Software Development: A Brief Overview
9 May
Also known as software design, application development, and software application, software development is basically a process of developing a software or application. It generally refers to the activity of computer programming, which is the process of writing and maintaining the source code of a certain application or program. In a broader sense, computer programming encompasses a series of planned and structured processes, from the conception of the desired software product up to its final manifestation. Knowing that, developing the software usually include the following:
- Research and new development
- Prototyping
- Modification, re-use and re-engineering
- Maintenance
Aside from the ones stated above, other activities that will result in a functioning and working software product are also involved. So, why are software applications developed? Software applications are created for many reasons and purposes. One reason is to meet the specific needs of a certain client or business entity, which is the case of custom software products. Another is to satisfy the perceived needs of a particular set of users, which is the case for commercial software and open source application. Software applications can also be designed for personal usage, like for instance in the case of a scientist who needs the software to automate mundane tasks in the lab.
Like when creating database design, careful planning and thorough research is a must before developing any program or application. The software developers will meet with the client to talk about how they would want the software to function. Then, they will design it according to their preference and exact specifications.
