What Opportunities are in the Software Development Process?

Software development process, also known more generally as software life cycle and software development phases, is essentially the structure used to create a software product. There are a variety of different and specific processes for building software. Regardless of type, the process consists of different steps. It begins with a development stage. Next a requirement phase defines the goals of the program, and the design phase covers how the program will work. The implementation phase is where the work is begun. Finally testing and verification is carried out, documentation defines how the program can be finished, and maintenance updates are done to the program as needed.

Software Development Processes

There are many different types of software development processes. While they differ, the goal is always to design processes that optimize quality and productivity. Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is one of the more well-known models, although there are many others, such as Six Sigma, Waterfall Model, the Spiral Model, The Agile Development and Iterative and Incremental Development. The Waterfall process is possibly the most well-known as it is the oldest. It is named the waterfall model because developers are to follow the steps in order and not continue on to the next step until the current step is completed. Another is the Iterative process, which starts out small and then works on increasingly larger parts of a software development project. The idea is that any flaws will be uncovered before larger problems develop. Agile software development processes are similar to iterative, but they use feedback from regular testing as the software is developed. The spiral model combines parts of other models, integrating risk analysis in the development of the process. These different processes consist of different elements, including a requirements analysis, specification, software architecture, implementation, testing, documentation, training and support, and finally maintenance.

Career Opportunities in The Software Development Process

To work in software process, most employers will want to hire someone with a bachelor's degree. Whether you major in computer science, software engineering, or something related like math, you will need to be familiar with different computer systems and new technologies. Some departments of computer science offer master's degrees with focuses on the software development process. These programs are designed for students as well as professionals returning to the classroom to learn skills to help them develop increasingly complex software systems.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a top tier Online BS in Computer Science. Additional Online BS programs include Software Engineering, IS, Data Analysis, Information Security, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Game Programming and more. An Associate's in Computer Science as well as Master's programs are also offered. Click here to learn about the SNHU programs.

A Master of Science in Computer Science or a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is what you may want to consider pursuing if you want to gain advanced education to better prepare you for work in this niche. Alternatively, some universities and colleges have certificate, non-degree programs at the graduate level for professionals with some computer systems experience and a bachelor's degree. These programs are ideal for those who want to update or expand their skills in the field in a shorter time frame than earning a master's degree. In fact, continuing education is important in such a dynamic field where newer technologies will emerge and be integrated. So certificate programs are good options for those with a bachelor's and other computer work experience who want to pursue computer development process. They generally do not require applying, though they have basic work experience and degree requirements.

What Does the Future Hold for Opportunities in The Software Development Process?

As data systems in business, government, health care, security systems, and telecommunications become more and more complicated and new technologies arise, the demand for software engineers with these skills will only rise. Most companies have IT departments and in software development process work you could wind up working for financial institutions, government agencies, educational organizations, universities, the entertainment business, or a computer company. As a software development process engineer, you could be working as an analyst, programmer, or consultant or director or in quality assurance.