Achieving clean code is important in software development.
Software development is the process carried out to produce a computer program . The concept refers to the design, programming and documentation tasks that must be carried out to create the product.
Before continuing, it should be considered that software is an application that makes it possible to execute certain tasks on a computer or computer. The idea of developing , meanwhile, refers in this case to developing, designing or launching.
Features of software development
Software development consists of a series of steps that allow you to design, document, program, test, execute and maintain a program . Different specialists can intervene in this process and a workflow is generated.
The model or structure that includes the succession of tasks to be performed is called the software development life cycle (SDLC) . At a general level, beyond the particularities of each case, this cycle includes the following phases or stages:
- Planning : It involves working on the analysis of the client's requirements or those who demand the creation of the software. In this instance, the functionalities of the program are established.
- Implementation : Software engineering specialists are in charge of writing the code (programming), ensuring that the project progresses in line with the original demands. Programming languages that are useful to achieve what is intended must be used.
- Testing : It consists of looking for possible errors, doing a code review to detect errors and carry out the necessary debugging .
- Documentation : The steps are recorded as a report.
- Deployment : With the software already written and tested, it must be deployed. This involves the launch of the product, either internally or to the public.
- Maintenance : The software development lifecycle includes maintenance to fix bugs, add features, and optimize performance.
Test automation streamlines software development.
Methodologies and models
Software development can be achieved by choosing different methodologies and models.
Agile methodologies involve the management of software projects through a division of work into phases, promoting continuous improvement and collaboration. In this context, teams are assembled that act according to a cycle that includes planning, design, execution, maintenance and evaluation. Agile software development can use frameworks such as Kanban , Scrum , or Extreme Programming (XP) .
The continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) method, also mentioned as CI/CD , contemplates the automation of the integration of code modifications, with which programmers have a central repository to execute the builds and testing, and automatically deploying changes to a test environment.
The notion of DevOps , on the other hand, refers to the tools and practices that contribute to the integration and automation of the process carried out by software developers. In this way, it encourages collaboration between teams.
The waterfall model , likewise, relies on a strict chronology: the beginning of a stage is only specified when the preceding phase has ended. Before this transition, a review is carried out and progress is only made when the project is ready to move forward.
It is interesting to mention the software architecture known as microservices , which is based on different decentralized and independently implemented services. Thus, developers are organized into small teams that specialize in different issues.
Software development can be done with JavaScript, SQL, and other languages.
Types of software development
It is possible to differentiate between different types of software development. Frontend development is called development that is responsible for structuring the data displayed in the graphical interface, aiming at optimizing the user experience (UX) .
Backend development , on the other hand, is oriented towards components and features that are not visible or accessible to the user. This is the work done with databases, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and other resources to promote communication and integration between programs and systems.
Another possibility is to consider the type of software development according to its purpose or function. A distinction can be made between system software (operating systems, programs to manage hardware , etc.), application software (which allows the user to view photos, listen to music, perform office tasks or meet other needs), programming software (which provides tools and resources to programmers) and other classes.
In turn, it is possible to differentiate between mobile software development (for phones), cloud software development or cloud computing (running from remote servers) and artificial intelligence (AI) software development , to mention more possibilities.
The professionals
Different professionals can be involved in software development. Programmers are those in charge of writing the source code of programs, processing requests, merging databases and displaying graphics, for example.
Software engineers are dedicated to the application of engineering precepts to the production of programs, using modeling language and other resources.
Software developers , meanwhile, assume the direction of the software development life cycle. They can write code, do tests , and tackle other tasks.
It is interesting to note that these three experts complement each other in different ways. Many times engineers and software developers instruct programmers to create programs with specific features.
Software development examples
Suppose a transportation company wants to have customized software for managing its shipments . With this objective, they hire a computer company and carry out the order. Software developers meet with carriers, who tell them what they need. Technology professionals, for their part, explain what can be done. Once an agreement is reached, the design and programming of the software begins. Then you continue with testing and implementation and continue with support and maintenance.
Let's take the case of a programmer who develops a mobile app to follow the campaign of a football team . Working with a database, it records information about the players, the results of the matches, etc., programming different search and display options for the content. Supporters of the club in question can download the application and access the data from their phone thanks to this software development.