What are the Different Types of Software Development?

Are you looking to develop a software application? Or want to establish a tech startup?

Either you want to create a mobile, website, or software application. But, you are unsure regarding the types of software available in the market.

To help you, we have listed 10 popular types of software development in this blog. So, before developing a software app, you must know which type to choose from.

10 Types of Software Development

Here are the top 10 popular types of software development. At this stage, you might be curious about how different types of software get developed. To understand the entire development process, read our detailed guide on how to develop software. Now, let’s start with desktop software development.

1. Desktop Software Development

   Any application software developers build to run on the desktop qualifies as desktop software development. These applications run regardless of an internet or network connection.

   With the rising popularity of mobile apps, desktop applications have taken a bit of a backseat in the past decade. Nevertheless, still many applications are built to support the desktop environment.

   Desktop software development also considers the device’s different operating systems—Windows, macOS, or Linux. Applications running locally on a Windows machine will most likely utilize high-level programming languages like C or C#.

   Similarly, macOS software development requires in-depth knowledge of the Mac environment, most notably the Swift programming language. Whereas, Linux applications are much less common than the rest of the operating systems.

   What Are the Examples of Desktop Software Applications?

   • Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel
   • Adobe Photoshop
   • Google Chrome
   • Discord
   • Illustrator

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2. Embedded Systems Development

   Embedded systems development involves embedded systems like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and more. Embedded software is a solution built to perform a particular function and be part of a larger computing device. You can use portable, single-board computers like Raspberry Pi for computational devices or IoT systems.

   A considerable part of embedded systems is a configuration management and the building of adaptable and functional systems.

   The primary responsibilities of a software development team dealing with embedded systems are configuring peripherals, writing algorithms, coding the programs, and executing these on the system platform, for instance, a microcontroller.

   In addition, embedded systems require developers to know coding languages such as Embedded C, Python, Java, and Assembly. Since embedded systems deal with small computerized parts, it is also good to have a working knowledge of hardware structures and internal connections.

   What Are the Examples of Embedded Systems Applications?

   • GPS trackers
   • ATM
   • Vehicle ABS
   • Cruise control systems
   • Digital Cameras

3. Wearable Software Development

   Another type of software development is wearable software development. One of the most trending technologies in the IT industry. In fact, you would be surprised to know that the market size of wearable technology is forecast to be $118.16 billion by 2028, as per GrandViewResearch. Check the following image to know more.

   

   Source: GrandViewResearch.com

   It involves designing applications for all kinds of wearable devices. These devices consist of fitness trackers, smartwatches, and headgear. The most popular wearable tech devices also have mobile device apps that facilitate additional control stats viewing.

   Most wearable hardware devices are native—limited to a specific platform or system. For instance, Google Glass is a pair of intelligent eyeglasses compatible with the Android ecosystem.

   Developers dealing with wearable gadgets like accessories or clothing get data from the sensors of the devices’. Web and mobile device apps then use that data signals to derive and display relevant insights.

   There is a vast market scope and eager consumers waiting to utilize wearables for everyday needs. That is why the healthcare, fitness, and entertainment industries are investing rather heavily in wearable tech.

   What Are the Examples of Wearable Software Applications?

   • Apple Watches
   • Fitbit
   • Google Glass
   • VR tech
   • Smart Rings

4. Security Software Development

   Security software development involves building applications and systems to protect businesses from hackers. Organizations implement programs like anti-virus and firewalls to maintain data security.

   Cyber security experts develop security-ensuring applications along with ethical hackers. These experts test applications and systems in a business and weed out known and unknown vulnerabilities.

   By identifying the flaws, cyber security experts can avoid malicious attacks like data breaches, viruses, and intrusion. Commonly, C and C++ are the languages used to build the applications. Developers prefer these languages in security applications as these languages are closer to machine language.

   What Are the Examples of Security Software Applications?

   • Antispyware software
   • Firewalls
   • Monitoring applications
   • Intrusion Indicators
   • Password Managers

5. Application Software Development

   App development ranges from front-end development and back-end development to full stack development. Developers create applications that assist in daily and basic business operations through application software development.

   One simple example of application software is Microsoft Word. If you are looking to learn about the concept of software development, here is a short post on the meaning of software development.

   Generally, software developers create image processing, document creation, video processing, and document storage, and these are an instance of application software.

   Application software programs perform a specific and unique function in the workflow of a business. These applications also depend on the operating systems of the devices it is executed on.

   Furthermore, you might be familiar with two prevalent app development: mobile development and web development. Mobile and web application development are the most popular application development options compared to their counterparts.

   What are the examples of Application Software Applications?

   • Microsoft Office Suites
   • McAfee Security Solutions
   • Media Players
   • Data storage/management applications

6. Software Tools Development

   Most software applications require external software development tools or third-party integrations. Often large and complex applications use multiple external tools for assistance. This type of development refers to building tools that help the software development team to develop and test their applications.

   Particular software tools are essential to simplify and organize the software development process. Developers use many industry-standard software building tools to develop robust applications in their businesses.

   Knowledge of high-level programming languages like Java, Python, and Scala will come in handy when building software tools. One very common and popular example of a software tool is code editors. Developers use Code editors in all kinds of conventional application development. It is a must-have in every programmer’s toolkit.

   What Are the Examples of Software Tool Applications?

   • Slack for communication
   • GitHub
   • IntelliJ
   • Atom code editor
   • Postman

7. eCommerce Software Development

   As the name suggests, eCommerce software refers to all software applications developers create for the sole purpose of online shopping. These days there are a wide variety of online platforms for shopping. For instance, the tech giant Amazon is synonymous with providing one of the most significant eCommerce shopping experiences.

   While developing this software the developers must know the most essential software development KPIs, like which metrics are important while developing, which metrics should we focus more on.

   eCommerce websites also include applications such as Wix, which you can use to purchase website templates and applications like Udemy, which markets and sells digital courses.

   In addition, the eCommerce software market will reach $12.37 billion with a CAGR rate of 12.5% in the duration (2022-2032). Check the following image.

   

   Source: Factmr.com

   ECommerce web apps commonly employ programming languages relevant to the project (including server programming languages) and front-end/backend frameworks such as Javascript, React JS, Python, and PHP. Additionally, knowledge of HTML, CSS, and jQuery is vital to creating interactive and functional user interfaces.

   Most eCommerce applications also use a database management structure in the backend. Database languages such as SQL come in handy when querying databases for complex datasets.

   eCommerce applications are not limited to just the web, as many mobile applications make it easier for users to utilize their purchasing power. These mobile applications use the Android ecosystem like Android Studio or Xcode for macOS devices. If you are looking to develop custom eCommerce software solutions,hire software developers from a reputed software development company like Space-O, our professionals will understand your requirements and are well-versed to create solutions accordingly.

   What Are the Examples of eCommerce Software Applications?

   • BigCommerce
   • Magneto
   • Amazon
   • Shopify
   • Wix

8. Application Programming Interface (API) Development

   APIs or application programming interfaces are an integral part of software development. It essentially acts as middleware or a bridge between frontend technologies and the backend structure, including the databases.

   Since APIs act as connectors, API also aids in third-party integrations, which makes developing complex applications much more accessible. APIs usually function independently of the operating system or platform, whether mobile or web.

   API development requires understanding the technical structures already in place and familiarity with the tools and GUI interaction methods. Such developers also need to have a sound understanding of database access rules to fully realize the API’s capabilities.

   Fortunately for developers, most commercial APIs offer proper documentation to understand how to best integrate them into your business applications.

   What Are the Examples of API Software Applications?

   • PayPal API
   • Twitter Bots
   • Google Maps
   • Embedded Youtube video display

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9. Data Science Software Development

   Data science is a concept on the mind of every tech entrepreneur. It is defined as the skillful and scientific conversion of large sets of unstructured data into useful information all through established methodologies.

   It is one of the fastest flourishing niches in the industry. And the scope for data science applications is beyond imaginable. Furthermore, data science is a trifecta of computer science, mathematics, and business knowledge. Clearly, its possibilities are beyond comparison to any other field in the tech industry.

   Machine learning, which is an integral part of data science, teaches computers to learn and understand existing data to forecast business trends. Organizations produce large amounts of data every day. They can leverage it by deriving relevant insights to eventually make smart and data-driven business decisions. It’s great if the organization can use it to predict the future inclinations of any particular industry or market.

   It is a revolutionary field and data scientists and developers with knowledge of languages like Python, MATLAB, R, C, and C++ are experts in this field.

   What Are the Examples of Data Science Software Applications?

   • RSPCT basketball shooting analysis system
   • Google Flu Trends
   • Streetlight Traffic Maps
   • Sovrn intelligent advertising

10. Cloud Computing Software Development

    Lastly, a recent addition to the technology world is cloud computing development which powers cloud storage applications. Cloud computing development is all about data storage and management in remote servers rather than a local server or personal computer system. These remote servers or ‘clouds’ are also often used for computing purposes or running backend services.

    Examples of cloud computing services include Microsoft Azure and Amazon’s AWS. Typically cloud services offer servers for rent which varies depending on the bandwidth and number of servers. Services like Google Cloud also offer serverless cloud computing, where you rent servers when needed, making it a very affordable option for small project teams.

    Software developers also develop cloud applications with excellent knowledge of flexible and robust programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, and ASP.NET.

    Besides data storage, cloud computing also involves cloud security and network services. Software developers must also focus on these aspects when implementing cloud computing applications. Principles such as DevOps also come in handy along with cloud platform expertise.

    What Are the Examples of Cloud Computing Applications?

    • DropBox
    • Apache Stratos
    • Amazon Web Service
    • Microsoft Azure
    • Salesforce
    • Cisco WebEx

Let’s Start a Custom Software Development for Your Business

Software applications and products are indispensable for entrepreneurs and businesses. And building scalable solutions have become a priority for many organizations.

Market trends indicate a steady growth in the IT industry. And businesses will not slow down their efforts to bring unique software solutions via different types of software development to consumers. So, don’t miss out opportunity on building custom software for your business.

To develop custom software for your business, you need capable software developers with expertise in various software development types. As a leading software development company in Canada, we have experience in developing 300+ software solutions. Let’s connect and discuss your business requirements. Schedule a delivery call with us and we will get in touch with you within 48 business hours.