Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, 1987
In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical concern in various domains. While environmental sustainability remains a focal point, sustainability also encompasses social and economic dimensions. In our technologically driven society our daily lives encompass many increasing digital needs; researching how to create sustainable software is important. This research area has many gaps to explore.
One aspect of software sustainability can be seen in this example: software that crashes frequently is not sustainable. The user will think this product is low-quality and will probably stop using it. However, the relationship between software quality and sustainability is not always this obvious. Also, sometimes trade-offs between sustainability and quality may be necessary, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of this relationship.
One area where software sustainability and quality have a positive relationship is cost efficiency. Well-crafted code typically requires less maintenance and suffers from fewer defects, translating to reduced operational costs over the software’s lifecycle. Moreover, code optimization and energy-efficient design further contribute to long-term savings, aligning with sustainability goals.
Software sustainability also encompasses social aspects, extending beyond technical considerations. Clean, understandable code not only facilitates collaboration among developers but also can foster a supportive community around the software. The societal impact can also include the software user if the software includes a social influence.
At the center of software sustainability lies the need to understand and address the needs of end-users. By prioritizing quality and sustainability, developers can deliver products that not only meet user expectations but also foster trust and loyalty among stakeholders. This user-centric approach enhances the software’s longevity and cultivates a sense of responsibility towards its societal and environmental impacts.
By embracing a focus on quality and sustainability, software products should be evaluated by more than their functionality. Focusing on sustainability and quality not only benefits end-users but also contributes to the well-being of companies, society, and the environment at large. I look forward to sharing more as the research progresses.