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Bespoke software is your ticket to deliver a better user experience, specifically designed to cater to your unique buyer persona.
That said, if you’re new to software development, the abundance of options might be confusing at first.
Worry not, this article will explain the 10 most popular types of software development to clear out any confusion you may have.
Whether you’re looking to learn coding or seeking third-party custom software development services, having this knowledge can help you make an informed choice.
In this section, we’ll go through every popular software development that exists in the market, ranging from frontend design to game development.
Also known as UI/UX development, frontend development refers to the process of creating the visual elements of a website or web application that users see, touch, click, or interact with.
Think of the layout, colour schemes, button placements, and typography of a web page when you visit it.
Frontend developers work closely with UI designers to make sure that every aspect of the interface resonates well with users.
The goal is to deliver a smooth, intuitive, and enjoyable in-app experience, so visitors are willing to stay longer.
Some of the commonly used web technologies in frontend development include:
While frontend development focuses on the user interface, backend development deals with server-side logic, databases, and the overall architecture of the software.
It’s something that users can’t directly see or interact with, but play an important role in keeping your software running smoothly.
Backend developers create the server-side code that communicates with the frontend, enabling features like user authentication, data storage, and server operations.
Here are some of the key technologies in backend development:
Web development is an umbrella term used to describe the creation of software that users can access through the World Wide Web.
Websites are the most well-known example of web development.
But it also includes other types of projects as well, such as web apps and content management systems (CMS).
Apart from frontend and backend development solutions, web developers and agencies usually offer one-in-all packages that include server hosting, a domain name, search engine optimisation (SEO), and website maintenance.
If you’re a beginner, you can create a site from scratch using website builders.
These tools often come with pre-made design templates and drag-and-drop functionality, making site creation easy.
The downside is, site builders have limited customisation abilities.
If you’re looking for a bespoke solution, then hiring a trusted software development agency like Intelivita is a better option.
Mobile app development is a service that allows you to build software specifically designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Typically, there are two types of mobile apps:
Native apps are designed and built for a specific operating system, such as iOS or Android.
Maximising the full capabilities of each operating system, a native app usually offers smoother animations, faster load times, and overall better user experiences.
What’s more, native apps usually have direct access to user devices’ built-in functionality, such as the camera, GPS, and sensors.
In other words, developers can create feature-rich applications tailored to different smartphone models.
Cross-platform development allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.
As a result, it’s often more cost-effective and time-efficient compared to building native apps.
In addition, updates and bug fixes can be applied to the shared codebase, reducing the need for separate updates for each platform.
This makes maintenance more straightforward, ensuring that the app maintains a cohesive look and feel on both iOS and Android.
Like the name implies, this type of software development is suitable for those looking to build apps for desktop operating systems and computer programs.
Unlike web applications, desktop apps often provide offline functionality, meaning users can access the software without an active internet connection.
This way, your software will have a far wider reach, as users from remote areas with limited connection can use it.
When it comes to programming languages, the choice depends on the target platform.
For Windows, languages like C# and C++ are common, while macOS applications are often developed using Swift or Objective-C.
Moreover, cross-platform frameworks like Electron enable the use of web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, for desktop app development.
Game development mostly revolves around creating interactive and engaging digital games for various platforms, including consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and virtual reality.
It’s a complex process that combines a high level of creativity, top-notch programming skills, and deep knowledge of gameplay mechanics.
Despite its complexities, developing a gaming platform can be a lucrative option in the long term. This is because games have the potential to entertain millions of players worldwide.
Hardcore players will often form a loyal community base, where they share their experiences and create fan content, contributing to the longevity of your game.
Once your game gets more popular, you can monetise it through one-time purchases, collectible game items, advertisements, subscription services, and much more.
Technology-wise, the required tools for game development can vary based on the platform, genre, and specific requirements of the game:
When you think of social media, Facebook, X, and Instagram may come to mind.
These platforms enable users to connect, communicate, and engage with each other within a virtual space, regardless of their location.
If you want to develop the next big thing in the social media field, personalisation is key.
Your app should make it easy for users to create profiles, generate various forms of content, as well as engage in conversations with others.
It’s also important to implement robust security measures, as your platform will collect, store, and process personal user information.
Interested in social media development?
Here are some key features you should integrate to your social networking app:
Content management system is software that enables users to create, modify, and manage digital content.
CMS like WordPress is widely used for websites, blogs, and online platforms where content needs to be regularly updated.
For enterprises, integrating a CMS into their daily operations can significantly improve their productivity.
Why? Because large companies often have diverse teams working on different projects and campaigns.
A CMS provides a centralised repository for all digital assets, including text, images, videos, and documents.
This ensures that different teams across your organisation can easily find the latest and approved content.
Plus, a content management system is highly scalable, helping you handle the increasing volume of traffic and user interactions without hassle.
API stands for Application Programming Interface, a set of rules and protocols that allows software systems to communicate, share data, and execute specific functions.
By developing an API, you can integrate different software applications and IT systems, enabling them to work together cohesively.
In both mobile app and web development, APIs are used to create dynamic interfaces.
Frontend applications can retrieve data from backend servers using APIs, ensuring real-time updates and responsive user experiences.
On a broader perspective, developers can use APIs to build software on top of existing systems, boosting the overall functionality of your IT ecosystem.
Most common types of API include:
If you aren’t exactly tech-savvy, APIs can be hard to use and understand.
That’s why, most companies prefer hiring a third-party development team to work solely on APIs.
Enterprise software is built to meet the specific needs and requirements of large organisations, often referred to as enterprises.
It often includes features that enhance collaboration among teams, including private and group messaging, real-time document editing, and task tracking.
Analytics and reporting tools are also included to provide insights into your operations, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Given its complexities and large data handling abilities, enterprise software development does require higher maintenance costs.
Now that you understand the most popular types of software development out there, it’s time to decide which one you want to go for?
If you’re still unsure, our experts here at Intelivita are happy to explain the pros and cons, as well as give you an estimated cost for each project type.
And the best part is? It’s totally free of charge!
All you have to do is submit a request, and one of our team members will reach out to discuss your project in more detail.
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