Understanding software development begins by understanding what software is. Software is defined as a set of instructions and programs, independent of hardware, that command the functions and actions of computers.
There are four main types of software and they include:
- System software: These provide primary functions like disk management, operating systems, hardware management, utilities and other necessary functions for computer operation.
- Programming software: These are software used by developers to code. They provide them with tools such as text editors, linkers, compilers and debuggers, among others.
- Application software: These refer to applications that allow users to perform tasks and operations. They include security programs, data management software, office productivity tools, eCommerce applications, social media apps, etc.
- Malicious software (Malware): These are software that harm the functionality of devices. They include viruses, ransomware, spyware, Trojans and malvertising, among others.
The process of developing various types of software is called Software development. By definition, software development refers to a set of activities dedicated to the designing, creation, testing, deploying and supporting software. Software engineers, software developers and programmers often do this task.
Types of software development
Software development is a multi-faceted process that involves different components and stages. Here is a list of the different types of software development that also define the different types of software developers.
- Web development
Web development involves developing a website, either a simple static page or complex multi-page websites of varied ranges and complexities. To work for a top web development company, knowledge of frameworks such as Javascript, HTML, C, C++, Django, Python, PHP, ASP.NET, Ruby, Rails, etc., is necessary.
- Mobile development
Mobile development, also known as App development, entails creating applications that run on mobile devices. These applications are mostly native that run on either iOS or Android, although there exist hybrid apps that can run on all the conventional mobile operating systems.
Mobile app developers require skills and knowledge of Java, C, C++, Swift (for iOS), Android and HTML5.
- Application development
This entails building applications that run on various computer operating systems like Windows, Mac and Linux. Simply put, application development entails creating computer programs that assist users in performing basic functions for their business or personal lives. Web application development requires knowledge of key frameworks such as Python, C#, C, C++, VB.NET and Java, among others.
- Software tools development
These entail developing tools for software developers to use in developing their software programs or to test their codes. They are also critical for ensuring developers maintain industry standards when developing their software products. Knowledge of Python, Java and C++ is necessary to be a software tools developer.
- API development
Application Programming Interface (API) development refers to the building of extensive software products. It entails developing foundation frameworks for standard procedures, tools and types of graphical user interface interactions and rules for database access. It is upon these foundational frameworks that other developers can build other compatible applications and systems.
- Embedded systems development
This type of software development involves the creation of embedded systems like Arduinos, Raspberry Pi’s and Beaglebones, among others. Notably, the software is customized to match the software systems that your devices run on.
Embedded systems developers require knowledge of Embedded C, Python, Assembler, Java and Arduino.
- Security Software Development
This entails specializing in developing software tools used to counter the imminent threat of cyberattacks. Developers specializing in software security should know the top programming languages, particularly the language of the system being guarded.
Overall, developers lie in two main categories: front-end developers and back-end developers.
Front-end developers specialize in creating the visible aspects of software that users interact with, including graphics, buttons, text blocks, etc. The key competencies of front-end developers include:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- jQuery
- Front-end Frameworks, including JavaScript frameworks
- Responsive designs for applications
- Cross-browser development
- Knowledge of SEO
Back-end developers work on the server-side of a software product. They are responsible for defining the functional framework for software. The key competencies of back-end developers include:
- Knowledge of top programming languages, including Python, PHP, Java, Python, Rust, etc.
- Knowledge of database management frameworks such as SQL, MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Redis, etc.
- Knowledge of API tools such as SOAP, GraphQL and REST, among others.
- Knowledge of versioning control tools.
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