6 Common Problems in the Software Development Process

Nowadays Software applications are driven by efficiency, performance, and innovation. But in the process of development, there is always some code testing left or flaws discovered which go unnoticed. This leads to late deliveries, double the efforts, project running late and project quality hindrances, and several other common software development challenges that delay overall project delivery. Your business might also feel the need of hiring a software services company to eliminate this challenge. There are several other common software development challenges that you come across as a business and some of them demand your attention.

So, without any ado, let us understand what are the common challenges faced by software developers.

1. Common Software Development Problems Faced by Developers

Software development initiatives are everyday tasks in day out, as a result, there are some accurate studies that have revealed that 31.1% of projects are cancelled before they’re completed and 52.7% of projects overrun the budget by nearly twice as much as originally budgeted. And the reasons behind surrendering is because of many reasons. Here are some common software development problems that advance can definitely help in keeping the project on track.

1.1 Ever-Changing Software Requirements

We know this thing from the beginning of software requirements do keep on changing but keeping a close eye on them is extremely important. Unclear requirements often result in unwanted mishaps and misfortunes. In addition, not understanding the needs right also leads to a huge waste of time and cost.

Here let me help you with an example, you are planning to buy a new car with some specific turbo engine requirements such as fuel type, power or torque and a lot more. And If you keep on adding to the requirements, your scope changes and so does the development. This will lead to a substantial increase in cost as well as development time.

So what could be the solution here? First of all, before even implementing a software development project just make sure that your developers exactly know what you want. And maybe that’s the reason why businesses are asked to document certain such things in advance.

When you hire a reliable software development company just ensure that they are willing fully interested in understanding your needs and requirements by asking you a plethora of relevant questions.

In addition, try breaking things into small milestones so that you can keep a keen check on your software projects at regular intervals. 

1.2 Software Bugs and Broken Code

Software testing was once considered an afterthought. This is one of the major problems created by software developers all across the globe. Underestimating the formal quality assurance process during software product development is the biggest issue here.

As a solution, software development and software testing must go hand-in-hand, as this will surely lead to a successful launch. Seek out achievable small, baby steps or milestones and ask your development team to keep on validating at every stage of your software project.

Treating a problem at the source is much more effective than addressing a symptom. Take the time to consider what the root of the problem is—whether it’s a lack of time, skill, or oversight. This will yield huge savings in time and effort over simply hiring more developers. After all we have been knowing for years that slow and steady to win the race.

1.3 Collaborative Communication

Communication has been one of the major issues, especially in the information technology industry. They are coders or programmers, most of them are geeks who might not be able to communicate well. Effective communication is the key here and if not done properly then It might lead to delay of the software solution or even cost you unnecessary money.

As a solution, conducting meetings at regular intervals or jotting down information, proper documentation brainstorming or web-based communication or choosing any platform that is easy and accessible to all. With effective communication, potential errors can be reduced to a great extent. Also, software development projects can be delivered in the nick of time.

1.4 Time Estimation

Everyone says time is of utmost importance and today estimating time is one of the crucial yet common problems especially faced among software developers. You see new technologies keep on popping every now and then. And as soon as developers get to know about one aspect of the next thing in line they get in the dilemma of how to use it at the right time. Choose developers on how to make a good estimate.

In addition, give each task a time frame for completion, but try to give yourself a buffer, too. For example, set yourself a buffer by keeping the time frame at 30 minutes if a task would normally take 20 minutes. Because you never know what disturbance or circumstances may occur.

1.5 Security

With so many security breaches happening day in and day out, web applications must be fully secured and that’s the duty of your software development team to take care of. So how do you cope with evolving security threats? How do you keep each layer of your software or application secure?

Simple if everyone sticks to their specific roles and responsibility. You see, security is not just the responsibility of the software engineer but also the responsibility of all the stakeholders involved including the project management, project managers, business analysts, quality assurance managers, technical architects, and application and developers. Also, there are certain best practices that must be considered account:

• Look beyond new technologies to improve the security of your software
• Develop software using high-level programming languages with built-in security features
• Require security assurance activities such as penetration testing and code review
• Perform essential core activities to produce secure applications and systems

1.6 Implementation

Of course, planning and plotting is something I am sure you must be very much focused on but all this works when it’s being implemented in the right way. You see software development is not a one time process or has a push-button it can be successfully done by implementing a step-by-step plan.

Choose a software development team that does know how to ideate as well as implement things in the right way. And even after you have a software solution at hand, just ensure that your chosen development team is right there for maintenance and support.

1.7 Premature Optimization

Premature optimization mostly occurs when there is a lack of a robust code reviewal in the whole procedure of software development.

Whenever it comes to coding, speed is frequently prioritized over cleanness and legitness. Developers frequently fall into the trap of focusing on producing optimized code that runs quickly rather than code that can be read, understood, and updated over time.

Code that is difficult to read can slow down your team, especially when programmers come and go. You’ve got a serious problem if a software product developer comes in and can’t decipher code.

Premature optimization is most common when there isn’t a robust code review procedure in place. Things get ugly and cause trouble down the line if this crucial step is skipped.

1.8 Confidentiality of Business Information

Understanding the confidentiality of business deals with the part where you know which information to share and which shouldn’t be shared. It might possibly make you feel overwhelmed.Thus, you need to be extra cautious while dealing with third party companies and sharing your financial information to them. But there is a solution to this oversharing of information. 

In such cases, one should be concerned that their ideas or trade secrets are safe and not stolen or disclosed.

For this, signing an NDA is a one-stop solution. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a viable option. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract between two parties, such as the software provider and you, that outlines the information to be given and requires that it be kept confidential.

1.9 Cross-Platform Functionality

Cross-platform applications have become the need of the hour and every business is making its way towards it. Software development companies are expected to provide a unified—or rather, “seamless” experience to users across all platforms, channels, and devices. This omnichannel experience is bringing more customer satisfaction and adding a lot to the business.

Cross-platform apps offer a slew of advantages to everyone from small businesses to giant corporations: Maintenance and deployment are simple: Cross-platform mobile apps minimise the need for additional effort during development and can be easily maintained across many platforms, such as iOS and Android.

One of the most difficult tasks for software development teams is to maintain consistency in tone, language, and appearance across all touchpoints while also being prepared to provide on-demand help wherever consumers choose to contact them. One of the easiest ways to please customers is to add cross-functionalities within their business offerings. 

2. Conclusion

So, that’s all for now! Building a high-quality product is the end goal for any organization, but conducting a smooth software development process might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Well, not anymore by avoiding aforementioned software development problems one can definitely hit the bulls eye.