1. The Software Development Process
Higher Computing
The Software Development Process

2. The software development process
The SDP has seven stages
Analysis
Design
Implementation
Testing
Documentation
Evaluation
Maintenance

3. Analysis Analysis is the understanding of the problem
The conversion of a problem outline into a precise software specification
The specification has to include
Inputs
Processes
Outputs

4. Design
Design involves the planning of a solution to the problem using a recognised design methodology
Top down design
Structured diagrams
pseudocode

5. Implementation
Implementation is changing the program design into instructions that the computer can understand
It is during the implementation process that internal documentation is added to the program

6. Testing
Testing is to ensure that a piece of software performs correctly, that it meets the software specification
A test plan should be produced so that the testing is systematic and comprehensive

7. Documentation All stages of the SDP need documentation
The documentation of a program includes a user guide and a technical guide

8. Evaluation
Evaluation involves reviewing the solution against suitable criteria
Robustness
Reliability
Portability
Efficiency
Maintainability
Readability
Fitness for purpose
User interface
robustness - can it cope with errors during execution without failing, e.g.the printer jams
reliability are there no design faults, coding errors that would cause it to fail
Efficiency- does it need excessive resources to run

9. Maintenance
Program maintenance involves changing a program, often long after it was first written
There are three types of maintenance
Corrective
Adaptive
Perfective
Good design methodology and documentation will be a big asset

10. Iteration The software development process is iterative
Iteration is the process of revisiting a stage in the software development process to modify it in the light of experience gained at a later stage, for example, after testing or evaluation

11. Personnel Client Systems Analyst Project Manager Programmer
Independent Test Group

12. The Client The client commissions the software
The client will describe the requirements to the systems analyst

13. Systems Analyst
The system analyst communicates with the client at a non-technical level eliciting their needs
The SA must also communicate the client’s need as a technical specification to the software development team

14. Project Manager Leads the software development team
Responsible for budgets, resources and scheduling
Monitors progress, insures deadlines are met
Liaises with the client/systems analyst

15. Programmer
Responsible for coding, testing, implementation and maintenance of the software

16. Independent Test Group
Outsiders whose task is to find errors
Programmers should not be the only testers of software as they are biased, and testing may be incomplete
ITGs test parts of the software as it is developed (modular) as well as the finished product