Steps in the software development process

July 26, 2023 2:42 pm by ATS Staff

The typical software development process comprises several essential steps:

  1. Methodology Selection: Choosing a suitable development methodology such as Agile, DevOps, RAD, SAFe, Waterfall, etc., to establish a framework for the project and guide the software development steps.
  2. Requirements Gathering: Understanding and documenting the needs of users and stakeholders to define the project’s scope and objectives.
  3. Architecture Selection/Creation: Deciding on or creating the underlying structure and design for the software to operate within.
  4. Design and Problem-Solving: Creating solutions to address the identified requirements, often using process models and storyboards.
  5. Model Validation and Prototyping: Using modeling tools like SysML or UML to build a model for early validation, prototyping, and simulation of the design.
  6. Code Construction: Writing code in the appropriate programming language, while conducting peer and team reviews to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  7. Testing and Performance Evaluation: Testing the software with predefined scenarios, as well as conducting performance testing to simulate various usage conditions and loads.
  8. Configuration and Defect Management: Understanding all software artifacts and creating distinct versions of the software while setting quality assurance priorities and release criteria to track and address defects.
  9. Software Deployment: Releasing the software for user utilization and responding to and resolving any issues that arise.
  10. Data Migration (if required): Transferring data from existing applications or sources to the new or updated software.
  11. Project Management and Measurement: Continuously monitoring and measuring the project’s progress to ensure quality and timely delivery over the application lifecycle. Evaluation of the development process may involve using models like the Capability Maturity Model (CMM).

The software development process is integrated into Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), where it goes through different phases, including:

  • Requirements Analysis and Specification
  • Design and Development
  • Testing
  • Deployment
  • Maintenance and Support

The lifecycle’s significance lies in its cyclical nature, facilitating continuous improvement. Feedback from users during the maintenance and support phase can become requirements for the next cycle, fostering iterative enhancement and refinement.