2024 was a year of seismic shifts in the software development landscape. From AI-powered development tools to industry-shaking layoffs, the pace of change forced companies to rethink their approach to building, managing, and deploying software.
The rise of no-code/low-code platforms, fluctuations in software engineer salaries, and growing concerns around cloud costs, quantum computing, and cybersecurity risks have reshaped how companies plan for the future. But as much as tools and trends evolve, one thing remains constant — the need for skilled talent to navigate, control, and maximize the potential of these technologies.
As we head into 2025, this blog reflects on the most impactful lessons from 2024 and how decision-makers can prepare for what's next.
AI's presence is no longer futuristic — it’s here, embedded in both our daily lives and software development workflows. 72% of companies adopted AI technologies in 2024, up from 50% in previous years.
Tools like ChatGPT, AI-powered content creators, and voice assistants are now part of everyday routines. Businesses, too, have adopted AI in customer service, predictive analytics, and marketing automation.
AI is changing the software development process at its core:
AI is enhancing speed and productivity, but it's not a substitute for human judgment. While AI tools increase efficiency, companies need skilled software engineers to control, verify, and maximize AI's potential.
2024 saw major layoffs across the tech sector. Over 5,495 companies — including Meta, Google, and Microsoft — reduced their workforces, affecting thousands of employees.
CTOs and product managers must rethink how they staff development teams. Hiring flexibility is key, and some companies are looking at nearshore development teams as a way to add capacity without adding long-term fixed costs.
The global no-code/low-code market reached $26.9 billion in 2024. These platforms empower non-developers (citizen developers) to build apps quickly, often without needing software engineers.
While no-code/low-code threatens to reduce demand for basic development tasks, it doesn’t replace engineers. Complex projects still need developers to customize, integrate, and maintain applications.
Layoffs, remote work, and no-code/low-code platforms have affected software engineer salaries.
To stay competitive, companies should prioritize hiring developers with specialized skills rather than relying solely on generalist developers. Expanding the talent pool to new areas that share time zones can provide access to high-caliber software engineers, enabling businesses to maintain efficiency and control wage costs.
Cloud, quantum computing, and cybersecurity risks have become critical topics for software development.
Even with AI, no-code platforms, and advanced development tools, companies still need skilled software engineers. No tool can replace the problem-solving, strategic thinking, and critical decision-making required for complex development.
As tools evolve, developers must:
With rising developer salaries and ongoing talent shortages, companies are rethinking hiring strategies. Nearshore development — especially from Latin America — is becoming a top solution.
While offshore development is known for low costs, nearshore development offers a blend of cost savings and real-time collaboration. This alignment allows for better communication, faster issue resolution, and improved project outcomes.
The biggest takeaway from 2024 is this: No matter how powerful the tools become, you still need great talent. AI, no-code, and automation help developers — but they don’t replace them.
For decision-makers, the challenge is finding and retaining great software engineers while controlling costs. Nearshore development offers a compelling solution, giving companies access to talented engineers in Latin America with the added benefit of cost savings and time-zone alignment.
If you’re ready to prepare for 2025 with a more efficient, agile team, consider working with nearshore development partners. It’s a subtle advantage, but one that could make all the difference in the year ahead.
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