10 Trending & Different Types of Software Development
Tags: software, develop, frontend, programming
Published: 2022-06-02 06:19:34

- _The software development market grows at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4%. (SeedScientific)_
- _24% of administrators outsource software development. (Daxx)
_
Seeing the stats, it's no wonder that more and more businesses are looking to get into software development.
Software development is one of the most important industries in the tech world, but it's also one of the least understood & most complex.
It can be an incredibly complicated subject but also an important one to understand for any business owner, manager, or entrepreneur interested in growing their business in today's global marketplace.
This guide will furnish you with an overview of the 10 most common types of software development, so you can determine which type is right for you.
So let's get started…

## What is Software Development?
It is the process of designing, creating, testing, and maintaining software applications. It includes the entire process from inception to delivery and maintenance.
The term "software development" can refer to any type of development activity that results in software products. In practice, however, it usually refers to larger projects with more complex requirements and longer timelines.
Software development can be done either by a software developer or by a dedicated development team. When done by a team, it is often divided into different phases, with each phase having its own focus and deliverables.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3kotqv7x2v4bthuyrj2x.jpg)
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Types Of Software Development

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/gd65yr4d8zn3vx8xmqxz.jpg)
## 1. Front-end Development
The most common type of software development, front-end development, is responsible for building parts of a website that users can see and interact with. This includes everything from web design to graphics to actual programming.
Front-end developers are skilled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ajax (for creating interactive components), Adobe Flash (for creating dynamic user interfaces and animations), etc.
Because it's so vast, front-end development is usually divided into two categories: interaction design and application architecture. Interaction design refers to how a user will interact with the website or app - how things will look on a screen as well as which tools and/or buttons users can use to interact with it.
Application architecture refers to how all of these elements work together behind the scenes. For example, if you have an online store, front-end developers would be responsible for designing your homepage and shopping cart page(s).


## 2. Back-end Development
This is any development that occurs after a website has been designed. Typically, back-end developers take a designer's finished mockup and translate it into code - working on APIs, security protocols, database and server configurations, third-party integrations, etc.
Back-end work requires excellent organization skills because most of it happens behind the scenes (i.e., before users even see what you've built). It also tends to be one of the most technically complex types of development because you have to navigate existing systems and troubleshoot potential errors.
However, back-end development also tends to be very rewarding because you get to directly impact how websites function without having to worry about how they look.
As such, many developers choose the back-end as their specialty simply because they enjoy solving problems in creative ways.


## 3. Application Development

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/dd74paizvfz8dt8w6fti.jpg)
This category includes any software that is used to run a business or service. Applications include ERP, inventory tracking, and sales tracking systems, as well as the software used for internal HR tasks like payroll, benefits administration, and general employee management.
Application development covers one of two application types: custom or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS). COTS applications are software suites that have been developed for use by multiple companies in different industries.
For example, some hospitals use these types of programs for data collection; other industries may find them more useful for manufacturing parts at scale. COTS applications have varying levels of flexibility depending on where your company falls in its life cycle.
Android and iOS apps fall under application development because they are designed to be downloaded onto mobile devices. They can range from simple calculators and dictionaries to complex navigation tools with GPS capabilities.
Most apps fall into COTS territory because their purpose is not specific to a single industry but rather geared toward making daily tasks easier for consumers.
These apps can also be updated regularly via an app store without having to re-purchase each time there's an update - which means you're less likely to experience outages in functionality over time if you choose a popular app.
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## 4. API Development
Application programming interfaces are a way for software programs to interact with one another. Typically, APIs are used for communication between computer applications and business systems such as payroll or CRM software.
Developers build APIs so other developers can use them as a foundation for their own work. And because APIs aren't created specifically for public use (typically), they must be documented very carefully to ensure that customers know how to interact with them correctly.
This is an ongoing process; as new changes are made to an API, it's updated and communicated out again in order to keep developers using its latest version(s).
For example, if you have ever installed a Facebook app on your smartphone, you've interacted with Facebook's mobile-application programming interface (API).
You didn't directly interact with Facebook's servers but rather through an intermediary program - the app - that acted as a bridge between your phone and Facebook.
An API acts as a kind of translator: It translates code from one language into another language by breaking down each component into individual parts that both parties understand.


## 5. Mobile App Development
Mobile app development refers to developing software programs for cell phones, smartphones, and tablets. If you want your software program to be available to a global audience, make sure that it's compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone operating systems.
Languages like Java are commonly used for mobile development. Choose these languages if you have an existing relationship with a mobile provider.
However, some developers opt for HTML5 languages such as JavaScript instead - which makes sense when building cross-platform applications that work on devices from various manufacturers.
All in all, mobile application programming is time-consuming and complicated - so don't expect overnight success! Just as with regular computer programs, anything developed for mobile will require ongoing maintenance.
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## 6. Cloud Computing Development

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0u9st0wv6b0ykylgapfi.jpg)
Cloud computing is a type of development in which software and data can be delivered over computer networks like the cloud. It provides functionality available on-demand as a service.
Cloud computing typically involves multiple layers to provide different functionality and scalable computing power. Applications build on these capabilities as needed, or they use specialized software known as application programming interfaces (APIs).
Depending on how they are structured, cloud solutions can be classified into four main types: private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, & hybrid cloud solutions. Hybrid options combine elements from two or more other options.
In addition, there are three main deployment models for cloud services: Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service, & Infrastructure as a Service. Each deployment model offers unique benefits that address different requirements.
For example, SaaS offerings are typically targeted at small businesses with limited IT budgets that require fewer technical resources to manage than PaaS or IaaS offerings.
PaaS deployments offer greater flexibility because developers can choose what platform services to use and where their applications will run.

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## 7. Embedded Systems Development
Embedded systems are computer systems within a device, such as home appliances, vehicles, handheld devices, and other electronic equipment. Embedded software development is programming hardware devices to perform certain functions.
For example, embedded software development could be writing code for an automobile's engine control unit (ECU) that regulates its performance and emissions output.
The software development process in embedded systems has to be very precise because even minor bugs can result in disaster - think car engines not working properly or self-driving cars not recognizing stop signs and hitting pedestrians.
To write highly efficient code for an embedded system requires extensive knowledge about low-level operations and memory allocation. This type of software development requires expertise in C/C++, assembly language, and operating systems.


## 8. Security Software Development

Security software is a type of software that has specific functionality that can support some security-based tasks, especially with platforms designed to ensure high levels of security.
Security software development and design are most often used in conjunction with computers and networks and usually involve security protocols that allow different elements within a system to communicate securely. This allows for an environment that limits unauthorized access and malware from entering or existing on these systems.
A major part of security software development involves building firewalls, VPNs, encryption technologies, storage encryption tools (like databases), code validation applications, intrusion detection systems (IDS) as well as identity management applications.
These types of tools are generally created specifically for businesses and organizations to protect sensitive data from theft or damage during transmission.


## 9. Full-stack Development

Full-stack development is a type of software development that covers both front-end and back-end development. Full-stack developers are skilled in all aspects of software development, from design to programming to testing and deployment.
This allows them to work on every layer of an application's architecture, including low-level systems such as servers and operating systems. It also makes it easier for full-stack developers to switch between projects since they have a broad understanding of how each part works.
Moreover, a full stack developer can choose their favorite language or platform and work with it throughout their career without having to learn new languages or toolsets.
Although some companies require new hires to specialize in one area, most employers allow full-stack developers to choose which languages or platforms they want to focus on at any given time.
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## 10. Gaming Apps Development

As computer technology has advanced, video games have become increasingly sophisticated and demanding. Consequently, developers must constantly improve their skills to produce graphics and sound that will create an immersive experience for players.
Even though these games are usually played on home consoles or mobile devices, they can require development teams with hundreds of skilled programmers.
Video game designers use specialized software to develop characters, scenery, and other elements used in a game's virtual world. They also write code that allows computers to process all of these elements quickly during gameplay.
The most successful designers work closely with artists who design 3D models used in a game's visuals. They may also collaborate with audio engineers who develop music and effects tracks based on a game's theme or setting.

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## Conclusion
As you can see, there are different types of software development, each with its own unique focus. In order to determine which type is right for your project, you need to first understand the scope and requirements of your project.
Once you have a clear understanding of your project's goals, you can begin to narrow down your options and select the type of software development that will best suit your needs.
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