How to Make Software
How to Make Software – learn the most essential tools and knowledge needed to create computer software and how you can build software on your own and successfully make a profitable business out of it.
How to make software? That is such a straightforward question but the answer can be quite technical and complex. We all understand that in order to build or create software, one should have some level of knowledge in computer programming. However, there are computer programs or software nowadays that claim to be able to help anyone develop software without needing any kind of programming skills. But more of that later… First, let’s discuss the basics of computer software.
How to Make Software – Computer Software Explained
There are basically three major classes or types of computer software and these are system software, programming software and application software.
A computer has several hardware components; system software is responsible for managing all these components so they can work together in harmony. The main purpose of system software is to unburden the end user from the complex details equipped within the computer such as the printer, device readers, communication devices, display and keyboard functions. System software is also responsible for partitioning a computer’s resources in a stable and safe manner such as the processor time and memory. Examples of system software are Window systems, Operating Systems (OS), Servers and Utilities.
Programming software, on the other hand, provides the essential tools a programmer needs in creating computer programs. These tools make use of different programming languages programmed in such a way that is more convenient and easier to manage. Examples of programming software are debuggers, interpreters, linkers, text editors, etc.
Application software is a very broad category and it is developed to perform any task that involves computation. There are so many kinds of application software available today. This would include mathematical software, medical software, video games, simulation software and the likes. The internet and everything that flows in it is considered application software – that is exactly how broad application software is.
How to Make Software – The Basic Process of Developing Software
Stage 1 – Planning
The very first thing you should think about if you want to create your own software is the purpose of the software. What features would you like it to have? Who will benefit from the software? Once you know what the software is for and the market you will be targeting, then you will definitely need to carry out a lot of research. You have to manually sketch out flowcharts so you can outline each code that needs to be written.
Stage 2 – Coding/Programming
The coding process is the most technical part of creating software. If you do not know the basic programming language of how to create software, then you might want to look into hiring a programmer to do it for you. There are many freelance sites online today. Choose the best personnel to work with and decide on a fair compensation to give them. You may also want to consider the many tools advertised that are capable of developing software without the need of any programming skills
Stage 3 – Evaluation/Testing
In creating software you would often if not always encounter assumptions and mistakes. So it is highly essential to test your software early and test it often. Sure you can do a lot of valuable work to prevent these mistakes being introduced to the code but, to err is human, and some of those errors will inevitably make it into the code. Testing is the only way to find and eliminate these errors.
How to Make Software – Axioms for Success
I. How to make software – Know Your Goal
This may sound quite obvious, but the key to making successful software is to know exactly what you are developing. If you do not have an end goal, how will you ever get there? You should have a clear definition of what your software provides and how it will benefit the end user so anyone can understand it, even the most technically challenged customer. The rule of thumb is if you can’t describe the use of your software in one simple sentence, then the success rate of your software is pretty slim.
II. How to make software – Know Your Team
Are you going to create your software on your own or will you be collaborating with a team. If you plan to hire programming to help out in the development of your software, you should know each of your worker’s strengths and weaknesses. Find out what motivates them. Make everyone know that they each play a vital role in the success of the bigger picture. Reward those who do well, provide constructive criticism if needed and make sure to always lead by example.
III. How to make software – Know Your End User
Your end users are the ultimate beneficiaries of your work, so you have to know exactly what they want. You can do so by communicating with them on a regular basis. Ask them how your software will satisfy their needs. This will assure that your software will have the smoothest ride possible in the marketing stage.
IV. How to make software – Invest Time on Planning and Design
It is unfortunate that many software developers tend to leap into the programming stages before they are ready. Once the programming stage is on a roll, it’s extremely difficult to change direction once the ball gets moving. So you have to remember to invest a lot of time in the planning stages. Think about the best possible way to develop your software in the most efficient and convenient way. The most successful software were developed by the team spending at least 40% of the development process in planning and design stages.
V. How to make software – Under-promise and Over-deliver
In creating software, it is highly recommended to promise low or understate your goals and deliver high (deliver so much more than you have promised). This way your end users will definitely get happy surprises instead of unpleasant ones. Besides, if you do so, you will eventually build confidence in your software, your team and yourself. You provide yourself with ample contingency in case something goes wrong. And most importantly, you build yourself a positive and receptive atmosphere in the software industry which is very important especially if you are just starting out in the business.
If you heed this advice and you deliver your software early, everybody’s happy. In the event something goes wrong, you will still be able to finish on time and still make everyone happy. In case something terrible happens, you might not be able to give your end users what YOU anticipated but it will certainly be better than if you have over-promised.
How to Make Software @ 2012
Resource: How to Make Software
