This is what the life cycle of a custom software looks like
Reading time 4 min
- An overview of the software life cycle
- The process models within the software development phase
- The end of a life cycle
- FAQ
As software life cycle the entire process of the development of an individual software up to the completion and delivery to the customer is described. Of course, there are different phases in between until the end of the lifecycle or before it starts all over again. We would like to explain you in this article, how this process runs in its individual parts! If you need further information or help with the creation of your individual software - we are happy to help you at any time and with all questions.
1. an overview of the software lifecycle
The development lifecycle usually starts with a problem that needs to be solved by a software application. Usually this problem arises on the part of an enterprise, which does not concern itself usually with the development of an individual software. Thus it comes then in the next step to the contact between enterprise and a software agency.
At the software development agency, the problem is analyzed together with the requesting company and the implementation of a solution is planned. Then it goes to the conversion and programming of the code.
The software agency will now test and improve the individual software until it is finally used by the customer. The life cycle of the individual software ends then actually by the exchange of the past application by a successor software, with which the life cycle starts again from the beginning.
With the expiration of programming within a life cycle developers can orient themselves at different procedure models, which are to lead at the end however to the same result: A functionable individual software, which can be handed over to the customer.
2. different procedure models with the software development
To the life cycle of an individual software above all the IT software development belongs. Because preparation and planning prepare the development and even with completion programmers come again and again into play, which must maintain or improve the application. Another big part of the lifecycle is, of course, the time when the custom software is simply used for its intended purpose. How the programming within the life cycle then really proceeds can be described in different procedure models.
We would like to take a closer look at the procedure models that are used in the software development process and ensure a controlled flow from conception and programming to actual use in a company. Developers use these two models for this purpose, for example: the waterfall model and the spiral model. In addition, there is also the so-called V-model. The structure of the approach resembles the letter V, which is why it is called that.
In the waterfall model, the individual successive phases are strictly separated from each other. As in a multi-stage waterfall, findings from the previous stage "fall" into the subsequent stage. In this stage, they are binding specifications that must be observed during processing. Thus, first planning, then development, then testing, and so on.
The spiral model is about repeating the same work step more often. Thus a function is developed, tested and improved. These steps are then carried out for each further function, so that the results are already almost perfect at the end of a work step.
The individual phases of the software development go ever further into the detail: From the analysis of the general requirements of the software as well as planning of the system architecture up to the system design and the detailed conception of the system architecture. Subsequently, the actual software development starts. Then the planned features are implemented, tested, integrated into the system and finally accepted by the customer.
3. the end of a software life cycle
If a software has been completely programmed and integrated into the processes of a company, the life cycle ends only when the software has to be replaced by another one. In most cases, the application has been in use for a long time beforehand and has often been adapted and updated to meet new technological requirements. At some point, however, it may happen that this is no longer sufficient and the software has to be completely replaced. Then the life cycle of the old software ends and the life cycle of a new individual software begins.
FAQ around the topic software
At the end of this article we dedicate ourselves to some questions that come up in connection with software. If you have any questions yourself, we at EXWE will be happy to answer them by phone.
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What does the term phase model mean in the field of software engineering and how is it applied?
A phase model in software engineering is a method for the structured development of software, which divides the development process into several successive phases. Each phase has thereby its own goals, tasks and results, which build on each other and are interconnected.
A typical phase model consists of the following phases: Requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance. In this process, the requirements for the software are recorded and documented in the requirements analysis, the architecture of the software is defined in the design process, the code is written in the implementation phase, the functionality of the software is checked in the test process, and the software is maintained and further developed in the maintenance phase.
A phase model helps to structure and organize the development process in order to achieve a better result. It also enables a clear delineation between the individual phases and facilitates collaboration between different teams. However, it should be noted that the phase model does not always have to be strictly adhered to and can be adapted depending on project requirements and conditions.
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Why use development methods for software products?
Development methods are used in software engineering to ensure a structured and systematic approach to the development of software products. A method can help to make the development process more effective and efficient and thus achieve better results.
In detail, there are several reasons why the use of development methods is beneficial for software products:
Structuring and organization: a development method structures the development process into individual phases that are worked through in sequence. This enables clear organization and planning of the project.
Reduction of errors and risks: Development methods often include clear rules and standards to minimize errors and reduce risks. This helps to improve the quality of software products and to detect and correct errors at an early stage.
Better collaboration: A method can improve collaboration between different development teams by defining clear responsibilities and interfaces.
Flexibility: Some methods, such as agile methods, enable a flexible and iterative approach that can respond quickly to changes and adaptations.
Increased efficiency: a method can help to make the development process more efficient, for example by automating recurring tasks or saving time through clear task distribution and prioritization.
In summary, development methods help to increase the quality and efficiency of software development by creating a clear structure and organization, minimizing risks and improving collaboration between teams.
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What is a requirements specification?
A requirements specification (also called a functional specification) is a document in software engineering that defines the requirements and specifications for a software product. It serves as the basis for the planning, development, and implementation of the product and is often created by customers or clients to ensure that the final product meets their requirements.
The specification contains a detailed description of the functional and non-functional requirements for the software product, as well as information about the product's target audience, areas of application, and interfaces. It may also contain information about the technical requirements, compatibility with other systems, and performance of the product.
A well-prepared requirements specification helps avoid misunderstandings between the client and the developers and ensures that the final product meets the requirements. It is often used as a basis for quotations and contracts between the parties and serves as a reference document throughout the development process.
Usually, the requirements specification is created at the beginning of the development process and developed in close collaboration between the customer or client and the developers. It can be updated and adjusted during the development process to ensure that the final product meets the requirements.
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How do integration tests work?
Integration testing is an important part of the software testing process and is used to ensure that different components or modules of a software work together correctly. The goal is to detect and fix errors and problems early on, before the software is deployed in production.
Integration tests can be performed at various levels, from the integration of individual lines of code to the integration of entire systems. In general, an integration test consists of the following steps:
Identification of the components to be tested: First, the individual components to be tested must be identified. These can be, for example, different modules of an application or external systems or data sources.
Creation of test cases: Based on the specifications or requirements, test cases are created that check whether the components interact properly with each other. Both positive and negative scenarios are considered to ensure that the system functions correctly in various situations.
Execution of the tests: The tests are executed by connecting the components and executing the test cases. The expected results are compared with the actual results obtained. If differences occur, they must be analyzed in more detail to determine the causes.
Correction of errors: If errors or problems have occurred, these must be corrected. Then, the tests must be run again to ensure that the errors have been corrected and the system is working correctly.
Documentation of results: The results of the integration tests are documented so that they can be analyzed and reviewed later. They can also serve as a basis for further testing.
In summary, integration tests are used to ensure that different components of a software work together properly and that smooth functioning is guaranteed.
Do you still have questions about custom software? We at EXWE are happy to answer your questions and offer you professional support in the development of your software. Just get in touch with us!
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Hello, my name is Meike. I take care of the EXWE back office and am responsible for our social media channels. All of our articles are meant to make your life easier and help you make decisions. Nevertheless, it can happen that something remains unclear, so: If you have questions about this article you can easily reach me at +49 231 93149827.
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