Nowadays,
most of the people want to depend on technology for their everyday
needs. So, it is not unusual that in this tech savvy world, software
systems are increasingly gaining popularity. However, for developing
an app, there is a need of some precise and careful steps.
Software
Development Life Cycle involves a number of steps in a systematic way
with the purpose of creating an app. Every software development
expert follows this framework in their project. It involves detailed
planning on the process of developing software. There’re different
models for creating software system-
Waterfall
Model- It is such a model, in which each of the phases is completed
prior to starting the subsequent one. While every step has been done
effectively, the experts reassess their project in order to know if
it’s possible to do other tasks.
Incremental
Model- In this model, the software engineers involve a number of
cycles for development. These cycles may be split into some smaller
sections. Such sections are easily manageable and experience some
phases, which include design, requirements, testing and
implementation. A functional software version is developed, at
first.
V-Shaped
Development Model- It mainly emphasizes the implementation procedure
in an organized way. It has some similarities with waterfall
pattern. However, much value is given to the process of testing. The
experts write down the testing methods before starting to compose
the code.
Different
methodologies are also used for the improvement of software quality.
As it is not possible to do it without skills, most of the
entrepreneurs plan for outsourcing
the task of designing or developing an app. Here are the 5 steps we,
SYNERGY Consulting is suggesting and we follow these with all our
clients.
Planning
and knowing the requirements of app users-
This
is the foremost step in the project of software development. At this
point, the app developers try to comprehend all the needs of their
clients and their specific desires. They also discuss about the
possible issues, which may come up during the process of development.
While assessing all the needs, the developers and project managers
also present you with some strategies in order to reduce the
potential risks. They record every requirement in a clear way and
also show it to you at the time of consultation. The app developers
also attempt to make out whether it is possible to incorporate your
requirements into the proposed system. The experts may ask different
questions to their clients-
Who
would make use of the product?
What
type of data is to be added to the app?
How
would the users utilize it?
Some
other aspects, taken in into account, at this stage of inception,
are-
Competitive
benefits –
The developers want to know whether similar applications are present
in the market. If the planned product has similarity with other
others, the experts try to distinguish it.
Integration
of
infrastructure
–
It is essential to understand if the present infrastructure is to be
integrated properly with the product. This is important for the
enterprise apps.
It
is only a basic plan to take advantage of the available resources.
However, the experts consider several other factors, including
benefits, time, and cost for creating app. Usually the app developers
need few months for full development of the product. But, it may
vary, according to the project.
Designing
the product- UI development and graphics-
At
this stage, app developer think of the design of
software, depending on the requirements, specified by the clients.
The software, which is to be designed, may be new either to the
particular company or in the relevant marketplace. Or, in some
projects, the existing app is improved by making some changes.
User
Interface creation is the foremost step for designing software, no
matter whether it is a mobile app or web app. Many people think that
development of UI is just about the setting up a website or dealing
with JavaScript and HTML. However, it is intended to create the
desired interaction of users efficiently.
UI
development process is conducted with four diverse steps-
Research
Branding
Development
of prototype
Production
With
this structure, there is an increasing need of interaction between
app development agency and the clients.
At
the time of designing mockups,
the UI experts closely deal with a team of UX specialists to classify
the interface (Visual design or graphics and Wireframes). The team
for UX development tries to be creative while working on visual
structure and wireframes. However, they do not know about the
possible limitations and challenges. That is why the co-operation of
UI experts simplifies the procedure.
Wireframes
are exposed as the complete screen design that comprises some
sketches in black and white. It displays each screen of the app;
however, the process for graphic designing does not start here.
Wireframe
may be considered as a significant aspect since it enables clients in
concentrating on the interaction of users. It’s a cyclical
procedure, and while the clients have approved the layouts, visual
designing project is initiated. App branding is the major focus in
this process. The experts deal with subjective areas, like colors and
related styles. For instance, if it is Android application, they
develop OpenGL graphics and input
some interesting things that response well to the touches of users.
If you want, they can also animate views with the application of
transitions.
After
receiving the documents for designing the system, the process is
usually divided into different modules. And then, the coding works
are started. As the codes are quite intricate, the software makers
try to be much careful. It is one of the lengthiest tasks,
accomplished by the developers. The software engineers consider the
result of designing project as the main input to start coding. The
major function at this step is to make conversion of design into
important codes with the use of proper programming language decided
in designing phase. The strong code, used at this point, may be
helpful to decrease the hassles, faced at during maintaining or
testing the app. No matter, how minor the mistake is, this can cause
trouble to the app creators.
From
the perspective of business, it has been seen that the possible cost
to test or maintain an app is quite higher, in compared to coding
process. Thus, most of the experienced software development
experts believed that it’s better to give much importance to
coding.
Proto
type and click through creation-
Prototype
can be considered as a simple software model of with specific
functionality. This prototype may not relate the particular exact
logic, applied in actual app or software. Prototyping enables users
in assessing the proposals of developers prior to implementation.
This is also useful to comprehend the users’ needs, which haven’t
been taken into account in the design of the product. The best option
is to develop click
through prototypes that have high fidelity and have intricate models.
For
more complexity level, more amount of time is needed for the
execution of structural alteration. Only the best app developer is
able to update complex software prototype at the time of designing
it. It is also possible to use the present prototypes once again to
develop the true system, regardless of technical feasibility.
In
short, the developers generate a clickable presentation by connecting
high fidelity models, wireframes and sketches. They are also able to
share it and view it through any browser for showing instant demo.
Development
and beta testing-
For
the complete development of a software system, the developers make
use of different tools, like compilers, debuggers or interpreters in
order to develop proper codes. Besides, they also apply their
knowledge on programming languages (such as, Java, HTML or C++). They
decide on this language, depending on your software type and your
requirements.
After
the development of software, a
Quality Control team is engaged in this process to have a trial of
functionalities of the software. When the developers create precise
and accurate code, they test out the product to ensure that they’ve
met all requirements.
Beta
test –
This is the most important test to allow the app work in a flawless
way. For
a successful beta test, some factors, which are considered, include-
cost of test, shipping, test participants and test duration.
Developers
deal with open or closed version beta. The closed ones are usually
released for specific people. However, open version are for common
public or any interested person. The main aim of this test is to send
your app to the actual end users to know if there are issues or flaws
while running the app.
In
addition to Beta tests, other assessments, done by developers, are-
Unit
test-
It
is a minor testable element of the app, such as, classes, functions,
interface and procedures. It’s a methodology, where every
coding unit is tested in order to know their suitability. Usually,
app developers perform this task to ensure that coding goes with the
design.
Integration
testing-
It
checks the interfaces of elements and contacts with various parts,
including the hardware and OS. This test is done after the
integration of two diverse components.
System
testing-
The
experts test the performance of the product, depending on requirement
level, risks and resources of system. It is, in fact, the ultimate
test to validate the software. Special testers deal with all the
aspects,
related to testing.
All
the tests are done until the app becomes acceptable to the users. At
the same time, validation and verification are also important for
successful operation.
Going
live and launching the software-
When
the above steps have been covered, it is the time to implement the
app. If the app is new, the experts deploy the repository of codes
and database. However, later, any change may be done, if needed. In
order to track everything, the software development companies
use some tools. The database may be exported to the purpose of
deploying on another server. In case of app codes, it is better to
create zip code for the deployment of your software.
Launching
a software system in the market is exciting to the product owner and
developer. However, the experienced developers always try to be
careful while marketing and distributing the app. An
analysis the target market is essential before launching the app. If
the app is to be distributed on any social platform, it is important
to know the best one that brings you maximum number of leads and
customers.
Thus,
these are some important steps, which are always followed for
creating a desktop or mobile application. So, hire the best software
developer to develop your personal or business app.