An Informative Guide On Software Development

When it comes to software development, companies are often troubled by rising costs and missed deadlines. That makes them start wondering whether there are any ideal case scenarios or best practices that can help them optimize their efforts.

With technology, digital platforms, and apps playing a major role in business development, software development has become an integral part of growth. Whether you are looking to develop a food-related app, build a two-sided marketplace, or want to set up a dashboard for your B2B clients, a software development company can make it happen.

There is a reason why leading companies in the world are able to get it right when it comes to software development. What is their secret sauce, and how can others get inspired and learn from them are questions that plague businesses, big and small.

In this day and age, whether you are a start-up or a billion-dollar business, you need software development. It is simply the requirement of the times that we live in. An app, a website, or an IoT device are all forms and functions where software development is required.

In this informative guide, we draw from our experience of more than ten years in the field of software development. We call upon our good friends at Chudovo, a leading software development company, and ask them about some important best practices in this regard.

Software Development: A Brief Introduction

Software development is the use, application, and engagement of computer science language and applications to create ‘software’. It is a set of processes that help us create, design, deploy and support computer programming and language to achieve desired and expected ends.

Four major types of software exist in our world today. Let us try to look at them in some detail-

Application Software-

Software of this nature helps users and customers perform certain tasks that help them satisfy an end. These can work productivity apps, cab-hailing applications, ecommerce shopping apps, as well as data management tools. You can say that social media platforms like Instagram Tik-Tok and Facebook are also examples of application-based software.

Programming Software-

The developers and software engineers that design application-based software also need help in creating and compiling programming codes. Programming software helps them create code. Whether you are looking at high-performance text editors, or linking tools and debugging systems, all of them can be classified under programming software.

System Software-

When it comes to software development, most lose sight of the fact that hardware is an important component. This is where system software helps in optimizing operating systems, allows for disk sharing and management, as well as contributes to the overall management of hardware systems. This boosts the efficiency of the entire operations process.

Embedded Software-

We are living in times that are characterized by high levels of tech and digital advancements. Embedded software allows us to control and operate IoT devices like smart home assistants, connected car technologies, home security systems, and more. Given how they have grown in scope and operations, embedded software development will scale new heights in 2022.

List of 5 Best Practices for Software Development in 2022

We hope that you have been able to get a fair bit of idea regarding the different types of software development that exist in our world today. In this section, we are going to look at five amazing best practices that can help you get the maximum ROIs for your software development projects-

The Best Software carries a Simple Code-

Unnecessary complexity is something that is not only counter-productive but results in frequent problems later on. Most experts, including Google’s very own Community Lead, states that simplistic codes work best in software development.

This is something that is tied inimically to a principle known as DRY or ‘Doesn’t Repeat Yourself’ in writing code. Developers and engineers need to make sure that if a code is avoidable, it should have no place in the overall scheme of things.

If someone new comes over and starts looking after the project, the simplistic code will help them grasp everything within a short span.

Extensive Testing is the Hallmark of Successful Software Development-

Test, test, and test! Going back, redoing it, and then continuing with the vicious cycle is something that should not have any place in your software development project. According to experts, there are two aspects of testing that should be followed.

The first is called TDD or Test-Driven Development and the second one is BDD or Behaviour Driven Development. Both these allow you to work on the overall software architecture, as well as create an end product that answers every darn question and problem that the users might have.

This is a coherent process that prevents you from going back to the drawing board at the first sign of trouble.

Maintain Uniformity of the Code across your Entire Software Development Team-

Most often than not, software development is held hostage to the learning, experience, and style of working of one developer or engineer.

Sure, everyone has their own style and can get the job done, but maintaining code uniformity can help you improve efficiency and prevent problems later on. If you have a code that only a person is familiar with, you will always become dependent on that person for everything.

It would also prevent other members of the team to provide input or change some areas in the event of an emergency. Code should be written and compiled in such a way that you can make out which author did what at what stage.

Reviewing Code is an Integral Part of Ideal Software Development-

Whenever we create something as human beings, we tend to be skeptical of others taking a look at it. In other words, the ‘my work is perfect syndrome’ kicks in.

Yes, you should be proud and assume ownership of the work, but you should also understand that everyone can make mistakes. The best teams and organizations always ensure that the code gets reviewed by different teams and professionals.

They are not doing this to criticize the original author. They do this to spot any minor and major errors that can creep into the process. Have a set process where you can review the codes and constructively provide feedback.

Set Realistic Timelines and Budgets for the Software Development project-

Missed timelines in software development projects are more common than rain and gloom in the UK. Budgets are crucial if you do not want to send your financial and accounts team into a tizzy.

While some delays might be inevitable, a deadline of three months cannot become six! The more deadlines you miss, the higher are the costs that will keep climbing. Do not lose sight of the fact that delays in launching the software are also costing your money from the user and customer end.

Make sure that you get everybody on the team when it comes to setting timeline estimations. You need to find a balance that is realistic and does not compromise on the quality.

Bonus Point- Have a Failsafe Option in Software Development

There is a lot that can go wrong in software development projects. For starters, your lead developer might look to jump ship for better salary and stock options. Else, you might miss your launch and your investors might pull out.

What this means is that you need to always have a backup plan that takes into account the worst-case scenario. Many companies make sure that no software development project is carried on its head by one individual alone.

Try to do things that you feel fit well into your company culture. Makes sure that you have something to fall back on, in case this does not work out according to timelines and budget costs. If you do not have this, you might be in for a lot of trouble.

The Final Takeaway

If you are someone who has been engaged in software development, you might know that the ‘ideal software development project’ does not exist in reality. Every development or team comes with its own sets of features, problems, expectations, experiences, and more.

In this informative guide, we have tried to give you a detailed idea about software development, its various types, and its best practices. By following the points mentioned in the article, you can optimize and improve the efficiency of your next software development project.

Additionally, using tools such as DevOps Azure Dashboard can also help streamline the development process and improve communication between team members.

If you have any questions, that you would like us to address on the topic, please let us know in the comments below. We and our friends at Chudovo would be more than happy to help address as many of your problems as possible.

We wish you all the success on your next software development project!!!