Software Development Process
The software development process is important for almost everything we do every day. We can’t imagine life without technology because our devices and phones use codes to work. This process is the base of our lifestyle and the technology we use.
What is the Software Development Process?
The software development process is the way to create a software product. Sometimes called the software life cycle, it can be used to make a single app or a large ERP system.
Main Activities in Software Development
Most software development processes include:
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Gathering requirements
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Designing
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Building (coding)
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Testing
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Maintenance
How the Process Works
Companies choose a process that fits their team and resources. This is why there are different methods. Every company follows software development standards in its own way.
Agile Software Development
Agile is popular in software engineering. It focuses on being flexible and changing quickly when needed.
Why Software Development Process is Important
Software is now part of many products. IBM Vice President Dibben Edwards says, “Software is now essential in many products, like cars, washing machines, and thermostats, all linked by the Internet of Things.”
Example of Software Development
Soul Machines (link to ibm.com) uses software to make virtual advisors that improve customer service. These advisors have human-like faces and voices. They answer over 40% of questions without human help and learn to improve over time.
Using IBM Watson Assistant, Soul Machines can create and launch an artificial advisor in 8 to 12 weeks.
Why Use a Software Process?
Before, software was made more like art, not industry. Many projects failed. Now, software engineering methods are used to improve quality.
What is a Software Process?
A software process is a set of people, rules, tools, and methods used to make software. A good process helps companies work faster and produce better software. It also:
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Standardizes work
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Encourages reuse of tools
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Improves consistency
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Adds best practices
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Makes future improvements easier
Types of Software Development Processes
There are many types of software processes. Two common types are:
The Waterfall Process
Each stage—requirements, analysis, coding, and testing—is done before moving to the next. This works well when conditions are clear. But if requirements change, work may need to be redone.
Iterative Development
This method works on parts of the project early to find problems quickly. It uses “mini-waterfalls,” starting with important requirements first and making early versions with limited features.
Rational Unified Process (RUP)
RUP focuses more effort on requirements early and design/build later. It works in repeated cycles to improve the project step by step.
Steps in Software Development
Software development usually follows these steps:
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Choose a method (Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, etc.)
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Gather requirements from users
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Design the software structure
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Create a model for early testing
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Write the code
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Test the software
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Deploy the software
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Maintain and improve the software
These steps repeat to improve the product over time.
Conclusion
The software development process is the way to create or improve software. Companies must choose the right method depending on their size, resources, skills, and goals.
