Pega 8.8 Update: Enhancements for Efficient Development

Pega 8.8: A Leap Forward in Low-Code Development and AI Integration

Pega 8.8 has introduced a range of new features aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of developers and business users alike. Among the most notable updates are improvements to AI-driven development assistance, data visualization, and a strategic move towards microservices architecture. Let's delve into these features to understand how they can benefit Pega users.

AI-Driven Developer Assistance

One of the standout features of Pega 8.8 is the introduction of AI-driven developer assistance within the App Studio. This innovative tool aims to facilitate low-code development for citizen developers by suggesting best practices, development checklists, and offering guidance throughout the development process. The developer assistant is divided into four main tabs:

• Guidance Tab: Offers warnings and suggestions based on the current screen, helping developers adhere to best practices.

• Knowledge Tab: Provides detailed information about the ongoing work, aiding developers, especially beginners, in understanding the task at hand without having to consult external resources.

• Both Tab: Focuses on agile integration, allowing developers to connect with project management tools like JIRA or ServiceNow.

• Checklist App: Helps ensure developers are following the necessary steps for secure and efficient application development.

This assistant not only streamlines the development process but also educates developers on Pega's capabilities and best practices.

Enhanced Data Visualization

Pega has continually invested in data visualization, and version 8.8 is no exception. The platform now offers more sophisticated and colorful charts for dashboards and data representations, making it easier for businesses to interpret their data at a glance. These enhancements not only improve the visual appeal of Pega applications but also contribute to more informed decision-making.

Embracing Microservices

Pega 8.8 marks a significant shift towards a microservices architecture, with services like Kafka and Elasticsearch beginning to move out of the Pega platform. This transition facilitates greater flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to adapt more quickly to changing requirements. While Pega still supports these services in version 8.8, future releases will see a complete move to external services, emphasizing the importance of this architectural change.

Other Noteworthy Updates

• Decision Trees in App Studio: A small but significant update that allows developers to use decision trees for configurations, enhancing decision-making capabilities within applications.

• Case Management and Process AI: Introduces a prediction widget that uses Process AI to predict outcomes, adding a layer of intelligence to case management.

• Data Management Enhancements: Version 8.8 introduces support for many-to-many data relationships, improvements in embedded data fields, and the ability to conditionally copy data from savable data pages.

• Constellation UI: The Cosmos React UI is now part of the Constellation Design System, indicating a unified and modern approach to Pega's user interface development.

Conclusion

Pega 8.8 brings a wealth of features designed to streamline development, enhance data visualization, and move towards a more flexible, microservices-based architecture. These updates reflect Pega's commitment to innovation and its focus on improving the user experience for developers and business users alike. Whether it's through AI-driven development assistance, enhanced data visualization, or embracing microservices, Pega 8.8 is set to significantly impact how businesses develop and manage their applications.

For more detailed insights into the Pega 8.8 update, you can explore the original video where Prem Kumar provides an in-depth overview of these features and more.