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Read on for a roadmap, framework, and tips from a software engineer, no matter if you are just getting started or want to advance your career.
Explore the Software Development Life Cycle course for a more versatile skill set and to launch your career as a software engineer and developer.
Software Development Process
The IT process and software development roadmaps are different.
Product managers usually write the IT process, focusing on the features. Software development roadmaps, however, are created for the operation team, and they explain technologies and the development processes.
Each software development method has its own Documentation type. The Documentation that goes with each is different.
There are three main phases in the software development process:
- Analyze and plan - collect requirements- research,-change management- risk management,-software architecture.
- You can also Design Your Own- creating wireframes,- prototyping,- mockups.
- The Development of the Developing Countries- backend development,-frontend Development.
- Quality assurance and testing
- Intermediate deliveries
- Documentation
- Maintenance
- Reporting
This guide can be used if you are looking for senior software engineers roadmaps and want to become a senior developer.
What is Software Development?
Software Development refers to the design, creation, testing and Maintenance of software. This is an engineering field that uses principles from computer science and mathematics to design, develop, test, and evaluate software.
Software Development's ultimate goal is to develop software free from errors, bugs and inefficiency. Software engineers employ a variety of tools and techniques to achieve this goal. These include code reviews, standards for coding, and automated test tools.
Also, they work closely with engineers from other disciplines such as electrical and systems engineering. By collaborating with engineers, software engineers can develop more efficient and robust applications.
We will focus on some of the key stages and documents required for successful product design.
The Software Development Life Cycle
SDLC is the lifecycle of software development that defines how a product will be developed and supported. The SDLC helps turn your creative ideas and market needs into product functionality.
You can create your own software lifecycle model, or choose one based on the market, context of your project, and your business needs.
Most Popular SDLC Models
There are many types of SDLC
Some of the most common SDLC models (also called Software Development Methodologies or Software Development Models) include:
- Waterfall Model
- Model with V-Shaped Shape
- Model Iterative
- Model Spiral
- Big Bang Model
- Agile Model
- The Prototyping model
Waterfall
Waterfall was the first SDLC in history. The Waterfall Model is linear. The tasks and steps must be performed sequentially and in strict order.
The progress is steady and downward, like the water flowing over a cascade.
This is often used for large projects which can be broken down into logically sequential parts. A stage cannot be completed before the one that preceded it.
In industries like manufacturing and construction, this approach is commonly used to develop products in a linear fashion.
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V-shaped model
The V-Shaped Model extends Waterfall SDLC. The V-model doesn't progress in a linear fashion, but rather after implementation and code.
In the V model, the project phases are identical to Waterfall but each testing phase is validated. The V-model can be used for projects that are similar to Waterfall.
The V-model is characterized by a smoother defect tracking, as most errors are detected at an early stage.
Iterative model
The Iterative model integrates iterative workflow and design with an incremental building model. The team creates small components by creating the product in cycles.
Iterative development is a valuable model because you don't need to know all of the requirements before starting.
This is good for large and complex projects, such as ERP, or projects that have strict specifications for the end product.
Spiral Model
The spiral model is an amalgamation of Prototyping, Waterfall and Agile approaches. Spiral includes all the steps of Waterfall in the same sequence (requirements, design, testing, implementation and testing), but separated into planning, risk assessments, prototyping and modeling.
This is a good option for projects that are complex with many built-in small functions. It also works well with projects on a budget or with high risk.
Big Bang SDLC model
The Big Bang SDLC Model is based on the idea that all resources should be devoted to product development, especially in the coding area, and not to worry about meeting plans.
Development begins with resources that are available, and little to no planning. The customer may receive a product which does not meet their requirements.
This is a good choice for projects that are low-risk and repetitive, or those with no deadline or specific specifications.
Agile Model
The Agile Model is an iterative approach that focuses on meeting flexible needs. Iterations are the main work principle, which divides the project into shorter cycles.
This makes it easier for the client to get a specific product after each cycle.
Agile can be used to implement large projects. This management method is also used when the client's expectations are constantly changing.
The advantages of this methodology are the high levels of communication between team members and fast results. This method is good for any project type, with lots of client participation.
The Prototyping model
The Prototyping model aims to produce a working prototyping of a limited-functionality software product that can quickly be turned into a finished product.
It is possible that the prototype does not have the same logic as the final product.
The expected product of a business is greatly influenced by the model chosen.
Types of Documentation
The documents that describe the software development processes define requirements for the software, software design, development process and quality assurance.
The software development Documentation includes detailed descriptions of software logic, architecture, data and storage.
Five goals are involved in the development of documents:
- These documents are used to communicate between all parties involved in the process of development.
They also describe in detail the decisions that were made about software, testing, design and programming requirements.
- They define the roles of the team.
The roles are defined, while taking into consideration the subject matter, the Documentation, the quality assurance and all those involved in the process of development.
- The Documentation is a checkpoint that allows managers to assess the development progress.
It is difficult to control and track a software project if development documents are incomplete or outdated.
- The product documentation includes the documentation for software maintenance;
- The history of the software industry is described.
Typical development documents include:
- Analysis of initial development proposals and their analysis
- Specifications for requirements;
- Specifications for functionality
- Specifications for User Experience Design, including Program and Data Specifications
- Development plans;
- Plan for software development and testing;
- Plans, schedules, and standards for quality assurance;
- Software architecture design documentation;
- Source code documentation;
- Information on safety regulations and tests
Documentation for Product Requirements
The Product Requirement Documentation (PRD) is a document that contains all of the specifications for a product.
It also reflects its final appearance. These requirements may be presented in a document or a series of documents.
These requirements are usually functional or non-functional.
- A purpose is a goal;
- general description;
- Specific requirements.
When working on the specification of requirements, it's important to consider a lot of information:
- General information on the project, including goals, objectives and terminology.
- General description of product: functionalities, users details, operating environment of product, framework, rules and regulations, standards,
- Description of algorithmic and process flow diagrams.
Functional requirements.
Interface requirements.
- Non-functional requirements are essential for data safety, security, speed, intellectual properties, and licensing.
Software Architecture
Software development uses a variety of technologies. Others require substantial investments but deliver brilliant results.
Some technologies are free, while others cost a lot and don't perform well. You should avoid using outdated and unreliable software that can lead to code rewritings or extra costs. We recommend making some important decisions to avoid it.
Software development companies need to be able to integrate with different services and databases, and scale them.
You can streamline business processes with the aid of new technology stacks.
The supporting software is put to the test in a unique way by a large monolithic program with 5-10 million lines of code.
Open-source software is cheaper and easier to use than commercial software.
If you have never used microservices, or if the team has just started, monolithic architecture may be a good option.
Microservices are easy to maintain and fix, and it is always clear what the bug or problem was.
Cisin offers the migration of monoliths to microservices. It can sometimes be perceived as a complex solution. However, it's much simpler from a support and scaling perspective.
Software architecture documents also include the user stories, details of solutions, diagrams representing the solution architecture, as well as the architecture principles and leading architectural and design principles.
Documentation for Software Quality Assurance
Software Quality Assurance is a collection of tools and measures that ensures the quality of software. Research shows that 78% use automated testing for regression or functional tests, while only 11% do not.
The higher budgets for QA are cited by 52% of the IT team sites as being the primary reason behind the increased release of products.
SQA is a part of the software development cycle that checks the quality standards at each stage. Early detection of potential issues is key.
Documents relating to quality assurance may include:
- Test strategyA plan is a way to test a module or a whole system, while taking into consideration the dependencies and specifics regarding its functionality.
-
The Quality Management PlanThis is a standard and plan to control product quality at a certain level.
It defines procedures and methods for each of the levels.
- Test planThis document outlines the test procedures, including the timeframes and roles.
- Test case SpecificationThis document describes the test cases for an item of interest (test object) (including goals, inputs and conditions, as well as steps to be taken, expected outcomes, etc.).
- Test checklistThe list includes several tests to run at various stages.
Software Development Components
1. Web Fundamentals
Software Development is made up of five basic elements: requirements gathering, designing, developing, testing and deploying.
In any software project, the first step is to gather client requirements. This usually means creating a document outlining what the client expects the software to do. After gathering the client requirements, it is time to start designing the software.
2. Frontend
Frontend engineering is concerned with the graphical interface of a software program. GUIs are the parts of software with which users directly interact.
They must be user-friendly as well as aesthetically pleasing. UX designers and frontend engineers collaborate closely to design an interface that achieves these goals. Front-end engineers must have a solid understanding of HTML and CSS.
They should also be comfortable with frameworks like React or Angular.
3. Backend
It is the responsibility of the backend to ensure that data is stored accurately and is up-to-date by the frontend.
Backend engineers are in charge of creating and implementing methods for data storage and retrieval. Backend engineers also need to design APIs for the front-end so that they can access data.
Full-stack developers are in charge of front-end, back-end, and database development.
4. Framework
Software Development Frameworks are a collection of guidelines and standards that help to structure software development projects.
The guidelines cover coding, documenting, testing and managing projects. Developers can make sure that projects are organized and efficient by following frameworks. Agile is one of the most common software development frameworks.
It emphasizes collaborative work between customers and developers.
5. Algorithm
Anyone who has tried writing a computer programme knows that developing algorithms is an important aspect of Software Development.
A set of instructions can be used to solve problems. An algorithm has to be efficient and correct in order to be successful. The algorithm must always give the right result.
Efficiency refers to how much time and resource is required. Algorithm development is an important part of Software Development.
Web Fundamental Roadmap
1. GIT & GitHub
Learning the basics of GIT or GitHub is a great way to begin your journey into web development. GIT, or version control software, allows programmers to keep track of changes made in code as well as coordinate with other programmers.
GitHub offers a central repository of code and a variety of tools that allow developers to easily collaborate. You can learn web development basics and collaborate with other developers by getting started using GIT and GitHub.
2. Terminal
You need a solid foundation with the terminal if you want to learn web development. The terminal allows you to communicate with your computer by using text commands.
The terminal may initially seem intimidating, but once you've mastered it it is quite simple to use. Once you learn how to use the Terminal, you can accomplish your tasks more efficiently and quickly. If you are serious about being a web designer, then the terminal should be on your list.
3. Code Editor
Code editors are a key piece of software for web developers that allow you to edit and write code. There are many code editors, ranging from text editors to fully-fledged environments.
It's crucial to take into account your preferences and needs when choosing a code editing tool. Will a text editor with simple debugging features suffice, or do you require a powerful IDE? What is your preference for a light or dark theme? You may want to have a highly customizable editor, but you might prefer something more simplified.
After you have considered your requirements, start looking at the various options. Atom, Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text are some of the most popular code editors.
Frontend Technology Roadmap
1. HTML
HTML is at the core of every website. It is used to build the content and structure of a web page. Other technologies can be built upon it.
HTML, however, is always evolving and adding new features. It might be difficult to keep up with all of the changes. It's important to have a roadmap of front-end technologies that include HTML.
2. CSS
CSS is a very important technology in front-end development. CSS, which is used for styling and laying out web pages, is supported by all major browsers.
CSS3 has been the most recent version of CSS, adding support for media queries, animations, and flexbox.
3. JavaScript
JavaScript is a must-have for any frontend technology roadmap. JavaScript is the only language which can be run in native web browsers.
All major browsers are compatible with it. It has an active and large community, with many open-source libraries of high quality. It is possible to develop frontend apps without JavaScript but it would be much more complicated and provide a worse user experience.
Backend Technology Roadmap
Start your career in backend programming by checking out this backend engineer's roadmap.
1. Database
In the Backend Tech Roadmap, the goal of the database is to offer a reliable, scalable and high-performance data storage for an application.
The database must be able handle large data volumes and grow with the application. It should also be simple to administer and manage, highly available with built-in redundancy. The application could use a variety of databases, but MongoDB and MySQL are the most likely to be chosen.
2. Rest API
There are several key factors to consider when it comes REST APIs:
- The choice between a JSON or XML API is crucial.
Both formats have their advantages and disadvantages.
It is therefore important to choose the one that best suits the data exchanged.
- Selecting the right authentication method is essential.
OAuth2 has become a standard choice when it comes to REST APIs.
However, there are other authentication methods available depending on your application.
- Consider whether third-party frameworks or libraries will be used for development.
Frameworks
1. Frontend React
React is an open-source JavaScript library that allows you to build user interfaces. Facebook created it in 2011, and some of the largest companies have used it, such as Airbnb, Bloomberg and Netflix.
It is popular for front-end design because React makes it simple to build interactive, responsive interfaces. React can be combined with frameworks like React Native to create native mobile applications.
2. Backend NodeJS
Node.js provides a framework to develop applications using the JavaScript runtime. It is lightweight, efficient and is widely used for web applications.
Node.js can also be found in server-side frameworks such as Meteor.js or Express.js. Node.js is also used for desktop apps using Electron.
Algorithm
1. Data Structure
Data structure represents the data in an information system. A data structure is a way to organize and store information in logical groups so that the computer system can access it easily.
In computer science, a data structure defines the way information is stored and retrieved.
Depending on the domain of application, different data structures can be used. Relational databases, such as SQL, store structured data using tables with rows and columns.
2. Time and Space Complexity
When calculating the time complexity, a number of factors are considered, including the input size, data distribution, running times of all operations, processing time variations for each run, and the time it takes to compute intermediate results.
Space complexity is determined by calculating the amount of storage needed to store all intermediate results, as well as their size.
It is best to maintain a low level of algorithm complexity while still meeting all business needs.
The Top Skills that a Software Developer Should Possess
In order to better understand the skill set required of a Software Engineer, we've compiled the most important skills into this roadmap for software developers.
1. Database Management Systems (DBMS)
It is nearly impossible to create a quality piece of software without these skills.
2. Operating System
Operating systems are software programs that control the software and hardware resources on a computer. The operating system includes all the components that make up a computer, including the CPU, the memory, the input/output devices (I/O), and the power supply.
3. The Object-Oriented Programming Systems
The object-oriented systems consist of a collection of languages and tools designed to help programmers work more easily with objects.
4. Database Architecture
The database architect in software applications is responsible for the design and Maintenance of the database. The database architect ensures the correct design of the database and its components.
5. Linux/Unix
Linux and Unix have become the two most widely used operating systems around the globe. Linux is an open-source, free operating system which can run on a wide range of hardware.
It's also one of the most stable systems out there. Unix, on the other hand, is an old operating system that was designed for servers.
6. Perl
Perl is an open-source scripting language that's used primarily for text processing and web development. The language has a beautiful syntax, excellent community support, and is able to be used for building robust and reliable software.
7. Shell
Shell is a very important skill for a software developer. You need the shell to write operating systems and build web applications.
8. Web Services
Web services allow for two applications to interact with one another. Web services are most commonly used to allow two applications to communicate.
9. UI Toolkits and Frameworks
UI Toolkits & Frameworks is the tool that engineers use when building applications. These are collections of components which can be reused to create user interfaces.
UI Toolkits may include HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Frameworks are a group of UI Toolkits that make it easy for developers to create applications by using the same components.
10. Microsoft ASP.NET MVC
ASP.NET MVC allows developers to quickly build feature-rich, robust web applications. The framework provides best practices and patterns which can be used to build any type of web application regardless of its size or complexity.
11. Web API
Web API allows for programs to interact and create web services by using HTTP responses and requests. Web API allows software to communicate with RESTful services using the same model.
This roadmap will help you prepare for a successful career in engineering and software development.
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The conclusion of the article is:
The blog has now ended. You should now have a good understanding of what it takes for you to be able to work as a software developer and all the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve success in this career.
You should always remember that being a software developer is not an endpoint, but a process. It's never too late to learn more, as new approaches and technologies are constantly emerging.
You'll have a rewarding career in software engineering as long as you are willing to learn and expand your skill set.
We cisin a software development company ready to help you.
