highlighted: agility in deliveries.
This is also possible thanks to the automation of the software deployment process in production.
Increased reliability
Considering that in DevOps there is the recording and storage of development logs, every change made in the code is known.
Therefore, whenever an error is identified in production, it can be quickly traced by simply checking the logs of the files involved, applying the necessary fixes, and deploying the new code.
Moreover, another factor that allows for greater reliability is the automation of tests, which are run whenever a new integration occurs.
Cost reduction
Software development involves various stages, technological tools, labor, and time.
Consequently, this activity has always been seen as costly for companies, as many issues arose during the process.
However, through DevOps, several aspects of software development are improved.
As a result, with better communication, it is possible to reduce delivery time, achieve higher quality in the final product, and obtain better results.
The importance of software for companies
The impact of digital transformation on the market, making it even more competitive, is undeniable.
This is especially evident with the integration of software and agile methodologies that make processes increasingly productive and efficient.
In this reality, technology is taking over organizations, transforming the routines of employees, streamlining processes, and enhancing the customer experience.
If you take a moment to observe, the most successful companies in the market are precisely those that maintain a culture of innovation.
Within this context, innovation also involves incorporating tools that allow your products and services to be offered with high quality in less time.
In this reality, well-planned software can solve problems and even enhance your company’s performance.
By implementing software into your operational routine, companies start to reduce time spent on manual and bureaucratic tasks.
Consequently, this allows your team to have a lighter workload and dedicate more time to strategic business matters.
How can process automation improve your business efficiency?
Process automation involves the use of tools and technological solutions in a company’s activities.
However, it is not enough to simply apply any tool, believing that it will yield good results.
For true optimization to occur, these resources must be capable of simplifying, accelerating, and organizing internal processes.
By using the appropriate resources, your business can enjoy the following benefits of process automation
Improved support for decision-making
Software that automates business processes and operations is capable of providing reliable data for managers to make decisions based on the real conditions of the company.
This is possible because these systems offer a real-time view of the current situation of the company with information of various natures, such as tax, accounting, and economic data.
The software is also capable of real-time monitoring, assisting in the decision-making process of the company and the creation of new goals.
Furthermore, this data is processed and provided quickly, as a significant portion of software generates reports within seconds or minutes, simply by adjusting the parameters.
Improved task development
Through process automation with suitable software, your company ensures greater rationality in accomplishing tasks.
As the performed processes are standardized, common human errors can be mitigated, avoiding problems that could cause greater losses in the future for your company.
Moreover, process automation offers the advantage of focused work on objectives, reducing manual tasks and bringing agility to the production process.
Increased productivity
By having better information management with optimized processes, the company can enjoy higher team productivity.
Repetitive tasks consume a significant amount of work hours, and your company may be losing valuable labor time on simple tasks.
Therefore, by relying on an automated system, tasks are performed, and employees have more free time to dedicate to other important activities in their routines.
Implements and integrates systems
If your company already has a system in place, it is possible to integrate processes between them!
This is especially possible if you choose software customization, implementing the tool you already have.
Including automation for operational efficiency does not require much complexity in terms of coding, language, and installation and can be done by a qualified team.
Facilitates meeting deadlines
Activities performed by systems have much higher speed compared to manual execution.
Consequently, deadlines can be met as expected and even shortened.
Moreover, the systems themselves are capable of managing deadlines, improving task tracking, and providing conditions to know exactly what is being done at each stage of the processes.
Main software development trends for 2023
To conclude this comprehensive guide on programming and software focused on businesses, we couldn’t overlook the trends for the upcoming year, right?
So, here are some of the methodologies and technologies that are being applied to software development and promise to optimize production, delivering even more impressive results:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are the stars of the moment when it comes to software development.
Beyond their common uses that we already know, AI and ML allow software developers to create more personalized and efficient applications.
Moreover, tools based on these technologies can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up programmers to focus on more complex problems.
In this context, a higher level of collaboration between AI and humans on the internet with Web 3.0 is expected for 2023.
Mobile development
With the advancement of smartphone technology and increased global adoption, mobile development is a strong trend for 2023.
Many development companies already allocate a significant portion of their resources to deliver functionalities tailored for tablets, smartphones, and other devices.
And it’s not just the big tech companies embracing the mobile model! Small and medium-sized businesses also provide their services through mobile applications.
Currently, this area of technology generates billions in revenue for IT professionals and serves as the primary operating mechanism for various services.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing brings several benefits to software development, especially because it eliminates the need to worry about user infrastructure.
The clouds platforms can operate with high quality even if users don’t have devices with extensive processing power and memory.
One interesting aspect of cloud development is that programmers can collaborate more easily, with easier access to data, making the software development process more efficient.
Microservices
Microservices is an approach to software architecture that involves breaking down an application into smaller and independent components.
Through microservices, different parts of a code can communicate via a well-defined interface using lightweight APIs.
This approach allows each service to be updated, deployed, and scaled to meet the specific functional requirements of an application.
The benefits of microservices include scalability and agility in application development, enabling greater innovation and faster time-to-market for new features.
Therefore, it is possible to have greater innovation power and accelerate the time of introducing new features in the market.
Integration of mobile applications with other devices and platforms
Mobile devices are increasingly prevalent in people’s lives, and when we talk about them, we’re not just referring to phones and tablets.
The trend for 2023 is a greater democratization of smart devices, wearables, and voice assistants.
With these new opportunities and increased accessibility, there will be new opportunities for integrating these mobile applications.
This integration enables users to have greater control and management of their devices and systems through their mobile devices.
In this context, developers need to adapt their software and platforms to ensure that devices can connect and integrate, facilitating the execution of various tasks.
Rely on Monitora for software development for your company
Now that you are well-informed about how efficient and important software is for your company, how about starting a project specifically tailored to your business needs?
For this mission, you can trust Monitora!
We are a software company specialized in helping businesses become digital through methodology, processes, and software.
We take care of the entire software development process while you can focus on your business strategies.
Want more information on how we can help your company be agile and have the best software in the market? Visit our services page and speak with one of our specialists now!
*Text automatically translated from Portuguese to English.
