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Computer programs are implemented everywhere these days, from our cars to our smartphones, and in almost every job. As the world becomes more and more digital, the need for new programs will always keep increasing. If you have the next big idea, why not make it yourself? See Step 1 below to find out how to get started learning a language, developing your idea into a testable product, and then iterating on it until it’s ready for release.
Coming Up With an Idea
Brainstorm ideas. A good program will perform a task that makes life easier for the user. Look at the software that is currently available for the task you want to perform, and see if there are ways that the process could be easier or smoother. A successful program is one that users will find a lot of utility in.
Learning a Language
Download a good text editor. Almost all programs are written in text editors and then compiled to run on computers. While you can use programs like Notepad or TextEdit, it is highly recommended that you download a syntax-highlighting editor such as Notepad++ JEdit, or Sublime Text. This will make your code much easier to visually parse.
Learn a programming language. All programs are created through coding. If you want to create your own programs, you will need to be familiar with at least one programming language. The languages you will need to learn will vary depending on the type of program you want to create. Some of the more useful and important ones include:
Download the compiler or interpreter. For any high-level language such as C++, Java, and many others, you will need a compiler to convert your code into a format that the computer can use. There are a variety of compilers to choose from depending on the language you are using.
Learn basic programming concepts. No matter which language you pick, you’ll likely need to understand some basic common concepts. Knowing how to handle the syntax of the language will allow you to create much more powerful programs. Common concepts include:
Find some books on the language of your choice. There are books for every language and for every level of expertise. You can find programming books at your local bookstore or any online retailer. A book can be an invaluable tool as you can keep it close at hand while you’re working.
Take some classes. Anyone can teach themselves to make a program if they put their mind to it, but sometimes having a teacher and a classroom environment can be really beneficial. One-on-one time with an expert can greatly decrease the time it takes you to grasp programming fundamentals and concepts. Classes are also a good place to learn advanced math and logic that will be required for more complex programs.
Building Your Prototype
Start writing a basic program with your core functionality. This will be the prototype that shows off the functionality that you’re aiming to achieve. A prototype is a quick program, and should be iterated on until you find a design that works. For example, if you are creating a calendar program, your prototype would be a basic calendar (with correct dates!) and a way to add events to it.
Assemble a team. If you are developing your program on your own, you can use a prototype to help build a team. A team will help you track down bugs faster, iterate features, and design the visual aspects of the program.
Comment on everything. Use the comment syntax in your programming language to leave notes on all but the most basic lines of code. This will help you remember what you were doing if you have to put the project down for awhile, and will help other developers understand your code. This is especially essential if you are working as part of a programming team.
Alpha Testing
Gather a testing team. In the alpha stage, the testing team can and should be small. A small group will help you get focused feedback and gives you the ability to interface with testers one on one. Every time you make updates to the prototype, new builds are sent out to the alpha testers. The testers then try all of the included features and also try to break the program, documenting their results.
Address bugs in order of priority. When revising the program in the alpha, you will be spending a lot of time fixing features that do not work correctly. When organizing your bug reports from your alpha testers, they will need to be sorted based on two metrics: Severity and Priority.
Add more features. During the alpha phase, you will be adding more features to your program to bring it closer to the program outlined in your design document. The alpha stage is where the prototype evolves into the basic for of the full program. By the end of the alpha stage, your program should have all of its features implemented.
Increase your testing group size. In the beta phase, the program is made available to a much larger group of testers. Some developers make the beta phase public, which is referred to as an open beta. This allows anyone to sign up and participate in testing the product.
Polish your software. In the beta phase, no more features are being added, so focus can be turned to improving the program’s aesthetics and usability. In this phase, UI design becomes a priority, ensuring that the users will have no difficulty navigating the program and taking advantage of the features.
Releasing the Program
Market your program. If you want to get users, you’ll want to make sure that they know your program exists. Just like any product, you’ll need to do a bit of advertising in order to make people aware. The extent and depth of your marketing campaign will be dictated by your program’s function as well as your available budget. Some easy ways to raise awareness of your program include:
ASSIGNMENT : CS4: DEVELOPING A SIMPLE PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT MARKS : 10 DURATION : 1 week, 3 days