How software has changed since Pingala Launch in 2009

Over the last 15 years, software and web development have changed dramatically, making it easier, faster, and more flexible to create applications and websites. Here’s how:

1. Moving to the Cloud and Subscription Services:

Cloud Computing: Instead of relying on bulky servers in office basements, businesses now use cloud services like Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud. This allows them to access storage and computing power over the internet, making it easier to manage and scale their operations.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Instead of buying software outright, many businesses now pay for software on a subscription basis, like Netflix but for apps. This model makes it easier to get updates and new features without having to install anything.

2. Better Tools for Building Websites:

JavaScript Frameworks: Tools like React and Angular have made it easier for developers to build interactive and engaging websites. These frameworks help in creating websites that feel more like apps, with smooth animations and fast loading.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): These are websites that act like mobile apps. They can work offline and load quickly, offering a great user experience without needing to be downloaded from an app store.

HTML5 and CSS3: These technologies have improved how we design and present websites, allowing for more multimedia content, like videos and animations, and more flexible layouts that look good on any device.

3. Designing for Mobile Devices:

Mobile-First Design: With more people using smartphones, websites are now often designed with mobile users in mind first, ensuring they look and work well on smaller screens.

Native Mobile Apps: Creating apps specifically for iPhones and Android phones has become a major part of software development, catering to the growing number of mobile users.

4. Speeding Up Development and Deployment:

DevOps: This is a way of working where developers and IT teams collaborate closely, using automation to speed up the process of building, testing, and deploying software.

CI/CD Pipelines: These are automated processes that allow developers to frequently update and release software, ensuring that new features and bug fixes are delivered to users quickly and reliably.

5. Breaking Down Applications into Smaller Pieces:

Microservices: Instead of building one big application, developers now often create multiple smaller, independent services that work together. This makes the application easier to manage and scale.

APIs: These are tools that allow different pieces of software to communicate with each other. They make it easier to integrate different services and create a connected ecosystem of applications.

6. Stronger Focus on Security:

Security Practices: With cyber threats on the rise, there’s now a greater emphasis on building secure software from the ground up. This includes regular security checks and using safe coding practices.

Encryption and Authentication: Advanced methods for securing data and verifying users’ identities are now standard, helping to protect sensitive information online.

7. Integrating Artificial Intelligence:

AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are now used in many applications to predict user behaviour, personalise content, and automate tasks, making software smarter and more responsive.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered tools like chatbots are increasingly used for customer service, providing quick responses and assistance without human intervention.

8. Simplifying Development with No-Code and Low-Code Tools:

No-Code/Low-Code Platforms: These platforms allow people who aren’t professional developers to create apps using simple, drag-and-drop tools. This makes it easier and faster to bring new ideas to life without needing extensive coding knowledge.

9. Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control:

Version Control Systems: Tools like GitHub help developers work together more effectively by tracking changes and managing different versions of code.

Project Management Tools: Tools like Slack and Trello have improved how teams communicate and manage their projects, making the development process more organised and efficient.

10. Focus on User Experience and Accessibility:

User-Centred Design: There’s a growing emphasis on creating websites and apps that are easy and enjoyable to use, often based on feedback from real users.

Accessibility: Ensuring that websites and applications can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities, has become more important. This means designing with accessibility standards in mind.

Overall, these advancements have made it possible to build more powerful, user-friendly, and secure applications that can keep up with the fast pace of technology.