111 Introduction to software engineering

An introduction to the key stages of software development, exploring structured methodologies and their impact on real-world applications.

This chapter introduces the key stages of software development, providing an overview of structured approaches used in the industry. It serves as a foundation for deeper exploration of system design, algorithm development, and software engineering methodologies.

TARGETS

In this chapter, you will learn to

• Describe the key stages in the software development process

• Compare different software development methodologies, including Waterfall and Agile

• Explain the significance of planning, testing, and iteration in software projects

• Identify real-world examples of software development practices

SYLLABUS

New South Wales Education Standards Authority. (2022). Software Engineering 11–12 Syllabus. NSW Curriculum. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/tas/software-engineering-11-12-2022

Programming fundamentals / Software development

• Explore fundamental software development steps used by programmers when designing software, including:

  – requirements definition – determining specifications – design – development – integration – testing and debugging – installation – maintenance

• Research and evaluate the prevalence and use of online code collaboration tools

GLOSSARY

• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) A process that defines the steps required to develop a software application.

• Waterfall Model A linear approach where each phase is completed before the next begins.

• Agile Development A flexible, iterative approach that allows for continuous feedback and adaptation.

• Testing The process of verifying that software works as intended and is free of defects.

• Maintenance Ongoing updates and fixes to software after deployment.

RESOURCES

Isaac Computer Science / Stages of software development

A comprehensive guide to the systems development life cycle (SDLC) the main stages of software development.

Isaac Computer Science / Approaches to softtware engineering

A comprehensive guide to the systems development life cycle (SDLC) the main stages of software development.

Software development process

Software development is a structured process that transforms an initial concept into a fully functional software solution. This process follows a series of defined stages, ensuring that software is designed, implemented, tested, and maintained effectively. The development lifecycle begins with identifying requirements, where developers work with stakeholders to determine the software’s purpose, features, and constraints. Specifications are then established to guide the design phase, in which software architects create detailed plans for the system’s structure, including data flow, algorithms, and user interfaces. Development follows, where programmers write and assemble code, integrating various components to build the software. Testing is a crucial stage, verifying that the software functions correctly and meets design expectations before it is installed and deployed for users.

Stages in software development

Beyond the initial release, software must be maintained to ensure its ongoing functionality, security, and performance. Maintenance includes fixing bugs, updating features, and improving efficiency in response to user feedback and evolving technology. Different methodologies guide the software development process, with some, like the Waterfall model, following a linear, structured approach, while others, like Agile, embrace flexibility and continuous iteration. These approaches influence how teams collaborate, manage risk, and adapt to changing requirements. Whether developing a large-scale enterprise system or a small mobile app, software engineering principles ensure that each phase of development is carefully planned and executed to create reliable, effective, and user-friendly software.