Deliver a great software product
Discover the essentials of software, software development, MVPs, and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in this guide. Each section provides a brief, clear overview to help you understand the basics of building software so you can quickly start building your MVP.
“[Software development] is not and will not be reduced to a simple mechanical “assembly line” process. Creativity, engineering principles, and evolutionary change are needed to create a satisfactory large system.”
– Bjarne Stroustrup
What is Software?
Software is everywhere in our daily lives, from the apps on our phones to the programs we use at work. In simple terms, it’s the invisible set of instructions that tell your computer or device what to do. Whether you’re browsing the web, editing a document, or playing a game, software makes it all happen.
Source: BambooAgile
Now, let's break it down further.
A website is an online platform you access through a browser (like Chrome or Safari) to view information or use web-based services, such as reading news, shopping, or communicating with others. It's primarily designed to be visited by users over the internet, and everything happens within your browser window.
Software, on the other hand, is a program or application that performs specific tasks on a device, like a computer, phone, or tablet. Some software is installed on your device, like Microsoft Word or Photoshop, while others (like web-based apps) can be used directly through a browser, but they are more complex and offer more functionality than a regular website.
While a website is more focused on presenting information or offering online services, software is a tool designed to perform tasks and manage data, with broader functionality that may work independently of the internet.
What is Software Development?
Software development is the process of designing, creating, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems. It involves a series of systematic steps to transform a concept or need into a functioning software product. This process can range from developing a simple mobile app to building complex enterprise software solutions. At its core, software development requires careful planning, coding, testing, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the software meets user needs and performs reliably in different environments.
What is a Product Mindset?
A product mindset focuses on delivering value to users by aligning software development with business goals and continuously iterating based on feedback. It prioritizes long-term success by enhancing user experience and driving growth. Product management involves defining and executing a vision, strategy, and lifecycle to meet market needs, while project management focuses on completing specific tasks within a set timeframe. While products serve a broad audience with fixed features, projects are short-term efforts aimed at achieving particular outcomes. Product management guides the overall success, whereas project management ensures timely execution of individual initiatives.
What is an MVP?
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product that delivers enough features to satisfy early customers and gather valuable feedback for future development. It allows startups to test the core functionality of their idea with minimal resources, helping to validate assumptions about the product's market fit. To define an MVP:
- Identify the core problem your product is solving.
- List essential features that address the problem.
- Prioritize features based on user needs and business goals.
- Keep it simple – avoid adding non-essential features.
- Validate with real users to collect feedback and iterate quickly.
An MVP helps ensure you're building something valuable before fully investing in development.
Understanding the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a structured framework that guides the software development process from initial planning to deployment and maintenance. It typically involves several phases, as detailed in the infographic below. The SDLC ensures a systematic approach to software development, helping teams manage complexity, reduce risks, and deliver high-quality software that meets user expectations.
