In the software creation process, there are a series of phases or stages that are followed during the normal creation process. Normally, one does not just sit down and “starts programming.”
Well, it may be that when you do it at home on a project for yourself, it is indeed like that. But if you do this professionally (either independently or in a company) software development is divided into stages.
Understanding the development phases of an application is essential for developing quality software (And, if you are going to dedicate yourself to this, to avoid ruining yourself in the process 😜).
The development cycle encompasses everything from the conception of an idea to the delivery and maintenance of an application. The cycle consists of several stages, which range from planning, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of the application.
Let’s briefly look at each of them 👇
Analysis and Planning
In this initial stage, the objectives and requirements of the application are defined. A detailed analysis of user needs is conducted, potential challenges are identified, and a project plan is developed. This stage involves gathering information, defining the scope, and creating a functional description.
Design
In this stage, a visual and structural representation of the application is created. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for the subsequent implementation.
On one hand, sketches (or mockups) of the user interface that the final application will have are designed. Often, it is preferred that the sketches clearly look like sketches, so there is no confusion that they are not the final design yet.
On the other hand, the architecture and data structure are defined. During this phase, one can rely on flowcharts, relationship tables, and entity diagrams.
Implementation
In this phase, the software coding is carried out according to the specifications and design defined earlier. Developers use programming languages and development tools to translate the design into functional code.
This stage involves writing algorithms, creating classes and functions, and implementing the features and functionalities of the application defined earlier.
Testing
Before distributing our application, logically, we must test that it works correctly. The testing stage is crucial to ensure the quality and performance of the software.
In this phase, exhaustive testing must be conducted to identify and fix errors, verify compliance with requirements, and evaluate the performance of the application.
These tests may include unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, and load tests, among others.
Deployment
In this stage, the application is prepared for distribution. The production environment is configured, executable files are generated, or the application is deployed on web servers.
Necessary installation and configuration are also performed so that the application is available to end users.
Maintenance
Maintenance is an ongoing stage that includes detecting and solving errors (also known as bugs), implementing security updates, adjusting existing functionalities, or adapting to new technologies.
Update
It is also possible to need updates that add new functionalities to enhance the utility and versatility of the application, providing users with new ways to interact with and benefit from it.
These updates may include improvements in the user interface, performance optimization, integration with other platforms or services, and the incorporation of new technologies.