Software development is the core of every engagement you have with your devices. Can you imagine a world without your favorite apps, games, and websites? Boring, isn’t it? All thanks to software innovation! If you want to think of software development, think of it as erecting an edifice, not with stones and cement this time, but using codes and frameworks to turn ideas into realities.
Software development is not complete without creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical reasoning. These skills are how solutions to complex digital problems are unpacked. It continues to play a significant role in our world today as there have been rapid advancements and better modifications in algorithms that have helped to empower mobile applications, create automation tools, and promote businesses worldwide.
In this article, I will be sharing with you everything you need to know about software development. If you’re exploring as a beginner, you’re in the right place.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
What is Software Development?
Software development is the process of designing software applications through coding, testing, and maintenance. It also entails upgrading an already existing application for a more efficient and reliable one. It is an essential part of this digital age because at the core of virtually every aspect of modern life—communication, entertainment, business operations, and scientific research—is a software application.
According to Statistica, a global data and business intelligence platform, the global population of software developers is expected to rise to 28.7 million in 2024. This is an increase of 3.2 million from the data recorded in 2020. In the United States alone, there are almost 4.3 million software developers.
Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report ranked software developer jobs as number 3 in the 100 best jobs for 2024. Software development will continue to grow strong in 2024 and beyond, following the enormous opportunities that lie there and the chance to constantly create programs and applications that make life easier for society.
Types of Software Development
Software Development is a broad field with unique branches, each designed to solve a specific need. As a business owner, the software that helps you automate tasks is quite different from the software that helps you track your workout routines. Likewise, the servers that power them both.
So to help you find the type suitable for your project, I have listed below the main types of software development:
1. Front-end Development
Front-end development deals with the page layout, interactive details, and visual designs of products, websites and applications. The next time you see those colorful and interactive buttons on your apps, websites, and social media platforms, understand that that is the idea of front-end development.
Simply put, front-end developers control everything you can see in a website or application.
The 5 most essential programming languages used by front-end developers include; HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSX, and TypeScript. If you’re a potential front-end developer, the first language you should learn is HTML, as that is the standard language used in the design of websites.
2. Back-end Development
Back-end development focuses on handling Servers. Servers are what powers websites and applications and it cannot be accessed by a user. In back-end operations, the developers are involved in data storage, retrieval, and processing. They’re also involved in security, order processing, inventory management, and other server-side functions that you cannot see in a website or application.
The programming languages used by back-end developers include; Python, Java, C#, PHP, JavaScript, Golang, C++, SQL, Kotlin, Ruby, etc. JavaScript can be used for both front-end and back-end development.
3. Full-Stack Development
Full-Stack Development combines both the front-end (user side) and the back-end (server side) development of a website.
A full-Stack developer builds complete software solutions from start to finish. This type of development is beneficial when working with monolithic platforms like Shopify, Magento, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, WordPress, etc. Monolithic platforms are independent from other applications and are built as a single software stack into a self-contained codebase.
It uses hundreds of languages and frameworks based on the demands of a project. For example, a simple online store like Shopify can be designed with JavaScript, Python, Java, and PHP.
4. Video Game Development
Video game development is the creation of stories, characters, and gameplay experiences, ranging from simple mobile games to complex consoles and computer games. The designer works on the game structure and its overall look, while the game developer works on the technical aspect by writing codes that will bring the game to life. Game developers use several tools and technologies, such as programming languages, game engines, and art software, to design their games.
The top programming languages that they use include; C++, C#, and Python, along with game engines like Unity and Unreal. These languages are widely used for their efficiency and game engine support. Furthermore, for modeling and animation, developers employ tools such as 3Ds Max and Blender.
5. Cloud Computing Development
This is the process of building, testing, deploying, and maintaining software services in the cloud. Cloud software development helps businesses increase scalability, save costs, and improve data security. The cloud computing market is growing rapidly as more businesses migrate their services to the cloud. Cloud-based file storage systems like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc allows businesses to store and access their files from their mobile devices or PCs with an internet connection.
AIMultiple Research reports that the global cloud market is expected to reach an estimated $ 680 billion in 2024.
Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are the top 3 cloud service providers used by cloud developers, as they offer a wide range of services and features. Moreover, they support businesses in taking public, private, hybrid, and community cloud computing actions.
The 2 programming languages commonly used in cloud development are Python and JavaScript. This is due to their robust libraries and scalability.
6. Application Development
This involves designing a specific set of ordered operations for a computer to perform to meet the unique demands of a business. Activities like designing, coding, testing, and debugging software applications are also encompassed in application development. From scheduling sales reports to tracking monthly expenditures, applications enable businesses to automate processes, enhance the customer experience, and improve their efficiency.
Several forms of application development have been created by developers to cater for the specific needs of businesses and users. They include:
-
Web App Development
Web application development involves creating software that functions on web browsers and can be accessed with an internet connection from any device. The top programming languages and frameworks for web app development include JavaScript, Python, Java, and TypeScript.
-
Mobile App Development
This is the process of creating software programs that run on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The best programming languages for mobile app development include; Swift (for iOS and macOS apps), Kotlin (for Android), Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, C++, C#, etc.
-
Desktop App Development
This type of software application development is specifically for desktop operating systems and computer programs. The features of desktop applications are more complex and have robust, user-friendly interfaces than those of web or mobile applications. The programming languages commonly used for desktop application development include; Java, C++, Python, or C#.
Steps in the Software Development Process (SDLC)
The software development process is an organized and repeatable approach to designing and maintaining software applications. The period between when the software is created till when it’s finally launched is called a software development life cycle (SDLC). The goal of the software development life cycle is to create premium and cost-efficient software applications.
The software development life cycle is as follows:
Phase 1: Project Planning
This stage involves clarifying the design requirements of the new software and calculating the cost of development from start to finish. The cost of the software development can be estimated using methods such as professional consultations, historical project analysis, and comparative evaluations.
Phase 2: Interview and Analysis
In this stage, the developer seeks to understand the requirements about the new software via an interview with the users. This is to enable them to build it to their expectations. These requirements will include details such as the hardware, operating systems, programming, and security of the product. Next is to analyze these requirements, paying attention to the code and the design of the software. The developers further examine the possibility of blending these specifications and details into the software system.
Phase 3: Software Design
In this phase, software developers and designers collaborate to create a detailed approach on the layout and function of the custom software. Furthermore, they define the technical details of the software, such as screen designs, databases, sketches, system interfaces, and prototypes. These details are dependent on the project, and clients use them to finalize their software design choices.
Next is for the software developer to choose the most suitable programming languages for creating the new software. After the design document is ready, the stakeholders will inspect it and give their feedback. The stakeholders play a crucial role at this stage, as any amount of error can lead to unexpected incurred costs.
Phase 4: Wrunexpectedlyiting the Code
This is where the design is translated into a computer-readable language. Also, the various tasks are split into units and modules and assigned to the respective developers to start creating the whole system. The actual coding begins in this stage, and the developers write the code using the selected programming languages. Tools like compilers, interpreters, or debuggers and some coding guidelines are essential in implementing the code. This is the longest stage in the software development life cycle.
Below is a basic example of using HTML and CSS to design a simple website layout. This layout includes a header, a navigation bar, a content section, and a footer.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Simple Website Layout</title>
<style>
body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
.header {
background-color: #4CAF50;
color: white;
text-align: center;
padding: 1em 0;
}
.nav {
background-color: #333;
overflow: hidden;
}
.nav a {
float: left;
display: block;
color: white;
text-align: center;
padding: 14px 20px;
text-decoration: none;
}
.nav a:hover {
background-color: #ddd;
color: black;
}
.content {
padding: 20px;
}
.footer {
background-color: #4CAF50;
color: white;
text-align: center;
padding: 1em 0;
position: fixed;
width: 100%;
bottom: 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="header">
<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
</div>
<div class="nav">
<a href="#home">Home</a>
<a href="#services">Services</a>
<a href="#about">About</a>
<a href="#contact">Contact</a>
</div>
<div class="content">
<h2>Content Section</h2>
<p>This is where your content will go. You can add text, images, videos, and more here.</p>
</div>
<div class="footer">
<p>Footer © 2024</p>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Phase 5: Functionality Testing
The testing phase involves testing the functionality of the entire system and making sure that it’s functioning according to the customer’s expectations. The tests done in this stage include system, integration, unit, performance, acceptance, and functional testing. This testing phase is handled by the testing team and the quality assurance (QA) team.
If the team notices some errors or bugs during testing, they will communicate them to the developers, who will fix them and return the software to the team for another test run. This process is repeated until the software is stable and functions properly when in use.
Phase 6: Software Deployment
In this phase, the approved code is implemented into the software and released from the development environment to end users. The users are then trained on how to operate the software.
Phase 7: Updates and Maintenance
Just because you have deployed the finalized software to your clients doesn’t mean your task has ended. This phase involves making sure the software is running smoothly and addressing any problems or complaints which might arise when in use.
thatFurthermore, users might request for new features or improvements in the existing ones. Overall, the main goal of this phase is to ensure a smooth user experience, enhance the product’s capabilities, and make it stand out in the market.
Why is Software Development Important?
In the business industry, software development helps to improve business processes, automate tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming, and effectively respond to changing market conditions. The development of custom applications also helps in scalability for future growth, better security, and client experience, which helps companies achieve higher productivity.
Furthermore, software development is important in the daily handling of data. This is because when data is combined with appropriate software, businesses can use it to document the trends among their customers. Software development has also contributed to the development of new products and services that solve the needs of society, ultimately promoting technological advancements.
Features of Effective Software Development
Effective software development is a necessity if that software must stand out in a highly competitive market. Below are the features of great software development:
- The developer develops the software application according to the specific needs of the client.
- The software goes through the software development life cycle (SDLC) which includes; planning, interview & analysis, design, coding, testing, deployment, and updates & maintenance.
- Effective software improves on existing business processes and contributes to the growth and flexibility of a business.
- There is an effective communication line between the team of developers, stakeholders, and clients to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Tasks are broken down into units and modules and assigned to teams that can handle specific functionalities.
- The software development teams have the right combination of innovation and expertise to offer solutions to complex challenges.
Software Development Tools and Solutions
Software development tools, also known as programming tools are software that developers use to design and maintain other frameworks and systems. These tools include:
1. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
These are software applications that help to improve the software development process by helping developers write codes efficiently. IDEs function as a unifying workspace for coding, testing, and project management. Examples of IDEs include NetBeans, Eclipse, IntelliJ, and Visual Studio.
2. Code Editors
Code editors are important tools for software developers as it provide an ideal environment for creating, editing, and maintaining high-quality codes. Examples include; Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Atom.
3. Build Automation tools
Build automation tools are utilized for automating and designing softwares for executable applications from the source code. Several tasks, such as compiling and packaging code, running tests, downloading dependencies, and deployment can be automated by these tools. Example of build automation tools include; Apache Maven, Gradle, Make, Jenkins, TravisCI, CircleCI
4. Testing and Quality Assurance Software
These tools are used to ensure that software applications are performing well, meeting the requirements, and are reliable. With these tools, software developers can easily identify and fix bugs, and also optimize code. Testing and Quality Assurance Tools are made up of unit testing frameworks, automated testing tools, and code analysis tools. Examples of these tools include; JUnit, Selenium, Pytest, etc.
5. Problem Tracking Software
Problems accumulate to create backlogs of pending issues when there is no system to track it. These software applications are used to document, prioritize, and deal with issues that arise during software development. Furthermore, problem tracking software is applicable in information technology (IT), customer care, and other operational contexts. Examples include; Nuclino, Zoho BugTracker, Redmine, etc.
6. Source Control Systems
Source control, also known as version control, involves tracking and fixing changes that occur in software code. With version control systems, software developers can effectively manage changes to source code in the future. It also helps them perform faster and smarter. The tools provide a range of features which include; branching, merging, and conflict resolution. Examples of version control systems are Git, Helix core, SVN, ClearCase, etc.
Software Development Methodologies
Software development methodology is an application development life cycle that uses several designs and approaches to effectively strategize the workflow, conserve time and cost needed to develop the software, track the creation process, and improve the quality of the final software.
Here are some of the types of software development methodologies that introduce different models of project development;
1. Agile Development Methodology
Quality product delivery is an important aspect of software development as it determines the software’s effectiveness in the market. The main focus of agile methodology is to enhance the flexibility, collaboration and efficiency that enable software developers to create quality software.
The development process is divided into stages and modules, encouraging continuous teamwork and improvement. In this methodology, the teams follow a process of planning, executing, and evaluating. Any Agile-based project management methodology includes 5 key steps: define, design, build, test, and deploy.
2. Waterfall Development Methodology
This methodology is the opposite of agile methodology. It is strict and follows a linear, sequential process. Here, developers can only begin a fresh phase if the previous one has been completed. Each phase gradually flows into the next one, and there is no going back to the previous stage. The strict sequence of completed tasks as a necessary precondition to the next phase makes the waterfall methodology easy to comprehend. Oftentimes, waterfall is seen as a classic representation of software application development.
3. Extreme Programming Method
This method is part of what is collectively called agile software development methodologies. The goal of this methodology is to enable the development teams to create premium quality software through frequent feedback, collaboration, and active response to evolving demands.
Hence, it encourages that the developers communicate closely with the clients and stakeholders for rapid, iterative development and deployment. In Extreme programming (XP), there are four basic activities that are performed within the development process. These includes; coding, testing, listening, and designing.
4. Lean Development Methodology
Providing valuable software applications for the client and focusing on a meaningful and impactful job is the core element of this whole approach. The lean software development methodology deals primarily with loss reduction. Here, there is a prior inspection of the whole project to eliminate any wasted time, money or useless processes. Since providing value is at the core of this methodology, feedback is important as it enables the team to take action faster.
5. Prototyping Development Methodology
Prototyping involves creating a version of your idea that can accurately represent what the final product will look and function like. The prototyping methodology helps to avoid unnecessary risks in product development. Here, a prototype is designed, tested and then redesigned as necessary until a better and more acceptable product is achieved, from which the entire system can be developed.
Majority of the prototypes for product development will undergo these phases, which include the collection of project requirements, the design of prototype, client evaluation, prototype refinement, product implementation, testing, and deployment.
The prototyping methodology makes the detection of errors easier and more effective. Also, it helps to conserve time and costs as the developing team get to detect critical issues early enough before deployment of software. Some of the best prototyping tools include; Figma, Sketch, Marvel, Proto.io, UXPin, etc.
6. Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
The dynamic systems model involves rapid delivery and an assigned budget. Here, the software developer creates effective software within budget while maintaining the time limit. The client’s involvement and feedback are also necessary in this approach. This way, the developer can provide maximum functionality within the given requirements.
Software Development Skills
Here are some of the necessary skills, including soft skills you need to acquire to become a software developer;
- Problem solving skills.
- Data structures and algorithms.
- Structured query language (SQL).
- Programming languages
- Ability to communicate.
- Attention to detail.
- Debugging.
- Source control.
- Software testing.
- Operating system.
- Systems development life cycle.
- Continuous improvement.
- Database.
- Cloud computing.
- Teamwork.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Collaboration.
- Encryption.
- Java.
- Python.
- C++.
- Ability to multitask.
- Coding.
- Web development.
Software Development Courses
Here are some of the suggested domain-based courses that can give you the head start you need to get into the software development sector if you’re aspiring to become a software developer.
- Android app development.
- Full Stack Development using MERN or MEAN.
- DevOps.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning.
- Data science and Data analytics.
Furthermore, if you want to learn software development, improve your skills, and get certified, you can start by selecting from the free and paid online courses offered by these top learning sites and institutions.
1. Introduction to software development – Coursera
The skills you’ll acquire from these courses include:
- Software Engineering.
- Software Architecture.
- Python Programming.
- Agile and Scrum.
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
2. Diploma in Software Project Management – Alison
The knowledge and skills you will acquire include;
- Quality management.
- Software testing.
- Software development.
- Project Management.
- Scrum.
- Agile.
- Software Engineering.
- STEM.
- Complete.
3. Python for Everybody Specialization – Coursera
The skills you’ll acquire include:
- Json
- Xml
- Python Programming
- Database (DBMS)
4. Software Design and Architecture Specialization – Coursera
In this course, you’re free to learn at your own pace. Some of the skills you’ll gain include:
- Software Architecture
- Java
- Software Design Pattern
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
5. IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate – Coursera
Some of the skills you’ll gain include:
- Web Development
- Full Stack Development
- Web Application
- Data Science
- Data Analysis
- Python Programming
- Cloud Computing
- Coding Challenge
- Interview Preparation
- Generative AI, etc.
N:B: There is an opportunity to apply for financial aid in Coursera.
6. Software Development from A to Z – Beginner’s Complete Guide – Udemy
In this course, you will learn the SDLC, OOP, UML, Agile, SCRUM, Programming Basics with Python, web development, etc.
Software Development Roadmap
If you want to become a software developer, here’s the roadmap that will take you there:
1. Laying a Good Foundation
Laying a good foundation is essential to becoming a sought-after software developer, as it helps you build credibility and sustainability. That said, the first step you need to take is to build a solid understanding of principles in computer science. Furthermore, you can enroll in courses such as Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), Operating Systems (OS, Computer architecture and Programming Ideas. Enrolling in programming courses, fellowships, or boot camps online can also help you gain practical knowledge in software development.
2. Selecting Your Niche
Selecting your most preferred niche will help you focus on a particular area and build mastery on it. There are various domains to explore in software development, such as Web design, Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, Cloud computing, Game development, Mobile app development, Web development, Data science, Cybersecurity, product design, etc.
By exploring each of these niches, you can find your area of specialization and hone your skill there. Furthermore, participating in mini projects, volunteering, and working under senior developers or mentors will also help guide you.
3. Constant Learning and Improvement
If you want to stand out in the ever-evolving IT industry, you need to improve on your skill set every day and be up-to-date with the latest technologies, tools, and frameworks. Ensure you attend relevant conferences and webinars that speak to your niche or IT in general. Furthermore, you can publish papers and participate in hackathons to improve your coding skills. Contributing to open source projects and personal projects too can help you gain more experience and boost your portfolio.
4. Developing Your Problem Solving Skills
Ability to think and proffer solutions to complex technical issues is vital in software development. If you want to succeed as a software developer, you must start to practice coding challenges and puzzles to sharpen your problem-solving skills. Your employers are mainly looking for developers who will approach complex technical issues with a structured mindset.
5. Building a Strong Portfolio
A portfolio is a visual representation of your skills, projects, contributions, and accomplishments. Having a great portfolio shows your employee or client that you are active in the industry and know what you’re doing. Ensure your great projects and achievements are well-organized in a portfolio website. Things to highlight include your results, thought process and technical problems you encountered during development and how you were able to solve them.
6. Building a Strong Online Presence
You can start by building and optimizing your LinkedIn and social media platforms. This way, you become visible to your employers and potential clients. Also, you can get lots of suggestions on internship opportunities, communities to belong, collaborations, and freelancing jobs just by building a strong online presence.
7. Applying for Internships and Freelancing Jobs
Applying for internships will help you gain further experience and exposure on your chosen niche. Freelancing, on the other hand, enables you to become more versatile and also improve your capabilities.
Conclusion
I have successfully shared with you the important things you should know about software development. Software development is an area worth exploring because the world is strongly heading towards technical and automated systems.
Software Development continues to play an important role in our world today as it has helped to empower mobile applications, automate repetitive tasks, manage tons of data, and improve businesses around the globe.