What are the steps in developing an application or software?

The development of an application or software requires a specific methodology. This methodology allows the project to progress according to different phases that refer to the SDLC. This term, which designates the software life cycle, defines the global method that takes into account much more than just the development phase. It is the solution proposed to apprehend the project in its entirety and provide a solution tailored to your needs and expectations.

This starts from the definition of the objectives of your software solution to its deployment and maintenance. In this article, we propose you to discover which are the development stages of an application or a software and how they are essential to the success of the project.

 

What is the life cycle of a computer software (SDLC) or a web application ?

The SDLC, or software life cycle, refers to the complete methodology that includes the development stages of a computer program. It covers the entire software development process. It involves a phase of consultation and definition of objectives, then design, deployment and maintenance. The SDLC also includes a set of tests to ensure that the software is of optimal quality.

There are different models of development cycles for a web or software solution. Their conceptualization always involves breaking down the web development process into different stages. It is important to refer to this action plan to ensure that you respect :

• Compliance of the program with the client’s needs ;
• The quality of the product ;
• The deadlines for the realization of the software ;
• Controlling development costs.

Using the SDLC provides a framework for an application or software development project. Depending on the type of project, time and cost may vary depending on the constraints of the product. The development of a cloud-native web application, for example, is not based on the same architecture as a local software. The computer language and technologies differ, but the overall creation process remains the same.

All phases of software development must be respected and guided by precise objectives. For this, it is essential to be accompanied in order to determine which solution is adapted to your specific needs. Castelis offers you the custom software development with :

• Web and mobile web developers specialized in PHP via the Symfony framework for the back-end, or Nuxt JS for the front-end.
• MySQL or SQL Server relational database experts.
• Developers specialized in native technologies: Swift for iOS, Kotlin and Java for Android and the hybrid framework React Native.

 

Software or application development process

Here are the main steps in the development of an application or a software :

1. Research and definition of objectives ;
2. Planification ;
3. UX/UI design for an optimal user experience ;
4. Web development ;
5. Test phase ;
6. Deployment and maintenance phase.

 

Research and definition of objectives

The first step in software development is to determine the strategic and technological choices of the project. To do this, it is necessary to precisely analyze the target client by becoming aware of its needs and the problems to be solved. For example, during the development process of an application, the context of use is determining. Does the user access it via a computer on a large screen, a smartphone, or both ?

Satisfying the user’s needs is essential. In order to develop a project that fully corresponds to the user’s needs, knowledge of the target is essential. In the same way, a competitive intelligence must take stock of the existing solutions and their functioning. This is what will allow us to define the project’s objectives and guide the developers to offer an optimal experience.

 

Planification

Based on the results of the research phase, the best possible strategy must be established. It must also be integrated into the overall objectives of the organization. The context, the chosen technology, the costs and the deadlines of the development project are then defined.

 

Design for an optimal experience

In order for the software to be pleasant and easy to use with an intuitive ergonomics, UX-UI experts will intervene. During this stage of design of the application or software, the schematization of the architecture will allow an ergonomic and functional visualization of the application. Different prototypes can be made to ensure that the design meets your expectations. Once this stage of the SCLD has been validated, the actual development can begin.

 

Web development

This type of web development ensures better reliability and scalability of the software solution. Contrary to a classic monolithic architecture, it allows for targeted and flexible interventions.

A microservices architecture is made up of modules that are independent of each other and communicate with each other through APIs. They work in synergy, but can be modified independently without affecting the functioning of the software. This system facilitates development and integration and accelerates the deployment of updates and new features.

 

Test phase

This step of the development of an application or a software is essential. These tests will ensure the proper functioning and quality of the site. We generally divide the testing phase into two types of acceptance: the visual acceptance, carried out with the UX/UI designer to ensure compliance with the mock-ups and the fluidity of the user’s path; and the technical acceptance, which makes it possible to identify and eliminate any bugs and errors and to check the proper integration of third-party tools.

 

Deployment and maintenance phase

The release of the product does not mark the end of the development process. The deployment of the solution means its installation in its production environment. The availability of the solution to users will allow us to gather their feedback in real conditions of use, and to make possible adjustments to the solution in order to optimize its functioning.

In addition, preventive and corrective maintenance can be set up to ensure the software’s longevity. This will allow us to perform updates or apply the necessary security patches.

To be accompanied in all these stages of development of your application or your software defines the success of the project. Choose Castelis and its expertise to advise you in the custom web and mobile development of your software solution.

 

Need more information or specific support ? Contact-us, Castelis’ custom development experts are at your disposal.