Custom software development refers to the process of creating or tailoring software programs specifically to meet the unique needs and requirements of an individual or organization. It involves following the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a series of steps and stages to successfully deliver customized software solutions aligned with specific business requirements.

Understanding the software development process might become a handy tool for businesses seeking unique and optimized solutions that align with their objectives, enabling effective decision-making, resource allocation, and timely delivery of high-quality custom software products. We’ll now take a closer look at the content and significance of each stage in the software development process for your business.

The development process explained

Every stage of the software development life cycle shapes different aspects of business functions and operations and serves a distinct purpose — from enhancing customer satisfaction to optimizing resources. For sure, as a person looking for a software development company to build your software, you don’t have to know all the aspects of the journey, but being informed might save your resources. So, let us guide you through this path defining its every turn and describing our processes as an example.

Requirement gathering and analysis

This stage involves gathering and analyzing the requirements of the project. It includes defining the project scope, identifying user needs, and determining the functional and non-functional requirements.

This stage sets the groundwork for aligning the software with the specific needs of the business and its customers. It plays a pivotal role in defining the scope of the project and is directly linked to the software’s market relevance and effectiveness.

During this stage, we define the scope of the work and provide the client with an estimate of the project cost. Our managers ensure that the desired features align with the client’s budget.

After our initial conversation, we provide the client with a document displaying the user flow and the hours needed to design and develop each feature. Once the client reviews the document, we are able to make any necessary adjustments and reestimate the project based on their specific requests and requirements.

We not only provide a comprehensive project estimation during the development cycle, but we also offer analytics as a separate service. You can read more about it here.

Design

The design stage helps in visualizing and conceptualizing how the software will function and appear before moving on to the development phase.

The design stage plays a great role in shaping the user experience and the visual style of the solution. This stage demands a careful balance of aesthetics and functionality to meet customers’ expectations. Its influence stretches to customer satisfaction and software usability.

When providing design services, we follow a structured process. Firstly, we create a project scope and estimate project timelines and costs. We then proceed to create schematic wireframes to show the arrangement of visual elements and the user flow.

Based on the approved wireframes, we create a detailed interface and elaborate the visual part. Our team then engages in discussions with the client to further refine and make improvements to the completed design. Finally, we deliver a comprehensive UI kit and design guidelines to the customer, ensuring they have all the necessary resources for implementation.

Design services can also be provided as a standalone service, separate from the development process. If you are interested in exploring our design offerings, you can visit our Design Services web page for more information.

Coding

Once the design is complete, the implementation stage begins. This is where developers write the actual code that brings the software to life. They follow the design specifications and use programming languages and development tools to translate the design into a functioning software product.

The speed and efficiency of code implementation by the development team directly affect the time to market, making this stage crucial for the software development timeline and the business’s deployment plans.

Utilizing a strategically planned sprint-based approach, we ensure clients are closely involved in the development process. After each sprint, you can view test versions of mobile apps, as well as access development versions of websites in real time. This fosters a strong sense of clarity and trust, as you have consistent insight into project progress and direction.

Not only do we work with our own designs, but we also welcome the opportunity to begin development with the client’s pre-existing designs. If you have a design ready and are seeking expert development solutions to turn your ideas into reality, we encourage you to visit our Development Services webpage.

Testing

Testing is a crucial part of software development. It involves checking the software for defects and errors to ensure its functionality and reliability. Various testing techniques, such as unit testing, integration testing, and others, are used to detect and resolve issues before deployment.

During the testing, potential bugs or errors are identified and fixed, which directly impacts customer satisfaction. Establishing robust testing processes, therefore, minimizes the risk of encountering issues in production, leading to a smoother, more efficient operation.

At Ronas IT, we believe in adopting modern practices for software development. Instead of relying on a separate testing stage, we integrate automated tests throughout the entire development process. This allows us to ensure the quality and functionality of the software at every step. Therefore, working with us you won’t hear about the QA stage as we run tests all the way through.

Deployment

Once the software has successfully passed all tests and is deemed ready for use, it is deployed to the target environment. This could involve installing the software on servers or making it available for download or distribution to end-users.

The deployment stage is the final stepping-stone before the product reaches the users. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the software is not only available to users but also easy to access and navigate. Effective deployment processes directly determine the software’s usability and accessibility, forming the backbone of a positive user experience.

At Ronas IT, we provide deployment services for all our projects — we bring web apps to production and submit mobile apps to online stores. At this stage, it is important to address potential rejection reasons, ensuring a seamless release to the market.

Maintenance

The maintenance stage involves the ongoing support and upkeep of the software. This includes fixing post-release bugs, addressing user feedback, implementing updates and enhancements, and ensuring the software remains in optimal working condition throughout its lifecycle.

Maintenance ensures the ongoing performance and reliability of the software. Regular maintenance checks are crucial in identifying and fixing any issues that arise post-deployment, therefore directly impacting customer satisfaction by minimizing downtime.

We offer post-release maintenance services to ensure stability, fix bugs, and make necessary adjustments based on user feedback. This allows your business to continuously improve its software solution and implement new features seamlessly.

Our post-release maintenance services include infrastructure support and consulting. For the first one, we handle software updates, hardware setup, system monitoring, and troubleshooting. For the second, we provide in-depth analytics and strategic guidance to optimize software development strategies.

If you are interested in either of these maintenance offers, you can check their prices on the website.

The software development life cycle is a comprehensive, multi-stage process, with each stage holding direct implications for various business functions. By predicting the resources required for each stage, clients can use them effectively and make the software development process smoother, leading to successful project completion.

Nevertheless, these stages or steps of the software development process can be performed in different ways and are not always clearly defined. Let’s have a look at the most common.

Software development life cycle models: Understanding your vendor’s approach

The software development process is complex and often requires different approaches or models to ensure successful completion. Different software development vendors have different philosophies and processes when it comes to building software applications, systems, and products. Understanding the different models is essential for businesses to make the right decision for their software development needs.

The following are the most commonly used software development life cycle models.

Now, let’s provide brief definitions for these methodologies and list the pros and cons of each.

DevOps/DevSecOps model

DevOps is a collaborative and iterative approach to software development and operations that aims to streamline and automate the processes involved in delivering quality software. It promotes a culture of collaboration between operations teams and development teams, breaking down silos that traditionally exist between these two departments.

DevSecOps, mentioned in the title, extends DevOps by practicing security measures consistently across the entire software development process to ensure a proactive and continuous focus on security. According to a survey by Statista, in 2022, 47% of respondents utilized DevOps or DevSecOps methods for software development, indicating its widespread adoption and recognition in the industry as a leading methodology.

Agile model

An agile model is an iterative approach to software development that emphasizes the continuous delivery of working software, making it suitable for projects with unpredictable requirements or tight deadlines. It breaks down software development into gradual stages or iterations, allowing for flexibility and adaptation throughout the process.

Scrum model

The scrum model is an agile approach to software development that follows a series of sprints with predefined goals and duration. This model is often used for more complex projects as it allows for greater transparency and better communication between teams. Scrum and agile models both took the second place after DevOps methodology with 37% of respondents who were using them to organize their software development processes in 2022.

Kanban model

Kanban is an agile project management methodology that focuses on visualizing the workflow and optimizing the flow of work. It emphasizes continuous delivery, allows for flexibility in adapting to changing requirements, and promotes a collaborative and transparent approach to project management. Kanban was popular among 34% of Statista respondents in 2022, which provided it with the third place among methodologies for software development processes.

Lean model

The Lean model, taking the fourth place with 29%, is an approach that aims to maximize value and minimize waste by streamlining processes and eliminating non-value-added activities. It focuses on identifying and reducing waste, promoting continuous improvement, and enhancing overall efficiency.

Waterfall model

The waterfall model is a sequential development approach that consists of distinct phases such as those we’ve discussed: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment. This model follows a ‘one size fits all’ approach and is often used for linear projects with fixed requirements.

Waterfall methodology can be combined with Scrum into Water/Scrum/Fall methodology. It uses elements of traditional waterfall methodology, agile Scrum practices, and adaptive techniques to provide a flexible approach that suits projects with both fixed requirements and the need for iterative development. This approach was used by 28% of Statista respondents in 2022.

What do we choose?

At Ronas IT, our software methodology is carefully selected to meet the unique needs and requirements of each project and client. We place great emphasis on choosing the most suitable approach to ensure efficient development processes.

One methodology that we frequently employ is known as Scrumban. This methodology has proven to be highly effective for a majority of our projects. By offering a balanced integration of both Scrum and Kanban methodologies, Scrumban allows us to work in a predictable manner when dealing with well-defined scopes and established designs. However, it also provides the flexibility needed to adapt to changes and unpredictability throughout the development cycle.

In some cases, we opt for the waterfall model, primarily when clients request strict adherence to predefined specifications. While the waterfall is a more sequential and linear approach, it can be applied in situations where the client demands a "what you see is what you get" end result. By following a step-by-step progression, with each phase building upon the previous one, we ensure that the client’s specific requirements are met without significant deviations.

Our selection and adoption of the software methodology for any project is driven by practicality and rational decision-making. We prioritize delivering high-quality results within the agreed-upon timelines and budgetary constraints. It is essential for us that the chosen methodology aligns with the unique demands of each project. Whether employing Scrumban for its versatility in accommodating changes or adopting the waterfall model for situations where precision and stability are paramount, we prioritize client goals.

Why it is useful to know the software development process

To fully grasp the importance of understanding the software development process, let’s explore a few key reasons to know more about development.

Reason 1: Cost savings through understanding the process

At Ronas IT, we prioritize transparent communication with our clients by thoroughly explaining and discussing the software development process, including what, how, and why. We also discuss the estimated cost before starting a project and provide regular updates on the progress, accommodating the client’s preferred frequency. This transparency prevents costly rework or modifications and minimizes misunderstandings, mistakes, and revisions by explaining the reasoning behind our choices. Our collaborative approach ensures that the final product meets your expectations while staying within the agreed budget.

Reason 2: Efficient project management and timeline adherence

By familiarizing yourself with the software development process, you can better understand the timeline and project milestones. This allows you to actively participate in project management, track progress, and ensure that the development aligns with your desired timeline. Understanding the process helps in minimizing delays and delivering the software on time.

Reason 3: Customization and tailored solutions

Knowing the software development process empowers you to actively contribute to the customization and tailoring of your software solution. You can provide valuable insights and feedback during different stages of development, ensuring that the final product aligns with your specific needs and requirements. This leads to a more personalized and effective software solution.

Reason 4: Effective communication with stakeholders

Understanding the software development process aids you in effectively communicating your needs and expectations to the development team. It helps you articulate your vision, provide clear feedback, and effectively engage in discussions with various stakeholders. This clarity in communication fosters a collaborative environment and ensures that your requirements are accurately met.

Reason 5: Continuous improvement and scalability

Software development is an iterative process that allows for continuous improvement and scalability. By understanding the development process, you can actively participate in identifying areas for improvement, suggesting enhancements, and planning for future scalability. This enables you to adapt your software solution as your business grows and evolves.

Thus, understanding how software is developed gives you the power to choose software solutions that fit your specific needs and goals as well as take control over your resources allocation.

Potential changes in the software development process due to AI: pros and cons

Instead of searching for a vendor, you might consider exploring the options that modernity offers. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly common in various industries, including the software development process. One example is the use of generative AI products for coding, such as StableCode. These tools provide automated assistance and can generate code. While they offer potential benefits, it is important to evaluate their advantages and disadvantages, taking into account specific implementation needs and challenges.

Pros

Increased efficiency. Generative AI can automate repetitive coding tasks, saving developers time and effort. This allows them to focus on more complex and creative aspects of software development.

Rapid prototyping. AI-powered coding tools can generate code templates or suggestions, aiding in the fast creation of prototypes. This can speed up the development cycle and enable quicker validation of ideas.

Code quality improvement. Generative AI products can analyze existing codebases, identify patterns, and suggest optimized or more efficient code solutions. This can lead to improved code quality and performance in software development projects.

Cons

Data privacy concerns. Generating code using AI often requires access to vast amounts of data. It is essential to be cautious about how and where this data is used and stored, as it may raise privacy concerns or potential data breaches.

Limited contextual understanding. Generative AI products may lack the ability to fully comprehend the specific business requirements, domain knowledge, or unique project constraints. Consequently, the generated code may not always align perfectly with the desired outcomes or project objectives.

Lack of explainability. Generative AI products for coding often work as black-box systems, making it challenging to understand and explain the underlying decision-making process. This lack of transparency can be a drawback when it comes to debugging, troubleshooting, or ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Developers may find it difficult to trace the reasoning behind the generated code, potentially hindering their ability to address and fix issues effectively.

It’s important for organizations to carefully assess the pros and cons, consider their specific needs, and determine whether the utilization of generative AI products aligns with their development goals and operational requirements. It is important to note that we embrace progress and actively utilize AI to enhance the efficiency of tasks within our own company and aid our clients in AI integrations as well.

Conclusion

While understanding the stages of the software development process can unlock hidden potential and aid in finding suitable solutions, it’s worth noting that as a client or customer approaching a software company, you are not expected to have in-depth knowledge of all the intricacies of the process.

The role of a software company is to guide and inform you about the necessary steps, provide transparency, and deliver the desired software solution. However, staying updated on software development trends and evolving approaches can still be beneficial in ensuring your strategies align with industry developments and updates. If you have any questions left, you can leave them in the form below.

Read more about different aspects of the development process and tech trends in our blog.