Software developers play an integral role in today’s tech-driven business world. Based on an analysis of user needs, they design, develop, and update applications used by everyone from e-commerce businesses to health care providers. To get the job done efficiently, they rely on modern software development tools.
The best software development teams don’t operate in a bubble, however. Developers must also understand how cutting-edge technology they use fits into the larger organization and see how it factors as part of a collaborative effort with the larger team.
When managing development projects, understanding software tools and their purposes will help you identify your team’s technical needs and structure work processes. This guide provides a categorical overview of some of the most important software development tools that developers use and breaks down some criteria to look for.
1. Editing tools
Software development is rooted in coding, the process of creating machine-readable instructions or scripts. These codes can determine how a website will react, for example—when a user clicks on a button, the webpage opens a dialogue box. Front-end development determines what the user sees, while back-end development directs this “reaction.”
Editors allow for fast and easy writing and editing of code. Aside from serving as the basic building block for code creation, editors also make the process more efficient, for example, by providing preloaded user interface (UI) themes.
What to look for when choosing editing tools
- Compatible operating system: Most code editors work across platforms, but there are also platform-specific tools. The editor should be compatible with whatever operating system your developers use.
- Preferred language: Coding relies on languages, such as Java, PHP, Ruby, Python, C++, and Perl (see this programming language 101 article). The editor needs to support whatever coding language that software developers are supposed to work with. Skilled developers often master multiple coding languages
- Online access: For individuals working independently, a downloadable code editor is appropriate. However, for larger software development teams collaborating across multiple devices, online-based code editors are ideal because everyone can access updates remotely on their own devices.
2. Source control tools
Every development project has its source code, which may be accessed by many people at once. Source control tools monitor changes. When one developer makes changes in their workspace, they are saved locally and sent to a repository where the entire team can access them. From the repository, other team members can pull updates to their local workspace.
Managing access to the source code ensures developers don’t overwrite or otherwise mess up each other’s work. This is what source control tools, also called version control tools, are for.
What to look for when choosing source control tools
- Branch support: Branching refers to how objects are duplicated in version control so that different developers can make changes to different parts in parallel. Various organizations use different branching workflows, for example, a waterfall versus a short-cycle process. The source control system should support the branching strategies of your development environment.
- Reporting functions: Source control reports show who did what and when providing an overview of a project’s development life cycle. For instance, looking for particular changes in a specified time frame can help pinpoint previous errors.
- Remote capability: With the number of telecommuters increasing, remote capabilities are essential to consider. Features available for on-site use should also be available remotely—which isn’t always the case. Additionally, network communications between the on-site system and remote users should be encrypted to ensure security.
3. Continuous integration tools
Continuous integration is technically a philosophy of coding. In practice, it refers to making frequent small changes in code and checking these changes regularly against control repositories. Continuous integration (CI) tools allow for this process to become partially or fully automated.
The goal of CI tools is to establish a consistent, accurate, and regular means of building and packaging applications. Continuous delivery (CD) tools, meanwhile, automate the delivery of application changes.
What to look for when choosing continuous integration tools
- Real-time capabilities: For maximum efficacy, CI and CD tools must provide real-time reporting. Ideally, look for tools that can be integrated with project management systems.
- Tool support: Some tools offer comprehensive support in case something goes wrong, but others don’t. Since CI/CD issues can delay an entire software development project, you want direct support or at least comprehensive trouble-shooting documentation at hand.
- Plug-ins: Many CI systems come with plug-in features designed to enhance functionality. Plug-ins ideally won’t be a third party, as this can jeopardize stability, security, or availability.
4. Testing tools
Software development is an iterative process. Regular updates ensure functionality and keep bugs at bay. Software development testing tools help keep software up to date.
Without regular testing, the software may function improperly or not at all. Testing tools allow for the first line of defense against errors, which can then be supplemented by a dedicated quality assurance team (always a must-have, as explained here).
What to look for when choosing testing tools
- Web versus mobile testing: Mobile technologies are part of everyday life, and software development needs to take this into account. Testing tools should ideally encompass web and mobile applications.
- Testing purpose: Different tools exist for different types of testing. For example, there are tools designed to test programs specifically at the UI level.
- Automation: The most advanced testing tools allow for some level of automation. The tool may proactively perform tests, alerting developers when issues are identified.
5. Workflow management tools
Coordinating software development requires stringent project management. Establishing a methodology for software development is a good step toward keeping things organized (Agile is one option).
A methodology isn’t enough, though. Online workflow management tools simplify collaboration, especially when remote workers are involved. They allow you to easily assign and track tasks, offer project-specific communication channels, and can even be used to boost productivity overall.
What to look for when choosing workflow management tools
- User-friendliness: A workflow management tool for remote teams should be comprehensible to all. A clear, simple UI is ideal.
- Integration: Some workflow management apps can be integrated with other apps, such as calendars, documents, or even a CMS. Being able to coordinate these capabilities may allow for simplified team oversight.
- Notifications: Being able to tailor workflow management app notifications makes for more streamlined usability. Email or push notifications help alert team members of important updates or deadlines.
Your team’s greatest tool: Top independent talent
The right software development tools in terms of editing, source control, continuous integration, debugging, and testing will make your software development team more efficient and effective. Combine this cutting-edge technology with advanced workflow management tools, and your team will be even more productive.
Your team is only as good as the people in it, however. Upwork offers a global network of skilled professionals, allowing you to choose experts who best suit your needs. Even if you currently have an in-house team, you can complement their talents with cost-efficient, off-site workers on an independent or part-time basis.
