Software design is a very dynamic industry. It’s constantly changing and upgrading to become faster and more efficient. Software design is a fast-paced field where the new easily becomes old, and the old becomes obsolete in a matter of years.

The same trend is seen in the programs that are used to develop the programming code itself. The programming code is the universal foundational language of all computer programs. Software designers need to always be up to date with the latest innovations when it comes to computer programs, including knowing the best programs that are being used to develop the newest software products.

Here are five programs that are changing the game for software design:

1. Collaborator

In the corporate world, programmers tend to work in teams and these collaborations are a very integral part of the company’s success. Collaborator is a peer code review and document review tool that supports the development and testing of new codes. It helps management teams work together to generate high-quality code.

Benefits of Collaborator:

• Capable of reviewing source code, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio Diagrams, Adobe PDF, Images and Simulink models — all in one tool.
• Can support multiple simultaneous reviewers
• Can perform source control integrations: Git, Perforce, Subversion, Mercurial, Team Foundation Server, ClearCase and more.
• Accessible to cross-platform clients: web client, GUI clients, command-line clients and IDE plug-ins.

2. Altium Designer

An effective software design needs to be complimented by competent hardware. Since printed circuit boards (PCB) are the basic foundation of almost all electronics, a good software program needs to be anchored onto a good quality PCB to make it work. Altium Designer makes keeping track of components easy and painless, and it also conveniently enables engineers to effortlessly connect with every facet of the electronics design process.

Benefits of Altium:

• Supply chain visibility that integrates your sourcing tools with your design features.
• Real-time access to electronic components of supply chain information.
• Automatically creates customers’ bill of materials.
• All-in-one integrated supply chain program with an intuitive interface.

3. Python

In terms of programming languages, Python ranks among the top due to its easily understandable user interface. You just have to download the open-source software into your computer to get started. This program is used in so many applications — from website construction, machine programming, and to code testing tools. Its use it not limited to program developers, as even those new in the field of programming use this program with ease.

Benefits of Python:

• Easy to learn, read and write – It uses a high level programming language that has an English-like syntax.
• Improved productivity – Since it is very easy, programmers can focus straight on solving problems, instead of spending time trying to figure out the syntax of the code.
• Free and open-source – Downloading the program will cost you nothing, and you can focus on modifying and distributing your program.

4. AWS Cloud9 IDE

AWS Cloud9 is an integrated development environment (IDE) that functions by using a cloud server. It has the code editor, a debugger, and a terminal. Users can write, operate or debug any code while using the web browser. It is also easy to use as it supports some of the most common programming languages programmers are already familiar with, such as Python, Perk, and JavaScript.

Benefits of AWS Cloud9 IDE:

• Supports collaborative coding – Each programmer can see the updates and commands from other team members in real-time.
• Flexible browser coding – There is flexibility within the operating environment, such as a Linux server running on SHH or Amazon EC2.
• Can develop Applications without the need for a server — Cloud9 allows easy writing, running and debugging of server-less applications.

5. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is the go-to program for many designers who want to construct, maintain, and develop web applications. It also utilises the convenience of cloud services. It supports a large number of programming languages, software applications, and operating systems.

Benefits of Microsoft Azure:

• Speed of service – Teams can create, test, and roll out new programs at tremendous rates
• Enhanced flexibility – Companies are free to maximise budgets and ramp up resources as needed.
• Integrated delivery pipeline — New updates can be installed, without disrupting the functionality of existing applications
• Disaster recovery – There is complete system and data back-up uploaded to the cloud to avoid loss of data.