Software Development Bible- A Complete Guide on How to Become a Developer

Computers come in any individual's primary need, whether for professional or personal use. In short, computers are an essential part of life. You can leave your car keys at home but can't leave your laptop because you can't work without your computer. 

Computers are making work life more straightforward and efficient. But the big bull behind the success of computers is the Software because Software decides how you will work on your computer and its use. 

Business management tools make operations so much easier because of their intelligent design. The software tools help the Business to do more with less workforce in small businesses. They reduce the burden and help with documentation, record-keeping, etc. Some software tools for small businesses serve a specific function. 

Today, we will discuss how you can develop Software and become a Novice to a pro in software development, as the Software development field has many career-building opportunities. So, if you are looking into it, read the full article to understand software development deeply.

Software Development- As a Service

Software development refers to creating, designing, deploying, and supporting Software. It is a set of computer science activities that works on some specific codes and program languages.

Software development is an entirely fledged process, which includes planning, designing, defining, implementing, testing, deploying, and maintaining. 

There are seven types of software development

   1.  Application Development

   2.  Web Development

   3.  Mobile Application Development

   4.  API Development

   5.  Embedded System Development

   6.  Enterprises Software Development

   7.  Cloud-Computing and Serverless Development

Categories of Software 

1.  Application Software

Application Software refers to the Software used by the users directly And helps them in a particular task. These applications are in high-level languages like Java, C++, .NET, or PHP.

2.  System Software

Chrome and GPS are a kind of System software. It is a category of computer programs that control a computer's hardware and application software as well as its resources, including memory, hardware, and processors. A low-level programming language, such as machine code or assembly language, is used to document system software.

3.  Programming Software

Programming software, also known as development tools or software development tools, are applications and utilities that help software developers create, test, debug, and maintain computer programs and applications.

4.  Embedded Software

Embedded systems software manages machinery and equipment not conventionally categorized as computers, encompassing telecommunications networks, automobiles, industrial robots, and similar apparatus. These devices and their associated Software can be integrated into the Internet of Things (IoT).

SDLC- Software Development Life Cycle

SDLC stands for 'Software Development Life Cycle'. Its name signifies its meaning. The Software Development Cycle is how the software development team develops Software.

It is a process followed by the developing team to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications or systems. 

The primary goal of SDLC is to produce high-quality Software that meets or exceeds customer expectations while staying within budget and timeline constraints.

SDLC Phases

1.  Planning

Every Business needs proper planning before executing its ideas. Concise and perfect planning is the key to success. Same as with Software Development, that's why it is the most essential and very first step of software development. 

In this phase, the developing team needs to consider four points about the project.

   a). Scope- What is the client's Business?

   b). Objective- What is the objective of developing a Software.?

   c). Requirements- What are the client's requirements for the Software?

   d). Constraints- What are the limitations while developing Software, like a budget?

2.  Designing

The second most important thing is "How's your software Interface?" and "How will it look." In this phase, System Architecture, Data Models, User Interface, and overall design of your Software are designed.

Along with this, decisions related to Technologies to be used, a platform to launch, and Programming Language were also taken.

In short, it decides the face and appearance of your Software to the users. 

3.  Defining

Defining is a phase where comprehensive documentation is prepared to ensure the user and client's budget-friendly software development process.

Any business needs proper documentation before starting, which is necessary for technical work. 

In this phase, detailed specifications and requirements of the Software are identified for a better understanding of features of the Software. 

User stories, use cases, and Functional requirements are also defined in the comprehensive document to make it user-friendly.

4.  Building (Implementation)

After full-fledged paperwork and research on the software requirements, it's time to execute the planning and start the software development work. 

In this implementation phase, the developing team writes the actual codes of the Software according to the design and requirements. 

Implementation of the Software means generating codes and integrating the various components of the Software.

The Software has three components: Program, Documentation, and Operating Procedures.

Program –

A computer program is a list of instructions that tell a computer what to do.

Documentation – 

Source information about the product is contained in design documents, detailed code comments, etc. 

Operating Procedures –

Set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations. 

5.  Testing

Testing is SDLC's fifth and critical step (Software Development Life Cycle). In this phase, the developing team tests the developed Software to see if there are any errors, user-related issues, or any defect in the software development process. 

It's a final check before the launch of the Software. 

Testing is of two types. 

• •    Manual

Manual testing involves a hands-on approach where human testers follow test plans and execute test cases step by step. They input data, observe the system's behavior, and compare the actual outcomes with expected results. This ensures that the Software behaves correctly from a user's perspective and meets specified requirements. 

• •    Automation

Automation testing involves using specialized testing tools and scripts to perform test cases automatically. Test scripts are created to make it user-friendly, and these scripts can be run repeatedly without human intervention. 

Automation testing is faster and more efficient for repetitive tasks, regression testing, and large-scale projects. It also provides detailed test reports and can uncover defects early in the development cycle.

Testing Approach

White Box Testing

White box testing is during unit testing to catch errors and ensure code quality. This kind of testing is done to know the mistakes in the internal structure of the Software.

Black Box Testing

This ensures that the external behavior of the Software works appropriately. Testers do not have access to the internal code or design details. 

Gray Box Testing

Grey Box testing includes both White Box and Black Box testing. Testers have limited access to design and architecture documents. This approach provides a broader perspective and helps to identify the errors in functionality and design.

Testing Levels

   i. Unit Testing

This is a crucial part of the testing, as it is challenging to identify the errors and fix bugs. Unit testing targets individual software components, modules, or units. Developers or testers verify that each unit works correctly in isolation.

   ii.  Integration

After checking the components, it's time to check their interconnectivity. In Integration testing, testers ensure that data flows smoothly between units and that integration points function as expected.

   iii.  System Testing

System Testing includes testing all components and units together. It ensures the integrated software works according to the requirements, meets specifications, and provides a good user experience.

   iv.  User Acceptance

Acceptance testing is the final step, where the Software is tested against user expectations and acceptance criteria.

1.  Deployment

After successfully executing the action plan, deploying the Software to the real-world environment is time. It comes in the sixth phase, which is deployment. 

After testing and taking approvals, the developing team launches the Software and makes it available to the users in this phase. 

After deploying to the production environment, the team ensures that the Software works appropriately and meets its requirements. 

2.  Maintenance

Although you have created a well-researched and thoroughly planned software, there is always a scope for improvement, whether it comes out while testing or users using it.

Maintenance is a process where the team entails continuing assistance. Identifies the issue or a bug in the program. After getting the problem, the team fixes the bug and addresses issues. The developing team enhances the Software according to the user's feedback. 

Method

1.  The Waterfall model

This is the oldest and most straightforward model of software development. It refers to a linear-sequential life cycle model. This model involves a rigid structure that demands all system requirements be defined at the start of a project. 

This model has many phases, but you can go to the next after completing the first step, finish one stage, and then move on to the next. No going back. 

2.  Prototype Model

This model is used when stakeholders need clarification on the precise project requirements. In this situation, a finished product prototype is created, tested, and constantly improved based on consumer feedback until a final, acceptable prototype is established.

3.  V-Model

The V-model, as it is clear from its name, processes happen sequentially in a V-shape. Also known as the Verification and Validation model, the V-shaped model grew out of Waterfall and is characterized by a corresponding testing phase for each development stage. 

4.  Agile

Agile is a highly iterative and collaborative approach to software development. It emphasizes customer collaboration, flexibility, and rapid delivery. Agile is ideal for projects with changing requirements, as it can easily accommodate them, ensuring that the final product aligns with customer needs. However, it may require more involvement from stakeholders and frequent communication within the development team.

5.  Spiral Model

It is the most flexible model of SDLC. It takes the lead from the iterative model and its repetition. In a spiral model, the project passes through four phases, over and over in a spiral until completed. This method allows the Software to have multiple rounds of improvements. 

Development Team

1.  Software Designer

A software designer uses different models to create the "blueprint," which will then be passed onto the "manufacturers" or, in this case, the coders or programmers who write the program.

2.  Software Tester 

Makes sure an application performs according to requirements and spots functional and non-functional defects.

3.  Stakeholders- 

Stakeholders are the ones who want to create Software for its use or its consumer's use. They give the vision and evolution. 

Project Manager- 

As it is clear from its name, the project manager is responsible for the on-time delivery and under-the-budget software development process.

1.  Programmer

A programmer is a coding professional who makes, tests, and troubleshoots the coding languages to ensure it runs successfully.

2.  Software Architecture

Designs a high-level software architecture, Selects appropriate tools and platforms to implement the product vision, Sets up code quality standards, and performs code reviews.

Let's conclude.

Ultimately, this is your field if you have the courage and passion for software development. 

Software Development is more technical than theoretical, so if you are going into this field, ensure you have a better knowledge of coding and programming. 

If you want any software for your Business or company, the first thing you need to be clear in your mind is which kind of Software you want so that you can make it fit your pocket.