Software development impacts society in both good and bad ways. A software organization considering itself environmentally conscious might concentrate on the effectiveness of its programs, not just if the coding achieves its function. Computer hardware needs software and a power source. As the complexity and interconnectedness of computer systems continue to grow, the demand for efficient and dependable testing methods has become paramount. This is where an automation testing approach like Selenium testing comes into play.
Selenium has emerged as a highly acclaimed open-source software testing framework renowned for its exceptional capability to automate web application testing. As technology advances rapidly, its potential to positively impact society broadens. Software development is the key to unlock the potential of the technological age. But technology does not advocate for good or evil. It requires a guiding hand.
This article will explore the relationship between software development and its effects on society and the environment.
What is Software Development?
Software development involves computer science pursuits dedicated to designing, creating, deploying, and supporting software. The software is a set of programs or instructions that convey to a computer the steps to do. This technology is platform-agnostic and enables the programmability of computers.
There are four basic types of software development:
System Software: System software furnishes core functions such as disk management, hardware management, utilities, operating systems, and other operational necessities.
Programming Software: Programming software furnishes programmers with compilers, linkers, debuggers, text editors, and other tools to create code.
Application Software: Application software permits users to perform tasks such as office productivity suites, media players, data management software, and security programs. Applications also direct to web and mobile applications like those utilized to shop on Amazon.com, post pictures to Instagram, or socialize with Facebook.
Embedded Software: Embedded software controls devices and machines, not just computers. It includes telecommunications networks, industrial robots, cars, and more. These devices and their corresponding software can be interconnected as integral components of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Why is Software Development Important?
Software development is significant because it is pervasive. It is truly said by the vice president and blogger of IBM, Dibbe Edwards, that “Software has arisen as a pivotal differentiator in numerous products — from cars to thermostats to washing machines — with a growing IoT connecting them.”
Here are some examples:
- Erik Bak-Mikkelsen, head of cloud operations at car2go, says, “This is a race. We have to keep up with what is happening in the market.” He understands that delivering new functions and features to car2go’s ride-sharing applications and vehicles is pivotal to staying ahead of the curve. For this, car2go locomoted its development processes to a managed-services cloud and embraced a DevOps development model. The outcome is faster time to market, accelerated development cycles, and the capability to scale for future expansion.
- Soul Machines utilizes software to develop artificial online advisors that enhance customer service and productivity. The advisors have human faces, voices, and expressions that react efficiently, intelligently, and empathetically to customer inquiries and needs. They can respond to over 40% of customer inquiries without human intervention. Furthermore, the advisors comprehend their interactions to enhance over time.
- Engaging in tasks related to electrical power lines carries inherent risks. To ensure safety, engineers employ physical tags and padlocks to implement electrical “lockouts,” effectively diverting power away from work areas. French energy company Enedis worked with IBM Garage for Cloud to create software that implements these locks and tags and links them into a shared network. Locks and tags are detected whenever the engineer removes them from the van and shares the geolocation and time. As the engineer fastens the locks, their location is registered on a digital map. All shareholders share a view of the map to reduce downtime, ensure safety, and facilitate repairs.
One emerging aspect of software development is cloud testing, which entangles testing applications or software in a cloud computing environment. Cloud testing authorizes developers to reckon their applications’ performance, functionality, and security before deploying them to the market. In this context, AI-powered test orchestration and execution platforms such as LambdaTest empower developers to assess their web applications’ functionality before launching them into the market.
Unlike traditional testing methodologies that often involve dedicated on-premise infrastructure, cloud testing leverages the flexibility and scalability offered by cloud computing services. LambdaTest, a representative cloud testing platform, provides developers with a virtualized and dynamic environment to conduct diverse tests. These tests encompass automated testing to evaluate how the web application behaves across various browsers such as Chrome and Safari browser online and OS.
The advantages of cloud testing are multifaceted. It allows developers to simulate real-world scenarios, offering a more accurate reflection of how their applications will perform in diverse conditions. Additionally, cloud testing platforms often provide access to various browsers, devices, and operating systems, ensuring comprehensive test coverage for web and mobile applications.
By embracing cloud testing, developers can identify and rectify potential issues early in the development lifecycle, leading to more robust and reliable software. This proactive approach significantly contributes to a streamlined development process, faster time-to-market, and enhanced end-user satisfaction. In essence, cloud testing platforms like LambdaTest symbolize the evolution of testing methodologies and serve as enablers for delivering high-quality and resilient software applications to the market.
Besides, cloud application development has revolutionized how businesses operate, furnishing them with scalable and adaptable solutions that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
How Does Software Development Impact Society And The Environment?
Software development plays a major role in the development of society. It is very tough to envision life without technology. Both technological development and society are co-influence, co-dependent, and correlated with each other. Software development impacts society and the environment, including the potential to progress or decline.
Here are a few ways in which software development impacts society and the environment:
Advancements in Technology Benefits Society
Incorporating technological advancements across diverse sectors, including healthcare, communication, transportation, and education, has profoundly transformed our lifestyle and engagement with the global landscape. For instance, medical breakthroughs streamlined by technology have led to improved diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and better healthcare outcomes for individuals worldwide.
Besides, technological advancements in communication have connected people across the globe, stimulating collaborations, sharing knowledge, and promoting cultural understanding. Moreover, advancing cutting-edge transportation solutions has enhanced accessibility and played a noteworthy role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Proper Disposal of Electronic Waste
Electronics, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, comprise hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, posing potential risks if not appropriately managed during disposal. These dangerous substances have the potential to pollute soil, water sources, and the atmosphere, consequently posing significant health hazards to both human beings and wildlife. Moreover, electronic waste often ends up in landfills, taking up valuable space and releasing harmful pollutants into the environment.
Executing effective e-waste management strategies, such as recycling and proper disposal programs, is paramount to address this issue. By recycling electronic devices, valuable resources can be retrieved and reused, diminishing the need for raw materials and the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing. Besides, proper disposal methods, such as certified e-waste facilities, guarantee that hazardous materials are handled safely and responsibly.
Automation Reduces Paper and Ink
Automation has proven to be an adequate solution for diminishing paper and ink consumption in various industries. Due to the progress made in software development, digital processes have attained noteworthy prominence, superseding conventional paper-based workflows. By eradicating the need for physical documents and printing, automation significantly reduces the use of paper and ink, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
In addition to diminishing the demand for paper production, this effectively mitigates the environmental impact of ink manufacturing and disposal. Besides, digital storage and cloud-based solutions furnish convenient and secure alternatives to physical files, promoting a more sustainable approach to information management.
Remote Work reduces Carbon Footprint
By permitting employees to work from home or other remote locations, the need for daily commuting is greatly diminished. This translates into a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, contributing to cleaner air quality and a healthier environment. Remote work also diminishes the demand for office spaces, decreasing the energy consumption required for heating, cooling, and lighting.
Additionally, remote collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms eliminate the need for business travel, reducing carbon emissions from flights and transportation. Adopting remote work practices enhances employee flexibility and work-life balance and contributes to a more sustainable society by minimizing the environmental impact of daily commuting and business travel.
Software Development Improves Efficiency
Software solutions help businesses optimize workflows and achieve higher productivity by automating processes and streamlining operations. Organizations can eradicate manual and repetitive tasks by developing and implementing custom software applications, diminishing the risk of human error and enhancing overall precision.
In addition, software development stimulates the integration of different systems and platforms, facilitating seamless communication and data sharing between departments. This saves time and enhances collaboration and decision-making processes.
Accessibility for all through Technology
Software development has experienced significant progress in accessibility features tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. From screen readers and voice recognition software to adjustable font sizes and color contrasts, technology empowers people with visual impairments, hearing difficulties, and mobility challenges to navigate and engage with digital platforms. Besides, the advancement of assistive technologies has enlarged the horizons for individuals with disabilities in education, employment, and social interactions.
Sustainable Practices in Coding
By adopting eco-friendly coding practices, developers can contribute to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. One adequate practice entangles optimizing the code to enhance efficiency and minimize resource consumption. This incorporates utilizing algorithms and data structures that require fewer computational resources, minimizing server load, and optimizing database queries.
Besides, employing efficient caching and resource management techniques can assist in conserving energy and enhance overall system performance. Moreover, utilizing cloud-based infrastructure and virtualization technologies can lead to notable energy savings by diminishing the need for physical hardware and data center maintenance.
Continuous Improvement in Environmental Impact
Continuous improvement in environmental impact is a core principle that should guide software development practices. This implicates consistently evaluating and refining processes, technologies, and strategies to minimize the ecological footprint of software development projects.
It requires a proactive approach toward identifying opportunities for improvement, such as using renewable energy sources to power data centers, reducing electronic waste through efficient hardware recycling programs, and implementing energy-efficient coding techniques. Besides, facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the software development community can lead to the development of innovative solutions that further enhance environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Software development has a notable impact on both society and the environment. While it has considerably improved our daily lives and boosted efficiency, it has drawbacks such as e-waste and potential job displacement. Nonetheless, with suitable regulations and ethical practices, we can mitigate these negative effects and continue to harness the power of technology for the betterment of humanity. As developers, it is our responsibility to not only create functional and innovative software but also consider the larger implications and make choices that benefit society and the environment.
