Steps for software development

Software development involves the entire process from creation to operation, for a variety of purposes and industries. It all starts with a need for automation or simply an idea, and ends with functional software.

At its core, it is a process of writing and maintaining source code, but it is much more comprehensive. You can read the exact definition here.

The software development process includes several main stages, which we explore in this article.

Posted by ZONK Digital at August 16, 2024

The Need for Software Development

In this phase, which is arguably the most crucial, it is essential to understand what the new software will be used for. This is where the brief is created, encompassing all the answers to the software needs. Thus, the final product will meet the requirements accurately and completely.

The software development team will work closely with the user or client to gather relevant information. The client must provide a scope of work document to the developers.

The obtained results are translated into detailed functional and technical specifications. These will guide the project through the subsequent stages.

Thorough documentation of requirements ensures that all necessary aspects are addressed. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings or issues arising later in the development process.

This phase often includes a feasibility analysis. It assesses the possibility of implementing the requirements from technical, financial, and time perspectives.

Also during this phase, the team may decide on prioritizing requirements, identifying critical and optional elements. Requirements analysis serves as the foundation for the entire project, clearly defining what is to be developed.

The Structure of Software

Establishing a correct architecture for software development is the second crucial step. Everything discussed and centralized in the brief transforms into a concrete and detailed plan for developing the application.

The software architecture, which involves defining the structure, components, and how they interact with each other, is essential. At this stage, the team ensures that the software is scalable and capable of meeting the client’s needs.

To ensure this, the client is provided with a description of the main modules and subsystems of the software. These may include the database, user interface, business logic, security modules, and other essential components.

Additionally, various software development principles are considered, such as modularity, encapsulation, code reuse, and separation of concerns. These principles contribute to creating a design that is easy to understand and manage.

Another important aspect of the structure is defining the interfaces between components. These specify how the components will communicate and integrate for the coherent operation of the entire system.

Programming in Software Development

Writing the source code using a programming language to implement the functionalities defined in the structuring phase.

The concepts and specifications created in the earlier phases are transformed into functional source code. Software developers use one or more programming languages, which are determined based on the specifics of each project.

Development is often organized into “sprints,” which are fixed periods during which a development team works to complete a defined set of tasks or features. Sprints allow teams to demonstrate progress regularly.

This approach facilitates collaboration with the user, who can continuously review the work done and provide feedback for further development.

To ensure consistency and efficiency, the team follows standardized coding conventions. Version control tools, such as Git, are useful as they facilitate the integration of work done by multiple developers.

The code must be able to handle unexpected scenarios without causing major blockages or errors.

The success of this phase relies on good planning and adherence to quality standards, and it is closely related to the next phase: testing.

Testing

Testing is continuous throughout the development process. It involves identifying and correcting anomalies that could affect the functionality, performance, or security of the software. This ensures that the final product meets the expectations of all users.

Testing occupies a significant portion of the project time due to its critical importance in development. During the testing phase, it is ensured that all scenarios are considered and industry best practices are followed.

Types of Testing Used in Custom Software Development

Each development team will create its own testing methods and determine what is necessary based on the project. However, several primary types of testing can be mentioned:

Unit Testing

This involves checking each individual component of the code, such as functions or classes, for errors. Unit tests are usually automated and performed by developers as they write the code. The goal is to identify errors at a micro level before they propagate to subsequent stages.

Integration Testing

Even if each unit functions correctly on its own, issues may arise when these units interact. This step verifies the interaction points between modules to ensure they work well together.

System Testing

System testing involves verifying all functionalities and features. Essentially, the entire software is tested as a complete and integrated system. This is performed by the testing team and includes functional, performance, security, and usability tests.

Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing is carried out to confirm that the product meets all requirements and acceptance criteria specified by the client or end user. This includes real-world scenarios to see exactly how the software performs, ensuring it can be implemented without issues.

Regression Testing

This type of testing occurs when new functionalities are introduced. If they were not included in the initial stage, it could affect the entire project, including time and costs. Regression testing involves rerunning all previous tests, even those already tested, to ensure that existing elements continue to function correctly.

Preparing the Staging Environment

The staging environment is a critical component in the software development and release process. It ensures that applications are tested in a controlled setting and that any issues are identified and resolved before impacting end users. It serves as a vital intermediate step between development and production, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality product.

The staging environment is a testing environment that closely mimics the production environment where the final software will be used by end users. It is divided into two main categories:

Developer Staging

Before new functionalities are introduced into production, they are implemented and tested in the developer staging environment to verify that they work as expected and do not cause issues in other parts of the system. Security tests are conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities before they reach production, thus protecting data and end users.

QA (Quality Assurance) Staging

The QA staging phase is an essential part of software development, aimed at ensuring that the final product is of high quality and free of defects. It is the environment where users have access and view the version.

The QA team ensures that the product meets all quality standards and functions as expected. The QA team and/or the client provide feedback to developers, indicating areas that require improvements or corrections.

Software Implementation

The delivery and installation of software on users’ systems or in the production environment. This phase marks the transition from development to the actual use of the product.

Implementation can be a complex process and involves several stages. From one project to another, the main stages typically include:

  • Software Installation
  • Configuration and Customization
  • Data Migration
  • Post-Implementation Testing
  • Launch

A well-executed implementation ensures that the software is introduced into the production environment with minimal disruptions. This allows users to start benefiting from the new application without delays or major issues.

Implementation is not just a technical process but a critical moment where all previous development efforts come to fruition.

Software Maintenance and Support

Software maintenance is a continuous and essential stage in the lifecycle of any application or information system. Once implemented, maintenance ensures the ongoing correct functioning of the software and its compatibility with the evolving technological environment.

Even with rigorous testing, discrepancies can arise during the actual use of the software, often due to updates in programming languages, framework versions, or operating systems. The goal of maintenance is to provide ongoing value, minimize the risk of defects, and enhance the user experience.

Maintenance is a mandatory component that should be requested from the software development company. It is an ongoing activity that should not be neglected. This way, the software can remain reliable, secure, and relevant.

Additionally, based on user feedback and subsequent performance analyses, the software is optimized to be more efficient and user-friendly.

Continuous support contributes to the long-term success of the product and the organization using it. This aspect is crucial in any software development contract, so ensure that maintenance is included.

Software Development Company

Development is a complex and dynamic process, carried out by teams with their own specific approaches and software development methodologies.

Each project is unique in nearly every aspect, including technologies used, methods, security, servers, audience, client, and more.

Choosing the right team and methodology depends on the project’s complexity, available resources, and the specific goals of the organization. The success of software that meets a company’s needs relies on several key factors.

You can contact us for software consulting. Together, we will choose the appropriate development methods based on deadlines, budget, and requirements.

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