8 STAGES OF DEVELOPING SOFTWARE
All the steps for developing a software platform are framed in a framework known as Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). These steps help in improving the quality of work put into the development with a more targeted amount of effort put into the process. The steps or phases which build SDLC are -
- PLANNING
This is the first and most crucial stage where the leaders of a project decide the vital sections of developing the software. This might include calculating the cost required for labor and material, deciding upon a budget, identifying the goals of the project, dividing the strategy into several levels and recruiting people, and assigning them suitable tasks for each level.
2. GATHERING REQUIREMENTS
At this stage, it is determined whether it is possible to execute the plan in the given time, budget and manpower. If anything is lacking, it needs to be determined whether the missing needs can be fulfilled in the given time and budget before moving on to the next step. For example, if the software plans to be automated in the future, we need to know the availability and affordability of the said machine. In short, in this stage, the team identifies current problems, develops documentation, requirements for developing the software, requests and customer requirements.
3. PROTOTYPING & DESIGNING
A prototype is developed which is like a sample or an early version of the software. This model demonstrates how the actual software will look and perform. This design is specially made for stakeholders. The feedback received on this sample is used in developing and improving the actual version of the software as it is less expensive in making changes in the prototype than to change the coding in the final version.
Designing frames the phases of the software model. It determines what, where and how things will work in the software. It briefly takes care of the following -
- User interface — Structures the way users will interact with the software and how the software responds.
- Infrastructure — specifies overall design, programming language, industry practices and use of templates.
- Platforms — Specifying the platforms on which the software will run such as Android, Apple, Windows or even gaming consoles.
- Programming — Specifying the programming language, performing tasks in the application and including methods of solving problems.
- Communications — Specifies methods through which the application may communicate with other assets such as a central server and other instances of the application.
4. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
This is the stage where the actual writing of the program takes place. More than a single developer or even several teams could be needed depending on the scale of the project. Usually, an Access Control or Source Code Management application is used to help developers track changes in the code. Once all the coding is done within the documentation, this is the stage where the actual software is developed. Documentation is a vital part of the development process as it serves as guidance to the developers. Written documentation like troubleshooting guides, user guides and FAQs help users also to solve problems and technical questions.
5. SECURITY
This stage defines the measures taken to secure the application which may include SSL traffic encryption, securing storage of user credentials, securing code integrity and password protection. A malware attack can threaten the integrity, availability and authentication of the software hence security is a vital part of developing software. All the vulnerabilities of the software are secured at this stage. This is an ongoing process throughout SDLC and is a proactive methodology even after the launch of the software.
6. TESTING
Testing is a crucial stage for developing software before making it available to the users. It helps in reducing bugs and glitches in the application. This ensures a more satisfactory experience for the user. Every section of the application should be tested separately to make sure that there are no lags while processing the software altogether. This may include unit testing, performance testing, end-to-end testing and verification. This stage decides if the software is ready to go to the next stage of development or not.
7. DEPLOYMENT
At this stage, the application is made available to users. This could be complex or simple depending on the scale platforms the application is being made available. It could be as easy as letting potential users download the application on their devices. But it could be complex if the application is being made available on different platforms. Upgrading a company-wide database to a newly developed application may take more time and effort.
8. MAINTENANCE
This marks the end stage of SDLC. After deployment of the software, any bugs or errors found by the user which were not found during testing are rectified which may start a new development cycle. This is an ongoing process in which the company makes improvements, corrections and upgrades to reach the target set in the planning stage. A well-maintained software is indicated by less to no issues in the software and when receiving feedback from customers then working on them.
All of the stages are important to keep in mind while developing software for your projects especially when you are outsourcing. Reliable and transparent companies like www.proficientinfosoft.com professionally arrange these steps which makes the software development process time and money efficient.
