Guide to Software Development: From Concept to Code

Introduction

Software is a set of instructions, data or program, which is used to operate the computer and to complete special tasks. Hardware, which interprets many aspects of the computer. On the other hand, software is an ordinary word, which is used to indicate the application, script and program running on a device.

After hearing the word software, many times a question comes to mind that how software is made and the process of software development. How to make software and what things to keep in mind while making it, we will talk about all these. So, if you want to make software correctly without any mistake, then stay with us till the end.

Understanding Computers and Software

So, before knowing about software, you will have to understand what a computer is because all software is made to run on a computer. So, let’s take a look at the computer. If we talk in a very simple language, then a computer is an electronic device that takes input, processes it and gives output.

To understand the computer well, let’s take an example. Suppose you are making a document using MS Word. Here is MS Word software and we input from the keyboard. This input is processed by the computer, after which the output is displayed on the screen. Now you know how the computer takes the input, then processes it and gives the output. But for this whole work, we need software like MS Word for the file we are making.

From this you must have understood that we need software to work on the computer. So let’s know what software is. Software is an instructor who gives instructions to the computer to do special tasks. This set of instructions is also known as a program. These softwares running on the computer are in the form of binary code 1 to 0. But writing software in the form of binary is impossible and tiring. Therefore, engineers have made many programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python etc.

The Process of Making Software

Sometimes more than two languages are used to make a special software. So friends, now let’s know how software is made. Any program can be written using any language, which is understood by any person who is aware of the programming language. It is called source code and after making this source code with the help of the compiling process, it is changed to an executable file.

Any simple program can be written at the right time by a developer. However, hundreds of developers can be included in professional software. A big software is divided into hundreds or thousands of files. Software developers work hard on their software, but there are always some problems with code and we call these problems bugs. Even after a part of the software is published for the public, software developers have to continue fixing bugs and make the software better. This is the reason why software updates or new features keep coming from time to time.

Types of Software Development

Software can be made in two different ways.

Proprietary
Open source

1. Proprietary

A human or software company’s own software is made to sell. Its source code is not issued for the public. Only software is issued.

2. Open Source

Such software is free whose source code can be accessed by anyone. Open source software is paid by the owners through donations.

Categories of Software

Now let’s talk about the type of software.

Application Software : Such software that is useful to the users. For example, MS Word, Firefox etc. Application software is that which uses the computer system to do special tasks or entertain beyond the basic operation of the computer. Now, because in the modern age, many more things have been added to the work done by the computer, so now many different types of application software are being made.
System Software : Software that makes a system or computer work. Use OS, drives, firmware, etc. System is the software that manages the hardware of the computer. System software is also designed to provide a platform for running application software. Which are such operating systems, device drivers, utilities.

How to Make Software

So let us now know how you can create a software :

Find Your Interest : There are two basic types of software development, which we have just told you. One is application development and the other is system development. So, first you have to decide which type of software you want to make or what kind of software development you are interested in.
Learn a Programming Language : To do something new, ideas to make something new can come to anyone’s mind. But only a developer can shape those ideas. Even if you just want to work on software design first, then you will have to be familiar with coding and will have to be able to make basic prototypes. There are many programming languages in which you can learn any of them. Some of them are important.

C – C language is still one of the old languages in use and is the basis of most languages. C is used to do low-level programs.
C++ – This is the object-oriented version of C and is the most popular programming language in the world. Chrome, Firefox, Photoshop and many other big softwares have been made by learning C++. This is also a very popular language to make video games. C++ is still in high demand by developers.
Java – This is the developed form of C++ language and it is used for the ease of portability. It is used in video games and business software, and many people consider it an important language.
C# – C-Hash is a Windows-based language, which is part of the NET Framework from Microsoft. It is connected to Java and C++, so if you learn Java, you can learn C-Hash quickly and easily.
Objective-C – This is another cousin of the C language which is specially designed for the Apple system. It is very popular for iPhone and iPad apps. It is a great language to learn as a freelancer.
Python – This is a very easy language to learn. Python is used the most for web development.

Find Resources : Most bookstores have a full section full of programming books. Apart from this, on e-commerce sites like Amazon, you will get a lot of books. You should have well-written programming books so that you can help them while making software and learn coding well. Apart from books, you will get a lot of platforms on the internet from where you can help. Code Academy, Code Organization, Banto, Udacity, Udemy, Khan Academy, W3Schools Search for a guide for your favorite language on such sites and learn.
Work on Pet Projects : Before you use your new programming skills to get a job in the real world or to launch a software, work on some projects for yourself. Use your programming language to challenge yourself to solve problems. This will not only help you develop your skills, but will also help you strengthen your resume. For example, if you are interested in making a video game, work on an easy game that happens without graphics or complex machines. Instead, focus on making them fun and unique. A collection of small games made by you will look very good in your portfolio.
Think A good programmer will make such software that will be easy and interesting for users to use. Look at the software on which you are working and see if there are ways to make the development process easy.
Make a Prototype : This is a basic program that highlights those functions that you want to achieve. A prototype is a quick program, and until you get such a design that works, it has to be modified. For example, if you are making a calendar program, then your prototype will be a basic calendar, so that you can connect events to your programmed calendar. There are two things to keep in mind in this. that your prototype should change repeatedly during software development. Because as you find new ways to solve your problem, you will also have to change your prototype. And secondly, the prototype should be beautiful, not necessary. In fact, art and design should be one of the last things on which you are working. Because the user does not see the design of the prototype, the final software reaches in front of it.
Test Again and Again : There can be many problems with more and more errors in the code. These errors can only be recognized by testing and corrected. Give your software to your friends and family and ask them to test it. Then they will tell you its shortcomings like a user, which you can correct. Use the wrong variables to test your software. For example, if you have a form that asks the user’s age, instead of numbers, put words and see what happens. Or if you have a graphical interface in your program, then click on everything. When you go back to the previous screen or click the wrong button in the program, then what happens? See and correct the error.

Things to Keep in Mind While Making Software

So now let’s know what things to keep in mind while making a software.

Quality and Reliability : It can delete a person’s work, crash a computer, and do many other things. Faults and errors are called bugs, which are often found during alpha and beta testing. Many bugs are found and erased through software testing. Although software testing may sometimes end all bugs, some programmers say that there is at least one bug in every program.

Software testing, unit testing, regression testing and many other methods can be done, which is done manually because the number of codes being tested can be quite large. For example, NASA has many software testing machines for operating systems and communication functions.

License Software : license gives the user the right to use software and in the case of free software license, it also gives the right to make copies like other rights.

Proprietary software can be divided into two parts:

Freeware, which includes the category of free trial software or freemium software. As the name suggests, freeware can be used for free. However, in the case of free trial or freemium software, it can sometimes be used for a limited time period or with limited functions. In such softwares, Adobe software can be counted.
There are other types of software that are available for use only after paying fees. You must have also seen on the Play Store that some applications are free and some are available for a price. The same goes for software as well. Such software is often called commercial software, which can only be used commercially after purchasing the license.

The second type is open source software, which comes with a free software license.

Conclusion

So, I hope you are understand about software and how to make it. We’ve explored the importance software development, before creating an software its important to learn programming languages, and honing your skills through hands-on projects. Additionally, you can create prototypes before you start in big projects, testing rigorously, and prioritizing quality and reliability in software creation.

Whether you’re want to become a software developer or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the software you use daily, this guide helps you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the dynamic field of software development.