Software development basics encompass the fundamental processes and methodologies used to create, maintain, and improve software applications. In the context of IT governance and project management, understanding these concepts is essential for effective oversight and delivery of technology project…Software development basics encompass the fundamental processes and methodologies used to create, maintain, and improve software applications. In the context of IT governance and project management, understanding these concepts is essential for effective oversight and delivery of technology projects.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) represents the structured approach to building software. It typically includes phases such as planning, requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase has specific deliverables and checkpoints that ensure quality and alignment with business objectives.
Several methodologies guide software development projects. Waterfall follows a sequential approach where each phase must be completed before moving to the next. This traditional method works well for projects with clearly defined requirements. Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, embrace iterative development with frequent releases and continuous feedback. These approaches allow teams to adapt to changing requirements throughout the project.
Key roles in software development include developers who write code, business analysts who translate requirements, quality assurance testers who verify functionality, and project managers who coordinate activities and resources. DevOps practices integrate development and operations teams to improve collaboration and automate deployment processes.
From a governance perspective, software projects require proper documentation, version control, change management procedures, and security considerations. Organizations must establish coding standards, review processes, and testing protocols to ensure consistency and quality. Risk management involves identifying potential technical challenges, resource constraints, and timeline issues early in the project.
Configuration management tracks changes to software components and ensures proper versioning. Release management controls how software moves from development through testing to production environments. These practices support audit requirements and regulatory compliance that many organizations must address.
Understanding software development basics enables project managers to effectively communicate with technical teams, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Software Development Basics for CompTIA Project+
Why Software Development Basics Matter
Understanding software development basics is essential for project managers because many projects involve creating, modifying, or implementing software solutions. As a project manager, you need to communicate effectively with development teams, set realistic timelines, and understand the processes that drive software creation. This knowledge helps you anticipate challenges, manage stakeholder expectations, and deliver successful projects.
What Are Software Development Basics?
Software development basics encompass the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and lifecycle phases involved in creating software applications. Key components include:
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) The SDLC is a structured process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying software. Common phases include: • Requirements Gathering - Collecting and documenting what the software needs to do • Design - Creating the architecture and technical specifications • Development/Coding - Writing the actual program code • Testing - Verifying the software works as intended • Deployment - Releasing the software to users • Maintenance - Ongoing support and updates
Development Methodologies • Waterfall - Sequential, linear approach where each phase must complete before the next begins • Agile - Iterative approach with short cycles called sprints, emphasizing flexibility and customer feedback • Scrum - An Agile framework using time-boxed iterations and defined roles • Kanban - Visual workflow management focusing on continuous delivery
How Software Development Works in Projects
In a project context, software development follows these general steps:
1. Initiation - Define the project scope and objectives 2. Planning - Create schedules, allocate resources, and identify risks 3. Execution - Development team builds the software through coding and integration 4. Monitoring and Controlling - Track progress, manage changes, and ensure quality 5. Closing - Final testing, deployment, and project handoff
Project managers must understand that software development often involves iterative cycles, dependencies between tasks, and the need for frequent communication between stakeholders and developers.
Key Terms to Know
• Sprint - A fixed time period (usually 2-4 weeks) for completing specific work items • User Story - A description of a feature from the end-user perspective • Backlog - A prioritized list of work items to be completed • Version Control - Systems that track changes to code over time • Integration - Combining different software components to work together • UAT (User Acceptance Testing) - Final testing by end users before deployment
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Software Development Basics
Focus on Methodology Differences Know the key distinctions between Waterfall and Agile. Waterfall is predictive and sequential, while Agile is adaptive and iterative. Questions often test your ability to identify which methodology fits a given scenario.
Remember the SDLC Phases Be able to identify activities that belong to each phase. For example, creating test cases belongs to the testing phase, while gathering stakeholder needs belongs to requirements gathering.
Understand Role Responsibilities Know who does what in different methodologies. In Scrum, the Product Owner manages the backlog, the Scrum Master facilitates the process, and the Development Team builds the product.
Look for Keywords in Questions • 'Flexibility' and 'changing requirements' often point to Agile • 'Fixed scope' and 'sequential' often point to Waterfall • 'Iteration' and 'sprint' indicate Agile/Scrum environments
Apply Context to Scenarios When given a scenario, consider the project characteristics before selecting an answer. Small teams with unclear requirements benefit from Agile, while large projects with fixed requirements may suit Waterfall.
Eliminate Wrong Answers Use process of elimination by ruling out answers that mix up methodology characteristics or place activities in the wrong SDLC phase.