The software has traveled from being a non-essential part of our lives. The importance of software cannot be stressed enough in the current times. Be it for online shopping or video call, or watching videos, the software has a crucial role to play in our lives.
Software Development Definition
Software development can be defined as a process to develop or create new software using different computer languages for a specific business-related or individual purpose. It is also called Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and includes several phases that help create software that meets technical requirements as specified by the client.
SDLC acts as an international benchmark that the software developing companies follow to create a new product. The primary purpose of the software development process is to build products that have all the functionalities as specified by the user within a defined time limit and budget.
There are different types of software development. Depending on the industry and the scope of the business, a developer chooses the type best suited for their purpose.
Primary steps in Software Development Process
Research and analysis
Before the software is developed, it is imperative that the project manager, the stakeholders, and all the associated team members sit for a brainstorming session. The basic questions such as the purpose for which the software is to be used, what kind of products are to be showcased, the products’ target audience, and such other related questions should be answered.
After the completion of primary research, the functionalities and other technical requirements should be discussed. Proper analysis should be undertaken about every element that is to be incorporated in the end- products.
Proper answers to all these questions should be followed by choosing the different software models that will assist in the developing process.
Design of the software
In this step, the design of the software is specified. This step ensures defining the product architecture, the different modules, and the underlying relationships between them. In this phase, the choice of varying front-end and back-end platforms is finalized to start the work on the development.
The UI and UX of the software are also contemplated in this process. It helps in building software that provides the user with an enjoyable experience while using it. UI/UX forms an essential part of the SDLC process.
If you want to know the importance of UI/UX, please read our UI/UX-related blog here.
Implementation
After the phases mentioned above are completed, actual work on the software begins. The developer or the team of developers moves to the coding and implementation phase of the software development. They incorporate all the features that are pre-determined in the previous stages.
Based on the specifications, front-end interfaces are built and connected to the back-end architecture. Once the coding aspect is completed, it is tested on a pilot basis. The developers also test and review each other’s code, and improvisation is undertaken.
Testing of the software
After the coding and implementation part is completed, it is time for integration and validation testing. This process ensures that the product developed is vigorously tested for all the parameters and the requirements as specified earlier. It helps to correct any bugs or errors that the software may have, saving costs that otherwise have to be incurred later.
There are different testing methodologies that are used by the developers to test applications developed. Testing ensures that all the vital points in the research phase are duly implemented and the final product is behaving and working in the way it was supposed to.
Deployment
After successful completion of the testing phase, the product is deployed for public use. This is also called Beta testing. The customer’s feedback is also incorporated in the application in this phase.
Any bugs not seen in the testing phase are also corrected in this step.
Maintenance of the software
After the proper completion of the above steps, the application created is fully deployed for public use. It is released in the market, and regular maintenance is carried out for the product. Installing the latest updates, fixing issues, and other such routine work is carried from time to time so that the application functions efficiently.
In case the functionalities of the application developed need to be enhanced, expansion of the application is undertaken to keep it running smoothly and effectively.
Wrapping Up
These steps or phases ensure that the software developed is a quality product that is cost-effective and incorporates all the user requirements and specifications.