From Research to Device – How Are Computer Programs Created?
Every person benefiting from the conveniences of civilization uses several, if not dozens, of computer programs daily. Often, we don't even realize that every little thing we glance at on our smartphone or computer screen is the end result of serious programming work. Even the digital calculator and calendar, not to mention accounting or business management programs.
But have you ever wondered how computer programs are created and how much time their development takes? If not, let's lift the curtain on the work of information technology specialists, whose efforts result in the creation and improvement of our Jumis.
A Program Begins with Research
When a problem in performing a task is identified and it is concluded that the most suitable solution could be a computer program, planning begins. In this process, preliminary research of the potential product, understanding clients and their needs, is crucial. The opinions of potential users are very important, especially in cases where the program is developed on demand for the needs of a specific company or industry. For such products, a specification is usually developed in advance, detailing the required functionality. On the other hand, mass-market products must try to cater to the desires of as wide an audience as possible, making their production generally more complex and time-consuming.
The next step is researching applications and infrastructure, as every product's development requires the technologies and programs on which the new product will be based. If it is to be offered as a cloud service, the company must account for the costs of cloud resources where the product will be stored. If client data will be stored in the cloud, additional costs will arise for the cloud resources used by each client.
All requirements for the new product are divided into two large groups – those related to hardware and those related to software. The project is broken down into detailed tasks, and the total number of man-hours required to complete the project, as well as the necessary costs, are calculated. After the research into programs and technologies, the procurement process follows.
Draw First, Then Code
No product can be developed without a specific graphic design, which means that with the help of various images and symbols, a visual image is created for the product that has its originality and style. Graphic design also includes the development of the product's logo, which is significant in marketing, as it is the logo that potential users notice and evaluate when considering purchasing the product. Essentially, graphic design determines the product's appearance. This is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Once the decision to develop the product is made, the product specification begins, identifying all the product's functionalities. Specifications are written for each development action – form, function, button operation. This also applies to graphic design, as it is related to the product's usability. If the product is being developed for a specific client, the client prepares all the specifications, defines functional requirements, determines the program's usability and relationships, and the company develops based on these specifications.
To understand what needs to be developed, a graphic sketch is usually drawn, highlighting the main functional requirements. After evaluating what needs to be created in the new product, it is assessed how this product or its parts will be integrated into the main product's functionality. For example, if a forum is being created to be included on a website, it must be studied how it will integrate into the overall website and whether it will visually match the main site. After creating the overall concept, specifications are written, and visualizations are drawn for each functionality, form, calculation, and button operation being developed. While writing specifications, each functionality must be justified, every step and usage possibility described. Throughout the development process, specifications are updated, and during debugging, they are supplemented with descriptions addressing issues identified during testing.
Errors Must Be Found and Fixed
The next step is programming or the development process, which includes detailing the algorithm and writing it in the appropriate programming language, as well as selecting and coding the data structure. This is also a time-consuming and complex process that may seem incomprehensible to an outside observer.
Prototypes are often created for development products – early versions of the product that are released and delivered to a specific group of clients. The purpose of the prototype is to test the product, its functionality, and usability before mass production and delivery to clients for widespread use.
The entire testing process can essentially be divided into two groups. The first is alpha testing or alpha test – the first testing phase of newly developed software or hardware, conducted by the developers themselves. Alpha testers are usually team members involved in the product development process; they are experienced users capable of testing the developed functionality and identifying errors and issues during the testing process. This is followed by beta testing or beta test, involving real users. They work with the new product as if it were completed and implemented.
The emerging program is tested step by step to ensure everything works as intended. If errors are noticed during testing, they are recorded and reported to the developer for corrections.
No product can be developed without errors, so testing and fixing identified errors, known as debugging, is performed. This step can be considered complete when the development team agrees that the project is ready for implementation and delivery to end users. In reality, however, the product that reaches consumers usually still contains errors and opportunities to improve functionality. Over time, these are corrected through program updates.