The field of software development is vast and has many specialised areas with a unique focus and approach. After all, the software you use in your business is very different from the one used in another industry. The only thing that the different software types have in common is that companies must thrive in today’s competitive environment.
If you are keen to take advantage of custom software development, you need two things. First, you have to work with a reputable company that provides a good level of professional service. Second, you need to better understand the different types of software development so that you can make an informed decision about what kind of service you need and a better budget for it.
VSG Bulgaria is a sure pick to get your first base covered. The company has been in the custom software development industry for some time now and has a solid track record. With a focus on fintech software development, VSG Bulgaria has created an award-winning platform adopted by hundreds of institutions across the US.
As for learning more about the different types of software development, read the following guide.
Front-end development
Front-end is all about building the façade of websites and applications, which is the side that the users interact with directly. It handles all of the important aspects of visual design, layout and interactive elements. The programming languages most commonly used in front-end development are CSS, HTML and JavaScript.
Back-end development
This kind of software development focuses on the server side of the websites and applications. It features aspects like data storage, processing and retrieval. It requires knowledge of programming languages like C++, Java and Python. For example, the back-end of an e-commerce website is what keeps track of the displayed inventory of items, as well as the processing and payment of online orders.
Application development
Application development is the process of creating specialised software programs to meet very specific business needs. Mainly, app development serves to create desktop, mobile and web applications.
Mobile application development
These are software applications that operate on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. There are two main approaches: Native app development and hybrid app development. Native apps are designed for a specific mobile platform – Android or iOS. Developers rely on languages such as Kotlin and Swift to create platform-specific apps. Hybrid apps can be deployed across different platforms and use technologies that enable such capabilities.
Desktop application development
Software developed for this purpose serves desktop operating systems and programs. These are more complex applications, which require expanded user interfaces and features. One example of such an application would be video and image editing software.
Web application development
This kind of software runs on web browsers and can be accessed from devices with internet connection. These solutions require both front-end and back-end development. Engineers need to build the user interface and allow the proper management of data and app operations.
Full-stack development
Full-stack developers are knowledgeable in both frontend and backend development. That is how they develop complete solutions from scratch, using many different frameworks and languages. Every full-stack development project is different and based on particular parameters and requirements.
API development
API stands for application programming interface. API development aims to create and maintain multiple such interfaces via a set of rules and protocols that allow applications to ‘communicate’ with each other. API development is used in desktop, web and mobile applications for a variety of purposes. Thanks to this kind of software, various applications can be integrated within existing frameworks and perform tasks together. Often in the business world API development is necessary to integrate applications with payment systems and processing.
Database development
This process of software development handles everything about database management and data storage. There are several different categories of it, among which:
Relational database development
Relational database systems that utilise SQL databases are usually designed and optimised via this kind of programming. These databases store data with defined relationships that guarantee accuracy and consistency.
NoSQL database development
These databases are quite flexible and are often used to handle semi-structured and unstructured data. They are ideal for applications with very specific functions and goals.
Big Data database development
Companies often require large-scale data storage and processing software, in which case Big Data database development comes into play. It enables control of very large volumes of data, such as when applications rely on real-time analytics or data-driven insights.
Software tools development
Software developers need various tools and systems to aid them in their work. Those tools come to life thanks to software tools development. It could be simple coding libraries that make programming tasks easier or other tools that make the development process easier and more efficient. The popular languages used in the field include Java, C++ and Python.
Embedded systems development
More sophisticated electrical and mechanical systems often include embedded computer systems. For example, robots, vehicles, aeroplanes and even household appliances require such systems, referred to as embedded systems. They are developed through the use of middleware, which enables effective communication between the operating systems and the application. They require real-time operating systems designed for embedded applications.
Security software development
Security software plays a big role in custom software development. Engineers rely on programming languages such as C++ and Python to provide firewalls, encryption algorithms and detection systems to enable greater levels of cybersecurity. The goal is to produce software that fixes various vulnerabilities within the system and makes it safer and more reliable to use. Developers resort to ethical hacking practices, which aim to simulate cybersecurity threats, identify weaknesses within the system and develop security software fixes for it.
Cloud software development
Cloud computing platforms require software managing applications. Cloud software development provides the solutions for these cloud-based applications, enabling all of the benefits they offer: reliability, being able to scale them and cost reductions. Two of the most popular programming languages for these software solutions are Python and JavaScript. Developers also use cloud-native programming languages, along with cloud-based CI/CD pipelines.
In conclusion
Software development companies can help any company with custom software solutions tailored to specific business needs. Engineers use a variety of programming languages and tools to provide the ultimate bespoke software that is scalable and cost-effective. By knowing what kind of software solutions your business requires, you can better choose the right software developer for the job.
