Software Processes - HW8

HW8
Because of the constantly changing and evolving nature of technology it is difficult to create predictions for the future of software. There is not a solid basis to support many predictions, and as a result I feel it isn't fair to make any broad assumptions or assertions for the future. However, if we look at current trends in technology and software we have bit more to go off. With this approach I believe there will be an increased focus on open source software and open source development. Community participation in projects is becoming increasingly popular as websites like Github gain more of a userbase. With the code and inner workings of a project revealed to the public you invite individuals with different perspectives and schools of thought to contribute to that project. Additionally it allows for users of the project to have an easy way to report issues or suggest improvements.

Some people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with closed source software, as they wish to fix an issue or alter it to fulfill their own needs. An open source movement could also potentially spread to other technologies, such as phones and cars. A small instance of this has already began with Tesla's patent release. The open source movement could facilitate a collaborative development process for the benefit of all instead of a competitive development process that is for the benefit of profit.

The Future of Programming article lists 12 predictions for the future of programming technology. I disagree with most of them, as they appear biased and without factual backing, but some of the points may hold true.

Future of programming prediction No. 1: GPUs will be the next CPUs
This could certainly be true, but I think not in the exact way the author asserts. Perhaps we will see an application or integration of the GPU technology to create better CPUs. This will be seen, or not, based on the demand and the direction that companies like Intel and AMD proceed in.

Future of programming prediction No. 2: Databases will perform increasingly sophisticated analysis
I absolutely agree with this one. The use of buzzwords, as stated in the article, such as "Big Data" are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Data mining is profitable. Companies like google with countless amounts of user data at there fingertips have figured out a way to utilize and profit off of that data. Algorithms that parse through the data and development of machine learning analytics are very popular right now and we will absolutely see an increased use of this technology in the future. Not only in the tech industry, but also in the government.  

Future of programming prediction No. 3: JavaScript for everything
I'm not sure I agree with this one. On the one hand, JavaScript is indeed becoming more popular, especially with the related increase of web-based applications and app frameworks such as ionic. On the other hand this is always subject to change, and this is a powerful and broad prediction to make. Additionally there will always be a language that becomes popular and eventually falls into disuse because of the introduction of a new or more efficient language.

Future of programming prediction No. 4: Android on every device
For some of the same reasons stated above, I don't agree with this. Technology is evolving and this is too bold of an assumption. It appears to biased for me to actually agree with, not that I have any issue with Android.

Future of programming prediction No. 5: The Internet of things -- more platforms than ever
Another solid agreement from me. Technology and Internet integration will absolutely increase and be utilized in more things.

Future of programming prediction No. 6: Open source will find new ways to squeeze us
From my point above about the increased use of open source I think this has the potential to happen. However, one of the attractive attributes of open source software is that it's usually free. Not sure how this one will pan out, it could really go either way.

Future of programming prediction No. 7: WordPress Web apps will abound
Absolutely do not agree with this one. The underlying prediction is fine, that the use of existing frameworks to build a website or app will become increasingly popular. However "WordPress Web apps" is too specific of a prediction. In addition, while the use of frameworks or web  apps may be easier you lose a lot of customization ability.

Future of programming prediction No. 9: Long live the command line
I'm not sure that I agree with this one, but I certainly hope for it. The use of the command line allows for a deeper control and understanding of the processes and tasks being done. GUI may seem easier in some senses, but oftentimes things can be done quicker and with more efficiency if they are done via command line. That being said, the GUI is not likely to go away anytime soon.

Future of programming prediction No. 10: Dumbing it down will fail
I don't think I agree with this, mostly based on the phrasing and flimsy argument. The simplification of technology to facilitate an easier introduction to difficult concepts is not a bad idea, and is not doomed to fail simply because the idea seems unpalatable. It certainly takes a lot of work, and there will be failed attempts but the overall approach is not a bad one.

Future of programming prediction No. 11: Outsourcing and insourcing will remain deadlocked
It's harder for me to provide an opinion on this one, as I don't have a lot of experience or knowledge on it. It's also hard to say as it will depend on the company.

Future of programming prediction No. 12: Management will continue to misunderstand coders and coding
This may or may not prove true. If neither party (management and coders) seek to facilitate better understanding then yes, there will be continued misunderstandings in the future. Each group seem to have a chip on their shoulder about this. Coders seem to feel that they are entitled to being understood even when they don't try and explain in more understandable terms or use different terminology. Management seem to believe they are owed something by the coders and generally don't seek any sort of understanding or wish to be spoon-fed. I feel that this is more of an individual and generational issue that is not so much related to "the future of programming" but the "future of human interaction."