More CIOs and CTOs are exploring ways to accelerate the development of new software apps that enable the kind of digital transformation benefits that all senior executives crave. One emerging solution is to empower business leaders with tools to create new apps themselves.
The global market for low-code, no-code, and intelligent developer technologies (LCNCIDT) continues to grow at a rapid pace, with revenue projected to reach $21 billion by 2026, according to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC).
Intelligent Developer Technology Market Development
"The market for LCNCDIT technologies is being driven by the global shortage of full-time developers," said Michele Rosen, research manager at IDC. "This situation is expected to continue throughout this decade, creating a strong market for technologies that increase developer productivity or expand the potential pool of developers."
The LCNCIDT market includes low-code, no-code, and intelligent developer capabilities that enable professional developers to work more efficiently -- plus, business technologists (non-technical developers) to create digital solutions without the need for prior software coding expertise.
Low-code technologies provide visual tools and pre-built components to simplify the design and development of custom digital business solutions.
No-code technologies enable the creation of software through visually guided and model-driven technologies, making it possible for non-technical developers to create digital business solutions.
Meanwhile, intelligent developer technologies leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to accelerate software development and the creation of AI-powered new digital business solutions.
The trend towards cloud-based development has played a major role in the growth of LCNCIDT, with more than 75 percent of market revenue expected to be generated from cloud computing service deployments by 2026.
The advantages of cloud-native software development include increased agility, lower hosting costs, faster time to market, and improved user experience.
However, this approach also entails some inherent risks for cost and operations management, especially for organizations without the necessary IT expertise and experience.
Vendors that provide LCNCIDT developer tools that enable the transition to and management of cloud-native software development have a unique opportunity to assist organizations with this complex but necessary transition.
One of the ongoing drivers of this market is the global shortage of full-stack software developers. This situation is expected to persist throughout the decade, creating a strong market for solutions that help to solve this challenge.
While it's true that LCNCIDT vendors offer one form of solution to this problem, by improving productivity and expanding the available talent resources, there are other things to consider.
Outlook for Intelligent Developer Solution Growth
Intelligent developer technologies including code auto-completion tools, AI development technologies, conversational AI development tools, and test automation are all essential for success. However, implementation training, consulting, and developer coaching are still required.
In summary, this market is assured to grow rapidly. With revenue expected to reach a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8 percent from 2021-2026, LCNCIDT technologies have become attractive to organizations as they move towards a digital-first business economy.
That said, I believe more Line of Business (LoB) leaders will seek ways to adopt these tools and establish the skills and experience they need within their organization to become more self-dependent. In many organizations, software development has already evolved beyond traditional IT leadership.