The Software Development Cycle

Scoping

The first stage in developing a new software program is called the scoping stage. In this stage the programmer(s) and project manager talk to the client and document exactly what it is that the client wants. This is a formal process where the requirements are documented often using use cases (diagrams/text) that describe how the different people using the software will interact with it and its features. An initial price is also given at this stage.

Design

If the scope is accepted then the next stage is to do a high level design of the application and how it will work. This is usually done with potential users and may utilize focus groups. This is like an architect drawing up conceptual plans for a building.

Detailed Design

Once the design is accepted by the client the team moves to the detailed design stage. This is like getting the full plans for a house done. All factors are documented.

Coding

Once the detailed design is signed off, the programmers start writing the programs that will run the application. The code is written and then compiled (run). This is an iterative stage. Coding moves to provide an initial build called an alpha version. This is internally tested, any bugs found are fixed and then the application moves into the beta phase of the build. Another set of testing is done and debugging occurs. When the beta version is finished the next stage begins. Two servers are used, a development server and a test server. The development server is only accessed by the programmers whereas the test server can be used by all those concerned with testing.

Testing

At this stage the application is given to both professional and end user testers. Test plans are written that test the specifications outlined in the requirements documentation. Any bugs are fed back to the coding team for fixing. When a clean test is completed the application is ready to be implemented or shipped. At this stage a marketing server is often setup with mock data so that potential customers can look at the application, this is particularly done for web based applications.

Implementation

At this stage the application is implemented either by being uploaded to an application server and/or web and database servers or by being loaded to a stand alone computer.

Go Live

For large enterprise based applications there is usually a go live date when the application is first used by end users. Sometimes bugs are still found and these post implementation bugs are fixed as soon as possible.