The 7 typical phases of software development
To ensure that a software project does not end in chaos but progresses in a targeted manner, development is typically divided into several clearly defined phases. Each with their own tasks, participants and challenges.
1. Requirements analysis
What's happening?
This phase is not simply about “collecting wishes.” It is about working with all parties involved to find out what the system should do and, above all, why.
In workshops, interviews or process monitoring, it is worked out what the current situation looks like and where concrete hurdles lie. The participants jointly formulate so-called user stories or scenarios: “As a customer, I want to...”. Initial requirements are documented, usually in the form of backlogs, use cases or epics.
Often, a clickable prototype or a simple mockup is already created to develop a joint image of the target system. It is precisely here that it is decided whether everyone is talking about the same thing or whether contradictions creep in, which will later become expensive.
Who is involved?
Client, product owner, specialist departments, developers, possibly UX designers.
What is important?
Clear communication. Requirements must be understandable, measurable and realistic. A first joint model (e.g. user stories, mockups) often helps.
What often goes wrong?
Unclear goals, conflicting requirements, or too much wishful thinking. Lack of user perspective.
2. Planning & architecture
What's happening?
The requirements from the first phase are now being made tangible: How can the whole thing be technically implemented? Architecture decisions are made — for example about the system landscape, databases, interfaces or frameworks.
This is not only about technology, but also about organizational issues: Who is doing what until when? How are tasks distributed? What dependencies are there? Typical tools here include architecture diagrams, technical concepts, cost estimates and project plans.
Decisions made here, for example regarding the code base or the hosting structure, later have a massive effect on the flexibility, scalability and maintainability of the system.
Who is involved?
architects, senior developers, project managers.
What is important?
Realistic planning with buffer zones and a flexible architecture that can accommodate subsequent changes.
What often goes wrong?
Too early decisions about details, overplanning, unrealistic assumptions.
3rd design
What's happening?
This phase is not only about colors and fonts, but also about the interaction experienced. UX designers develop user guides, layouts and information structures.
What does a user see first? How does he navigate through the application? What feedback does he get in case of errors or entries?
In parallel, UI components, style guides and, if necessary, a design system are being created. In feedback loops with departments or test subjects, iterative testing is carried out: Does the user understand what they should do? Is the application barrier-free, logical and efficient?
At the same time, designers and developers must closely coordinate what is technically feasible and how to make good use of the design leeway.
Who is involved?
UX/UI designers, developers, stakeholders on the feedback loop, if applicable.
What is important?
Consistent design, good user interface, clear information architecture.
What often goes wrong?
Design without regard to technical feasibility. Or: Developers implement the design “something like that.”
4. Implementation/ Programming
What's happening?
Now it's getting technical. The planned functions are implemented — often feature by feature, in small incremental steps. Developers work with ticket systems (e.g. Jira, GitHub Issues) and implement tasks based on the specification. Frameworks are set up, APIs are developed, and database structures are created.
At the same time, writing the first tests (unit, integration, possibly UI tests) usually begins. Pull requests ensure code reviews within the team so that quality and style are maintained. Increasingly important: Continuous integration, i.e. automated processes to carry out builds and tests regularly.
Who is involved?
Developer, tester if necessary, code reviewer.
What is important?
Clear distribution of tasks, clean documentation, meaningful version control.
What often goes wrong?
“I'll just install that quickly.” Lack of testing. Technical debts that become expensive later on.
5. Test/ Quality Assurance
What's happening?
Before going live and ideally in parallel with development, the software is thoroughly tested. There are different types of tests:
- automated unit testing
- integration testing
- manual testing of specialist areas
- usability testing
- security tests (penetration tests).
Bugs are documented, reproduced, prioritized, and fixed. This is not only about accuracy, but also about behavior under load, accessibility, device and browser compatibility. Test environments are often used which simulate the subsequent production system.
Who is involved?
Tester, developer, product owner.
What is important?
Automated testing, reproducible bug reports, realistic test scenarios.
What often goes wrong?
Tests are done too late or not at all. “It's already running” is not a test.
6. Deployment
What's happening?
When everyone involved gives the green light, the application is published. This can be a soft launch (e.g. for internal users) or an official go live.
Technically, this means: Code is transferred to productive systems, data is migrated, services are configured. DevOps teams set up monitoring, provide backups, and prepare possible rollbacks.
Often, a so-called “staging” system is also operated in parallel in order to prepare future changes without risk. External communication, for example to customers or users, is also coordinated here.
Who is involved?
DevOps, developers, support teams, if applicable.
What is important?
Stable infrastructure, backups, rollback plans. And: Communication to all those affected.
What often goes wrong?
“Just push it to the server” without testing. Unexpected data migration issues.
7. Maintenance & development
What's happening?
After going live, the actual operation begins. Bugs are collected and their fixes are prioritized, updates are planned and new features are developed.
This requires not only technical know-how, but also close contact with users: What works well, where are there problems?
At the same time, security patches must be installed promptly and potential performance problems monitored. Many teams here use ticket systems, feedback forms or usage data to further develop them in a targeted manner.
Important: Maintenance is not “residual work”, but simply necessary to keep the software permanently usable.
Who is involved?
Developers, support, customer feedback, if applicable.
What is important?
Continuous improvement, clear processes for changes, documentation.
What often goes wrong?
Technical debts are ignored. Feedback is not received. Maintenance is underrated.
Models and procedures in software development
There is no “right” model for how to negotiate the phases of software development or implement them for yourself. Instead, the approach must fit your project, your team, and your project. It is important that you decide early on how you want to work and get everyone involved on board. And: You can adjust the model later if you notice that something isn't working, as long as you know what you're doing.
Waterfall model
Classification & deployment scenario:
A strictly linear model: The phases run one after the other, from analysis to deployment. Suitable for projects with clearly defined requirements, e.g. in industry or the public sector.
Strengths: High predictability, clear documentation, clear structure.
Weaknesses: Changes are difficult to implement later on. Feedback often comes very late in the project.
Communication: Highly document-driven, often with little direct coordination during implementation.
example: A corporate application for a defined internal process with regulatory requirements.
Agile models (e.g. Scrum, Kanban)
Classification & deployment scenario:
Iterative and incremental development: Working software is delivered in short cycles (sprints). Well suited for projects with evolving requirements, such as MVPs or platforms with close user interaction.
Strengths: Quick feedback, high flexibility, close collaboration with stakeholders.
Weaknesses: Requires a lot of discipline and communication. Not ideal when there are many external dependencies.
Communication: Regular meetings (e.g. daily standups, sprint reviews), strong involvement of all participants.
example: A mobile app for a start-up that has yet to research user behavior.
Tip: Here you can find our full article on Agile software development.
V-Model XT
Classification & deployment scenario:
A widely used model in Germany, particularly in the public sector. The focus is on clear requirements, comprehensive documentation and systematic test planning right from the start.
Strengths: Reliable traceability, structured test concept, good for safety-critical systems.
Weaknesses: Not very flexible, high documentation costs.
Communication: Highly formalized, lots of votes on documents and approvals.
example: Software for medical devices or safety-related automotive components.
spiral model
Classification & deployment scenario:
An iterative model with a strong focus on risk analysis. Each loop goes through analysis, design, implementation and testing, with the aim of identifying and minimizing risks at an early stage.
Strengths: Suitable for complex, long-term projects with high uncertainties or special risks.
Weaknesses: Complex to plan, not lightweight.
Communication: Iterative, heavily focused on reviews and risk documentation.
Example: Development of software for space travel or research laboratories.
DevOps
Classification & deployment scenario:
DevOps is not just a development model, but a culture: Development and operation are thought of as a unit. The aim is to deliver new functions quickly and stably while continuously improving them.
Strengths: Short release cycles, high automation, direct feedback from the live system.
Weaknesses: High technical requirements, requires good infrastructure and experienced teams.
Communication: Constantly — between developers, operations and often support.
example: Web platforms with weekly or daily releases.
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hybrid models
Classification & deployment scenario:
In practice, work is often not carried out purely according to a model. Traditional planning is often carried out at the beginning — and then implemented in an agile way. Or you can integrate DevOps practices into an agile project.
Strengths: Flexibility while maintaining a structural framework.
Weaknesses: Requires clear coordination and a deliberate combination of models.
Communication: Depending on the combination. It is crucial that roles and processes are clearly defined.
example: A large platform project with clear regulatory requirements, but agile implementation in a front-end team.
Through the phases of software development together with Axisbits
You now have a clear overview of the typical phases of software development. Perhaps you yourself are at a point where you want to tackle, restructure or further develop a project. And maybe you're not just looking for knowledge, but someone who will go through the process with you.
At Axisbits, we guide teams, start-ups and companies through exactly these steps: from initial requirements analysis, technical architecture and implementation through to ongoing maintenance and development.
What is important to us: methodological clarity, a genuine understanding of business processes and the ability to design software in such a way that it is sustainable in the long term. Whether it's a classic approach, agile sprints or a mix of them — we bring experience from various types of projects and adapt to what makes sense for your project. You can find successfully implemented development projects in our portfolio.
So if you're looking for someone who not only writes software, but also brings structure to complex processes: Just talk to us. We listen, think along and implement. If you already have a project idea on the table Get in touch with us!
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