The quality of your finished software product depends on the quality of tools used during the development process. After mapping out the target environment, programming languages, requirements, and goals of the project, you need to select the most appropriate tools that will aid the development process. Consider the usefulness of each tool and how they apply to the target environment. You also need to consider how well a tool integrates with other tools, and whether your chosen tools are up to company standards.
1. Building Tools
Building tools compile and link programming language statements into machine-executable instructions. The frameworks that you choose to work with can improve your productivity while easing the laborious task of coding. A popular building tool for software developers is AngularJS. The JavaScript framework of the web development tool gives you the ability to define a web application’s UI using HTML. The ability to extend HTML’s syntax allows you to code UI in a way that non-developers can understand. Another popular framework is the C-written Phalcon. The customizable framework offers speed and power when dealing with maligned PHP.
When it comes to commercial computing in Python, one of the best solutions is the NumPy programming library. NumPy arrays are known for superior handling of ordered data and the ease of performing operations across arrays. There are several ways programmers can create NumPy arrays. The most common method is to pass a Python list into the np.array method. Nick McCullum offers a brief tutorial on how to use the np.append method to create a new array element that can be integrated into an original array. Understanding how to use the NumPy append method to append two NumPy arrays together streamlines the coding process so that you can efficiently perform operations.
2. Code Editing Tools
Code review tools are essential for fact-checking your coding work. One small mistake in code could result in a fatal error that compromises your final product. An Integrated Debugging Environment (IDE) is a combination code editor and a debugging interface that helps you work more efficiently with fewer errors.
Atom is an open-source text editor with embedded Git Control that supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS operating systems. It features smart autocomplete, find and replace, a package manager, the ability to work across several panes. An alternative open-source editing tool is NetBeans. It allows you to code in PHP or C++, helps organize your project, and integrates with Git for version control.
3. Sales Tools
Most software developers aren’t natural sales leaders, and without a dedicated sales team, creating visibility for your new product can be a hurdle. The market is full of competitors with similar products that target your ideal customer. The most effective way to approach the sales process and increase sales is to follow best practices for a successful sales strategy.
According to Selling Power, the answer to how to improve sales starts by clarifying your mission. Understand your business niche, who you are creating for and why, and how much your ideal customer is willing to pay. Create business goals and break them down into manageable steps so that you can track the progress of your sales performance. When promoting your final product, show potential customers how the features of your offering add value and create a solution to their needs.
Effective marketing materials and a compelling sales pitch will help build favorable market visibility and increase the conversion rate of new customers. A great way to build customer loyalty is to actively seek customer feedback and proactively use it to improve your product. The best way to improve professionally is to constantly assess your strengths and weaknesses and decide to make improvements where needed. Using the right digital tools is an effective way to maximize your time, focus on core tasks, and create a successful final product that your ideal customer will happily purchase.
Digital tools are designed to make processes easier, and software developers are no exception. The building, code editing, and sales tools are three examples of tools that aid the process of software development.