Software Development Life Cycle- A complete process to create an app

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.

• Value – The anticipated value that may be offered by app to the users
• Mobility – The compatibility of the app to the mobile platform

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.