Software engineering is capable of achieving better development and usability results in any computer system, but first you need to be clear about your objective.
do you want to solve a specific problem for a user or group of users? Do you want to create a web application to manage company invoices? Do you need a system that performs a specific task, such as browsing the internet? Do you want to provide broader functionality, such as an operating system? Or do you want a diagnostic tool to monitor and control the functionality of a device's physical resources?
Whatever your goal, there is a type of software development for you. Here you will find all the information you need to know to set up a software development adapted to your characteristics and needs.
Let's go!
Types and methodologies of software development
If the destination is the beginning of the journey, the objective is the beginning of the type of software development methodology to follow. Pay close attention to the following lines about the different development methodologies depending on the purpose. We have classified them in 2 categories:
Software development methodologies
- Structure-oriented methodologies: they focus on how the code and logic of the program is organised.
- Function-oriented methodologies: focus on the behaviour of the program and how it meets its objectives.
- Process-oriented methodologies: focus on how software development is carried out, how activities are organised and in what order they are performed.
- Change-oriented methodologies: focus on the software's ability to adapt to changes in the environment.
Types of software development depending on the objective
- Application software development: developed with the objective of solving a specific problem for a user or group of users. Examples of application software are database management systems, project management systems and mobile applications.
- Systems software development: is developed with the objective of providing a solution to a more general computing problem. Examples include operating systems, web servers and network management systems. Examples include diagnostic tools for monitoring and controlling the functionality of physical device resources.
- Middleware software development: is developed with the aim of providing an abstraction layer between different software systems. Examples of middleware are messaging systems, application integration systems and content management systems. For example, middleware software could allow a database application to communicate with a front-end application.
- Software tool development: is developed with the aim of providing a tool that will facilitate the development of other software. Examples of software tools are compilers, debuggers and profilers .
- Firmware development: is developed with the aim of providing an interface between the hardware and software of a device. Examples of firmware are BIOS and microcode. There are many firmware developments, but an example would be a program that runs on a digital camera. The firmware of the camera controls all the functions of the camera, such as focusing, exposure and image storage.
- Programming development: through programming language and logical knowledge, digital utilities are designed to perform various functions, such as text editors, which are used to create and manage digital files containing text.
Read on to learn about the common characteristics between the different types of development.
Characteristics of software development
If there is one thing that all types of software development have in common, it is these characteristics:
- Planning - It is important to plan development before coding begins, which helps to ensure that the software is developed according to customer requirements and that deadlines are met.
- Design: Software design is an important stage where flowcharts are created and it is decided how the software functionality will be coded.
- Coding: At this stage, the software is coded according to the previously created design.
- Testing: Once the software is coded, testing is necessary to ensure that it works correctly.
- Implementation: Oncethe software is fully developed and tested, implementation can proceed.
Now that you know the types of software and their general characteristics, it is time to know the last details.
To finalise software development by purpose
Remember that software development is the process by which a computer programme is created. And that involves the conception, design, coding, testing and maintenance of the software. Its overall goal is to simplify the software creation process so that developers can concentrate on creating high-quality, functional applications.
But for that to happen, you need to start with a clear goal in mind. Don't be left with any doubts, resolve them by contacting Occam Digital Agency.
