How to Build an Optimized Software Development Workflow In 2025

Creating applications requires complex stages and roles that must be coordinated throughout the software development life cycle.

A software development workflow provides the framework for these stages, presenting a systematic approach that unifies teams across the entire project.

In this guide, we explain how to create an effective software development workflow for your project and methods for overcoming common challenges.

What Is A Software Development Workflow?

A software development workflow is a system that breaks down an application’s development lifecycle to streamline production and clarify objectives.

Without optimizing workflows, software development projects can easily run over schedule, lack the necessary resources, and fail to meet expectations.

A workflow is integral to custom software development. It covers everything from researching and planning to writing code and testing the application before launch.

Each software development stage includes detailed overviews of the roles, technical support, and the tools needed for completion.

By integrating flexibility into the workflow, the development team can adapt to client requirements and update processes to align with industry standards.

Why A Software Development Workflow Is Essential

Whether you are developing a startup application with limited functionality or fully-fledged software, development workflows are crucial for projects.

Here are some of the core benefits a software development workflow brings to the table:

• Providing clarity and transparency around priorities: A great software development workflow delivers precise information about roles and expectations, clearly indicating who is responsible for which goal.
• Efficient project management and problem resolution: Project managers and key team members can refer to a development workflow to quickly address issues based on pre-determined protocols.
• Reduction of costs: A detailed workflow gives developers a heads-up on potential pain points and processes requiring additional time and expertise. By enhancing productivity, the project’s overall cost can be further reduced.
• Improving the overall software quality: Since each stage of the development pipeline is outlined in detail in the workflow, bugs can be caught early on. Likewise, the iterative process means new features can be injected into the software quickly, making it adaptable to change.
• Delivering reliable communication: With clients, stakeholders, developers, and end-users all involved in software development, communication barriers can quickly arise. A workflow outlines the tools and schedules needed to keep all parties informed about any changes.

A workflow’s role in development is critical. It ensures everyone focuses on priority tasks to meet goals on time without compromising quality.

Explore custom software development case studies from MyDevTeam.

8 Stages Of A Software Development Workflow

Regardless of the type of software development a project uses, the basic approach to creating a workflow covers the same key stages.

Let’s detail these, from the planning stage and building a project team to designing, coding, and releasing the software to market.

Stage 1: Gather Project Requirements

Understanding the project requirements is the first stage in developing a software development plan with a streamlined workflow.

This phase clarifies the anticipated features and outlines a model of the application’s end user, with frequent discussions between business leaders and stakeholders.

From here, the requirements for the development team, such as tools and resources, milestones, and progress metrics, can be drafted.

Stage 2: Evaluate Alignment With Business Goals

Once the project requirements have been defined, they should be evaluated to determine how well they align with the business’s overarching goals.

Project managers can liaise with clients and other stakeholders to review the requirements and ensure efficient software development costs. 

The company’s marketing and sales teams can also be involved in this process, ensuring they are on the same page when promoting the application.

Stage 3: Create A Project Schedule

The next stage in creating a workflow is to organize the software development life cycle into a well-structured schedule.

A schedule will inform the following stages of development, with sprints and other milestones to keep the team aligned on priorities and able to track progress.

It can also include information about scheduled meetings, one-to-one discussions, and check-ins between developers and the client’s internal team.

Stage 4: Design The Architecture

Before developers begin coding, the software must be designed to define the core architecture and ensure the functionality of the user interface.

During this stage, software developers will create a framework for the application and map out how the front and back end will function.

Once completed, the development process can begin in earnest, moving from project planning to the complex process of coding and testing.

Stage 5: Begin The Coding Process

The coding stage is typically the lengthiest of a software development workflow, during which the dev team programs the application to ensure all features work as intended.

This element of a software system’s development lifecycle is performed with a version control system for continuous improvement and feature integration.

One benefit of outsourcing software development is access to specialist team members who emphasize code quality throughout the application.

This model of development also provides engineers with niche experience, creating complex projects for major industries.

Stage 6: Initiate Quality Assurance Testing

While software development requires ongoing testing throughout the coding stage, a more rigorous testing phase follows before launch.

The software development workflow outlines this stage in detail. It is used to assign tasks to team members and determine which automated testing methods to use.

The software team will adhere to best practices in quality assurance testing, combined with early testing, to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Stage 7: Release The Software

Once the application has been developed and tested, the next stage of a software development workflow is releasing it to the intended end users.

This stage requires close monitoring for any unforeseen problems, implementation of customer feedback, and the development team’s availability to fix bugs.

Relevant team members must remain accessible to address emerging challenges, prevent service disruptions, and ensure the application runs smoothly.

Stage 8: Provide Ongoing Support & Updates

The software release is followed by the final stage in the development process, which involves ongoing support and maintenance.

If all your ideas were not included in the initial launch, you can integrate these and other features later into the application.

The development team will also monitor progress and incorporate lessons learned into future updates that improve the application for users.

Related reading: The ultimate guide to outsourcing SaaS development.

Most Common Challenges In Software Development Workflows

Learning how to create custom workflows for software development confers many advantages, but there are some potential obstacles to consider:

• Lack of infrastructure: Software developers require robust infrastructure to perform their roles. If this framework is not in place, it can create bottlenecks that lead to budget and deadline overruns. Partnering with an outsourced development team ensures this challenge does not arise, as they already have the necessary infrastructure to support coding, testing, and deployment processes.
• Privacy and security concerns: Certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, are obligated to protect the data and privacy of their patients or customers, which can lead to fears of security. Verifying the security systems and other measures implemented in the development process will alleviate these concerns.
• Limitations on scaling: Scalability can be a challenge if the software or application is intended to reach a large user base, such as in retail and e-commerce. By planning for user growth, software can be properly stress-tested and ready for release.
• Communication problems: You do not have to work with offshore software developers to face project delays due to miscommunication. A structured development workflow helps reinforce communication processes and keep projects on track.

Partnering with a dedicated software development team can mitigate these challenges and create robust project scheduling across the entire team.

Strategies To Streamline Your Software Development Workflow

Just as a workflow is designed to streamline the software development pipeline, there are also methods for making workflow creation more efficient.

Follow these best practices for streamlining software development workflows:

1. Use Project Management Tools

All business leaders recognize the importance of utilizing reliable project management software to gain oversight and control of complex procedures.

A project management tool can reduce the need for meetings, increase collaboration, and manage scope and other project tasks.

Teams should use the right project management tools at each stage of the workflow to keep everything on track.

2. Adopt The Agile Workflow Methodology

While some businesses prefer the waterfall methodology for software development flow, many adopt the agile methodology for projects.

The iterative or agile approach is a highly flexible software development methodology for continuous improvement and optimal team performance.

The incremental approach of agile development workflows allows for adaptability so projects can evolve according to client and stakeholder expectations.

A core agile team can apply an iterative process built around team coordination by using regular sprints around a continuous deployment model.

3. Establish Clear Goals & Key Performance Indicators

Key performance indicators are a tried-and-tested way to keep teams aligned on projects and transparent about their expectations and goals.

Developing software can be improved by applying transformative KPIs that allow developers to make decisions confidently.

These metrics can help monitor project progress and highlight bottlenecks slowing the development life cycle.

By outlining performance and development metrics in the workflow, cost estimation, and other projections can be made to improve planning.

4. Implement Continuous Testing & Code Reviews

Implementing KPIs is vital for ensuring robust testing throughout the project’s development, especially in quality assurance.

Whatever programming language is being used, it should be subject to frequent reviews to ensure code quality and resolution of any bugs.

Developers can use various tools to accomplish testing and reviews, combining these with hands-on manual testing and feedback.

5. Establish Communications & Collaboration Tools

Popular agile methodologies can be enhanced by integrating communication and collaboration tools to keep distributed teams connected.

Collaboration software, such as Asana, Trello, and Slack, can keep developers and clients aligned throughout the software development process.

Visual communication methods are also essential, and the Kanban board is an excellent example of how workflows can be clearly illustrated.

Leverage the latest technologies with MyDevTeam.

Speed Up Your Software Development Workflow Process With MyDevTeam

Partnering with reliable software developers when creating a workflow is essential for clarifying the procedures needed for successful projects.

MyDevTeam offers the complete software development team structure needed for each stage of the project’s workflow.

Some of the services provided by MyDevTeam to manage the development workflow include:

• Pre-vetted agile talent: Agile development is commonly used for software projects. MyDevTeam can provide an agile team that allows for continuous integration and the application of agile values from start to finish.
• Cross-platform support: While smaller software projects focus on single platforms, most businesses require applications that work seamlessly across computers, smartphones, and other devices. MyDevTeam offers full cross-platform support to ensure compatibility for all types of applications.
• Professional UI/UX design: High-quality user interface design is essential for creating software that delivers an enjoyable and intuitive user experience. MyDevTeam offers expert UI/UX design services, ensuring that the software is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
• Integrated DevOps development: DevOps represents the leading approach for integrating multiple vital elements into the software development process. MyDevTeam leverages DevOps best practices to streamline development and enhance efficiency.
• Staff augmentation services: When projects reach critical milestones, MyDevTeam can rise to new challenges by supplementing staff, scaling teams quickly, and allowing businesses to expand their workforce as needed without unnecessary long-term commitments.

Drawing on the latest technology stack for cutting-edge development, MyDevTeam creates exceptional software catering to all major industries.

Summary

Developing software for a business is a complex task, but creating a workflow can overcome challenges and ensure the project stays on track.

While software development workflows vary between projects, the structure outlined in this article applies to all types of applications for business and consumer needs.

Clients can refine their workflow by consulting with the dev team and creating a framework that drives communication, collaboration, and positive outcomes.