Software Development — Definition, Examples, Applications & Careers

Software Development

By Glintr Editorial TeamReviewed by Glintr Learn ReviewersUpdated 2026-08-315 min readArea: Software Development

Quick Answer

What is Software Development?

Software Development is the practice of designing, building, testing and maintaining computer programs.

Definition

Software development combines problem analysis, design, coding, testing, deployment and maintenance. It spans web, mobile, embedded and backend systems, and is typically organised around version control, code review and continuous integration.

Related Concepts

ProgrammingProgramming is the act of writing instructions in a language a computer can execute.
Web DevelopmentWeb Development is the practice of building websites and web applications — front-end interfaces, back-end services and the systems that connect them.
App DevelopmentApp Development is the practice of building software applications, most commonly for mobile devices.
APIAn API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined contract that lets one software system talk to another.
AlgorithmAn algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that takes an input and produces an output.