Software development is creating computer programs for specific functions, e.g., data security. The process involves several steps, including concept development, designing, programming, documenting, testing, and bug fixing, before they are patched to users.
Why is Software Development Important?
With the ongoing digital transformation, organizations are compelled to offer the best customer experience while managing big chunks of data. Software development is a big part of this transformation, providing organizations with digital solutions that enable customer-centricity at every custom touchpoint.
Moreover, software development provides technical tools offering efficiency and convenience, especially in data management. Several programs that support data analytics have been developed for various industries.
But there’s so much else that software development can offer. These benefits can be gleaned from the types of software available.
Types of Software
In developing software, it is important first to identify what kind of software is needed. There are four basic types of software:
- System software
- Application software
- Programming software
- Embedded software
System Software
The system software is designed to cater to basic functions such as running the computer’s hardware. It is a platform that enables other software programs to operate. An example of this would be the operating system found in computers.
Application Software
More commonly known as “apps,” this type of software addresses the specific needs of users, such as, but not limited to, email applications, games, reminder applications, and more. Application software can either be native or cross-platform.
Native application software is a program developed to run on a specific platform or device like Android or iOS. On the other hand, cross-platform application software can run on multiple platforms, including the web.
Programming Software
This type of software provides tools for programmers and coders to develop other software. It aids programmers in maintaining other software and applications. Examples of this type of software include assemblers, compilers, and debuggers.
Embedded Software
This kind of software controls machines other than computers— appliances, robots, wearables, and the like. Embedded software is essential to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Sofware Development Paradigms
Developers are guided by a paradigm when analyzing a problem and conceptualizing a solution via software. A developer’s paradigm consists of assumptions, knowledge of relevant practices, and concepts relating to the problem. A paradigm can be subjective, so different paradigms may influence developers; there is no single best paradigm.
A data-driven paradigm sees the developer relying on data to develop a program. They collect data and select metrics or user-focused- KPIs to add value to the program. These KPIs can then be linked to the company’s financial metrics, such as cost per customer or cost per feature.
Process-driven software development relies on the application workflow for which the software is intended. Its focus is on the “how” of problem-solving, so it decomposes a process to identify every step that goes into the process.
An object-oriented software development approach focuses on the data and the process to make the software more usable. This approach enables the reuse of components and changes at a lower cost.
Common Software Development Frameworks
Software development is not limited to a single methodology or framework. Depending on the strategy being employed and other constraints being considered, there are several frameworks that one can use in software development. Among them are:
- Waterfall
- Agile
- V-Model
Waterfall
This sequential framework is the traditional approach to software development, following a step-by-step process. Although this has been proven effective, it can be a downside if you are racing against time. The process can drag because you must complete the first step before progressing to the next one.
Agile
This framework is highly customer-driven. It focuses on the quick release of the software to collect inputs or reports from end-users on how to improve the software further. The only caution is that this could be a quality-buster in that, while the software can be released quicker, it opens up the possibility of having many bug reports.
V-Model
The V-model, which underscores the development and implementation of test procedures throughout the software development life cycle, follows a sequential process. The process begins with bigger goals before progressing into smaller segments until it reaches the individual components.
Conclusion
In this age of digital transformation, we need to keep abreast of the trends to stay relevant. The fast-paced demand for technology has made software a key element in the business environment. This need has brought software development to the forefront of technological advancement.
Software development has produced several applications that promote efficiency while making people’s lives easier. It has also entertained people with games, music, and more. The opportunities for software development are endless.
While that may be so, the approaches to software development are also evolving. Developers need to keep pace with changing customer needs and other technological advances. With that said, we see exciting times ahead for software development.