Overview
The software development process can be intimidating and confusing at times, and at Aptus Logic, we believe that it is our responsibility to educate clients on how the process works and what the responsibilities of the client and developer are during each phase. This article aims to outline several methodologies utilized to approach software projects, starting with the most common, the Waterfall Model.
The Waterfall Model
The Waterfall method of software development is broken up into five distinct phases: requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. The requirements phase involves discussion between client and developer to determine the needs of the client, and ensuring that both parties clearly understand those needs. This can be broken down into sub-categories like business requirements, technical constraints, and workflow issues, among others. It is important of a client to enumerate any issues they wish to deal with and resolve, because at the end of this phase, the amount of work involved should be clear, and a more accurate time and cost estimate can be calculated. The next phase is design, during which the requirements are turned into a design for the software that will meet those requirements. This can include user interface design, mockups, proof of concept, flowcharts, tool discovery and other techniques. The client should verify at this point that the design does indeed outline a solution that will meet the requirements. The third phase is implementation, during which the actual software is developed, tools are gathered, installed and configured, and everything is connected to form one seamless solution. This phase is typically broken down into milestones, with the client testing and approving each one after it is completed. The fourth phase is verification, commonly known as testing. Both client and developer run through the software from the standpoint of an end-user and test all features, ensuring that everything works as designed and is bug-free. The fifth and final phase is maintenance, which involves any steps needed to maintain the software, such as performing regular backups and updates.
Other Methodologies
There are other approaches to software development besides the Waterfall model that may be better suited to certain applications. One is the Spiral approach, which is an ongoing process of analysis, evaluation, development and planning. All four phases are active in turn throughout the entire project. In larger projects, this can be very effective, as it keeps both client and developer actively involved throughout the process. Another newer approach is called Extreme Programming, which involves tackling development in layers. The software is developed from start to finish on a very simplistic level, with no bells and whistles, but with the main functionality intact. The process then repeats, but on a deeper level, adding more interface features, configuration options, etc. This allows a client to see a working product the whole time, coming to life at the start, but growing in complexity. When taking on a new project, it the responsibility of the developer to determine the most applicable and efficient approach to use for development.
Communication
The one common factor with all these approaches, and undoubtedly the most important one, is communication between client and developer. Before, during and after each phase of the process, communication helps keep all parties involved on the same page, so that the project is always in a constant state of moving toward a common goal.
If you have any questions about what Aptus Logic can do for your business, or would like to discuss a potential project, contact us here.
Overview
The software development process can be intimidating and confusing at times, and at Aptus Logic, we believe that it is our responsibility to educate clients on how the process works and what the responsibilities of the client and developer are during each phase. This article aims to outline several methodologies utilized to approach software projects, starting with the most common, the Waterfall Model.
The Waterfall Model
The Waterfall method of software development is broken up into five distinct phases: requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. The requirements phase involves discussion between client and developer to determine the needs of the client, and ensuring that both parties clearly understand those needs. This can be broken down into sub-categories like business requirements, technical constraints, and workflow issues, among others. It is important of a client to enumerate any issues they wish to deal with and resolve, because at the end of this phase, the amount of work involved should be clear, and a more accurate time and cost estimate can be calculated. The next phase is design, during which the requirements are turned into a design for the software that will meet those requirements. This can include user interface design, mockups, proof of concept, flowcharts, tool discovery and other techniques. The client should verify at this point that the design does indeed outline a solution that will meet the requirements. The third phase is implementation, during which the actual software is developed, tools are gathered, installed and configured, and everything is connected to form one seamless solution. This phase is typically broken down into milestones, with the client testing and approving each one after it is completed. The fourth phase is verification, commonly known as testing. Both client and developer run through the software from the standpoint of an end-user and test all features, ensuring that everything works as designed and is bug-free. The fifth and final phase is maintenance, which involves any steps needed to maintain the software, such as performing regular backups and updates.
Other Methodologies
There are other approaches to software development besides the Waterfall model that may be better suited to certain applications. One is the Spiral approach, which is an ongoing process of analysis, evaluation, development and planning. All four phases are active in turn throughout the entire project. In larger projects, this can be very effective, as it keeps both client and developer actively involved throughout the process. Another newer approach is called Extreme Programming, which involves tackling development in layers. The software is developed from start to finish on a very simplistic level, with no bells and whistles, but with the main functionality intact. The process then repeats, but on a deeper level, adding more interface features, configuration options, etc. This allows a client to see a working product the whole time, coming to life at the start, but growing in complexity. When taking on a new project, it the responsibility of the developer to determine the most applicable and efficient approach to use for development.
Communication
The one common factor with all these approaches, and undoubtedly the most important one, is communication between client and developer. Before, during and after each phase of the process, communication helps keep all parties involved on the same page, so that the project is always in a constant state of moving toward a common goal.
If you have any questions about what Aptus Logic can do for your business, or would like to discuss a potential project, contact us here.