In the process of creating software, there are a series of phases that are followed during the normal creation process. Normally, one does not sit down and “start programming.”
Well, maybe when you do it at home in a project for yourself, it is. But if you do this professionally, either on your own 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 spans from the conception of an idea to the delivery and maintenance of an application. The cycle consists of several interconnected stages that encompass planning, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of the application.
Let’s briefly go through each one 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 carried out, possible challenges are identified, and a project plan is developed. This stage involves gathering information, defining scope, and functional description.
Design
In this stage, a visual and structural representation of the application is created. The objective is to establish a solid foundation for subsequent implementation.
On the one hand, sketches (or mockups) of the user interface that the final application will have are designed. In many cases, it is preferred that the sketches clearly look like a sketch, so that there is no confusion that they are not yet the final design.
On the other hand, the architecture and data structure are defined. During this phase, it is possible to rely on flow diagrams, entity-relationship tables, and entities.
Implementation
In this phase, the software is coded according to the specifications and design defined previously. 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 tests should be carried out to identify and correct 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 implementation and distribution. The production environment is configured, executable files are generated, or the application is deployed on web servers.
The installation and necessary configuration are also carried out so that the application is available to end users.
Maintenance
Maintenance is an ongoing stage that may involve 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 expand the usefulness and versatility of the application, offering users new ways to interact and benefit from it.
These updates may include improvements to the user interface, performance optimization, integration with other platforms or services, and the incorporation of new technologies.