The Impact of Software Engineering

Software engineering is the backbone of the technology industry. Without it, we would not have the amazing apps and websites that we use every day. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in software engineering will grow 22% by 2030.

Software is now involved in many facets of our lives. It’s also growing, playing an increasingly important role in business, automation, data analytics and more.

Important Areas Software Engineering Fuels

As we look to the future, we can expect software engineering to have a major impact on a few key areas:

1. Robotics and Automation

As robotics and automation become more prevalent in our society, software will be the driving force behind it. Engineers will need to design and build sophisticated algorithms that can control these machines.

2. Data and Business

With the growing generation and importance of data, businesses need efficient ways to store, analyze and use it. Software engineers will be instrumental in developing the systems and tools necessary to make this happen.

3. Apps and Online Platforms

With billions of people using apps and online platforms every day, it is crucial that they are well-designed and built to handle enormous levels of engagement. Software engineers are responsible for ensuring that these platforms are user-friendly and reliable.

The Future of Software Engineering

As we move into the future, there are a few key areas that we can expect software engineering to have a major impact on:

1. Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, we will need the software to control it. Engineers will need to design algorithms that can handle the vast amount of data and are capable of making decisions accordingly.

Virtual assistants, like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, are great examples of artificial intelligence. Software engineering is a vital component in creating and updating these systems to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible.

2. Virtual Reality

With the rise of virtual reality — an industry with an expected value of 12 billion by 2024 — engineers will need to create software that can provide users with an immersive experience. This will require a deep understanding of how humans interact with technology.

An example of how software engineering intersects with virtual reality is by creating code that can render realistic graphics in a virtual environment. This code requires engineers to understand both how humans process visual information and how a computer can recreate that in a virtual space.

3. The Internet of Things

As more and more devices are connected to the Internet, there is a need for systems that can manage all of this data. Software engineers will play a vital role in developing these systems.

An example of how software engineering connects to the Internet of Things is by creating code that can manage and collect data from a large number of devices. This data can be used to improve the efficiency of systems and processes.

4. Cloud Services

As more businesses move to the cloud, there is a need for software that can manage and store data.

Some common cloud software that can manage and store data are Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services. These services provide users with the ability to access their data from anywhere in the world.

Fueling the Future With Software

As we look to the future, it is clear that software engineering will continue to have a major impact on our lives. With the help of software engineers, we can expect to see amazing advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and many other areas.