Popular Programming Languages for AI in 2025

Developing a web or mobile app gives a business great opportunities and provides benefits in the form of additional dividends and audience loyalty. Having a clear understanding of the end goals, it is essential to define the main functionality of the future application to achieve the business goals and effectively perform setting tasks.

How to identify core functionalities for your web/mobile application?

Before developing an application, businesses must understand what features should be included in the finished product. The efficiency of the application itself and the speed of achieving the set KPIs depend on this. What may work for one company does not resonate with the business goals of other companies. In this list, we cover what you should consider when compiling a feature list:

1. Define your business goals 

What goals do you want to achieve with the app? Make a clear list of the problems your app will solve, what target audience will use it, and what preliminary results you expect.

2. Research the market and competitors

Analyze the market in your niche to understand what functionality your competitors already offer. Research and analyze their applications to understand what advantages they offer and disadvantages their products have. That will help you determine relevant features for your app to stand out in the market.

3. Make a preliminary list of features

Before development, list those features that will help you achieve your goals. Divide them into core and optional features. In the core features, list the ones without which your app won't be able to function efficiently and solve the users' problem. In the optional ones, list the ones which are not essential to the basic functionality but can add value and competitive advantage.

4. Prioritize features

Determine which features in the application are most important to achieve your initial goal. Prioritize and determine which features can be added later in later app versions. That will help you focus on developing the more essential components. 

5. Conduct user research

The research will help you understand the needs and preferences of your target audience. Conduct surveys, interviews, focus groups, or analysis of user behavior in your niche. Use this data to refine and tailor your feature list to your users' needs.

6. Create user scenarios

Develop different user scenarios to better understand how users will interact with your app and what features they need to achieve their goals. For example, define how users will sign in, log in, perform specific tasks, make purchases, or interact with other users.

Top-9 Core functionalities for every web/mobile application

Multi-Device Synchronization

It is a process in which different devices work together and exchange information so that the data and settings on all devices are the same or consistent.

When devices synchronize, they usually use the Internet to exchange data. For example, you might sync your smartphone with your laptop to update contacts, calendars, and photos on both devices. When you make changes on one device, those changes are automatically transferred to other devices so that all appliances have up-to-date information. 

This makes working on multiple devices as easy as possible, gives you a significant advantage in the app market, and guarantees more users.‍

A User-Friendly and Responsive Interface

In addition to a functional set, it is vital to think about a pleasant design and clear navigation for the user's enjoyable and convenient use of the application. In this way, interaction with the application is easy and effortless. 

The user-friendly interface has clear and easily accessible buttons and menus, well-organized information, and clear instructions. This allows you to perform the necessary tasks without unnecessary complications.

The responsive interface ensures that the system responds quickly to user actions. When you press a button or perform an action, the responsive interface responds instantly and without delay. Or when you scroll through a web page or type on the keyboard, the responsive interface displays changes instantly and smoothly, with no visible delays.

The success of an application is directly related to its loading speed and the attractiveness of the interface. This is what users look for when choosing a user-friendly app.

A Search Option

This feature allows you to find the information you want in the app or on a website. When you enter keywords or phrases related to what the user is looking for, the app scans its database or content to find relevant results.

The search option saves time and effort by helping to search for specific items or information the user is looking for instead of having to browse everything manually. This option is handy on significant marketplaces to search for a particular item.

Push notifications

Push notifications typically appear on the screen of any user's device in the form of small messages or icons, including text, images, or sounds. They are designed to get your attention and notify you of updates or social media activity.

They are convenient and essential because they help you stay informed and ensure you get all the important information. However, if the user receives too many notifications, they can become intrusive or distracting. Therefore, it is crucial to provide the ability to customize their settings, which the user will set independently according to their preferences.

Offline Capabilities

With offline access, users can browse the app's content even when the device is not connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network. For example, you can view and edit documents, listen to music, or watch videos without the Internet.

It is often the case that you cannot connect to the Internet or have no network, for example, when traveling in regions with poor coverage or when saving data traffic. Therefore, this feature will be a great advantage for those users who want to use the application offline.

Analytics Tools

Analytics tools in a web or mobile app can track various user actions, such as app launches, page views, button clicks, interaction with interface elements, and other events.

Using this data, you can make informed decisions, make changes, optimize your app, and improve its functionality to meet user needs and increase the effectiveness of your app.

Security

Security refers to the measures and mechanisms built into the application to protect data and keep users safe. This process includes data encryption, protection against unauthorized access, and user information storage in secure locations.

This is a basic but important feature that will not only keep each user's data secure and protected but will also increase trust and loyalty to your app.

Online Payments

Online payments allow you to purchase in online stores, pay bills for services, send money to others, and much more. It is convenient because the user can make payments at any time and from any place with Internet access. To do this, it is necessary to connect an electronic payment system through which the payment will take place. 

Due to the growing number of online stores, stores, and food delivery companies - the need to implement this function is increasing.

Integrations

Integration refers to the creation of links and interactions between different software components. This allows them to exchange data, transfer information, and use each other's functionality. 

For example, suppose you have a hotel booking site. In that case, you can integrate it with maps and geolocation systems to offer users the nearest available hotels and show them on a map. Integrating various features and services into web and mobile apps makes the user experience easier and better. 

Integrations help create more useful and powerful apps, extend functionality, and enable easy data exchange with other systems or services.

Summary

Mobile and web apps allow users to access information, interact with others, shop, automate workflows, simplify daily activities, and more through a user-friendly interface and unique features. 

Which features you choose depends on your business, its needs, and the app's purpose. Everything is tailored individually. Combining all of the above features can be the perfect modern app to meet the needs of your customers. But if, for some reason, one of the items doesn't work for you, use something that will definitely increase the efficiency of your product.

Bespoke software is the future, and the numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, the market was valued at $44.52 billion and is expected to grow to $54.26 billion in 2025, with a staggering 21.9% CAGR. More businesses are choosing customized solutions to stay ahead. 

This guide will walk you through everything—from the benefits to the challenges and emerging trends—will clarify what a bespoke application is, and help you make the best decision for your business on bespoke application development vs. off-the-shelf solutions.

What is Bespoke Application Development?

Bespoke or custom software development is the process of creating software from scratch, from concept to final implementation. It often comes with a higher cost and entails requirement gathering, planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. It suits those who prioritize precision and uniqueness over speed and affordability.

However, the meaning of a bespoke application is not limited to creating a full, ground-up, purpose-built line of business application. It can also include:

• Custom integration with existing systems.
• Minor extensions or plug-ins for pre-built systems.
• Intuitive interfaces or forms connected to back-end databases.
• Data extraction reports from established systems.
• Extensive personalization of enterprise solutions.

Darly Solutions takes it all—cross-platform development, custom healthcare hardware integrations, device-agnostic UI/UX frameworks, and secure data transmission. Moreover, we offer PWAs for healthcare services, native and hybrid mobile apps for patient and provider engagement, and seamless integration with cloud-based health records and data analytics platforms.

What is Off-the-Shelf Application Development?

Off-the-shelf application development refers to pre-built software solutions that are readily available for purchase and use. These applications are designed for mass use, are commercially available, and can be implemented quickly without significant customization. 

While they offer comprehensive features to streamline operations across industries, they might not fully address specialized business requirements. Especially if it is an open-source solution that requires integration or customization. In this case, the help of an external team expert is a must.

Bespoke Application Development vs Off-the-Shelf Solutions: What to Choose

The choice between bespoke software and off-the-shelf tools hinges on whether your business needs a scalpel or a Swiss Army knife. While prebuilt solutions promise convenience, custom-built software offers precision. Here’s how to navigate the trade-offs.

Prebuilt tools thrive in environments where standardization works. Small businesses that need a basic CRM to track leads might find Salesforce or HubSpot perfectly adequate. These platforms offer turnkey functionality, rapid deployment, and predictable subscription costs—ideal for generic tasks like HR ticketing, document management, or simple e-commerce.

The catch? One-size-fits-all tools often force compromises. A SaaS sales platform might lack multilingual support for global teams or impose rigid workflows that clash with your sales cycle. Over time, subscription fees for unused features can add up, and scaling might hit walls, like hitting user limits or lacking API access for critical integrations.

Even flexible off-the-shelf tools come with invisible trade-offs. A retail chain using a popular POS system might struggle to customize loyalty programs to meet regional customer preferences. A logistics company could waste hours daily navigating cluttered interfaces filled with irrelevant freight-management tools. Worse, gaps in compliance (e.g., GDPR or industry-specific regulations) might emerge, requiring costly workarounds.

Bespoke software sidesteps these pitfalls by design. For instance, a custom-built CRM for a luxury real estate agency could integrate AI-driven lead scoring tailored to high-net-worth client behavior—something no generic CRM offers.

Off-the-shelf tools are like renting a suit: convenient, affordable, and fine for occasional use. Bespoke software is a tailored wardrobe: designed to fit perfectly, adapt as you grow, and reflect your identity. Choose rental for temporary needs; invest in tailoring when the stakes—and your vision—are permanent.

Key Features of Bespoke Applications

Bespoke software should feature solutions that fulfill current requirements and future ambitions, emphasizing adaptability, security, and performance. And features don’t end here; read on for more:

• Scalability. Bespoke software adjusts to business growth, adding capacity without a complete redesign.
• Custom UI/UX. Tailored UI/UX enhances user interaction, improving efficiency and adoption.
• System Integration. Bespoke software integrates with existing systems (CRM, ERP), streamlining workflows.
• Robust Security. Custom software offers encrypted storage, access controls, and regulation compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Advanced Analytics. Custom analytics tools deliver insights that inform smarter business decisions.
• Automation. Bespoke software automates repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Benefits of Bespoke App Development

Mass-market software can't keep up with unique business needs, and it shouldn't since the world has bespoke app development. It delivers purpose-built solutions with superior performance, scalability, and customization. Thus, businesses can benefit from operational improvements to strategic gains. And the benefits don't end here. Let's review all of them in detail.

Tailored to Your Business Needs

Bespoke apps development delivers a solution that fits your business like a glove. Generic software often has a one-size-fits-all design, which means companies have to either adjust their workflows or give up on features that don't suit their needs. 

In contrast, a bespoke app is built to meet your exact needs, from unique customer interactions to niche operations and industry-specific challenges.

For example, retail businesses might benefit from apps that sync inventory with personalized rewards, and healthcare providers might need secure platforms that meet strict regulations. Custom solutions strip away the excess, ensuring every feature adds real value.

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

Put simply, generic software slows you down—bespoke apps speed you up. Built for your business, they reduce waste, automate jobs, and smooth workflows.

Picture this: A logistics company cuts delivery times with real-time route optimization. A manufacturer uses a streamlined dashboard to monitor production with ease. No more wasted clicks or guesswork, fewer mistakes, and a team ready to drive the business forward.

Competitive Advantage

In a crowded market, standing out is everything. A bespoke app gives you an edge by delivering unique features, seamless branding, and faster decision-making tools—advantages competitors can't match.

For instance, a bespoke e-commerce app might include exclusive features like AI-driven product recommendations tailored to your audience, setting you apart from rivals that still use standard platforms.

Exclusivity sets you apart, earns loyalty, and solidifies your reputation as an industry trailblazer.

Better Integration with Existing Systems

Off-the-shelf software rarely plays well with others, forcing clunky workarounds. A custom solution is designed to sync seamlessly with your CRM, databases, and accounting tools—eliminating data silos and tech headaches for good.

For example, a custom financial app can plug directly into legacy systems for instant reports, while a retail app keeps point-of-sale and online inventory in perfect sync. No delays, no errors—just smooth, real-time operations.

Challenges in Bespoke App Development

Yet, while bespoke app development offers many benefits, it often comes with a set of challenges. Here are some common:

Significant Upfront Investment

Unlike off-the-shelf software with fixed pricing, custom apps demand investment in design, development, and deployment. Skilled teams and specialized tools drive up costs, but the long-term value makes it worthwhile.

Extended Development Timeline

A custom app is rarely built overnight. The process demands time, sometimes over a year, from defining features to coding and testing. Unexpected challenges like unforeseen technical issues, scope changes, or resource constraints can pop up. However, proper planning and teamwork will result in a super-fit solution.

Challenges With System Integration

Bespoke apps promise seamless compatibility, but legacy systems and outdated software can throw a wrench in the process. Without careful planning, expect workflow breakdowns, data silos, and functionality gaps. A smart strategy keeps your tech running like clockwork.

Continuous Maintenance and Support

Once the app is deployed, the work doesn’t stop. A bespoke app needs regular fixes, upgrades, and compatibility checks. Even the best custom software falls behind without a dedicated support team or budgeting for regular developer input.

Bespoke Software Development Workflow

The workflow of bespoke software development may vary from project to project. Yet, the basic step-by-step guide involves key phases we follow to ensure your project is delivered successfully:

Initial Consultation and Requirement Gathering

This phase kicks off the process. We meet with you to discuss your business goals, challenges, and specific needs. We gather the requirements that will shape your software through detailed conversations and analysis to ensure the software meets your requirements.

Project Planning and Design

With precise requirements, the project moves into planning. Our developers and designers create wireframes, prototypes, and system architectures to visualize the app's structure. A roadmap outlines milestones, timelines, and deliverables for efficient execution.

Development Phase

Here's where the coding happens. Our developers turn the design into functional software, writing high-quality code based on the agreed specifications. Using agile development methodologies, we refine the product through iterative improvements and ongoing feedback.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Quality is non-negotiable. In this phase, we rigorously test the software to catch and fix bugs, verify it meets your requirements, and ensure it performs well under various conditions. Functional, usability, and stress tests verify a seamless user experience across different devices and environments.

Deployment and Implementation

After passing all quality checks, the software moves to production. The implementation process includes data migration, system integration, and user onboarding to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruptions.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

Bespoke software requires ongoing updates, security patches, and performance optimizations. This ensures your software stays effective, secure, and aligned with your business over time.

Real-Life Examples of Successful Bespoke Applications

Now that we've covered the basics, let's see bespoke software in real-world cases.

Shopify

Bespoke software isn't just for niche businesses. Shopify, Amazon, and eBay all started with custom platforms to stand out. Shopify offers powerful templates, but its customization is what sets it apart. Businesses can personalize their stores with custom themes, apps, and tools for inventory and marketing. Shopify's Liquid engine lets companies add custom website features, delivering a totally unique experience.

Mayo Clinic's Custom Oncology Treatment Software 

​​Partnering with SimBioSys, they are building next-gen oncology software that uses AI, biophysical modeling, and patient imaging to customize cancer care. The software aims to reshape precision medicine by improving surgical strategies, refining drug selection, and sharpening risk assessments for breast cancer.

Tesla's Vehicle Operating System (OS)

Tesla builds bespoke software for its electric vehicles, including the vehicle operating system (OS) that manages navigation, entertainment, autopilot features, and over-the-air updates. This custom software ensures flawless integration with Tesla's hardware for an optimal user experience.

Key Factors for Picking the Right Bespoke Software Developer

Selecting the right developer is pivotal. Here are key factors to consider:

Expertise and Experience

The right developer blends experience with technical know-how. Review their portfolio for similar projects, confirm their proficiency in your tech stack, and ensure they understand your industry’s requirements. Look for certifications that prove their expertise in cloud platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure.

Communication and Collaboration

A great developer listens, translates, and updates. They ask thoughtful questions to clarify your vision, keep you informed with consistent updates, and simplify complex ideas. Fast responses show respect for your time and keep the project moving smoothly.

Proven Track Record and Reputation

A developer’s reputation is a window into their capability. Check reviews on Clutch or LinkedIn to gauge client satisfaction, ask for case studies detailing their challenges and solutions, and request references to hear directly from past clients. 

Project Management and Timeliness

For on-time software delivery, look for a developer who excels in project management. A clear timeline with milestones, practical tools like Monday.com, and Agile methodologies are a must.

Cost Transparency and Budget Alignment

Don’t just chase the cheapest option—focus on the value a developer brings. Request a breakdown of costs and ensure there are no hidden fees. Compare their rates with industry standards, but remember, a slightly higher price for skilled expertise can save you from costly fixes later.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Bespoke software isn’t complete once it’s launched. Your developer should offer comprehensive post-launch support, including quick response times, bug fixes, and updates. Ensure they’ll be available for emergencies and future enhancements. Well-organized documentation empowers your team to troubleshoot and manage the system.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Software projects shift. Choose a developer who listens, solves problems, and adapts quickly—one who can adjust timelines, budgets, and features without missing a beat.

Upcoming Trends in Bespoke Application Development

New tech and business shifts are pushing bespoke app development into the future. Here’s what’s driving the next wave.

Low-Code and No-Code Platforms

Low-code and no-code platforms are set to dominate bespoke software, making custom applications faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. Businesses can now build and adapt solutions instantly, eliminating traditional development roadblocks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integration

Custom software now learns, predicts, and automates with AI and ML. These technologies automate repetitive tasks, provide predictive analytics, and power features like chatbots and recommendation systems. AI and ML transform apps into intelligent systems that streamline operations and elevate user experiences.

Cloud Computing and Serverless Architectures

Cloud-based solutions and serverless architectures reshape custom app development with instant scalability, cost savings, and flexibility. These technologies let businesses adjust apps to fluctuating workloads without managing complex infrastructure.

Enhanced Security and Data Privacy

As cyber threats and data regulations intensify, bespoke development is shifting towards stronger security. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance are leading the way in ensuring data privacy in custom applications.

Agile Methodologies and DevOps Practices

Agile and DevOps are the new standards for bespoke applications. These methods drive faster rollouts, higher-quality software, and continuous adaptability to keep pace with ever-changing business demands.

Darly Solutions Bespoke Software Development Services

Darly Solutions delivers bespoke software that meets your specific needs. Our team excels in creating efficient back-end systems, dynamic front-end interfaces, and web solutions that drive success and growth. Let’s look at some essential steps in our bespoke software development: 

Backend Development. A great web application needs both style and substance. Our back-end developers bring years of experience to create everything from simple payment gateways to complex user portals.

Front-end Development. Our front-end developers craft visually stunning, functional interfaces, using designs and prototypes to deliver exceptional quality quickly.

Web Development. With full-stack expertise, we use the latest technologies to create digital products that deliver on your unique business goals.

Web Design. Our UX/UI designers create clean, powerful designs that improve user engagement and conversions. Mockups and prototypes offer a sneak peek of your final product.

If you’d like to explore Darly Solutions’ cases, please visit our portfolio.

Wrapping up

Generic software simply doesn’t cut it when it comes to business success. Darly Solutions offers custom-built software that perfectly aligns with your unique business requirements, ensuring scalable, efficient solutions that grow with you. Our bespoke offerings help you gain a competitive edge over those relying on off-the-shelf solutions. With Darly Solutions, you invest in a software solution that adapts to your business, delivering long-term value and flexibility to stay ahead. Reach out today to discuss your project, and let’s build something exceptional together.

If you have ever used ChatGPT to find answers to your text queries or DALL-E to generate images, you are already familiar with generative AI. In a nutshell, this type of artificial intelligence is capable of creating unique text, images, and other media as a response to a user query, using training datasets. Despite the advancement of such solutions, they are not without their drawbacks. In particular, one of the key problems with using such solutions is, unsurprisingly, the privacy of user data, which we will actually discuss below.

What Are Some Challenges of Generative AI

So, what are the challenges of generative AI? Let's find out right now.

• Ethics of generative AI models. The ethics of models used by generative artificial intelligence means, first of all, the absence of bias in their responses, as well as ensuring their objectivity and transparency. In practice, providing the first two properties can be difficult – mainly because a service provider developing an AI model usually has limited data samples. As for transparency, it also indirectly depends on the size of the data samples – the more limited and narrowly specialized they are, the greater the risk that the generated solution to the user problem will not consider generally accepted provisions and axioms.
• Using someone else's intellectual property. Generative AI always uses some sample of data for training. This data, in turn, may be protected by copyright – therefore, there may be a difficulty in transferring ownership of the generated content. Actually, this highlights a larger issue that questions the integrity of the use of AI, especially for commercial purposes. If we add to this the blurring of the geographical boundaries of laws related to the generative AI applications, it becomes clear that the solution to this problem must be taken at the international level.
• Potential harm from generated responses. Some organizations in the healthcare, financial, legal, and other sectors, using generative AI, expose their consumers to certain risks – the fact is that the answers it produces may contain potentially dangerous recommendations. Moreover, due to the possible differences in the context of user queries, identifying those answers that can cause harm to users can be quite difficult. That is why, along with the careful development of generative AI models, it is also important for these organizations to pay attention to the implementation of other mechanisms that would set delimitations for the generated answers.
• Compliance with generally accepted user data privacy policies. Finally, if you plan to gradually expand the geographic reach of your AI solution, you will need to ensure that it meets the user data security and privacy standards in the region where the specific user is located. Specifically, these may include the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and so on. But that’s not all: currently, due to the popularization of AI in various fields, a lot of new legislative provisions are being developed, such as the UK’s AI and Data Protection Risk Toolkit, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, China’s Generative AI Measures, India’s Ethical Guidelines for AI in Healthcare and Biomedical Research, and so on. That’s why long-term fixing user privacy issues in generative AI solutions may be quite challenging.

Solutions for Data Security in Generative AI

In this section, we propose to understand how you can overcome the above-described obstacles in AI data security or, at least, mitigate the consequences of encountering them.

• Creating ethical AI solutions. Data for training models is collected from people who may introduce their own biases. Moreover, AI itself can create biases according to its own algorithms for interpreting the data used for training. Thus, to ensure the transparency of the answers produced by a solution based on generative AI, it is important to additionally implement algorithms for comparing this data with third-party reliable sources of information. 
• Introduction of comprehensive data security AI mechanisms. Any data considered to be someone else's intellectual property and used by generative AI for learning may cause harm or loss to its owners who provide it. To prevent this, you should take care in advance of non-disclosure of your users' information and, as an option, provide them with clear and understandable notifications about for what purpose, by whom, and how their data may be used by your software in the future.
• Eliminating harm from generated responses. To ensure that the responses made by your AI-powered solution are safe for end users, you need to pre-define the rules and parameters that the AI ​​must follow when generating them, as well as implement checking and verification mechanisms to make the generated content safe. And, of course, do not forget to introduce an AI and data security system for monitoring your solution’s operation, which would allow you to fix situations with potentially harmful responses – this will give you a direction for further optimizing your training model. 
• Compliance with AI regulations. The first thing to start with is to ensure reliable user data access control and compliance with the most strict encryption and privacy standards. However, due to the constant discovery of new vulnerabilities even in the most reliable generative AI security mechanisms, you will need to conduct regular checks and audits of the operation of your AI driver solution. Finally, you will need to train the team working on your project on generally accepted rules for using AI and data for its training.

Conclusion

Now, being aware of the most common generative AI security risks, you can start working on your project, keeping it with all necessary policies and standards in time. Also, if you are looking for a service provider to delegate secure AI development without unnecessary doubts, feel free to contact us.