Software Development Process
Software Development involves a team or group to create software. However, you may create a software alone but it will take a long time to finish it. It involves a lot of work to do and step’s that should be followed.
Software Development Process includes the following step;
- Identify the problem
Before you can start building your software you have to set a specification on what kind of software you are developing. You must identity the problem which you will apply the software to solve the specified problem.
- Gather related Data
In developing software you need to have the information you need in order to build useful software. This data should be taken from the personnel whom are in charge of the process in a company and knows what data should be included and which are not in the software you are creating.
- Design the system
The software should have a sequence or flow designed by the developer. Upon creating and planning the design it should be in relation to the data that has been gathered. In designing such software you need to consider the GUI (Graphical User Interface), design should be easier for the user to use or in simple term it should be User Friendly.
- Programming
This time you are ready to write the codes. In writing the codes it is not necessary that the one who design he would also do the coding. A programmer or team member could also write the codes according to the design as long as the designer provides a flowchart. The flowchart provides all the information that the programmer needs in writing the program.
- Testing
Even if the software is not yet completely done, the system tester tests some of the function in the software if it runs according to plan. When the whole program is done it may be test to use and checks if there is an error.
- Application
When the software is completely done and does not have any errors during testing it can now be delivered to the user.
- Maintenance
During the time of using the software we couldn’t avoid some problems that may occur in our software. In order to avoid any errors or debug during the run of the system there should be maintenance. Software needs to be maintain to have a longer life in use.
Software Engineering
Software is a Computer programs and associated documentation such as requirements, design models and user manuals. Software products may be developed for a particular customer or may be developed for a general market. There are two types of software. It may be;
v Generic – developed to be sold to a range of different customers. For instance PC software such as Excel or Word.
v Bespoke (custom) – developed for a single customer according to their specification. Like inventory system of a particular business.
New software’s are created by developing new programs, configuring generic software systems or reusing existing software.
Software Engineering is different from computer science in a way that Software engineering is an engineering practice which involves all aspects of software production. While computer science only concerned in theory and fundamentals of software.
Software engineers should adopt a systematic and organised approach to their work and use appropriate tools and techniques depending on the problem to be solved, the development constraints and the resources available.
Software Engineering includes software development process. This is the guidelines or process on how to develop a particular software or system. Software development is not an individual task but it consists of a group to develop software. It should be a team of Designer, Programmer, Tester and the Maintenance.
