Software development
life cycle

The software development process defines the steps we take to plan, build and control software solutions.

Take a look at how we get things done

Initiation

We’re crazy for challenges and get to experiment a new one with every project. In return, you get to witness our consultancy skills at their best. We meet up, exchange ideas and define the business requirements we should meet at the finish line.

Planning

This is the phase where we set the WHAT, the WHO, the HOW and the WHEN. We treat the planning process with extreme precision to determine the scope, the workflow, the timeframe and the costs.

Execution

This is the thrilling side of every project. It’s time for our guys from the software development team to work their magic and throw in the creativity. As promised, we will constantly update you on our progress and shape our work according to your feedback.

Delivery

The most rewarding part of our collaboration is here! Remember that idea you had in mind when we first met. Before we send the project live, don’t forget we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, so the gratitude and credits go both ways.

The software development process and methodologies

We treat each project individually and always find the best approach. Depending on the client’s requests and particularities, we choose the proper methodology for each project.

Waterfall methodology and detailed project planning

When the project’s purpose is known and detailed from the beginning, a cost offer can be made. Also, the duration of the development can be established based on a planning process. In this case, the project can be planned in detail from the beginning.

Once the specifications are ready, the planning stage is necessary. It is a mandatory step to determine the cost and duration of the project, as well as how the people and the resources will be allocated.

This process is conducted by the project manager, together with the team. It implies the following:

  • Identification of the main deliverables; Breaking down the deliverables into smaller tasks, easier to manage and estimate;
  • Establishing dependencies between tasks (e.g. task X should only start after task Y has been completed but can start at the same time as task Z);
  • Allocation of resources per task (determines who is working on which task);
  • Estimating the duration of development;
  • Identifying negative risks and opportunities, as well as implementing mitigation solutions in the project plan.

Waterfall advantages

The advantage of this approach is that the development company can plan the allocation of appropriate resources. The client knows the cost of the project, as well as the date for going live.

Waterfall disadvantages

Consulting costs. Given that the project specifications must be detailed, clear and final, this implies, in some cases, an investment in consulting. This way, it will take longer to start the execution;

The waterfall methodology isn’t very change-friendly. Thus, any change must be estimated and approved. Any change to the initial plan implies extra costs as they are implemented later in the project.

SCRUM methodology - an AGILE approach

Not all projects are so clearly defined from the beginning. Sometimes, the customer begins with an overview of the final deliverable and wants to establish the details on the go. In this case, detailed project development planning is not possible. 

The solution is to set up a plan for a short period of time, and then set the details for the next period.

There are several Agile approaches. The most popular is SCRUM, where a Product Owner continuously creates specifications as user stories for the development team. He plans the activity and works in periods of 2-4 weeks, called sprints.

Common elements in the web development process

Regardless of the chosen approach, software development goes through several well-established stages.

Any feature needs a description that reflects the customer’s expectations for the final deliverable. In waterfall, the project is described as a whole in the specification document. In agile, the project is divided into user stories, specified and treated separately.

Once the tasks have been developed, they go through a quality verification stage. It means compliance with the specifications. Any difference, extra or minus, is a deviation from the original purpose and is reported as a bug by the tester.

The delivery of the code to the customer depends on the methodology chosen. In waterfall projects, the code is delivered at the end of the project. In SCRUM, acceptance is made at the end of every sprint.

Although all projects have a beginning and an end, the collaboration can continue based on a maintenance contract.

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