Software development process and life cycle

One issue raised in the popular imagination is that of "how a computer programme or software is made".. A process that is far from simple and involves different tasks: from its creation until it is delivered to the client.

It is important to note that a software development process and lifecycle is carried out by different IT professionals: project managers, developers (both front-end and back-end), computer engineersdesigners, quality experts...

So yes, when a company demands a customised softwareis calling for complex and collective work. In this article we will delve into the software development process and lifecycle. Read on and find out more:

What is a software lifecycle?

Being aware of the complexity of a software development, explain that all the actions envisaged for its implementation should be structured in phasesThese will be validated.

Thus, such a structure where processes, tasks, etc. are collected is called a software development life cycle (or in English: SDLC, Systems Development Life Cycle).

The aim is for the software developers to first of all meet project deadlines and costs and, of course, to achieve the highest software quality.

Software development methodology: these are the steps to follow

Therefore, a software development process and life cycle will be divided into different phases:

• Planning: This is the first phase of the software development process and life cycle. In this section, the project tasks are divided, as well as an estimation of costs, risk analysis, allocation of resources and personnel...
• Analysis: On the other hand, in the analysis phase, the characteristics of the system, what is really needed, are appreciated.
• Design: A difficult phase, since a bad design will imply a redefinition of the design. The design of the software structure itself is carried out, as well as the implementations.
• Implementation: In other words; choose the optimum for the software: programming language, development environment or tools.
• Evidence: They are used to detect the faults of the previous phases, in order to present the user with the best possible version of the software.
• Installation: Software development as such... getting it up and running.
• Use and maintenance: The last part of a software development process and life cycle is maintenance, which can be corrective, adaptive or perfective. 

Software development models

It is also worth noting that the different software lifecycle models. These are just a few examples:

1. Prototype model

As the name suggests, the prototyping model is one in which a prototype is developedThis prototype is used to meet the objectives of the software itself. This prototype is shown to the client and the client is responsible for validating it.

Iterative model

On the other hand, the iterative model is the most advisable for those clients who are not clear about the requirements of the project. That is to say, this software development process and life cycle employs cascading iteration of lifecycles.

In other words, different - and increasingly improved - versions are delivered until the project's prospects are fulfilled.

3. Cascade model

The waterfall model is a software development process model in which until one phase is completed and validated by the customer, the next phase is not continued.

A rigid but safe processThis is why it is one of the most widely used.

4. Model V

In contrast, this V model tries to avoid the rigidity of the cascade model. It is a process in which software verification and validation are carried out in parallel.

The testing phase takes place as early as possible in order to detect possible bugs in the software at an early stage.

5. Spiral model

It is called a "spiral model", because the very actions performed in this software development are carried out in a spiral. This type of model is characterised by prioritising risk analysis.

In fact, each activity is chosen on the basis of the risk analysis in the previous section.

6. Incremental development model

Finally, this model is a fusion of the prototype and waterfall modelsThe programme is also implemented in a linear fashion, in which the various functionalities of the programme are gradually added.

Do you want to be a professional specialised in software development?

Are you interested in computer engineering?, would you like to go into software development? If so, you will need specialised training.

At IMMUNE we have the Degree in Software Development Engineeringe with which you will become a great professional, since from the beginning you will work on projects and hand in hand with our teachers.

And if you want to continue specialising, at our technological institute we have other training courses such as our web development bootcamp.