Have you ever think of an application that, if it existed would be very useful? I believe that it has happened to all of us to think, or to keep thinking, about one with a specific purpose; to simplify our life at some point.
However, knowing its’ purpose is not the only important characteristic to develop it.
The example I usually provide is the construction of a house. You can be very clear with the house you want. But, without the correct blueprints, without the color of each room, which windows are to be placed, it would be very difficult to achieve the house that we want.
The blueprint of the application is what give us the formal request with its analysis, designs and specifications.
Software application normally take necessary steps; those will be detailed bellow.
Steps in a project:
An application, whether using a fast methodology or not, needs steps. These steps are defined by the software engineering.:
- Gather specifications.
- Analysis of the specifications.
- Define Boundaries.
- Carry out specifications.
- Software Design.
- Software Development.
- Testing
- Implementation.
- Maintenance.
There are more steps to evaluate in each of them. Tools that help us to define what it is necessary so that, while ‘building’ it, we can have all the required definitions.
Consulting:
Consulting helps to simplify all these steps. It is necessary have the know-how of the way in which it will be carried out, key questions and the available technology. This is one of the tasks Tultix performs
We help clients to define their objectives and to set the specifications to build their application.
The steps normally taken in consulting are:
- Obtention of the specifications.
- Analysis of this specifications.
- Define boundaries.
- Carry out specifications.
- Software design.
In an easier way, we help them to stablish the following:
- Application purposes.
- Initial scope to carry out a prototype.
- Following steps after the ideal prototype.
- Screens, colours. UI and UX.
- Technology: see alternatives, it choice will depend on the priorities.
Once this process finishes, the “flat” file is obtained.
With this flat file, besides being able to obtain our application, we will be able to get useful information before the construction: expenses and time.
Software Development
Once the “flat” application is obtained, it’s time to move to software development.
The steps to begin developing an application, before writing its code, include: listing the tasks and priorizing them taking into account importance or dependencies.
As an example, in the construction of a house, a dependency is having built the ground floor before starting with the upper floors.
What is more, one priority, which is normally defined by the client, is if it is important having a room and a kitchen before a pool and grill.
These dependencies and priorities end up defining the developing order.
While developing the application, “deliverables” of functionalities are performed. Progress can be seen through them and the application materializes.
At the end of the development there is a testing stage. This testing stage ensures that the application fulfils its purpose. The tests on the application will depend on the strictness of the application itself.
Once everything mentioned above is tested, the application is ready to deliver it to the client.
If you want to learn more about how applications are developed, we suggest you read our article of “Scrum”, agile methodology used in Tultix.
Maintenance – Support
Before starting, it is important to mention that no software application is perfect. All of them, at some point, need some maintenance. The goal of maintenance is the following:
- New platform tests in which the application if going to be operating. For example: new mobile screen which was not common and or a new operating system.
- Put up with new information which was not included in the initial stage of the application.
- Add / Change simple things.
- Change mistaken data.
- Provide support in critical situations.
Those are the main reasons, but there are many more, depending on the application.
Conclusion
Software development can be a difficult task. It does not only involve “sitting and coding”, but it goes far more beyond the development in itself.
Tultix provides services which involve most stages in the engineering of a Software:
- Consulting
- Software development
- Maintenance
If you need help, you can contact us leaving us your information bellow.
