Business Growth

The difference between hardware and software

Before we go any further, let's take you back to the basics: we can distinguish between software and hardware. Hardware refers to physical devices that you can use with the computer.

Software is not a physical product, but a collection of code. This code is installed on the hard drive of your computer or can be accessed via your web browser. An example of the first software is the Microsoft Office package. You install these programs on your computer and if you want to use them, you open the program itself.

Software that can be accessed via the web browser is also referred to as a web application. An example of this is Watermelon Messenger. The advantage of a web application is that the program does not need to be installed on your computer, but is directly accessible via the web browser with your login details. So you can also use the software on other devices.

Software Project Management

Software development does not only consist of actually building the software product (writing the code). It consists of several activities that are all extremely important to bring a successful product to the world. Below you can roughly see the phases that are followed in a software development process:

To design

The wishes of the client are discussed during the design process. It is discussed which problem the product must solve for the end user and which functionalities (features) are crucial for this.

In the event that the client is not the end user, it is also important that the software builder enters into dialogue with the end user (where possible). A client may have a certain opinion about crucial functionalities that may be seen as less important by the end user (or vice versa). This input is extremely important to build a successful product.

A wireframe is often made on the basis of an extensive inventory. This is a schematic representation of what the final product should look like. The elaboration forces you to visualize all matters that are important during construction. This later reduces the risk of miscommunication between client and contractor.

To build

During the build phase of the software development process, the programmers convert the design into an actual product. Previously, this was often done by back-end developers (responsible for building the technology behind the product) and front-end developers (responsible for building what you as a user can see and use). Today, the distinction between front-end and back-end has become more and more blurred as the back end and the user environment are increasingly intertwined.

Different languages and frameworks are used to create a software product. So-called server side languages such as PHP, Ruby, Python and Java can be used to build the backend. These ensure that the server, the application and the database communicate with each other. We work with Laravel ourselves, a PHP framework that provides the underlying structure of websites and web applications.

Tools such as MySQL, Oracle and the Microsoft SQL Server are used to find, use and convert data into comprehensible output for the end user. A good software developer ensures that his code is as clean, usable and well documented as possible.

Front-end developers, the developers responsible for the "face" of the product, use the HTML, CSS and Javascript languages. For the latter, frameworks such as Angular or Vue.js can be used. These ensure that the product looks good on any device and is simple to use.

While programming, it is important to record the code in a logical and structured way, also known as documentation. This is done by the software developers and allows them to make adjustments and improvements more easily at a later date.

To test

The testing phase is one of the most important phases in the software development process. Especially when several developers have worked together on the product, it is important to test whether everything fits together well and works as it should. The builders of the product – the programmers themselves test the product, but also the end users test it to see if the product can be used as expected.

To maintain

If everyone is satisfied with the product after testing, it's done! Although, the first version then. A software product is never finished. The product must be maintained so that it continues to function properly, even if its environment changes (for example, if the browsers on which it runs are updated).

In addition, the maintenance phase consists of expanding the product with new functionalities. After the launch of the product, more and more people start using the product and there is more and more knowledge about how it is used. These insights are used to decide which functionalities allow the application to better meet the wishes of the end user.

Which activity should be performed when and in what way is described in software project management methods. Thousands of books have been written about this. The most well-known basic methods are 'Waterfall' and 'Agile'.

The steps that are followed to ultimately arrive at a successful product are collectively referred to as the software development process. The actual building of the product is of course crucial in this, but the other phases are at least as important to arrive at a good product. The way this is done can have a big impact on the success of a product.

Software Development: the conclusion

One thing is clear, software development involves several things. It's not just the clever programmers and incomprehensible codes. On the contrary, they are different phases that are passed through from designing, building, testing and maintaining. This is something that gives us a lot of energy at beeproger. That is why we love to build apps for our customers. Curious about everything we've already done? Then take a look at our cases.