The software development process can be broken down into the following steps:

Step 1

• Required to determine if the project is feasible
• Create high level overview of project, including project requirements and scope
• Define the problem that needs to be solved
• Project planning and scheduling

Step 2

• Understand and document user's requirements for the project
• Expand on project overview and create detailed project definition
• Documents the requirements, scope and business objectives of the project in detail.

Step 3

• This step describes the programs objectives and application design
• Document functional requirements (what the program is supposed to do) and non-functional requirements (system, performance, usability, security requirements, etc.)

Step 4

• Coding phase of the project
• Specifications and functional requirements are translated into programming code
• Create online help and test plans
• Update project plan and schedule

Step 5

• Different pieces or modules of code are combined together, to create the program
• Several testing methodologies are implemented to find any bugs or imperfections that may not have been caught in the previous phases
• Testing ensures that the program complies with all technical specifications as well as user and design requirements
• Create acceptance plan and define test cases
• Design and implementation modifications are made
• Modify and update online help

Step 6

• Software is presented to the user and comments or questions are addressed
• Make necessary changes to project plan and schedule

Step 7

• Any changes after the product has been delivered are considered maintenance.
• Changes can occur due to unexpected input values or changes in the data
• Certain changes at this phase can directly affect how the program operates