First, the information provided is extremely general in nature and just mean to provide an overview of software development life cycle (SDLC), and second that although the SDLC process is similar, every software application development company sets different metrics for various SDLC phases and that actually makes all the difference.

With this post on SDLC life cycle phases, we aim to introduce you to a system that if followed diligently will result in software applications that meet your expectations.

To deep dive into the software development lifecycle, it is essential for you to begin with understanding SDLC phases from the very beginning which ideally starts with the question:

What is Software Development Life Cycle?

SDLC or Software Development Life Cycle is a process that defines a set of steps followed in the software development process, from the commencement of the idea to the maintenance of the software. As the name suggests, SDLC covers the complete cycle of development, and even extend to further evaluation and disposal after maintenance.

Benefits of the SDLC

A well-defined method for software development is crucial to the success of the application. By clearly defining the software development life cycle, a software development firm can develop a seamless information structure throughout the process to keep every member of the team informed.

• Seamless flow of communication between development teams and stakeholders
• Clear role and responsibility assigned to each member of the team
• Controlled flow of input and output from one phase to another

Understanding the 7 Phases of Software Development Project Life Cycle

SDLC framework includes a range of interrelated activities for application designers and software developers to follow. It consists of 7 key phases wherein each phase applies the result of the previous phase.

1. Planning

Software development planning is one of the most crucial phases of the SDLC process. At this phase, a collaborative effort from the key members of the software development team and stakeholders is required to ensure that all perspectives from both sides have been covered. These perspectives may include:

• Objective and scope of the application
• Proposed alternative solution for objectives and specific problems
• Cost estimation analysis and implementations of proposed changes, if any

It is important for the success of the software application development project that all the stakeholders discuss and document these aspects for future reference, in case of any conflict.

2. Requirement Gathering

Since the objectives have been clearly set at the planning phase, related facts gathering and interpretation of those facts are done at the requirement gathering phase. During this phase, a software development company analyzes the project goals with the end user information needs. The purpose of the analysis is to remove discrepancies and set complete user-requirement.

• Obtain end-user requirements through interviews, face-to-face interactions, observations, and questionnaires.
• Analyze goals and objectives, and factors that can cause risks and create challenges and make strategies to avoid those challenges when working.
• Create a detailed plan of how to move ahead and prepare specifications for the next process.

Requirement gathering phase must cover all the other stages of the software development life cycle and SDLC models, such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall, so that designers, developers, and stakeholders have a clear idea of what they will be working on and what would be the expected result.

3. Design & Prototyping

The effects of your hard work in the first two phases will be visible at design & prototyping phase of the SDLC process. The minutely you have planned and gathered requirements, the stronger your designing team will come out at this phase, as the design process uses the set patterns for application architecture and software development.

Software design patterns contain best practices and so followed by object-oriented software developers. The design patterns help developers to address persistent problems in object-oriented systems.

A series of steps need to be determined at this phase of the software development life cycle is the creation of screen layout, process diagrams, pseudocode, and documentation.

If you are yet to hire software developers from reputed software development company, make sure to check how closely their designing team and software development team works, which is very crucial for the software application success.

4. Coding

At this phase of the software development life cycle, codes for the application is written. It is the actual “development” phase of the software where an idea of the software is transformed into a functional, efficient software program.

The most crucial aspect of this phase is the SDLC model chosen by the software development company. Although there are various types of software development life cycle methodologies, the two common models are Agile and Waterfall.

Regardless of the methodology, the key objective of this phase is to acutely follow the design patterns and documentation provided by the design team and put the best effort in developing testable, functional software.

5. Integration and Testing

When a software development firm reaches this software development life cycle phase means they very close to the end-consumers. What they need to keep in mind is to bring all the pieces of the software together and test the software from the perspective of users.

Usually, quality analysts test the software application for bugs, errors, and interoperability. They need to come up with a winning strategy for application testing to make the software bug-free or at least try removing major bugs that can impact the usability of the software.

By performing all these tests on a regular basis, quality analysts ensure that functional software is ready for deployment in a production environment.

6. Installation and Deployment

Now that you are close to the software release cycle, automation rules at installation and deployment phase, although in enterprises with low maturity levels, the process of manual approval still exists.

There are several Application Release Automation (ARA) tools which are used to automate the deployment process. Commonly, these tools are integrated with continuous integration tools to produce working software.

7. Maintenance

Maintenance is an ongoing life cycle phase in software project management. At this phase of SDLC, a software development company takes effective measures to ensure that the software is meeting its objective and does not become obsolete. Bug fixes are also the part of maintenance, ensuring that new fixes do not introduce new problems.

Conclusion

The software development life cycle management is the key responsibility of project managers and business owners. To make the system flawless, it is crucial that all the stakeholders come together to discuss the objective and goals from different perspectives and deliver the expected output.

The post Understanding Software Development Life Cycle in Depth appeared first on Finoit Technologies.

Developing Custom software isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a strategic necessity. In fact, according to a study by Grand view research, the demand for custom software is projected to surge at an impressive CAGR of 8.2% 22.3% from 2022 to 2030. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the growing recognition of tailored solutions in the market.

customized solutions are precisely designed to meet specific demands of business, revolutionize operations and elevate customer satisfaction to new heights.

So, don’t let your business be hindered by limitations of a generic, packaged software. It’s time to delve into the basics of bespoke software development, the distinctions between it and off-the-shelf software, and the compelling reasons why businesses opt for customized solutions.

What is Custom Software Development ?

Custom or bespoke software development refers to the process of designing, creating, and deploying software applications that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and requirements of a particular organization or individual. Unlike off-the-shelf software solutions that are designed for a wide range of users, custom software is built from scratch to address specific business challenges or to provide a competitive advantage.

Developing custom software typically involves:

• Requirement Gathering: This phase involves understanding the client’s specific needs, objectives, and workflows. It includes gathering detailed requirements, identifying pain points, and defining the desired functionalities of the software.
• Design: In this phase, the software development team creates a design blueprint or a prototype based on the gathered requirements. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design elements are considered to ensure the software is intuitive and easy to use.
• Development: The development phase involves writing the actual code for the software application. The development team uses programming languages, frameworks, and tools to implement the desired functionalities outlined in the design phase.
• Testing: After the development is complete, the software undergoes rigorous testing to identify and fix any bugs, errors, or issues. Different types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing, are performed to ensure the software functions as intended.
• Deployment: Once the software has been thoroughly tested and validated, it is deployed to the production environment. This may involve setting up servers, databases, and other infrastructure required to host and run the software.
• Maintenance and Support: After deployment, the software requires ongoing maintenance and support. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and technical support to ensure the software remains reliable, secure, and up-to-date.

Customized software offers several advantages over off-the-shelf solutions. But dive in further to understand their differences.

Difference Between Off-The-Shell Software and Custom Software

Off-the-shelf software refers to pre-built software solutions that are ready to use by a wide range of businesses without extensive customization. On the other hand, customized solutions involve creating software specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and requirements of a particular business. Take a look at the table below for a detailed comparison of the differences between these two approaches.

Why Choose Custom solutions to Re-define your Business

Emerging markets and changing consumer preferences put pressure on businesses to take the help of technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Here are the 5 major reasons why businesses choose to develop custom software.

Beyond Generic: Personalized Precision

Off-the-shelf software solutions may appear convenient, but they often lack efficiency and relevance for specific organizations. In contrast, tailored software development provides tailored solutions that precisely address business needs. This enables organizations to optimize operations and unlock newfound efficiencies.

By opting for customization , businesses can escape the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions leading to greater success. Tailored software development empowers organizations to break free from conformity, ensuring that every feature and functionality is designed to fit their unique requirements.

This tailored approach allows businesses to adapt and scale the software as their needs evolve, resulting in enhanced productivity and competitive advantage. With several advantages of custom software, organizations gain control, efficiency, and the ability to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic market.

Elevating Experiences: the Customer-Centric Approach

In today’s hyper-connected world, customer satisfaction reigns supreme. With 85% of businesses acknowledging the competitive advantage of customized software development, it’s clear that personalized solutions hold the key to unlocking exceptional customer experiences. By crafting software solutions tailored to individual preferences, businesses can foster deeper connections, drive customer loyalty, and ultimately thrive in a sea of sameness.

And one example of a successful implementation of customized software development is the fitness company, Peloton. By creating a personalized workout experience through their custom software, they have been able to establish a strong connection with their customers. Their software enables users to choose classes based on their preferences, track their progress, and even compete with friends. This level of personalization has led to a loyal customer base and exponential business growth.

Agility Amidst Change: Adaptability for Tomorrow

The advantages of custom made software include a 20% increase in employee productivity and a remarkable 17% increase in customer satisfaction, as research shows. In Fact the global market for developing custom software is valued at USD 24.46 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3% from 2022 to 2030 , according to a report by Grand View Research.

source:- grandviewresearch.com

So, by choosing trusted companies for custom offshore software development services, businesses can respond quickly to ever-changing market conditions, gaining a competitive edge over competitors using off-the-shelf software. Custom solutions allow organizations to scale seamlessly, fostering sustainable growth and long-term success. In today’s dynamic business landscape, utilizing customized software is the pathway to staying ahead.

Unleashing Efficiency: Streamlining Workflows

Inefficient workflows can impede progress and consume valuable resources. However, custom built software presents an opportunity to revolutionize operations by streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and removing bottlenecks.

This approach has proven successful for companies like Slack, a team collaboration platform developed custom software solutions to optimize internal processes. By customizing their software to align with specific business needs, Slack achieved remarkable efficiency gains, enabling their teams to dedicate more time and energy to innovation, growth, and surpassing customer expectations. With tailored software solutions, businesses can unlock newfound efficiency and propel themselves to the forefront of their industries.

Future-Proofing: Paving the Path to Success

The future is marked by unpredictability, making adaptability a crucial trait for businesses. Forbes research reveals that companies investing in custom software experience a 35% increase in operational efficiency and a 30% reduction in IT costs. Furthermore, a survey by Deloitte found that 87% of businesses consider customization vital for their long-term success.

Moreover, advantages of tailor-made software empower organizations to future-proof their operations by enabling seamless adaptation, modification, and enhancement of software functionalities as needs evolve. By embracing customization, businesses can proactively navigate the ever-changing landscape, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and secure their position as industry leaders.

In The Conclusion:

In a world brimming with possibilities, off-the-shelf software solutions can only take businesses so far, but the companies that develop customized business software hold the key to unlocking success, empowering organizations to transcend mediocrity and embrace tailored solutions that drive growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. By choosing tailored software development, businesses embark on a transformative journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Finoit Technologies is a trusted software development company helping businesses across industries achieve their goals. With our expertise and commitment to innovation, we deliver cutting-edge solutions that address unique business needs, fuel growth, and elevate customer experiences. Connect with our development expert today and leverage the benefits of custom software to propel your business to new heights. Let us be your trusted technology partner on your journey to success.

The post 5 Reasons Why Custom Solution are the Future of Software Development appeared first on Finoit Technologies.

Since a choice of an IDE can make or break a project, it is always essential that you wisely choose an IDE.

The first basic question thus we always face is

“Which is the best IDE on the market?”

If you are in search of an accurate answer, take note that there is no such thing as “the best IDE” for software application development projects.

In software application development, it is the project requirements that set the tone for a good IDE. It means, the best Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is the one that supports the language, plugins, software development timeline, and the team of app developers you want to have for your project.

So, a better question would be which is the best IDE for my project?

Also Read – Microsoft Visual Studio Vs. Eclipse: Which IDE Do You Prefer For Web App Development?

Many startups often fail to analyze their project requirements and then keep searching for the best IDE for application development, which leads to a long development cycle, increased cost, and poor-quality software product.

You can simply avert this situation by learning what IDE is the best fit for the programming language that you have selected and considering other factors such as time-consumption for making simple edits, memory-consumption, bugs, UI, and versatility.

To assist you, here, we have compiled a list of top 7 IDEs featuring their benefits and drawbacks, from which you can pick the right one for your software application development project.

Top 7 IDEs that take your software development project in the right direction

If you are one of those non-tech business leaders who are in a dilemma whether to partner with a software application development company or listen to your IT leaders or app developers, then this list is surely going to help you settle for an IDE.

Microsoft Visual Studio

Visual studio is one of the most favorite tools of app developers. It has desired flexibility and features for compatibility testing. It uses development platforms such as Windows Forms, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows API, and Microsoft Silverlight. Microsoft Visual Studio supports both code editor and code refactoring and can produce native code and managed code.

Programming Language Support: 36 different programming languages, including .NET, C, C++, Visual Basic, C#, F#, TypeScript, JavaScript, XSLT, XML, HTML, and CSS.

OS: Android, Windows, iOS, Web, and Cloud.

Features:

1. • Real-time code compiler to check for errors before compiling the code
   • Integrated library of numerous Microsoft programming language
   • Intellisense, write the first few letters, press the code, and the whole command will be written
   • Split screen support
   • Simple workflow and file hierarchy

Limitations:

1. 1. • Takes a lot of time to install applications
      • Heavyweight
      • High memory requirements
      • Expensive, if you want to use premium features

   Project: Websites, Mobile Apps, Web Apps, Azure Apps, Games, Extensions and Web Services

   NetBeans

   Apache NetBeans is an open-source IDE that allows fast and smart coding. It is also known as Java IDE because it is the office IDE for Java 8. NetBeans has advanced editors, code analyzers, and converters to help you develop a wide range of applications.

   Programming Language Support: Java, JavaScript, C, C++ PHP, HTML, and HTML5.

   OS: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris

   Features:

   1. • Dynamic and static libraries
      • Compatible with several compilers
      • Multi-session GNU debugger, integration with code assistance
      • Supports Qt Toolkit
      • Support Fortran and Assembler files
      • Allows remote development

   Limitations:

   1. • Consumes a lot of memory
      • Heavyweight

   Project: Java desktop, mobile applications, and web apps

   IntelliJ Idea

   Another wonderful product by JetBrains. This Integrated Development Environment is best known in the market as Java IDE, as it provides full support to Java 8 and Java EE 7. IntelliJ Idea is equipped with multiple tools to develop applications for different platforms.

   Programming Language Support: HTML, JavaScript, TypeScript, LESS, Node JS, CS, PHP, Python, AngularJS, CoffeeScript, Ruby, Sass, and more.

   OS support: Windows, macOS, Linux

   Features:

   1. • Powerful static code analysis
      • Index source code to provide intelligent experience
      • Automation tools
      • Data flow analysis
      • On-the-fly code analysis
      • Integrated version control systems
      • Suggest code in the current context
      • Intelligent coding assistance to different languages
      • Supports a wide range of frameworks Play, Spring, Struts, Grails, Java EE, and more.

   Limitations:

   1. • Deep learning curve
      • Clunky UI

   Projects: Java Swing desktop applications, Android apps, web apps

   PyCharm

   PyCharm supports the Python programming language. It is best loved by Python programmers as it provides the ability to perform on-the-fly error checking, easy project navigation, and keyboard-centric approach.  PyCharm, has everything that an app developer needs for productive Python application development.

   Programming Language Support: Coffee Script, AngularJS, Python, CSS, HTML, Node.js, JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, and more
   OS Support: Windows, macOS, and Linux

   Features:

   1. • In-built developer tools
      • Smart assistance for code Completion and analysis
      • On-the-fly error checking
      • PEP8 checks and smart refactoring to boost code quality
      • Support various web development frameworks such as Flask, Django, Google App Engine, web2py, and Pyramid
      • Integrates with IPython Notebook
      • Supports Anaconda, matplotlib, NumPy, and other scientific packages
      • Run, debug, test, and deploy applications on remote hosts

   Limitations:

   1. • Bugs in the autocomplete feature lead to minor inconvenience

   Project: Full-stack web development

   Code::Blocks

   This free and open-source IDE can be customized for your software application development needs. Highly extensible and fully configurable, Code::Blocks has been built around a plugin framework which makes it possible for the app developers to add any functionality to the application.

2. Programming Language Support: C, C++, Fortran
   OS Support: Linux, Mac, Windows

   Features:

   1. • Need no proprietary languages
      • Multiple compiler support such as Digital Mars, MSVC++, Open Watcom, and more.
      • Breakpoint support
      • Display local function symbols as well as arguments
      • Syntax highlighting, extensible, customizable
      • To-do-list management with multiple users
      • External customizable “tools”

   Limitations:

   1. • Not suitable for large projects, as it requires to add too many plugins, which get frustrating for the app developers

   Projects: Android apps, web apps, and more.

   Aptana Studio 3

   This open-source web development IDE is loved by application developers for its flexibility and robust web development engine. Aptana Studio 3 helps in the rapid development of web apps, as it enables the developers to develop, test, and deploy web apps from a single platform.

   Programming Language Support: HTML5, CSS3, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, Rails, and Python

   OS: Linux, Mac, Windows

   Features:

   1. • Support HTML, HTML5, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and Ruby
      • Multiple protocols including FTP, SFTP, and FTPS
      • Integrated debuggers to set breakpoints
      • Git source code control
      • Command line terminal for execution of operating system commands
      • Scripting of custom commands to extend core capabilities

   Limitations:

   1. • Stability and speed issues

   Project: Web applications

   Eclipse

   Eclipse is one of the widely used Java IDEs that provides customization facility through workspace and an extensible plug-in system. Written in Java, this Integrated Development Environment is extremely popular among Java development companies. The Eclipse software development kit (SDK) includes a comprehensive range of Java development tools to help Java developers create robust applications.

   Programming Language Support: C, C++, C#, COBOL, D, Erlang, Fortran, Groovy, Haskell, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, Scala and more.

   OS: Linux, Windows, and Mac

   Features:

   1. • The packaged solution for different use
      • Git integration
      • JUnit integration
      • Automated error reporting
      • Docker tools
      • Vast tooling options for JEE projects
      • Vast community to assist in plugins

   Project: Java applications, web app development, mobile app development

   Leverage The Best IDE for Software Application Development Project

   Hope the list helps you decide the IDE for your software application development project. You can consult a software development company to assist you in identifying the key requirements of your project and help you find an IDE that meets your needs.

The post Top 7 IDEs for Software Application Development Projects appeared first on Finoit Technologies.