What Is Software Development : Ultimate Guide for Beginners

What is software development? Learn in detail. Know its software development process and its importance for business in depth with our ultimate guide for beginners in 2022.

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What Is Software Development?

It is not possible to define what is software development precisely in one sentence. That is why we have covered every aspect of software development in simplified terms for you to get started with your journey.

It is a process where software is made with a set of instructions. They can be performed by a computer to help in achieving specific company or personal goals. More specifically, software development refers to the programming and coding that produces the instructions. It is inclusive of all other forms of digital data files such as text, images, and movies.

Each program of software development goes through a series of goals that are handled separately by each team member. Everyone is assigned tasks according to the domain they are working in. This whole process embodying the comprehensive process is called the Software development life cycle (SDLC). SDLC is a set standardized procedure tried and tested by companies to develop reliable software. The step-by-step guide sets the structure to develop, design, create and maintain to further breed high-quality results.

The Importance of Software Development

Before knowing what is software development and its types, processes, and usages, let’s first understand why it is significant and becoming an established field. From electrical grids to transportation, the Software development life cycle is present in almost every aspect of human life. This is the primary reason why learning about it gives you ample opportunities to pursue a professional or a hobby.

The key purpose behind Software development lies in the competition that we face every day. It not only boosts the results but helps in identifying shortcomings more effectively. For instance, storing information online gives you an optimal resource instead of manually storing it which could prove to be time-consuming.

Here are 5 key reasons why the Software development life cycle is pertinent in business:

Comprehensive Growth of Business

Once you digitize your business, the software development life cycle boosts your business to a wider reach. You could customize your needs while mapping out the Software Development life cycle and achieve targeted goals.

Sources of Promotion

Digitalization is the new trend, especially after COVID-19. Most Multinational corporations have transitioned to online mode. This makes software development even more important than before. In such a state, the software development process is your best option. It allows everyone to access your business at the click of their smartphones.

Enhance Customer Experience

Today, every company, be it related to tech or not, is required to provide innovative solutions in this highly competitive market. In this case, companies are adopting software development life cycle to enhance customer experience exponentially.

Best Marketing tool

Software Development not only assists in making the customer experience better but is the best tool for the marketing sector. It helps in reaching a wider audience by exploring your services from any corner of the world.

Increment of Sales and Services

Constructive feedback is necessary for the development of your business or work domain. The Software Development process develops platforms that encourage people to share their experiences with you. An easily accessible place to share feedback and grievances attracts better outreach.

Different Types of Software

Software development types exist in a plethora of options. That is why it is pertinent to understand and differentiate each one of them. Its is important while learning what is software development to know its different types and its meaning.

Application Software: Application software is a type of computer program that performs a particular function that helps users to perform tasks.
System Software: System software is the interface that runs a computer’s hardware and provides a platform for applications.
Firmware: Firmware is a software program or necessary instructions that are programmed on a hardware device. It provides the set of instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware.
Programming Software: Programming software is software that helps the developer in developing other software by assisting them in creating, debugging, and maintaining other programs and applications.
Driver Software: A driver is a software component that enables the communication between the operating system and a device.
Freeware: Freeware is software that is free to use and does not require any payment or licensing fee and anyone can download it legally.
Shareware: Shareware is software that you can use on a trial basis or for a limited time before paying and registering for it.
Open Source Software: Some software has a source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance which is open source code.
Closed Source Software: Software that has source code that only the person, team, or organization who created it and maintains exclusive control over it can modify is closed source software.
Utility Software: Utility Software is system software that helps to maintain the smooth functioning of a computer system and also helps the operating system to manage, organize, maintain and optimize the functioning of the computer system.

Software development is the process where developers build computer programs, and design, install and run them. This process is also known as the software development life cycle(SDLC).

Software Development LifeCycle (SDLC)

The Software Development Lifecycle or software development process helps an organization accelerate project delivery, reduce cost, enhance quality, increase customer satisfaction, and provide flexibility in future projects by reducing or eliminating waste through top-down methods where general principles of safety or efficiency can be applied across diverse projects.

The life cycle has 6 phases which are as follows:

1. Needs identification:

It is a process where before building software, all brainstorming and market research takes place. It is identified if the software has potential in the market and its target audience. Surveys are conducted to know how it can be useful, and what functions and services should be provided. SWOT analysis is done and discussed among developers.

2. Requirement analysis:

Gather all the requirements about the software from stakeholders. What features should be included? What should it look like? How should it behave? Overall it is analyzed to understand and document what is required by users and other stakeholders.

3. Design:

This process begins by transforming software specifications into design plans called design specifications. Then everyone involved reviews the plan and provides feedback and suggestions. It is important to collect stakeholder views and plan for inclusion in this document. Failures at this stage will almost certainly lead to cost overruns at best and, in the worst case, the complete collapse of the project.

4. Development and implementation:

The development and implementation of making software development start where every developer follows the blueprint, guidelines, and code styles.

5. Testing:

At this stage, the software is tested and certain defects and deficiencies, or bugs if noticed are removed. The issues are fixed and verified if the software developed meets the expectation of the clients.

Check out this informative guide to improve testing effort with cloud based testing tools.

5. Deployment and maintenance:

In the end, the software is deployed on various platforms and is ready to use by the users, and the company also provides maintenance for it.

Software Development LifeCycle (SDLC)Models

If you’re new to digital development, the layout can be quite complex, and some may say that it’s just not worth understanding and learning. But we’ll break down what all these acronyms and buzzwords mean so that you can get up to speed quickly.

The SDLC model (software development process) is a method through which software development moves forward. It’s a well-proven, standardized framework that sets up the overall structure of how software is developed.

There are different SDLC models. Let’s take a look at each one and see what they mean, why they’re used, and how they differ from or overlap with other models.

Waterfall model

This is the most commonly used software development process. Most software projects begin with a waterfall development model, which means that they start in a very rigid way and continue in the same way with little to no improvisation. While it has its advantages, such as predictability and delegating responsibility to teams of experts, it can also lead to problems down the road when senior managers or software companies forget the steps and rush through them, causing confusion and potentially expensive delays in the end.

Agile model

The agile model is adapted from the lean manufacturing method called Toyota Production System (TPS). This allows for continuous improvement at every stage of software development, from creative ideas all the way to release.

Iterative model

The iterative model is a slight variation of agile, which uses iterations instead of a series of sprints. Each iteration is designed to individually deliver functionality, iterate on that functionality and construct a new iteration.

Scrum model

In this model, teams are made up of people who are experts in their particular function, such as developers, testers, or project managers. These teams work together to answer the three key questions – what? why? and how – which help them design solutions. Once these questions have been answered, the software is then implemented.

V-shaped model

A V-shaped model is in which testing and development versions have a rapid development cycle with an incremental build to fix bugs.

The goal of software development Life Cycle

The goal of SDLC and software development process is to ensure that the program performs as expected, has acceptable user-interface quality, and can be released with minimum risks to the project. The main goal of SDLC is to deliver a product with desired features or functions in the most efficient manner possible and without any errors.

SDLC Methodology

The SDLC Methodology is a formal method for developing information systems to be used by organizations. The steps in the process are systems analysis, system design, software construction and testing, installation, and training.

The SDLC Methodology is a formal method for developing information systems to be used by organizations. The steps in the process are Systems analysis, System design, Software construction, Testing, Installation, and Training.

Systems Analysis: It involves analyzing the business requirements and needs of the organization and then determining ways to meet them. Based on this analysis will help in formulating a system that will be best suited to meet that need.
System Design: It relates to the study of designing systems and their interactions
Software Construction & Testing: It is the process used to design, develop, test, and maintain a software product.
Installation & Training: Testing the application and installation on different platforms
Maintenance & Support:- It involves fixing bugs or problems in the existing application, rectifying errors, adding new features, and upgrading the existing application.

What are the benefits of software development?

Knowing what is software development is not enough if you are not aware of its multiple benefits. Benefits of developing software include reducing costs, increasing profits, and creating more free time in your life. Development also improves efficiency and reduces errors. There is no doubt that software development has a lot of benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries.

The list below shows a few of the benefits that can be gained by developing software.

It makes people, or any entity, a more dynamic and profitable business.
Software development is an essential function for many industries because it makes them more efficient.
Is effective at creating new and innovative services that benefit individuals who use them.
Creates new opportunities for startups in the marketplace.
Allows organizations to derive profits from their systems without having to invest much capital upfront in hardware and other materials needed to make them functional.
Helps to automate and streamline processes that would otherwise require human interaction.
Allows people to maintain current levels of productivity for their organizations without requiring additional personnel.
Customer service representatives are able to conduct more accurate transactions, effectively serving more customers.
It allows companies to hire new employees at a faster rate.
Increases the reliability of systems since more failures can be expected from fewer parts and less complex designs, based on the feedback system built into software development.
Managers are able to control costs and make informed decisions about investment as well as maintain accurate accounting records for tax purposes for their companies.

Jobs For Software Developers

After understanding the concept of what is software development and the software development process the next step to know the best jobs and relevant job roles in software company. If you are thinking to hone your skills in the Software Development life cycle, you might want to explore the following job opportunities:

1. Computer Programmer

Salary Expectations- $48,470 per year

2. Software Engineer

Salary Expectations- $110,539 per year

3. Senior Systems Analyst

Salary Expectations- $93,839 per year

4. Quality Assurance Engineer

Salary Expectations- $81,902 per year

Related Articles – You may also like to read
Top Job Roles in Software Development Company
OffShore Software Development

The Conclusion

Now that we have explored what software development is, get ready to tie your laces and go for your dreams to become a software developer. This field is highly in demand and pays quite well. So, if you are the one who has a thing for exploring software development exactly or have an idea to be executed, check out our blogs to know more interesting and full of knowledge stuff.
For software development-related services, contact CodeSparrk, one of the leading software development companies with pocket-friendly and robust digital solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Software Development

What is the job of a Software Developer?

Software developers essentially make applications, write computer programs, modify or identify bugs in an already existing software. They write codes for specific goals and objectives to run a set of data of a company.

What are the requirements to fulfill to become a Software Developer?

Software engineering jobs essentially need a bachelor’s degree. You can hone your skills and upgrade by pursuing computer science or other STEM programs. That could boost your chance of getting a job in a Multinational company.

Is studying Software Development hard or easy?

You need to thoroughly understand what software development is. It is indeed a challenging field to pursue due to its complexities and variety of computer programs. But establishing a strong knowledge base would level up your potential and help in securing jobs. You can reach _____ blogs to stay updated about the latest blogs on Software Development

What could be the 3 most common problems in the Software Development Process?

The 3 most common problems in the Software Development process are: lack of sponsors for specific needs, integrating processes, overloaded features, and confounded timelines.

Kushal Dubal

I am Kushal Dubal founder of CodeSparrk, a company that specializes in sales and market research. I have been working in the software industry for over 10 years and have experience with a variety of technologies. I am a very good at sales and have developed a strong network within the industry. I am also an entrepreneur and enjoy helping others start their own businesses.

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