Software development

Software development is the process of thinking of, defining, designing, programming, documenting, testing, and correcting any bugs that are discovered throughout the process of building and maintaining applications, frameworks, or other software components. Writing and maintaining the source code is a part of software development, but in a broader sense, software development encompasses all processes from the conception of the desired software all the way through the final manifestation of the software. These processes are typically carried out in a planned and structured manner. In addition, research, new development, prototyping, modification, reuse, re-engineering, maintenance, and any other activities that result in software products are included in the scope of software development.

There is not necessarily a single technique for the creation of information systems that is appropriate for use by all projects. Because of the many different technical, organisational, and project-related issues, each of the current techniques is most ideally suited to certain categories of projects.

There are several places where ideas for software applications might be found. These concepts may originate from market research, which may include the demographics of possible new consumers, current customers, sales prospects who rejected the product, other members of the internal software development team, a creative third party, or any combination of these sources. Ideas for new software products are typically first evaluated by marketing personnel to determine whether or not they are economically feasible, whether or not they are compatible with the distribution channels that are already in place, whether or not there may be potential effects on product lines that are already in place, whether or not there are required features, and whether or not they are compatible with the marketing goals of the company. During the phase of marketing assessment, the assumptions about cost and time are analysed and reviewed. Early on in the first phase, a choice is made on whether or not to continue working on the project based on the more in-depth information that was provided by the marketing and development employees.