Software Development Process Description - Essay Example

This process, based on the requirement of a particular project, can follow an engineering-based approach, a structured approach, or an incremental approach (Jawadekar, 2004). However, in recent years, software development firms have adopted methodologies that are a mix of different software development methodologies. According to Jawadekar (2004), the software development process is usually made up of the following stages: Comprehension and analysis of the specific problems and requirements of a client Planning – developing a strategic plan for the development of the software Creating a design for the customized software solution Implementation – actual development of the software, which entails coding Testing – entails unit testing and whole system testing Installation – deploying the actual system/software Maintenance and error fixing All these stages combined make up the software development process, also well known as SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).

Based on the needs of the client, more or less time may be devoted to any of the stages mentioned above. Process Stages Explained The diagram above (Figure 1.0) illustrates the stages followed in a software development process. The Requirements stage entails defining the required information, behaviours, functions, interfaces, and performance of the software product to be built. The Planning stage entails the preparation of a strategic plan that is expected to guide the development of the software.

It defines important deliverables, timelines and milestones. The Design stage involves the creation of a design based on the client’s requirements. It entails defining and designing the software architecture, data structures, algorithmic details, and interface representations. Implementation entails actual writing of software source code, database design, unit testing and user documentation. The Testing stage entails testing the source code. System, unit, and user acceptance or usability testing are also performed at this stage.

The Installation stage, also known as the deployment, is the last stage in the initial development process (Jawadekar, 2004). This is where the software units are integrated into one unit. Some testing also occurs at this stage, since the software is made for an actual business and used by actual users. As a result, there is extensive monitoring of bugs or errors. Additionally, training is done at this stage and any customizations required are carried out (Jawadekar, 2004). Maintenance entails making enhancements and changes to the system before it can officially be handed over to the client.

Faults discovered during testing are corrected. Process Audience Description The intended audience for this process includes the project leader, management, the client, testers, and development team members (Jawadekar, 2004). It is important for the project leader since this process helps guide the whole project and, therefore, it is important for the project leader, especially in terms of project monitoring, duty assignment and delegation, deliverables and milestone tracking. As far as the overall management is concerned, this process is important since it helps know what to expect and when to expect it.

It also offers an outline of how a particular software product will be developed and delivered. They are especially involved at the end of each stage since they are responsible for evaluating deliverables and ensuring