We live in a modern world where the markets´ complexity, the transformation of consumer habits and the number of problems constantly grow. In this context, application development has become a perfect alternative to obtain precise solutions, while saving time and costs. In this post, we are going to tell you about the phases that a programmer or an IT firm follows in the software development process.

What is software development and what is it for?

It is the action carried out by programmers to create or develop software. These computer specialists conceive and develop computer systems, implement them and put them into operation to be used with one or more programming languages. Its main characteristics are: object-oriented programming and the separation of the different logical stages depending on the application, access and presentation level.

Software development is driving the creation of corporate applications, both internally and externally, and it is a complex process that requires a lot of planning, in order to be done in a proper way. However, the creation of applications does not simply imply their development, but also other essential tasks for their operation, such as: systems analysis, software design, testing and revision, maintenance, usability, reengineering, architecture, among many other things.

The main uses of software development (view) today are being carried out by companies, who are creating their own applications, both mobile and web, to improve the internal process, customer service, brand visibility and customer experience. Mobile applications are a perfect way to publicize your products and services and reach consumers more quickly, comfortably and easily.

Phases of a software development project

Do you have an idea in mind? It's time to shape it. Next, we are going to show you what are the steps that programmers follow for software development from the initial idea:
Systems and requirements analysis. The requirements of the software product to be developed, which are included in a SSR document (Specification of System Requirements).

Software architecture and design. At this point, the programmer or programmers are going to determine how it will generally work. Now is the time to consider network, hardware, use cases, etc. The architecture represents the first design decision about the system and is one of the most important points in the development process.

Programming and implementation. The different processes and structures that have been defined for the system are carried out. The complexity and duration of this stage is not exact, since it is directly linked to the programming languages used.
Testing and review. They serve to detect nonconformities of workers, customers and errors.

It is time to check that the software works correctly with the indicated tasks, and for this, the tests of each module can be carried out separately and then in a comprehensive way. Reviews are the perfect opportunity to execute the necessary measures to ensure the quality of the system from the beginning of the development.

Maintenance and care. Once the software solution we have developed is functioning, technical assistance will be essential. It involves user support during the service, necessary software updates, implications and support. This stage is vital for the maintenance and improvement of the system, as well as to face possible errors and respond to new requirements.

Documentation. Transparent documentation of the program's source code is very important in the development process.
Usability design. It is the way in which users can interact in the most comfortable and intuitive way possible with the system. It will determine the user experience.

In recent years, we have seen how this practice has grown exponentially all over the world. Software development is a practice that is increasingly used, not only by companies that demand the creation of applications, but also by those development professionals who work on different projects on a day-to-day basis.

This work must be done as a team, with the collaboration of several developers in charge of treating specific parts of the system separately, as well as graphic designers, among others. In recent years, we have seen the term programmer move towards the concept of developer, a phenomenon that occurs thanks to experience, the application of development methodologies and the technical knowledge that is acquired over time.