Software Development: What is SDLC, Its Types, & The Key to Success in Somalia

Unlock the secrets behind the digital tools we use every day! This article explains the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), its types, and most importantly: the 3 Keys to Success for software development in Somalia. Learn how to prioritize Mobile-First and integrate Mobile Money (E-Dahab & Sahal) to grow your business!

Introduction

Software development is a critical process used to create, design, test, and maintain any type of computer program (computer programs or applications). It is the backbone of the modern technological world, enabling the phone apps, websites, enterprise management systems, and even the operating systems that we use every day and cannot do without, because it is the backbone of our lives.

What is Software Development?

Software Development is the systematic process of creating, designing, testing, and maintaining any type of computer program. A combination of science and technology aims to create computer systems (software) that solve real-world problems, respond to business needs, or make people's lives easier.

Types of Software Development

1. Web Development

It is a way to build, maintain, and operate websites that we access every day on the internet using browsers, such as chrome, Firefox, and safari. It is a way to create websites that people use to serve or learn from by accessing the internet and accessing them through different browsers such as google chrome.

2. Mobile App Development

It is the process of creating or making software or a program designed to work on mobile devices, modern phones and tablets. First, we download the software and install it by downloading it from, for example, the play store or the app store, so that we can use the software to meet our needs.

3. Desktop Software Development

It is the process of designing, building, and maintaining application software that is designed to be installed and run directly on computers such as PCs or laptops using an operating system, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Is a framework that describes the tasks performed at each stage of a software development project. Software is not something that is created randomly. There is a process that needs to be followed to make the software functional, clean, secure, and easily maintainable. Here are the six key stages:

1. Planning

2. Design

3. Development

4. Testing

5. Deployment

6. Maintenance

1. Planning

Is the first stage in defining the software's objectives, user needs, i.e. what needs to be done, and the scope of the project. The project must be considered feasible and a time schedule must be established.

2. Design

The architecture and overall look of the software must be created. It determines how the system will work (how the modules will interact) and how data will be stored. To have a complete design that developer can follow when writing code.

3. Development

Is the actual stage where developers write code using different programming languages. For example, when you want to make an app, it depends on the language you are using, because there are specific languages ​​for building apps.

4. Testing

It is a way to ensure that the software works as we want or intend it to, that it is secure, that it is trustworthy, so that people see the software as something that works and is good.

5. Deployment

It is the stage where software is prepared and delivered so that users can start using the software so that it meets all of their needs.

6. Maintenance

This is the stage where when software is deployed, any problems that arise must be resolved and the problem must be prevented so that it does not harm the software. It must be prevented quickly so that our software lasts for a long time and meets our needs.

Features of Software Development in Somalia

Software development in Somalia is characterized by unique characteristics related to the current economic, technological, and social environment. Here are the most important characteristics:

1. Focus on Mobile-First Development

Most Somalis access the internet through smartphones, but they do not use computers or desktops, and the number of users is small, especially in the area where I live. Developers are focusing on producing websites and apps that work well on phones to gain more customers.

2. Digital Payment Solutions

Due to the need for fast and secure payment methods, software developers are focusing on developing mobile money-related programs or systems such as E-Dahab, Sahal, Dahabshiil because these are the most popular ones operating in Somalia and through which we send money.

3. Internet and Power Challenges

This article explains in depth why Somali developers are building software differently from global counterparts, taking into account local problems. These problems directly affect how the user interacts with the software.

4. Adoption of New Technologies

This article discusses how, despite many financial and internet challenges, Somali developers are actively seeking out and using the latest tools. The increased use of this technology is making software development in Somalia faster and of higher quality.

5. Growth of Local Talent

This article discusses the biggest change happening in the software space: There is no outsourcing of professionals, but rather building a local workforce. In terms of the environment, there is a significant increase in the number of students and youth committed to learning coding and software engineering. The growth of local professionals makes Software Development affordable and relevant in the Somali market.

The Key to Software Development Success in Somalia

1. Mobile-First & Offline

This article discusses that most people are using mobile phones, so an app should be developed that people can use and that the app should continue to work even if the internet is down, because this will prevent problems. The data is stored in the mobile (local storage) which is a server that connects when the internet comes back and is reloaded.

2. Digital Currency Connection

Mobile Money is a fundamental way of doing business in Somalia (such as E-Dahab and Sahal). The developer needs to directly connect their software to these payment systems to make business easier. This is done using API Integration, which is the way the Mobile Money software and your App talk to each other. The software becomes scalable and able to directly receive and pay money without the need for cash.

3. Using Local Professionals

The number of software developers trained locally in Somalia has increased significantly. This makes software development more cost-effective than hiring foreign experts. The professionals have a full understanding of the culture, language, and specific needs of the local market, resulting in high-quality software.

Conclusion on Software Development in Somalia

The success of software development in Somalia depends on the application of good innovation that solves the challenges and challenges facing the environment. The key is not only to use modern technology, but also to find a way for software to work in difficult conditions. This requires prioritizing Mobile-First Development and solutions with Offline Capability, as mobiles are the main device used by society. Also, this market relies heavily on fast Mobile Money connections (such as E-Dahab and Sahal) to conduct business, so the integration of these programs is essential.