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Software development provides a series of steps for programmers to create computer programs. This process makes up the phases in the software development life cycle. Understanding the software development method offers vast opportunities in the IT industry.
In this article, we explain software development, summarize types of computer programs and explore jobs that use the IT development process.
What is software development?
Software development is the process programmers use to build computer programs. The process, also known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), includes several phases that provide a method for building products that meet technical specifications and user requirements.
The SDLC provides an international standard that software companies can use to build and improve their computer programs. It offers a defined structure for development teams to follow in designing, creating and maintaining high-quality software. The IT software development process aims to build effective products within a defined budget and timeline.
Key steps in the software development process
There are six major steps in the software development life cycle, including:
1. Needs identification
Needs identification is a market research and brainstorming stage of the process. Before a firm builds software, it needs to perform extensive market research to determine the product’s viability.
Developers must identify the functions and services the software should provide so that its target consumers get the most out of it and find it necessary and useful. There are several ways to get this information, including feedback from potential and existing customers and surveys.
The IT teams and other divisions in the company must also discuss the product’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Software development processes start only if the product satisfies every parameter necessary for its success.
2. Requirement analysis:
Requirement analysis is the second phase in the software development life cycle. Here, stakeholders agree on the proposed product’s technical and user requirements and specifications to achieve its goals. This phase provides a detailed outline of every component, the scope, developers’ tasks and testing parameters to deliver a quality product.
The requirement analysis stage involves developers, users, testers, project managers and quality assurance. This is also the stage where programmers choose the software development approach, such as the waterfall or V model. The team records the outcome of this stage in a Software Requirement Specification document which teams can always consult during the project implementation.
3. Design:
Design is the third stage of the software development process. Here, architects and developers draw up advanced technical specifications they need to create the software to requirements. Stakeholders will discuss factors such as risk levels, team composition, applicable technologies, time, budget, project limitations, method and architectural design.
The Design Specification Document (DSD) specifies the product’s architectural design, components, communication, front-end representation and user flows. This step provides a template for developers and testers and reduces the chances of flaws and delays in the finished product.
4. Development and implementation:
The next stage is the development and implementation of the design parameters. Developer’s code based on the product specifications and requirements agreed upon in the previous stages. Following company procedures and guidelines, front-end developers build interfaces and back-ends while database administrators create relevant data in the database. The programmers also test and review each other’s code.
Once the coding is complete, developers deploy the product to an environment in the implementation stage. This allows them to test a pilot version of the program to make performance match the requirements.
5. Testing:
The testing phase checks the software for bugs and verifies its performance before delivery to users. In this stage, expert testers verify the product’s functions to ensure it performs according to the requirements analysis document.
Testers use exploratory testing if they have experience with that software or a test script to validate the performance of individual components of the software. They notify developers of defects in the code. If developers confirm the flaws are valid, they improve the program, and the testers repeat the process until the software is free of bugs and behaves according to requirements.
6. Deployment and maintenance:
Once the software is defect-free, the developers can deliver it to customers. After the software’s production version is released, the IT software development company creates a maintenance team to manage issues clients encounter while using the product. Maintenance can be a hotfix if it is a minor issue, but severe software failures require an update.
Types of Software
The software belongs to three main groups based on its use and application. Here are the popular categories of software.
System software Also called an operating system or OS, the system software is the program your computer uses to translate input commands into machine-readable language. The operating system controls a computer’s hardware components.
Examples of popular operating systems used in personal computers include the Windows OS from Microsoft, Mac OS used in Apple MacBook and the Linux-based Ubuntu. Web servers use the Apache OS, while the UNIX operating system is used to build proprietary systems.
Application software
This is the application most people use to perform tasks on their computers and smartphones. Popular examples include word-processing apps, internet browsers, media players, photo editing tools, anti-virus and even software-as-service (SAS) products.
Programming languages
This is the programming language used to create software. It is used only by coders to create programs. Programming languages include Java, C++, PHP and Simlab.
Why Is Software Development Important?
Software development is a process of creating and maintaining software applications. It is a very important part of the information technology industry because it allows businesses to create custom applications that can automate processes and improve efficiency.
Key Features of Effective Software Development
There are many vital features of practical software development. Still, some of the most important include creating a clear and concise requirements document, using a robust and well-tested software development methodology, and having a solid communication plan between all stakeholders.
- Creating a clear and concise requirements document is critical to the success of any software development project. This document should outline all the functionality that is required, as well as any specific constraints or dependencies. With a clear understanding of the project requirements, it is easier to develop a quality software solution.
- A robust and well-tested software development methodology is also essential for the success of a project. And plenty of software development methodologies are available, but not all are equally effective. Some more popular and effective methods include Agile, waterfall, and iterative development.
- Having a solid communication plan between all stakeholders or clients is crucial to the success of any software development project. All stakeholders should know the project requirements, the development methodology used, and the project timeline. Good communication will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is completed successfully.
Conclusion
This article gave you a clear understanding of software development and how to get started. GCTLINFOSYS is the most reputed Software Development Company in Bangladesh