What is the software development process? Explaining types of process models

In order to proceed with a software development project, it is important to understand the development process and select an appropriate process model. This article summarizes the "software development process" and the types of process models. Please refer to this article to understand the flow of software development and realize outsourcing that both parties can trust.

When proceeding with a software development project, it is important to understand the process and select an appropriate process model.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain the software development services along with the types of process models.
Please understand the software development process and use it to improve your project management.

What is the software development process?

Software development includes the following steps.
・Requirements definition
・Design (external design/internal design)
・Programming
・Testing
・Release
・Operation and maintenance

There is a process model for how to proceed with the above steps, and you must make appropriate choices depending on the software you want to develop.
Here, let's understand the flow of each software process.

Software development process: Requirements definition

When developing software, the client and engineer discuss ``what kind of software will be developed'' (requirements definition).
During the meeting, you must clarify the functions, specifications, design, and operation methods required for the software.

The client should convey as detailed a completed image as possible to the engineer, and be conscious of avoiding any discrepancies.
The more solid the requirements definition is, the smoother the work will proceed later, and the more likely it is that the schedule and deliverables will be as expected.

Software development process: Design (external design/internal design)

Engineers design the system based on the defined requirements.
System design requires both external design, which determines specifications from the user's perspective, and internal design, which examines whether the system will operate properly.
No matter how user-friendly a system is, it is of no use if the system does not operate properly.

On the other hand, even if the system runs smoothly, if the interface is difficult for users to use, the results will not be achieved.
As mentioned above, the design stage is the phase where you think about how to develop the software based on the requirements definition.

Software development process: Programming

Once the design is complete, it's time to do the programming and make the software a reality.
Specialist programmers in each process perform the coding and form the system.
Since the areas and scope of coding differ depending on the process model, the director must proceed with the process carefully.

Software development process: Testing

Once the system is complete, we test it to ensure there are no operational issues.
There are different types of testing methods, each with a different purpose.

・Unit test: Test performed for each target unit of the program
・Integration test: Test to check the operation of the entire system
・System test: Test to check whether there are any problems with functions and specifications
・Operational test: Check operation on the actual release screen test to do
This is the phase where we repeat the above tests to check if there are any functional issues or if there are any system deficiencies.

Software development process: Release/operation/maintenance

Once we have confirmed that it works without any problems through testing, we will deliver and release it to the client.
After the release, engineers take on the role of operation and maintenance, ensuring that the system is working properly and responding to any problems.
In particular, users may find bugs or deficiencies during use, so in such cases, it is important to report them to engineers and request updates and fixes.

Types of software development process models

There are multiple process models for software development.
・Waterfall type
・Agile type
・Prototype type
・Spiral type
・V-shaped model type
You have to choose an appropriate process model depending on what kind of software you want to develop, and it is difficult to make a decision if your company does not have engineers.
Here, we will explain the types of software development company models, so you can choose the best method for your company's software.

Waterfall Type

The waterfall model is one of the most basic process models.
As the English word "Water Fall" suggests, we complete each step of development under strict control before moving on to the next phase.
Since it has the disadvantage of not being able to go back, it is characterized by requiring more detailed requirements definition and design, and if there are any additional revisions, a significant schedule change is required.

However, the advantage is that each phase progresses one step at a time, making it easier to manage and understand the overall picture.
In Japan, the waterfall method is the most popular and is characterized by the presence of many development companies with a rich track record.

Agile

The agile method is a method that divides development into small units and completes the entire project after designing, programming, and testing each.
Since the development is done in small units, it has the advantage of being able to deliver results in a short period of time and making it easier for the client to confirm.

In addition, even if you request corrections after confirmation, we can respond quickly and flexibly, allowing you to move forward with the project while understanding the market and client needs.
Since the development model is based on confirmation and corrections from the client, it has the disadvantage of being difficult to adjust schedules and difficult to manage.

For projects where you want to respond flexibly while monitoring market trends, an agile model is more appropriate than a waterfall model, which cannot be reversed.

Prototype Type

Prototype software development is a method in which a prototype is created in the middle of development and the project is completed based on feedback from the client.
It is better than any other process model in that it allows you to see how the system works from the user's perspective.

Since you can make new adjustments to your schedule based on the prototype, you may be able to avoid major changes in requirements.
However, the process of creating a prototype increases, and there are many cases where additional requests are made after actually trying it out.

There is also the risk of schedule adjustments and budget overruns, so you must also understand the cost increase when the release date or requirements change.

Spiral Type

The spiral type is a process model in which the system to be implemented is divided into smaller parts, and the important functions are repeatedly designed, developed, and tested, and improvements are made during the process to complete the software.
Because the system is segmented, it is easy to respond to changes in specifications and schedules, and the advantage is that the feedback obtained from each process can be used in the next phase.

The disadvantage is that it becomes difficult to grasp the overall picture of the project.
This is because the system is planned and designed in detail, so if a change in specifications is requested during feedback, it will affect the next project.

If you want to understand the overall picture before proceeding, the waterfall method may be more suitable.

V-shaped model type

The V-shaped model is a process model that connects related development processes and testing processes to achieve efficient verification work.
Since testing is performed at each phase, it is possible to check whether the contents of the development process have been implemented correctly.

Another characteristic of the V-shaped model is that the test content is clear, making it easy to understand the progress of work and to manage schedules.
The disadvantage is that when specifications change, not only the requirement definition but also the testing process must be updated, which increases the number of processes and costs.

A flexible process model can be realized

In Japan, the waterfall type is the mainstream, but offshore development allows for flexible process models.
If you do not select the appropriate process model depending on the software you are designing, the entire project will be compromised.
Therefore, offshore development, which can accommodate a variety of process models, can realize a project that is smooth and satisfying for both the client and the engineer.

Enables high-quality software development at low cost

In most cases, offshore development can be outsourced at a lower cost than to companies in Japan.
Low cost doesn't mean they deliver sloppy products, and there are many companies that maintain high quality.
If low-cost, high-quality software development can be achieved, many companies can expect business growth.

Summary

This time, we explained the software development process, including the types of process models.
If you can understand what kind of project progresses in each process, it will be easier to clarify the requirements definition necessary for software development.