Natural language processing (NLP) plays a growing role in many aspects of the software landscape and business world, from helping to automate routine tasks to increasing worker productivity. As more and more applications for its use emerge, software architects stand to benefit from a deeper understanding of NLP. As a blog post from technology company Teal explains, “A static skill set is no longer sufficient.” Software architects “must cultivate a dynamic toolkit that evolves with the cutting-edge of technology and research.”
To obtain the foundation necessary to maintain such cutting-edge abilities, aspiring software professionals — including software architects — are pursuing programs like St. Cloud State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Software Engineering program. This degree program provides students with an understanding of all aspects of software development, giving graduates the tools and experience necessary to build quality software for future clients.
What Is Natural Language Processing?
According to IBM, NLP is a subfield of computer science and artificial intelligence (AI). It makes use of machine learning to help computers communicate via human language. “NLP research has enabled the era of generative AI, from the communication skills of large language models (LLMs) to the ability of image generation models to understand requests,” IBM states. “NLP is already part of everyday life for many, powering search engines, prompting chatbots for customer service with spoken commands, voice-operated GPS systems and digital assistants on smartphones.”
NLP is an extremely complex subject that incorporates insights from a variety of different specializations, including linguistics, mathematics and computer science. As TechTarget explains, NLP gathers information and translates natural language — any language humans use to communicate — into “meaningful data or actionable instructions.”
What Is a Software Architect?
As a professional responsible for designing the construction of a complex system, software architects can be compared to regular architects: “Just as an architect carefully plans and designs a building, a software architect carefully plans and develops the structure and functionality of a software system,” according to the Institute of Data.
Software architects certainly need practical skills to do their jobs well. However, it is equally important for them to stay abreast of new technological developments like NLP. For software architects, the emergence of NLP represents a new opportunity to leverage a revolutionary upgrade in the software development landscape. The Institute of Data notes that “software architects are not only technical experts but also visionaries. They have a deep understanding of the latest technologies and industry trends.”
How Is Natural Language Processing Changing the Tech World?
NLP is already having a substantial impact on the tech world, a fact that is most visible in the ongoing revolution in consumer technology. For example, IT consulting and development company MoldStud observes that NLP has changed how people interact with virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant. NLP gives consumers the ability to recognize and react to voice commands. Likewise, NLP has fundamentally altered the field of voice recognition and transcription systems. “Voice-enabled applications are now able to accurately process and respond to spoken commands, providing users with a seamless and hands-free experience,” according to MoldStud.
Various other applications and processes utilize NLP, such as search engines. For example, NLP supports semantic search capabilities, “helping search engines understand context and consumers better,” per Search Engine Journal. NLP continues to transform various technologies, including language translation, text automation, document processing and healthcare patient assistants, among others.
An Online Software Engineering Degree Can Prepare You for the Future
Future software architects must prepare for a world where technology changes swiftly. They must be able to expect the unexpected and adapt quickly, which requires knowledge of fundamental software engineering skills. NLP has certainly changed the game when it comes to software development.
However, software architects who pursue St. Cloud State University’s online B.S. in Software Engineering program build a strong intellectual foundation with courses like Introduction to Software Engineering, Software Engineering and Human Computer Interaction, and Software Design. In addition to architect roles, graduates can pursue careers as software/system analysts and software developers/programmers.
Learn more about St. Cloud State University’s online B.S. in Software Engineering.
