Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Software Development Cycle Things to Know

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A The Phases of Software Development

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Analysis of Requirements A requirement is single aspect of what you want the software to do. A requirement is single aspect of what you want the software to do. Coming up with a clear, concise, set of requirements is the first (and often hardest) part of planning a software project. Coming up with a clear, concise, set of requirements is the first (and often hardest) part of planning a software project. Clients often have an abstract idea of what they want the end result to be, but little or no knowledge of what the software will actually do. Clients often have an abstract idea of what they want the end result to be, but little or no knowledge of what the software will actually do.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Analysis of Requirements Once a general set of requirements is obtained from the client – the of the development is outlined in writing. Once a general set of requirements is obtained from the client – the scope of the development is outlined in writing. This document helps both the developer and the client to understand what the software will and will not do. This document helps both the developer and the client to understand what the software will and will not do. The guiding parameters of this document are functionality and cost. The guiding parameters of this document are functionality and cost.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Design Once the requirements are established, a general outline of the project is created called a Once the requirements are established, a general outline of the project is created called a software design document. In the document the high level design or main modules of the program are laid out in a block diagram showing how they will all fit together. At this point the hardware requirements, computer language, and operating system should be decided. Once this is completed the lower level design work – the specific functions of each module can be outlined.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Development A.K.A. Coding After reviewing the design documents the work is divided in modules/units. After reviewing the design documents the work is divided in modules/units. Now actual coding is started. Now actual coding is started. Since, in this phase the code is produced, it is the main focus for the developer. Since, in this phase the code is produced, it is the main focus for the developer. This is the longest phase of the software development life cycle. This is the longest phase of the software development life cycle.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Testing Testing is an important phase coding/development process. Testing is an important phase coding/development process. This part of the process ensures that defects are recognized as soon as possible This part of the process ensures that defects are recognized as soon as possible Failure to rigorously test a software product at this point can lead to costly and time consuming “fixes” or updates. Failure to rigorously test a software product at this point can lead to costly and time consuming “fixes” or updates.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Documentation Documenting the internal design of software for the purpose of future maintenance and enhancement is done throughout the development/coding process. Documenting the internal design of software for the purpose of future maintenance and enhancement is done throughout the development/coding process. This may consist of both internal comments within the program and external documents like users guides. This may consist of both internal comments within the program and external documents like users guides.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Deployment/Release of the Software Deployment starts after the code is appropriately tested, approved for release, and sold. Deployment starts after the code is appropriately tested, approved for release, and sold. Deployment may involve installation, customization (setting up the software for a specific office or location), testing, and possibly an extended period of evaluation where the customer makes sure that the software meets their needs and works out the “bugs.” Deployment may involve installation, customization (setting up the software for a specific office or location), testing, and possibly an extended period of evaluation where the customer makes sure that the software meets their needs and works out the “bugs.” This is also the time when training is provided by the developer to the client’s employees. Software training and support is important, as software is only effective if it is used correctly. This is also the time when training is provided by the developer to the client’s employees. Software training and support is important, as software is only effective if it is used correctly.

Herriman High Computer Programming 1A Support/Maintenance Maintaining and supporting your product involves: Maintaining and supporting your product involves: Fixing faults or issues – “Bug fixing” Fixing faults or issues – “Bug fixing” Enhancing software to cope with newly discovered requirements or adding new features - “updating” Enhancing software to cope with newly discovered requirements or adding new features - “updating” These activities can take substantial time and effort and sometimes may even be extensive enough force redesign of the software in order to fix major problems or to stay competitive with other products. These activities can take substantial time and effort and sometimes may even be extensive enough force redesign of the software in order to fix major problems or to stay competitive with other products.