Software Development

Software development is a term that applies to all aspects of developing a piece of software or mobile app. This can include but is not limited to steps such as brainstorming, wire framing, needs assessments, writing code in a particular programming language, alpha testing, beta testing and final delivery of the finished software.

What Is Software Development All About?

All software in use today, from the word processor you use at work to the web browser you use in your leisure time, is created from code. Each piece of software was developed through the software development process and to meet a specific end goal. In the terms of a word processor program, it was developed to provide a means to replicate the art of writing on a typewriter, but in a completely electronic format. In the case of a web browser, it was to enable users to view pages on the World Wide Web and interact with elements coded into those pages.

Where Do You Start with Software Development?

In most cases, software development does not begin with coding. Rather, it starts with identifying they software needed. For instance, would a full-blown word processor be necessary? Would a text-notepad style program work better?

The next step is to analyze the requirements of the software. What features and functionality are needed? What form factor is desired? Will collaboration or social sharing be necessary? How large or small should the software be in terms of file size? These are just some basic examples of questions that are answered at this stage.

Next comes a detailed specification of software requirements. This is a formal statement of exactly what needs to be included in the software by the programmer(s). All necessary functionality, features and other specifics of the software should be clearly stated and outlined here so that programmers know precisely what needs to be done.

Software design and programming come next. During this period, programmers will write code in the computer language specified for the software. This code will form the basis for all aspects of the software, from the color of the window to the fonts used for any text to social sharing buttons in a mobile app and more.

Once the initial programming is done, the software must be tested. The first round of testing is often called alpha testing. Bugs are identified, and improvements needed are made. In most cases, a second round of testing is then required (usually called beta testing), to identify further potential bugs and other operability problems with the software.

Finally, the software is completely developed and is delivered to the customer or rolled out to the public. However, software development does not necessarily stop here. Most software will require ongoing maintenance. This can include further bug fixes, new feature rollouts, new functionality, new versions and a great deal more.

As you can see, software development is a complex process that involves numerous steps that must be completed in order to have a functional piece of software or mobile app at the end.