This is what the life cycle of customized software looks like
Reading time 4 min
- The software lifecycle at a glance
- The process models within the software development phase
- The end of a life cycle
- FAQ
The software life cycle describes the entire process of developing customized software until it is completed and handed over to the customer. Of course, there are various phases in between until the end of the life cycle or before it starts all over again. In this article, we would like to explain to you how this process works in its individual parts! If you need further information or help with the creation of your individual software - we will be happy to help you at any time and with any questions.
1. an overview of the software life cycle
The development life cycle usually starts with a problem that is to be solved by a software application. This problem usually arises on the part of a company that is not usually involved in the development of individual software. The next step is for the company to contact a software agency.
The software development agency analyzes the problem together with the requesting company and plans the implementation of a solution. The next step is to implement and program the code.
The software agency will now test and improve the individual software until it is finally used by the customer. After this, maintenance work and bug fixes are usually carried out. The life cycle of the individual software then actually ends with the replacement of the previous application with a successor software, with which the life cycle starts again from the beginning.
When programming within a life cycle, developers can follow different process models, which should ultimately lead to the same result: A functional customized software that can be handed over to the customer.
2 Different process models for software development
The life cycle of customized software primarily includes IT software development. This is because preparation and planning prepare the development and even on completion, programmers always come into play who have to maintain or improve the application. Another large part of the life cycle is, of course, the time during which the customized software is simply used for its intended purpose. How programming actually takes place within the life cycle can be described in various process models.
We would like to take a closer look at the process models that are used in the software development process and ensure a controlled process from conception and programming to actual use in a company. Developers use these two models, for example: the waterfall model and the spiral model. However, there is also the so-called V-model. The structure of the approach is similar to 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 then binding specifications that must be observed during processing. First there is planning, then development, then testing and so on.
The spiral model involves repeating the same work step several times. A function is developed, tested and improved. These steps are then carried out for each subsequent function so that the results are almost perfect at the end of a work step.
The individual phases of software development go into more and more detail: from analyzing the general requirements of the software and planning the system architecture to system design and the detailed conception of the system architecture. The actual software development then begins. The planned features are then implemented, tested, integrated into the system and finally accepted by the customer.
3 The end of a software life cycle
Once software has been fully programmed and integrated into a company's processes, the life cycle only ends when the software has to be replaced by another. In most cases, the application has been in use for a long time and has often been adapted and updated to meet new technological requirements. At some point, however, this may no longer be sufficient and the software has to be completely replaced. The life cycle of the old software then ends and the life cycle of new individual software begins.
FAQs on the topic of software
To conclude this article, we will address a few questions that arise in connection with software. If you still have any questions, we at EXWE will be happy to answer them over the phone.
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What does the term phase model mean in the field of software engineering and how is it used?
A phase model in software engineering is a method for the structured development of software that divides the development process into several successive phases. Each phase has 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. 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 demarcation 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 one after the other. 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 identify and rectify errors at an early stage.
Better collaboration: A method can improve collaboration between the various development teams by defining clear responsibilities and interfaces.
Flexibility: Some methods, such as agile methods, enable a flexible and iterative approach that can react 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 functional specification?
A requirements specification is a software engineering document 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 end product meets their requirements.
The functional specification contains a detailed description of the functional and non-functional requirements for the software product as well as information about the target group, the areas of application and the interfaces of the product. It may also contain information about the technical requirements, compatibility with other systems and the performance of the product.
A well-prepared specification helps to avoid misunderstandings between the client and developers and ensures that the end product meets the requirements. It is often used as the basis for quotations and contracts between the parties and serves as a reference document throughout the development process.
Generally, the requirements specification is created at the beginning of the development process and is developed in close cooperation between the customer or client and the developers. It can be updated and adapted 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 aim is to identify and rectify errors and problems at an early stage before the software is used in production.
Integration tests can be carried out 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:
Identifying the components to be tested: First, the individual components that are 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 to check whether the components interact properly with each other. Both positive and negative scenarios are considered to ensure that the system functions correctly in different situations.
Execution of the tests: The tests are carried out by connecting the components together and executing the test cases. The expected results are compared with the actual results obtained. If differences occur, these must be analyzed in more detail to determine the causes.
Correction of errors: If errors or problems have occurred, these must be corrected. The tests must then be carried out again to ensure that the errors have been corrected and the system is functioning correctly.
Documentation of the 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 tests.
To summarize, integration tests serve to ensure that different components of a software work together properly and that smooth functioning is guaranteed.
Do you have any questions about custom software? We at EXWE will be 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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