Lo software development is a very articulated and complex process that goes through various phasesfollowing several methodologies and involving a team of professional figures.

Before talking about software development, we must define what software is, i.e. a programme that can be downloaded, installed and run on an electronic device, such as a computer. There are three basic types of software: of system, of programming, application. A fourth type is the integrated softwareused to operate devices that are not properly considered computers, such as cars, connected to theIoT, Internet of Things.

Development refers to those activities necessary for the creation, design, implementation e support of the programme itself. Several professionals are involved in this process, each one dealing with a specific phase. Some of these are:

  • Computer programmer: writes the code;
  • Front-end developerIt develops the part that the user views and interacts with;
  • Back-end developerdeals with the part that the user does not see, but allows the software to function;
  • Project managerIt is responsible for verifying the objectives, timetables and compliance with customer expectations;
  • Web designerdesign and development.

These are just some of the professionals who are entrusted with the creation of software. For anyone wishing to enter this sector, it is essential to have a solid background behind them in order to be able to manage all phases of software development.

The ITS Software Development Course aims to train professionals in the corporate cyber-security and the development of secure computer applications. Through lectures and internships in leading companies, the student will be able to manage and optimise corporate IT security, correct architecture and customer data protection through the design and writing of software code.

The names of software development phases

Lo software development involves six basic steps and activities:

  • Requirements Analysis;
  • Design;
  • Writing code;
  • Testing;
  • Release;
  • Maintenance.

The first phase is the so-called cognitive analysis. The development team and the client meet to start a project. They put down on paper the objectives to be achieved, the budget and the time available. Data is collected, functions are analysed and related to each other, highlighting which inputs (data) are needed to obtain the desired output (function).

In the design are defined in detail the features of the information system, the architecture and structure of each component.

The code writing phase is also called realisation. It is the one that generates the software product that will be gradually revised, extended, corrected and modified.

The testing, o testingis essential to verify that all software functionalities are working properly. Tests are normally carried out on as many electronic devices and modes as possible in order to comprehensively identify the bug and correct them before the product is released. The correction of bugs is also called debugging and is carried out by the developers.

The phase of the release occurs when all highlighted errors have been adequately corrected. At this stage, initial user feedback will be collected and used to make improvements to the software.

The last fundamental phase is the maintenance. It can be said that a piece of software is never fully complete. Sure, there is an official release date, but the developers keep working on the interface to make it more and more intuitive, precise, maintaining correctiveeliminating bugs, adaptiveadapting the product to different environments, or evolutionaryextending the functionality of the software.

Entrusting software development to experts in the field is crucial so that all these steps are carried out correctly and the final product can improve business performance.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor