What is Application Development
The application development process is the process of creating a computer-based application or program or a suite of programs that are intended to perform different tasks to support your business or organization. These applications are typically related to, and integrated with, a cloud-based repository of information and data that can be accessed by users of the Application across an organization. Applications are typically developed to accommodate and automate typical business processes to increase efficiency, as well as conserve and simplify the resources of the organization through streamlining business processes and functionality across the framework of the application for easier usage and synergy across the organization’s different operating segments.
Application development follows a consistent and regimented development methodology that includes: the Planning Stage, Feasibility or Requirements Analysis, Design and Prototyping, Software Development, Implementation and Integration, and Operations and Maintenance.
The Seven Stages of Application Development
- Planning Stage
- Feasibility or Requirements Analysis
- Design and Prototyping
- Software Development
- Software Testing Stage
- Implementation and Integration
- Operations and Maintenance
1. Planning Stage
The planning stage is the primary and most important stage of the application development process. As the first step in the application development process, your organization needs to determine the budget for both human capital as well as a financial need when creating your application. The planning phase generally requires the inclusion of ideas from across the project development team, as well as the outlining and distributing the necessary tasks to begin the development process. Typical outlines and tasks that are defined during the planning stage include project plans, estimation of costs, and procurement requirements. Once each part of the stage has been completed, and the entire team is in the loop, the next stage of development can begin.
2. Feasibility or Requirements Analysis Stage
The feasibility/requirements analysis stage ensures that the development team has an accurate end-to-end scope of the resources and requirement functionality that the end-user will need and want in their application. Gathering these requirements means meeting with relevant personnel and determining the relevant data and information that is needed for development. During this stage, the application development team will consider how each feature will be usable for the end-user. These functionality requirements and research output concerning these features and functionalities will vary based upon the methodology used in development.
This stage will wrap up once the formal requirements are documented and ticketed for development, and the development team has a deep understanding of their tasks and expectations. Architects, product managers, and developers will work together to continue the process of development.
3. Design and Prototyping Stage
The Design and prototyping stage allows developers and designers to create a menu of features and requirements and create a solution for each. This layout will allow for developers to receive early feedback that will inform further decisions from a technical perspective, allowing for the development team to determine the most effective course of action in development, highlighting solutions that fulfill the client’s needs while avoiding wasting resources on working towards features the customer may not need. This stage will deliver prototypes and outlines to the client that will inform development decisions as the project moves forward, showing tangible examples of functionality, and design direction, without being fully rendered and built out.
4. Software Development Stage
The Software development stage builds out the development prototype into the earliest iteration of working code in the project. This stage will introduce the first examples of what the final product will eventually become. As this stage in development concludes, the application developer will have a working prototype to share with their clients to show some features and functionality of the final product. During this phase, software developers will be heavily involved in the confirmation of features, functionality, coding, and expectations of the client. These features will then be further developed during the testing stage.
5. Software Testing Stage
In the Software Testing stage of Application development, the development and testing team will conduct enhanced, end to end code and functionality testing of the application. During this phase, developers will specifically test the following:
- Quality of Code.
- The code meets the outlined specifications and requirements.
- That code operates efficiently and properly.
- Show evidence of strong and secure design and development principles.
Testing can be implemented through automation, manual processes, or a combination of both, to fully understand the bugs, functionality constraints of the original design, as well as identify edge cases and improvements that can be implemented during this stage. Development testing will allow for a fresh perspective to be leveraged, as testers of the application will often have design notes and clarifications that developers must revisit to further improve and optimize.
6. Implementation and Integration
The Application development stage of Implementation and integration is often referred to as the deployment phase of development. This stage implements the code into a platform for end-user usage, spanning the project from placing the code on a web server, all the way through integration across the network or operation of the client. During this stage, the usable product is rolled out, along with the creation of marketing material and documentation of the functionality and usability of the application. An explanation of features and functionality can be implemented into documents such as user manuals and marketing materials.
7. Operations and Maintenance
In this post-deployment phase, developers will continue to monitor the software for defects, bugs, and other operational issues, as well as determine any post-launch optimization of features that can be implemented. While performing maintenance actions on the application, opportunities for improvement of the application will be identified and suggested for a future possible update to further optimizing the application. This stage also allows for developers to identify and resolve issues in the code or other functionality for the client.
The 6 Most Common Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodologies In 2020
Application Development professionals typically implement and follow one of the common SDLC methodologies when approaching the creation and deployment of a client’s application and project. Each methodology has its own benefits and weaknesses and typically is chosen based on the usability and agreement with business requirements and objectives as well as how a development team operates.
The most popular modern Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies are:
- Agile
- Waterfall
- Lean
- Iterative
- Spiral
- DevOps
Agile
The Agile (SDLC) methodology focuses on creating and implementing a workable solution for users as quickly as possible, and then improving and streamlining the solution after distribution. Agile methodologies focus on user and developer interactions where both camps work closely together to reduce “feedback loops”.
Agile Pros
Some of the positive attributes of an Agile methodology include a deeper feeling of ownership by the client, as improvements are addressed quickly, and rolled out in every iteration of development.
Agile Cons
The Agile model is especially efficient and useful when the client has a clear vision of the application functionality and features that they need and want. Unfortunately, Agile SDLC does not as easily support clients who are looking for development input from designers, as a more robust planning and development stage must be implemented, spending more time on determining and developing features.
Waterfall
Waterfall is the most popular and well-established methodology of SDLC. The Waterfall model leverages a stage by stage completion approach to project development that requires the full completion of a development stage before moving on to the next phase.
Each phase relies on the data and information gathered from previous stages, as the completion of each stage is final, and returning to that phase of development is not an option.
Developers that implement the Waterfall model implement a signoff system for each development phase that will ensure that the phase has been completed and that the deliverables at each stage are to the satisfaction of the operation.
Waterfall Pros
A Waterfall model implements easy to understand stages and explanations to the development team, as well as the stakeholders of the application, allowing for more concise deployment and onboarding of the application. Team management is simplified as each phase has a fixed and expected development schedule and objective.
Waterfall Cons
The linear approach of development that Waterfall Methodologies implement can have a negative cascading effect on the timeline of development due to the inherent single focus of this type of SDLC. When a delay occurs in one phase of the project, additional phases cannot be completed, causing time delays in the overall development process. To combat possible delays through the development process, Waterfall often incorporates less feedback from the end-user and client.
Lean
The Lean methodology was founded on the principles of manufacturing. This methodology is based on quick development cycles and expelling non-essential and wasteful processes as necessary. When implementing a Lean SDLC, the development team utilizes milestone-based development for each task before continuing forward. Development efficiency is one of the core goals of a Lean Methodology.
Lean Pros
Implementing the Lean Approach allows developers to implement the lessons gleaned from past experience and inefficiencies. As Lean focuses on efficiency as the main tenant, this functionality allows for development speed and output to be the focus of the methodology.
Lean Cons
The onboarding of developers who are unfamiliar with the Lean SDLC is often difficult, as the work process is vastly different from other methodologies. This methodology also requires developers to work on a single feature as a team, which will often leave stakeholders and clients with a temporarily incomplete picture of the application that is being developed.
Iterative
When using an Iterative methodology, developers do not have to wait until a complete understanding of the users’ needs is delivered to begin working on the solution. Iterative SDLC methodologies rely on working towards overarching goals initially, implementing improvements and other additional features into future iterations of the application. This allows for functionality and improvements to be rolled out as the definition of the application is more deeply understood and defined by the client.
Iterative Pros
The Iterative model of SDLC incorporates one of the fastest approaches to delivering a usable solution to clients showing progress and development in a much more efficient manner in comparison to most methodologies. Changes and improvements are easily implemented given the end-user and client more decision making power as to the direction of features that the application will ultimately include.
Iterative Cons
Iterative Development often does not contain a completely defined timeline of development, only being able to understand a timeline of full deployment when approaching the completion of the project.
Spiral
Spiral Methodology incorporates the interactive approach with additional support and development into a specific process for each iteration.
Development work occurs in a cycle, but focuses on the following details in each iteration:
Developers will take into account:
- Consideration for what stakeholders need in the application.
- Identification and testing approaches that will satisfy the requirements.
- Detect, identify, and mitigate risks that stem from the specific approach.
- Receive approval from the client and a commitment to pursue the next stage and iteration.
- The Spiral methodology and model is a great option when a project’s goals are unknown, but consideration of the risks is paramount before the development team begins their process.
Spiral Pros
The Spiral SDLC allows for early feedback in the development process since the first iteration of the application is quickly produced.
Spiral Methodology uniquely incorporates a risk analysis at each stage of development iteration.
Spiral Cons
A Spiral methodology contains similar drawbacks to Iterative development, as a timeline of completion is difficult to determine until the very end stages of development of the application.
DevOps
The DevOps model of SDLC requires that developers and operations teams are combined throughout the development process. As development progresses, the combined team will be able to implement updates much more quickly than in other development methodologies.
DevOps methodologies are incredibly useful when developing more robust application projects.
DevOps Pros
DevOps leverages an increased capability of a combined team of developers and operations contributors allowing for robust testing and implementation from the beginning of the development of the process. Once development is completed using this methodology, the product should be production-ready, scalable, and secure from initial deployment forward.
DevOps Cons
Partnering multiple teams to complete a project often requires a great deal more planning as well as a shift in culture and mindset of the individual contributors to work as a whole on a singular vision as opposed to individual team focus for individual goals. This preliminary step can often delay initial iterations of the application development process.
Cycurion’s Approach to Application Development
At Cycurion, our team of experienced professionals can collaborate with your organization to understand not only what features and functionality you need but also why these features are necessary. Our goal in custom application development is to ensure that we are delivering custom applications that make your organization’s business processes more effective, efficient, and innovative. From requirements gathering to deployment, we can leverage the deep functional and technical expertise that exists across our development team to build the custom application your organization envisions and needs.
Cycurion utilizes a software development methodology and framework that assures structure, plan, and control of the process. Our process includes the pre-definition of specific deliverables and artifacts that are created and completed by a project team to develop or maintain an application.
Cycurion considers each of the available methodology frameworks that are best suited to the specific kinds of projects, based on various technical, organizational, project, and team considerations. Let Cycurion help you choose whether a heavy, plan-driven methodology or a light or agile methodology is best suited for your development effort.
How does Cycurion design software applications?
Cycurion uses Agile methodology and follow System development life cycle (SDLC) standard. We follow all steps of SDLC which include Requirement Gathering and Analysis, Design, Implementation, or Coding, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. Cycurion utilizes our stable of World Class designers and developers who deliver best of breed solutions for your business challenges – following the standard system development life cycles as they pertain to a particular vertical.
Cycurion App Development Services
At Cycurion, our team of experienced professionals can collaborate with your organization to understand not only what features and functionality you need but also why these features are necessary. Our goal in custom application development is to ensure that we are delivering custom applications that make your organization’s business processes more effective, efficient, and innovative. From requirements gathering to deployment, we can leverage the deep functional and technical expertise that exists across our development team to build the custom application your organization envisions and needs.
Cycurion utilizes a software development methodology and framework that assures structure, plan, and control of the process. Our process includes the pre-definition of specific deliverables and artifacts that are created and completed by a project team to develop or maintain an application.
Cycurion considers each of the available methodology frameworks that are best suited to the specific kinds of projects, based on various technical, organizational, project, and team considerations. Let Cycurion help you choose whether a heavy, plan driven methodology or a light or agile methodology is best suited for your development effort.
Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)
Cycurion’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) service provide a third-party external assessment of system and application processes, procedures, and internal implementation. This neutral outside perspective facilitates a fresh opinion and assessment using established and familiar industry-standard approaches to internal and external security practices. IV&V is essential in identifying potential gaps in management, operations, and technical implementations strategy for system administration, security configuration, defense-in-depth capabilities, and documentation deficiencies.
Cycurion has been providing IV&V services for our clients over the last decade. We identify root cause issues impacting critical areas with elevated risk, in their respective environments. Cycurion is prepared to integrate with existing continuous diagnostics and mitigate CDM services to provide clear and consistent risk reporting.
Cycurion professionals can provide Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Services for your major initiatives and projects that require additional third-party oversight due to regulation or other governance initiatives within your organization. Our certified project management professionals, software and infrastructure professionals, and business analysts provide a well-rounded IV&V approach to the project oversight you require. Our IV&V services provide clients with an independent perspective on project activities and promote early detection of project/product variances. This oversight allows you to implement corrective action to bring the project back in-line with agreed-upon expectations.
User Acceptance Testing
User acceptance testing is a multi-tiered application testing methodology that ensures the functionality of the application meets all required criteria set forth by any business operation. Cycurion follows the 5 steps of User Acceptance testing protocol (alpha testing, beta testing, contract assurance testing, regulation acceptance testing, and operational acceptance testing) when moving through the development process.
Cycurion will apply this methodology to every application we create to confirm the usefulness and operational efficiency of this technology.
Cloud Application Development
Cloud Continuous integration and delivery refers to the continuous delivery of tested code to your pre-released cloud environment to verify how edits and newly added features will work with or affect your database. Cycurion’s experts will create a custom and automated script that will allow for these deployments to automatically be added to your environment, minimizing human error and improving the time and effort it takes to update the database.
Cycurion will optimize delivery integration in any way that you see fit – automating the entire process or adding stops for manual confirmation from your lead developer for an added level of protection.
Mobile Application Development
Smartphones and mobile devices are amongst the most widely used systems to access, browse, and interact with the digital landscape, and in recent years have become one of the most utilized platforms as means of sharing information. Cycurion understands the complexities and intricacies of cross-platform development, and in recent years has begun to specialize in the creation of mobile Healthcare IT solutions for organizations that are both in the process of making the transition to mobile access, and those companies who have already done so, and are looking for a more efficient application environment to work with.
With the growing use of mobile devices for web surfing, there is a definite need for websites and web applications that can be viewed clearly over mobile devices. Cycurion has a dedicated mobile development team to develop customized applications for business. We accomplish these goals through research and the smart use of technology. Our team follows the complete application development lifecycle when creating your application, from inception to testing.
Project Management Office (PMO)
Cycurion follows a Four-Phase approach to deliver intelligent and proven Project Management Services. Using the methodology of Initiation, Planning, Execution, and Closure define our project management delivery process creating repeatable and scalable results. Each phase of this methodology is a distinct stage of the project life cycle and consists of standard tasks, activities, and work products that provide the requisite inputs for each subsequent management phase. Each phase fully encompasses the related management of expectations, communications, resources, time, quality, change, risks, and issues.
As projects and infrastructure become more complex, and technology continues to evolve at a faster pace, a single project manager becomes more valuable Cycurion’s IT Project Management Services will increase your business’s efficiency by looking externally and relying on our Subject Matter Expert guidance and analysis to complete your IT projects from end to end.
Cycurion can provide your organization with full-service Project Management Office (PMO) Solutions at an affordable price, thus reducing your organization’s need to carry a full-time FTE for the management and coordination of your project portfolio. Our professionals can provide the exact, tailored PMO services you require depending on the maturity of your current Program Management efforts.
Application Maintenance
Cycurion offers highly effective maintenance services for your organization’s application needs at a surprisingly low monthly price. Our application maintenance solution can keep your system healthy, regardless of which system challenges you may be encountering. From solving your backlog of maintenance issues to full outsourcing solutions, Cycurion will tackle any and all maintenance services across your application-based systems. Our senior staff of IT application professionals is accomplished at performing maintenance requirements correctly the first time, every time. Our maintenance staff is skilled in multiple environments and development platforms. We incorporate best practices and standards for application maintenance design, coding, testing, and implementations. Our maintenance team follows a formal change management process that ties into future release and version management. If you need major application upgrades our team of proven professionals will get the job done on time and within budget.
Cloud Continuous Integration & Delivery
Cloud Continuous integration and delivery refers to the continuous delivery of tested code to your pre-released cloud environment to verify how edits and newly added features will work with or affect your database. Cycurion’s experts will create a custom and automated script that will allow for these deployments to automatically be added to your environment, minimizing human error and improving the time and effort it takes to update the database.
Cycurion will optimize delivery integration in any way that you see fit – automating the entire process or adding stops for manual confirmation from your lead developer for an added level of protection.
Strategic Staffing
Cycurion understands that an efficient IT environment must be staffed by informed, dedicated, and well-trained professionals. Often, there is a disconnect between the ability to fully staff your organization with a capable, and deeply knowledgeable staff due to budgetary concerns and business needs. Cycurion offers an evolutionary solution for strategic staffing challenges by providing deeply knowledgeable Subject matter Experts and highly trained analysts directly to your organization as a service to fulfill some or all of your IT needs. Our contractible analysts and staff provide a deeply cultivated knowledge base in IT, for everything from Data Management services to technology integration with the ability to solve specific challenges across your organization, at a cost below that of hiring an IT department. Cycurion Staffing solutions will provide highly efficient world class, multi-disciplined, and deeply knowledgeable experts to your organization.