Software Development Company In Thane: What is software development?
When you hear the word "software development," many people may wonder, "it seems a little difficult," except for those familiar with IT. Here, we explain the meaning and type of software development, the flow of development, the difference from system development, selecting a subcontractor, etc., for those in charge of companies considering software development.
What is software development?
In the first place, the software is a term that refers to "a program that runs on a computer." Many software is used worldwide, such as "Excel", a pioneer of spreadsheet software, and "Word", which is familiar as writing software. To put it simply, this "designing, developing and releasing software" is software development. In addition, application, game software, OS (operating system) development, etc., also correspond to software development in a broad sense.
In contrast to this software, servers, displays, and printers are called hardware. You may remember the difference between them by recognizing that "the invisible is software" and "the visible physical existence is hardware". Understanding the differences will also reduce communication discrepancies in development. By the way, software and hardware are systematically combined and ready to be used, collectively called a "system".
What kind of software development?
According to " what to develop, " software development can be divided into the following three types according to "what to develop". Before learning the specific development method, let's remember the characteristics of each to deepen the understanding of the basic knowledge.
Web system software-:
As the name implies, the Web system software runs on a web browser. Typical examples are "G-Mail", a mail service released by Google, and "Dropbox", known as a data-sharing system. The appeal of Web system software is that it is easy to use if you have an Internet environment without being affected by PCs and smartphones. Since it has the characteristic of running on the Internet, it may require an engineer familiar with communication technology for development.
Application software-:
Application software refers to software that has been programmed for a specific purpose. Software specialized for smooth execution of tasks that users want to do, such as spreadsheets, image editing, email, and presentation software. In addition to software with only specific functions, there is much software configured by combining multiple functions, and the development period and cost are likely to change depending on the scale.
Embedded system-:
Embedded systems are computer systems built into smartphones, home appliances, robots, and machines. Rather than using different functions according to the purpose, such as Web system software and application software, it means incorporating a system specializing in one device's functions. For example, it is an image of adding a "washing function" and a "drying function" to a washing machine. Due to the characteristics of controlling equipment, engineers who are familiar with hardware are indispensable for developing embedded systems.
Occupations related to software development
Many people think of engineers and programmers when they think of a profession related to software development, but in reality, "sales representatives" are also involved in development. This is because "software development" includes all the processes leading up to the release as a product. In the following, we will introduce the specific work performed by each person concerned.
Engineer
Engineers involved in software development are also called "software engineers". A software engineer's job is to determine the development policy for applications that run on PCs and smartphones. Software engineers are also involved in developing software used in automobiles and home appliances.
Generally speaking, "engineer" often thinks of a system engineer (SE), but the processes involved are strictly different between a system engineer and a software engineer. In short, system engineers often "define and design the requirements of the entire system." The system engineer works the upstream process rather than the software engineer.
Programmer
The programmer's main job is to program software. Complete the software using various programming languages and frameworks to ensure that the software works as specified. The engineer is responsible for the design part of the software, while the programmer is responsible for the actual development.
However, there are many cases where "software engineers are in charge of programming" in some companies. On the other hand, programmers often decide on software development policies, and the areas of responsibility of engineers and programmers are ambiguous. Based on the above points, it may be recognized that "programmers are people with programming skills".
Sales
In software development, sales staff are involved in the "contract development" and "package sales" stages.
In contract development, the sales staff asks the client "what kind of software is needed", and then the engineers and programmers develop it. Sales in contract development are "the existence that connects the client and the engineers." Specialized knowledge about the development process and the skill to break it down and explain it to the client are required.
For outsourced development, package sales are for selling packaged software. This may be closer to the general image of "sales position". "Sales skills" are required to firmly grasp the performance and attractiveness of the company's products and convey them to customers.
What is "marketing" in software development?
As you can see from the professions involved, software development has an engineering aspect that is assembled by utilizing programming knowledge and a marketing aspect that considers the design as a product and the sales channel while considering users' needs.
Engineers and programmers are generally responsible for the engineering aspects, and salespeople (or marketers) are responsible for marketing. In some cases, human resources who have knowledge and experience are in charge of the entire development as "product manager" and "project manager".
A common occurrence in software development is the discrepancy in communication between engineering and marketing personnel. Problems may arise due to a lack of understanding of each other's work content, and the overall development flow may stop. To prevent such cases, we need a manager who can promote the entire project from a management perspective.
Software development begins with sales reps identifying issues such as "where are the customers in trouble?"
When the problem becomes apparent, the software development plan for solving it starts. It is an important task to exchange the development contents and the budget and operation timing consultations many times. If the customer is satisfied with the plan and budget, the contract is made, and the software is completed through the following steps.
1. Requirements definition
To put it simply, the requirement definition clarifies the work to be systematized and the required performance. The purpose is to clarify system development, but it also plays a role in creating a state where there is no discrepancy by visualizing the roles on the development and customer sides.
2. Development
Design the program using a programming language based on the contents of the design document. Depending on the size of the system, the number of engineers deployed will also vary. Engineers and programmers will work carefully while exchanging whether the design is as per the design document.
3. Usability testing
After finishing the software development work, run a test to see if it works according to the design document. We check that unit tests, integration tests, system tests, operation tests, etc., normally work at any time and fix any problems. If all tests work without error, the test ends.
4. Release
If we can confirm that there is no problem with the software, we will deliver it. At this time, we will also send you a manual that summarizes the system's operation. If the customer feels uneasy about using the software, we may provide training on operation instructions.
5. Operation/maintenance
It is also an important task on the developer side to deal with any troubles in the system during operation. In addition, we will deal with requests such as "customers want to add new functions".
The general flow is described above, but software development is characterized by "the development process differs" depending on the project. Software development is carried out by properly using the "waterfall type" that develops through the process in order and the "agile type" that returns to the previous process as needed.
What is the difference between software development and system development?
Now that we've introduced the development process let's touch on "system development," which is often confused with software development. System development is, in a nutshell, "the work of developing a system to improve the business structure." For example, system development builds a cash register system used in convenience stores and supermarkets more efficiently.
On the other hand, software development is developing the contents (programs) of software such as Word and Excel. Software development can be regarded as improving equipment contents, and system development can be regarded as improving the contents of equipment and the way people work in a broader sense.
Software development may be included in system development because system development has a broader meaning than software development.
