10 Types of Software Development Explained

Software has become ubiquitous in our lives, from accessing food delivery services on mobile devices to streamlining office workflows and project development.

The different types of software development help manage various projects depending on the client’s requirements and how the application will serve the end user.

Continue reading for a complete breakdown of the different types of software development, from vital front- and back-end development to bespoke services for niche projects.

What Is Software Development?

Software development is a broad term that applies to many different types of applications and encompasses the complete software development life cycle.

It begins with comprehensive planning and documentation, incorporating the design phase, development process, and robust testing and maintenance.

While the different software development types have unique objectives, the core process and aim to meet specific technical specifications are consistent throughout each model.

In addition to the fundamental aspects of design, coding, and testing, software development is managed through a transparent project management framework.

Artificial intelligence also increasingly influences software development processes, further streamlining how applications are created and optimized for the marketplace.

Whether implementing in-house or outsourcing software development, the result is an application that delivers the client’s desired functionality.

This goal dictates the types of software development, with professional software developers selecting the relevant tools and processes required for completion.

Choose MyDevTeam’s services for custom software development.

10 Types of Software Development Explained

With software applications taking on many different forms, the types of software development needed can vary considerably from one project to the next.

Let’s examine the various types of software development in more detail, from the core approaches all projects use to the processes used for niche applications.

1. Front-End Development

Front-end development is a core feature of all software and applications and revolves around the end user’s experience and engagement with the software.

An integral aspect of the custom software development process, front-end development relates to the user interface and how they navigate the application through interactive elements.

Menus, buttons, images, and other visual elements, such as graphs and tables, are all carefully arranged in a user interface to maximize the user’s engagement.

As such, the front-end development process is coordinated with the clients to ensure these visual elements match their corporate brand and target audience.

This includes any company logos and other branding styles, such as preferences for fonts, color schemes, and other elements the client requires.

Software development teams typically draw on the expertise of coders familiar with the relevant programming languages needed for robust and reliable front-end development.

2. Back-End Development

Contrasting front-end development is back-end development, which covers all of the code and architecture that underpins the software’s performance.

Implemented by a team of dedicated programmers, backend developers are responsible for processing data and writing the code that allows for easy application navigation.

This includes collating and managing the data for optimal storage, implementing security protocols for data protection, and various server-side development processes.

Software with robust back-end development is created using a range of programming languages and tools, including Java, Python, and Ruby.

Backend development also involves establishing the core frameworks through which the application’s different elements interact.

This complexity is why many businesses adopt software development outsourcing as their model since these services allow access to an established team of professional coders.

As with front-end development, back-end development is a requirement for all types of applications, interacting with front-end processes and processing user requests.

3. Full Stack Development

One of the most common approaches to software development is the full stack development process, which incorporates front- and back-end development into a complete package.

Full-stack developers collaborate on the entire project, with dedicated programmers and designers liaising with clients at each development lifecycle phase.

This symbiotic approach to developing software and applications allows for a streamlined approach that is highly adaptive to sudden changes.

By working together throughout the project, full-stack developers can bring a diverse skill set to the project in integrated development environments to reduce costs and save time.

They also incorporate frequent testing and quality assurance protocols, which allow bugs and other issues to be addressed without impacting project milestones.

This comprehensive understanding of the client’s requirements allows full-stack development teams to make informed decisions within a cohesive framework.

4. Web Application Development

While some types of software require users to install an application on their devices, web apps can be accessed without installation through remote servers.

This ability to access web applications is increasingly popular, and the rise of outsourced SaaS development indicates how this approach can benefit businesses.

Web development application programming interfaces can be relatively simple to create, with developers ensuring they function as intended across all browsers.

Programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS are commonly used for user interfaces, and search engine optimization is implemented to maximize online reach.

Node.js, Django, and Flask are often used to ensure reliable and scalable architectures for backend development and core server-side operations.

With the market share of internet browsers continuing to rise, this type of software development continues to deliver reliable solutions for businesses.

5. Desktop Application Development

Whereas software-as-a-service represents the latest development trends, desktop application development recalls traditional approaches to software programs.

While many people rely on smartphones and tablets to access various tools, many still rely on desktop operating systems to perform various work-related tasks.

Users don’t require an internet connection to use such software, with most offering broad compatibility with different desktop operating systems, such as Windows and macOS.

Desktop application development involves various programming languages, such as C#, C++, and Python, and integrated development environments like Visual Studio and Zcode.

Video game development is closely associated with desktop application development, with the end user downloading the software onto your computer system’s or game console’s hard drive.

While some businesses have transitioned from traditional desktop application development to subscription models, desktop applications are still commonplace in many industries.

Further reading: A beginner’s guide to custom software development.

6. Mobile App Development

With smartphone ownership and usage at record levels, mobile app development is another growth sector for software development services.

There are many profitable ideas for mobile app development, with the potential to access huge markets and deliver niche applications for businesses and consumers.

Such app development involves optimizing software for different platforms and tailoring them to the ecosystems and demands of iOS and Android users.

This is accomplished through native app development for specific mobile platforms or hybrid app development for software intended to be deployed across multiple platforms.

For native app development, mobile developers typically use Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android, while hybrid apps will draw on a broader range of coding processes.

Mobile app development is commonly used to develop custom software for startups that want to generate revenue through in-app purchases and other income streams.

7. Cloud Software Development

Cloud storage services have reshaped how businesses allow employees to share important information and collaborate on projects.

This technology is integral to cloud software development, increasing accessibility while reducing the complexity of computer systems needed to use the software.

It takes a similar approach to web development, bypassing the need to download and install applications directly onto a computer or mobile device.

Some notable examples of established cloud services include Google Meet and Zoom for communication, each utilizing cloud computing as their foundation.

Such software development frequently uses Amazon Web Services for hosting, ensuring reliable and secure management of client and user data.

This is accomplished through the implementation of a deployment model depending on the project’s requirements, including:

• Publish cloud
• Private cloud
• Community cloud
• Hybrid cloud

Each deployment model features its own set of rules regarding who can access the software and how users can share the available resources.

They often use a pay-as-you-go model with monthly fees for the end user, which covers operating costs and maintenance throughout the service’s provision.

By partnering with a dedicated team, you can access an established development infrastructure and keep the costs related to cloud software development to a minimum.

8. Security Software Development

With concerns about data protection rising amidst a rise in cyberattacks and other security breaches, security software development is in high demand.

This prevalence of invasive bad actors is mitigated through highly secure networks and protocols to identify hacks and other breaches before they can cause damage.

It exists within the core architecture of all software development, safeguarding clients and their users from cyberattacks, malware, and other exploitation.

Since hackers and other bad actors constantly evolve, software applications are developed with flexible security systems to meet this changing landscape.

Security software development is often integral to other types of software development, and clients often factor it into their custom software development costs.

These processes continue until the application launches, with constant monitoring for threats and swift responses to protect users from harm.

The result is a proactive and reactive approach to security software development that allows for the creation of applications that can withstand any challenges.

9. Embedded Systems Development

Not all software functions as web or mobile apps, with embedded systems development applying to various devices other than traditional computer systems or smartphones.

Embedded systems development functions as a device’s brain, and it applies to everything from software for smart vehicles to cameras and other portable devices.

It begins with the hardware, building a user interface for controlling the device through inputs from physical buttons and other controls.

Embedded systems development incorporates machine code using specific programming languages, such as C and C++, which are commonly used for such projects.

Different programming languages are applied for various elements, with a compiler, assembler, debugger, and emulator among the various software development tools used on a project.

Implementing embedded systems can create unique obstacles compared to other types of software development for different projects.

It can be more challenging to ensure the software is fully secured once it is deployed in hardware operated independently of the internet.

Likewise, monitoring overall performance and stability can be time-consuming since developers rely on the end user’s feedback and bug reporting.

Fortunately, clients can work with a dedicated software development team to ensure their device performs as intended throughout the software development life cycle.

Learn more about MyDevTeam’s technologies.

10. DevOps Development

Software development teams at the cutting edge of the industry adopt DevOps development as their operational model thanks to its complete integration and responsiveness.

DevOps development is a transformative model that can be easily applied to the custom software development process for innovative solutions.

The process also allows for rapid project development, swifter deployment, and service delivery without compromising the overall performance quality.

DevOps principles also allow for the continuous integration and delivery of project milestones that align with the client’s core goals and priorities.

It can manage data stored in a robust infrastructure, providing a consistently scalable environment incorporating intrusion detection systems.

Likewise, DevOps development environments are established in a way that allows developers to gain insights into the performance of applications and improve services.

DevOps development is adept at portable application deployment through containerization and orchestration, allowing easy management.

By facilitating cloud adoption, it’s also among the most cost-effective methods for developing and deploying applications to large numbers of end users.

The DevOps approach offers a high degree of transparency because it is inherently compatible with Agile software development and other project management systems.

Summary

Whether you’re building comprehensive desktop operating systems or developing an app for mobile devices, the various types of software development have a role to play.

Businesses considering developing a software system for their operations can use this guide as a starting point when approaching their new project.

By consulting with professional software developers, you can partner with a provider with the infrastructure and skillset to bring your software project to life.