How To Develop Software (Complete Guide)

Want to learn how to develop software? Wondering if you have the right skills or need to find a team that does?

In this guide, the Daxima team will answer all of these questions and more. 

You’ll learn how to define your project’s requirements, build a plan, create a prototype, launch your solution, and more.

We’ve completed more than 150 software development projects for clients like Cisco, T-Mobile, and Raytheon. 

This is the exact same process we used with them, so you can be sure it works.

Let’s start building your next software project…

Key Takeaways

The main steps to developing software are:

• Define requirements and app features.
• Build a detailed project plan (timeline, budget, milestones).
• Design UX/UI.
• Architect the software (choose the tech stack, design components).
• Code the solution.
• Establish system integrations.
• Conduct quality assurance testing.
• Launch the software solution.
• Gather stakeholder and user feedback.
• Monitor and maintain the solution.

Software Development Approaches

Choosing how to approach software development is a big decision. 

The method you pick shapes the entire outcome right from the start. 

Your approach can determine how well your team communicates, whether you stay on budget, and how quickly you deliver results. 

It also affects the quality of the final product and how easily it can adapt to changes down the road. 

Before we start working on a new development project, we always decide between these three key factors.

Here’s a look at the main options to help you make these key decisions:

Outsourced vs. In-House Teams

The first thing we decide on here at Daxima is in-house vs. outsourced. 

This is a major decision, and both have their own merits.

An in-house team gives you complete control over the project. 

You can align the team’s work closely with your company’s goals. 

However, an in-house team can be very expensive and hard to manage. You also need to consider overhead, benefits, taxes, etc.

Outsourced teams can be a great option when you need specific expertise or want to scale up quickly. 

They’re often more affordable than hiring full-time staff, especially for short-term projects or one-off tasks like building a prototype or adding a specific feature. 

The tricky part is finding a partner you can trust and keeping communication smooth, especially if they’re in a different time zone or culture.

Both in-house and outsourced teams come with trade-offs. 

In-house gives you more control, while outsourcing offers flexibility and cost savings. 

The best choice depends on your project’s complexity, budget, and whether you need a long-term solution or a quick fix.

Low-Code and No-Code Development Teams

No-code and low-code platforms make building software easier by cutting down on traditional, “manual” coding. 

Low-code lets developers use visual tools and pre-built templates to speed things up, while no-code is even simpler. 

Anyone can create software using drag-and-drop tools, no coding skills needed.

For example, a small business might use a no-code tool like Airtable to set up a custom CRM without hiring a developer. 

On the other hand, a development team could use a low-code platform like Mendix to quickly build and test a new feature for a company app.

The big win with these platforms is how fast they let you build things. 

They’re perfect for simple apps, prototypes, or internal tools, especially if you’re short on time or resources. 

That said, if you’re working on something complex or need a lot of customization, traditional coding is still the way to go.

Waterfall vs. Iterative Development and Agile Methodology

Software development typically follows certain methodologies to help improve project management, deliverability, and overall quality of the app delivered. 

There are a few methodologies to choose from, and each one is better for different types of projects.

So, logically, we need to choose which methodology we need for a particular project before starting. 

Our 3 favorites are Waterfall, Iterative, and Agile.

Waterfall development is a linear approach. 

Each phase, like planning, design, and testing, happens sequentially. It’s ideal for projects with well-defined requirements and limited changes.

Iterative development breaks the process into smaller cycles. 

Each cycle delivers a functional part of the software, which can be reviewed and improved. This method allows for adjustments as the project progresses.

And lastly…

The Agile software method is a flexible and collaborative approach to developing software. 

Instead of planning everything upfront like traditional models, Agile breaks projects into smaller, manageable pieces called sprints. 

Each sprint typically lasts 1-4 weeks and focuses on delivering a working version of the software that can be tested and improved. 

Its key benefits are:

• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements
• Faster delivery of functional software
• Improved collaboration and communication
• Increased customer involvement and satisfaction
• Continuous improvement through iterative cycles
• Enhanced transparency in project progress
• Better risk management with regular feedback
• Higher-quality outcomes through frequent testing

Agile is our favorite because it’s perfect for modern, fast-paced projects. 

However, Waterfall may still be useful for highly structured environments where changes are minimal.

Each approach has its strengths. The right choice depends on your project’s complexity, goals, and the level of flexibility you need.

Steps to Develop Software

Define Requirements and App Features

Defining clear requirements is the first step to building great software. 

Start by figuring out exactly what problems the software needs to solve. This helps make sure what you’re building fits your business goals and tackles real challenges.

Talk to the people who will use the software, such as stakeholders, team members, or customers, and get their input on what they need and expect. 

Make a list of must-have features and nice-to-have extras so you can prioritize what matters most.

Write everything down in a clear, easy-to-follow way. This keeps everyone on the same page and avoids confusion later in the process.

Questions to Ask for Identifying Problems:

• What specific challenges are users or the business currently facing?
• What tasks or processes take too much time or effort?
• Are there repetitive tasks that could be automated?
• What inefficiencies exist in the current workflows or systems?
• Are there any gaps in functionality with existing tools or software?
• What outcomes would indicate that the problem has been solved?
• Who will benefit most from the software, and what are their key needs?
• What are the critical pain points reported by customers or internal teams?
• Are there compliance or industry-specific requirements to address?
• What limitations or obstacles have prevented solving these problems before?

These questions help ensure the team fully understands the core issues the software should address, setting a strong foundation for development.

Build a Detailed Project Plan

Next up is our favorite step: Building a project plan.

Building a project plan is important because it gives your team a clear roadmap to follow. It helps you organize tasks, set deadlines, and manage resources effectively. 

A solid plan reduces risks, avoids confusion, and keeps everyone aligned. Without it, projects are more likely to face delays and budget issues.

Here’s what to include in your plan:

Timeline

The timeline establishes when each phase of the project should begin and end. 

Start by estimating the total duration of the project, then break it into smaller, more manageable phases. 

For example, allocate specific timeframes for requirement gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment.

A realistic timeline helps keep the project on track while providing room to address unforeseen delays. 

Include buffer periods for testing and feedback to avoid rushing critical stages. Regularly review progress against the timeline to ensure the project stays on schedule and adjust as needed.

Budget

The budget defines the financial resources available for your project and should cover everything from salaries and tools to testing and potential outsourcing or integrations.

Break the budget into phases or tasks to maintain transparency and track spending effectively. 

Regularly monitor expenses to avoid overruns and include a contingency plan for unexpected costs. 

A well-managed budget keeps your project on track and ensures financial sustainability.

Pro Tip: Set aside 10-15% of your budget as a buffer for unexpected expenses. This can save your project if surprises arise during development.

Milestones

Milestones are like checkpoints that show you’re making progress on your project. 

They mark big moments, like finishing the design phase, building core features, or completing testing. 

For example, we use milestones here at Daxima when we hit checkpoints like delivering a prototype or getting stakeholder approval on a feature.

Each milestone should have clear goals and deliverables, so the team knows when it’s been achieved. 

They help keep everyone focused on what’s next while staying motivated to reach the final launch. 

Milestones make it easier to track progress and celebrate wins along the way.

Design UX and UI

UX (User Experience) is about making your software easy to use and solving user problems. 

UI (User Interface) focuses on how it looks and feels. 

Together, they’re important because good design means users can get what they need quickly and enjoy using your product at the same time.

This is an extremely fun step, especially for software nerds like us.

The right tools and technologies are essential for efficient and effective UX/UI design. These include:

• Wireframing Tools: We use tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Balsamiq to create wireframes that outline the software’s layout and structure. These wireframes act as blueprints that give us a clear visual guide to follow during the design process.
• Prototyping Tools: We rely on interactive prototyping tools, such as InVision or Axure, to simulate how users will interact with the software. This lets us test functionality and catch usability issues early on.
• Graphic Design Software: To create high-quality visuals that match the software’s branding, we turn to tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch.
• Collaboration Platforms: We use platforms like Miro and Slack to make feedback and communication easy between our designers, stakeholders, and developers throughout the design process.
• Accessibility Checkers: We ensure our designs are accessible by using tools like Stark or Wave to check compliance with accessibility standards, so everyone can use the software.
• Design Systems: For speed and consistency, we incorporate pre-built UI libraries like Material Design or Bootstrap, which provide standardized components and clear guidelines.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how we do the UX and UI portion of the design process:

Start by creating wireframes to map out the software’s layout and functionality. These act as a visual guide, showing how users will navigate through the software. Keep things simple and intuitive to make the user journey smooth and frustration-free. 

Next, you’ll want to work closely with stakeholders during the design phase. Regular feedback is essential to refine the design and make sure it meets user needs. 

Pro Tip: Share prototypes early and often to gather input on usability, visuals, and how well the design supports your business goals.

And lastly, make sure the design reflects your brand. Use consistent fonts, colors, and styles that match your company’s identity. Don’t forget to prioritize accessibility by following standards like WCAG to make your product inclusive and easy to use for everyone.

When done right, a strong UX/UI design process leads to a product that’s user-friendly, visually appealing, and perfectly aligned with what your business needs.

Architect the Software

Architecting the software is about planning the overall structure and technologies to ensure scalability, performance, and reliability. 

At Daxima, we take a collaborative approach, involving developers, designers, and stakeholders early on. 

This helps us create a flexible architecture tailored to the project’s needs while avoiding costly redesigns later.

You’ll need to choose the right tech stack to get to work. This includes programming languages, frameworks, and tools.

• Web Applications: Stacks like MERN or LAMP are great for scalable and secure websites.
• Mobile Apps: Use Swift or Kotlin for native apps, or React Native and Flutter for cross-platform solutions.
• Enterprise Systems: Java with Spring Boot or .NET Core works well for large-scale, secure platforms.
• AI Projects: Python with TensorFlow or PyTorch handles machine learning and data analytics effectively.
• Data-Driven Apps: Hadoop and Apache Spark are ideal for big data, while Python stacks work for smaller-scale analytics.
• Cloud Solutions: AWS or Google Cloud provide scalability and flexibility for serverless architectures.
• Small Business Solutions: Ruby on Rails or Django offer quick, cost-efficient options for simple projects.

Here’s some advice on architecting the software from one of our team members.

Design the system’s components and how they interact. 

Break the software into modules, like user authentication, data storage, or front-end interfaces, and define how they’ll communicate using APIs. 

Next, move on to planning for scalability by using cloud infrastructure or database designs that can grow with increasing users or data demands. 

Without scalability, the software may struggle to handle growth, leading to crashes, slow performance, or costly redesigns later.

Code the Solution

This step is where the software comes to life. 

Developers write the code based on the design and architecture, turning your plans into a functional product that people actually enjoy using.

At Daxima, we prioritize clean, maintainable code by following best practices and using the latest tools. 

Our team collaborates closely to ensure features are built efficiently and tested thoroughly. 

By focusing on quality from the start, we create software that’s reliable, scalable, and easy to improve over time.

Use best practices like:

• Writing clean and readable code.
• Following consistent naming conventions.
• Using version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Implementing modular and reusable code structures.
• Conducting regular code reviews.
• Writing unit tests for critical components.
• Avoiding hardcoding values and using configuration files.
• Documenting your code thoroughly.
• Optimizing for performance and scalability.
• Handling exceptions and errors gracefully.
• Keeping dependencies up to date.
• Following the chosen architecture and design patterns.
• Prioritizing security by sanitizing inputs and encrypting sensitive data.
• Maintaining adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Refactoring code regularly to improve quality and maintainability.

Follow the development methodology you’ve chosen, whether it’s Agile, iterative, or Waterfall. Stick to its principles and processes to ensure a smooth workflow and consistent progress. 

For example, in Agile, focus on delivering incremental updates, while Waterfall requires completing each phase before moving forward. 

Regularly testing the code as you build is also crucial. it helps identify and fix issues early, reducing the risk of larger problems later in development.

Communication between developers and stakeholders is essential to keep everyone on the same page. 

Regular updates, demos, and feedback sessions help align the team with the project’s goals and user expectations. 

Clear communication ensures that the solution stays on track, addresses evolving needs, and avoids misunderstandings or missed requirements.

Establish System Integrations

System integrations are all about making your software work smoothly with other tools, platforms, and systems. 

They let data and features flow seamlessly, which improves efficiency and makes the user experience better.

Start by figuring out what systems your software needs to connect with, like APIs, databases, or third-party services. 

Decide what each integration is for, whether it’s syncing data, automating tasks, or adding new features. 

Then, start planning how the data will flow, making sure it’s consistent and avoids duplication.

Build and test your integrations carefully to catch compatibility issues early. 

Test in real-world conditions to ensure they’re reliable under different scenarios. 

Don’t forget about security. Use encryption, strong authentication, and follow any regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

Good integrations make everything run smoother, cut down on manual work, and add extra functionality to your software. 

By planning and testing properly, you can ensure they’re solid and ready to go.

Conduct Quality Assurance Testing

Quality assurance (QA) testing ensures software works as expected and delivers a great user experience. 

It’s something we take pride in here at Daxima, actually.

It involves systematically finding and fixing bugs, testing functionality, and verifying performance under various conditions. 

For example, in a food delivery app, QA testing ensures the payment system works correctly, delivery addresses are saved properly, and the app doesn’t crash during peak hours. 

QA testing includes unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests to cover every aspect of the software. 

At Daxima, we prioritize thorough testing to catch issues early, ensuring reliable and high-quality software that meets user needs and business goals.

The process works something like this:

• Defining testing objectives and scope.
• Creating a detailed test plan, including test cases and scenarios.
• Setting up the testing environment with necessary tools and configurations.
• Performing unit testing on individual components.
• Conducting integration testing to ensure components work together.
• Executing functional testing to validate features against requirements.
• Conducting performance testing to measure speed and scalability.
• Performing security testing to identify vulnerabilities.
• Executing usability testing to assess user experience and interface.
• Documenting all identified issues and defects.
• Resolving bugs and re-testing affected areas (regression testing).
• Conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) with stakeholders.
• Finalizing QA by validating that the software meets all quality standards.
• Providing a detailed QA report for project review.

Rigorous QA testing helps deliver a reliable and high-quality solution.

Launch the Software Solution

Launching software is a critical step that requires careful planning. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rollout:

• Prepare the production environment: Ensure all servers, databases, and configurations are ready and tested for deployment.
• Plan the rollout: Use a phased approach for larger projects, starting with a small group of users to identify issues before a full launch.
• Provide training and documentation: Offer user guides, FAQs, and step-by-step tutorials. Host live training sessions for teams to address specific needs.
• Monitor the launch: Track system performance and user feedback in real time to quickly fix issues.
• Offer post-launch support: Ensure help is available via email, chat, or phone to assist users during adoption.

Once you’re off the ground, it’s time to get some user feedback.

Gather Stakeholder and User Feedback

After launching your software, it’s important to find out what users think. 

Gathering feedback helps you improve the software and make sure it meets their expectations. Here are some practical ways to do it:

• Use in-app surveys: Add simple surveys or feedback buttons directly into the software to let users quickly share their thoughts.
• Conduct user interviews: Talk to a mix of users to get detailed insights on what’s working and what isn’t.
• Track support requests: Review common questions or issues reported to your support team for patterns.
• Monitor analytics: Look at how users interact with the software to spot areas for improvement.

Once you have the feedback, prioritize changes based on impact and feasibility. 

Fix critical issues first, then work on enhancements users request most often.

Keep users updated on improvements to show you’re listening. It helps build trust and loyalty.

Monitor and Maintain the Solution

Keeping your software running smoothly means staying on top of monitoring and maintenance.

Keep an eye on performance to catch and fix any issues before they become big problems. If bugs or security vulnerabilities pop up, tackle them right away to keep everything secure.

Plan regular updates to add new features or keep up with changing technologies. Staying proactive helps your software adapt as your business evolves.

Check in with users regularly to gather feedback and find ways to make the software even better. With consistent care, you’ll keep users happy and ensure your software stays reliable over the long haul.

Building a Software Development Team

Building a software development team requires careful planning and expertise. 

At Daxima, we’ve spent over 20 years assembling teams that deliver exceptional results.

Start by identifying the roles your project needs, such as:

• Project Manager
• Software Developer
• UX/UI Designer
• Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
• Business Analyst
• DevOps Engineer
• Database Administrator
• Technical Lead
• Scrum Master (for Agile teams)
• Product Owner
• Security Specialist
• System Architect

Building an in-house team is a major headache, especially if you don’t have experience in the industry.

You’ll need to hire, train, and manage a team of developers, which can take months and drain your budget. 

Plus, if your project is short-term, you’re left with a team you might not need once it’s complete.

When you outsource to us, you skip those headaches and get immediate access to a team of experienced professionals. 

Since 2003, we’ve completed over 150 projects for dozens of clients across every major industry. Including education, payment gateways, AI, machine learning, and much more.

Reliable Tools and Technologies for Software Development

At Daxima, we deliver high-quality software solutions using the latest tools. 

Here are some of the key tools and technologies we use:

• Project Management Tools: Platforms like Jira and Trello to track tasks, manage workflows, and ensure team collaboration.
• Version Control Systems: Tools like Git and GitHub to manage code changes and maintain version history.
• Development Frameworks: Modern frameworks like React, Angular, and .NET for building scalable and efficient applications.
• Programming Languages: Industry-standard languages like Java, Python, C#, and JavaScript to meet diverse project needs.
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for hosting, scalability, and reliability.
• Testing Tools: Automation and manual testing tools like Selenium and Postman to ensure software quality.
• Collaboration Tools: Solutions like Slack and Microsoft Teams to facilitate communication across teams.

Challenges in Software Development

Software development isn’t always smooth sailing, and teams often run into challenges. Knowing these in advance can help you plan ahead and tackle them effectively.

Here are some common hurdles to watch out for:

• Managing changing requirements: Requirements can evolve during a project, which makes it hard to stick to the original plan. Staying flexible and using an adaptable development model like Agile can help.
• Meeting tight deadlines: Deadlines can be tough, especially when unexpected issues arise. Breaking the work into smaller milestones can keep things on track.
• Staying within budget: Costs can quickly add up if the project isn’t managed carefully. Regularly tracking expenses and adjusting priorities can help avoid overruns.
• Ensuring software security: Keeping software secure from vulnerabilities requires constant testing and updates. Focusing on secure coding practices and regular audits is key.
• Maintaining effective communication: Miscommunication between teams or stakeholders can lead to delays. Using collaboration tools and holding regular check-ins can keep everyone on the same page.
• Handling technical complexity: Complex features or integrations can slow development. Breaking tasks into smaller pieces and involving experienced developers can simplify the process.
• Integrating with existing systems: Making new software work with old systems can be tricky. Testing thoroughly and planning for potential compatibility issues is essential.
• Balancing scalability and performance: Building software that handles growth without slowing down takes careful planning. Optimizing the architecture and monitoring performance early on can help.
• Managing cross-functional teams: Coordinating between developers, designers, and other teams can be challenging. Clear roles and open communication make collaboration easier.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance: Industries like healthcare or finance often have strict rules to follow. Staying up to date on regulations and building compliance into the process prevents costly mistakes.

To overcome these challenges, focus on clear communication, robust planning, and regular testing. 

This is also something the Daxima team can help you with.

Benefits of Developing Software

Developing custom software offers significant advantages for businesses. 

Here are the key benefits:

• Tailored Solutions: Custom software is designed to meet your specific business needs, unlike off-the-shelf options.
• Improved Efficiency: Automating tasks and streamlining workflows save time and resources.
• Scalability: Custom software can grow with your business, adapting to increasing demands.
• Competitive Advantage: Unique features and capabilities help differentiate your business from competitors.
• Better User Experience: Software designed with your users in mind enhances satisfaction and engagement.
• Data Integration: Custom solutions can integrate with existing systems, ensuring seamless operations.
• Enhanced Security: Custom-built software allows for robust security measures tailored to your industry’s requirements.
• Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run: While the initial investment might be higher, custom software reduces dependency on third-party licenses and ongoing fees.

Investing in software development can transform the way your business operates, delivering both immediate and long-term value.

Software Development Case Studies

We share case studies because we want to show you we know what we’re talking about. 

They’re real examples of how we’ve tackled challenges, made important decisions, and delivered successful projects.

Whether you’re starting a new project or improving an existing one, these stories give you a clear picture of what works. 

Our case studies highlight best practices, tools, and strategies we’ve used to help our clients achieve their goals.

• MyWorkDrive: We developed a secure remote file access solution that eliminated the need for VPNs, using technologies like C++ and AngularJS.
• BAL Global: Our team streamlined document generation for a global immigration law firm with a solution built on .NET and SQL Server.
• Automation with QA: For MyWorkDrive, we implemented QA automation using Selenium, helping the team accelerate their development timelines.

These examples demonstrate how choosing the right approach, tools, and technologies can overcome business challenges and deliver impactful results. 

By exploring case studies, you can gain practical knowledge that applies to your own software development projects.

Conclusion

Developing software takes careful planning, the right team, and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. 

Every step, from choosing the best approach to handling challenges, plays a big part in getting it right.

Whether you’re building a team, trying low-code platforms, or using Agile, staying focused on your goals and being flexible is key. 

A structured process, along with the right tools, can help you create software that truly benefits your business.

Looking at case studies and exploring the value of custom solutions can give you helpful ideas. With the right strategies, software development can drive growth, innovation, and efficiency.

FAQ

How Hard Is It to Develop Software?

Developing software can be challenging, especially for complex projects. It requires technical skills, clear planning, and ongoing collaboration. However, with the right team, tools, and methodologies, these challenges can be managed effectively.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop Software?

The cost of developing software varies depending on the project’s scope, complexity, and required features. Factors like team size, location, and timeline also influence the cost. Custom software can range from a few thousand dollars for simple applications to millions for enterprise-level solutions.

How Long Does It Take to Develop Software?

The timeline for software development depends on the project’s size and complexity. Small projects can take a few weeks, while larger, more intricate applications may take several months or even years. Regular communication and Agile development can help speed up the process.

What’s The Best Programming Language for Developing Software?

There isn’t a single “best” programming language. It depends on your project’s needs. Popular choices include Python for versatility, Java for enterprise applications, JavaScript for web development, and Swift for iOS apps. Selecting the right language should align with your software’s requirements and scalability.

Can You Teach Yourself to Develop Software?

Yes, self-learning is possible with online resources, tutorials, and practice. Many developers start by learning basic programming languages and gradually take on more complex projects. However, hands-on experience and collaboration with others can significantly improve your skills.

Do You Need a Team to Develop Software?

It depends on the project. Small or simple applications might be developed by an individual. However, for complex or large-scale projects, a team is essential to handle various aspects like coding, design, testing, and project management. A team ensures efficiency and a higher-quality end product.