Who can create software?

The computer industry has changed since its early days. In those times, it was very hard for people who had no technical knowledge and experience in programming or designing to be able to make their own PC applications. Today, things are different as there are many software developers available online that will help anyone learn how to program. There are also video tutorials on YouTube that offer detailed explanations about all the steps involved in making an application. This article explains what each step means, so that you can follow them easily without any difficulty. If you're just getting into coding and would like to know more details, I recommend reading my free eBook "Beginner's Guide To Computer Programming" where you'll find lots of useful information.

In the following sections we'll discuss these topics one by one:

1. Introduction - Why do we need computers at all? How did programs start before the internet came along? Who invented the first computer? What were they used for? All these questions will answer your next question-who actually creates the code to run a software program?

2. Hardware - This section discusses hardware components such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory) etc. It goes over various types of microprocessors currently being manufactured, including Pentium, Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon, Intel Atom processors. We will also talk about memory chips called DDR3 SDRAM, DDR4 SDRAM, LPDDR2, GDDR5 & GDDR6 graphics cards, Hard Drive Serial ATA 3Gb/s, SATA III Gen 1.0a, PCIe x16 slots, USB ports, HDMI port, eSATA port, FireWire interface, PCI Express lanes etc.

3. Software Design - Here we go through the most important aspect of creating an app, i.e., software design. You should focus mainly on algorithms, data structures, functions, variable names and storage classes. However, some books may teach you additional techniques such as object oriented programming (OOP). OOP is basically using objects instead of procedures to perform operations. For example, consider the following simple procedure written in C language:

int sum(int num1, int num2); { return num1+num2; }

Now let us see how this same function could be implemented using objects. First, define an abstract class named Addition. Then write down the methods required from this Abstract Class inside it. Next, declare two variables name numberOne & numberTwo and set their values accordingly. Finally, invoke the add() method passing both numbers as arguments.

Next, we'll explain the concept of abstraction. Abstraction is hiding complexity behind simplicity. Instead of writing complex algorithm yourself, you can simply use existing ones provided by libraries. An abstraction provides a simplified way to access functionality rather than defining it yourself. For instance, take the above mentioned addition procedure again. Now imagine that someone else comes up with another much simpler but efficient procedure. He then wants to share his innovation with others via open source license. So he decides to implement the abovementioned complicated algorithm himself and publish it under GPL License. But suppose if he didn't bother doing that! What happens when someone invokes the new method directly? Of course, compilation error occurs because the compiler doesn't recognize the newly created method. Thus, it demands user to explicitly tell the type of argument passed to the method. Therefore, abstraction helps programmers avoid such mistakes.

As discussed earlier, OOP uses Objects instead of Procedures to perform desired actions. Let us now look at Object Oriented Programming (OOP):

Object Orientated Programming (OOP) is a form of computer science based on encapsulation. Encapsulation refers to dividing large blocks of codes into smaller units. Each unit contains related pieces of functionality and hides away unrelated parts. Take the previous example once again. Suppose the person who developed the addition method decided not to implement the multiplication operation within it. Hence, he made a separate file containing only the implementation of the multiplication operator. Another programmer might come across this code later while working on another project. Since multiplication isn't part of the main task, he won't get confused whether to include it or not. Furthermore, he knows that multiplying one integer takes less time compared to multiplying two integers together. That's why he prefers implementing the multiplication portion separately. By separating out multiplication logic, programmers can utilize multiple cores efficiently by distributing tasks between CPUs. Also, data sharing becomes easier among modules as well.

Lastly, let us discuss Data Structures. These are mathematical concepts that store data according to certain rules. They usually consist of nodes linked together. A node can contain fields representing attributes of elements stored at specific locations. Some common examples of data structure include Binary Search Trees, Hash Tables, Linked Lists, Stack, Queue etc.

4. Implementation - As soon as everything is designed properly, it must be translated into actual executable files known as binaries. Every computer system consists of several binary files. One of them is boot loader that runs immediately after turning on your machine. It loads up OS kernel responsible for loading drivers, starting processes and executing commands given by users. After running successfully for a few minutes, the operating system gets loaded up automatically without requiring further intervention. This process is referred to as Kernel Loading. Similarly, every piece of software needs to undergo similar transformation process to become an executable file.

5. Testing - While developing apps, programmers test them thoroughly by simulating real world conditions. Sometimes bugs occur during testing phase due to incorrect assumptions about inputs. Such problems can be resolved quickly if caught in advance. Once the software is ready for public distribution, beta testers evaluate performance of the final product by providing feedback regarding usability, speed, stability etc. Beta tests play vital role in improving overall quality of software products.

6. Public Release - At last, after months of debugging and testing, the software passes the final round of checks. When satisfied, the company releases the final version of product publicly for everyone to download.

So far, we've learned about who develops apps. Now it's time to understand how does a software work. How does a browser display web pages correctly? And how does Windows respond whenever you press buttons? Well, here's where the magic happens. Programs rely heavily upon underlying technologies such as Operating Systems, Compilers, Browsers, Libraries, Drivers, File System etc. Whenever you launch a particular software, say Microsoft Word, it communicates with underlying layers to complete specified task. Most of the time, these communication happen seamlessly.

7. Distribution - Once released, companies distribute copies of the software to end users. People interested in downloading it pay money towards purchase. Companies provide updates regularly to enhance security, fix errors, introduce new features etc.

8. Support - Developers often receive support requests from customers asking for improvements in terms of usability, efficiency, reliability, availability etc. Many organizations hire IT professionals to handle such issues. Some even prefer outsourcing this service to specialized firms located overseas.

9. Maintenance - Even though the initial cost incurred in releasing software initially is quite high, maintenance costs remain relatively low. This is because unlike cars, computers don't deteriorate gradually overtime. However, regular upgrades can increase longevity of machines significantly. Moreover, updating software frequently ensures security of computing systems against viruses and worms.

10. Compatibility - Making changes to a previously released product involves keeping old versions intact. For instance, if a client purchased copy of software X years ago and wants to update it to version Y, then backward compatibility remains crucial. Without proper planning, upgrading software may result in loss of precious data.

11. Modification - Users sometimes ask for modifications to already released products. Changes might involve adding extra functionalities, fixing bugs or removing unnecessary portions altogether. As long as modification doesn't affect core functionality, clients feel comfortable paying higher amount of fees.

12. Upgrades - Although companies release newer versions of software periodically, older versions aren't discarded completely. Newer versions aim to improve upon aspects covered by older versions. In fact, most of today's popular softwares still incorporate features introduced back in 2002.

13. Patches - Similar to upgrade, patching denotes fixing bugs present in pre-released versions. Usually done internally, patches are distributed to customers privately. Unlike upgrades, patches are applied manually.

14. Updates - Apart from internal patches, companies also send out external updates to address bugs in recently released versions. Like internal patches, external updates too require manual installation.

15. Rollbacks - Occasionally, bugs are reported by users resulting in rollback of latest release. Bug fixes are then incorporated into next release.

The development process consists of several steps. First step is designing and developing an application or website in accordance with client requirements. Second step is testing that developed product for quality assurance purposes (ease of use, functionality). Third step is packaging that tested product into final form suitable for distribution. Fourth step is marketing the product by promoting it on the Internet, providing support services etc., Fifth step - making changes to the application according to user feedbacks. It should be noted that any mistakes during all these stages may cause loss of profits and reputation. So, how do we prevent such situations from happening? How would you know whether your work was done properly? Who will tell you about bugs and errors? And what are they actually doing there? All those questions remain unanswered until now. But today I'm going to answer them right away! Let's start our journey together.

When someone comes up with idea, he/she has to think about who could take care of that project. There are many ways to get help from others. You can ask a friend, colleague or even family member. Or maybe you'll consider outsourcing the task. However, one thing is sure - no matter where you choose to go, you need to make sure that person(s) working for you possesses certain abilities and experience. Why not just hire some random people off the street? Well, yes, sometimes it works out. However, remember that every good programmer knows his trade well. He understands nuances of programming language used (for example Java), she knows details of API implementation (in Objective-C), he knows nuances of database systems used (such as MySQL), while she knows specifics of operating system used (OSX). This knowledge gives him ability to solve problems faster than anyone else. That's why programmers usually earn more money than everyone else involved in coding project. Nowadays, hiring developers is becoming easier and cheaper too. If you're planning to build new app yourself, here are few things you must keep in mind when looking for a developer:

What is the price of software?

First question is "what is a software?" Software is simply computer program written using specific tools. These tools include source code editor, compiler, linker, archiver, debugger, profiler etc. Usually, you don't write human readable source codes, but machine readable ones instead. Most often, this kind of languages are called high-level languages. For example C++, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, Python etc. In order to understand compiled programs better, let me give examples of simple C++ programs. We'll assume that we've got two files named main.cpp and hello.hpp. Here's what happens inside when compiling these two files:

main.cpp file contains lines like cout<<"Hello World";

hello.hpp file defines function void print_message() and tells compiler how to call it later. Function prototype looks something like this: void print_message();

Compiler scans through both of above mentioned files and finds references to functions defined in.hpp file. Then it creates object (.exe) containing instructions that were found earlier. Next time, when executing the created executable file, CPU will execute instruction contained within newly generated binary data.  Let's see what happens when we change name of main function from print_message() to say hello():

As you probably noticed, first line of output changed. Obviously, because new function name differs from old one. While changing names of existing functions doesn't affect performance, it still leads to unexpected behavior after recompilation. When you add new version of code to already running program, everything goes fine. However, the moment you try to rerun previously compiled copy of same program, strange things happen. After restarting execution, program prints out different message than before. Compile error occurs only once compilation process starts. Another important point is that there exists so-called binary interface between hardware components and software. This means that information sent from processor to RAM via bus isn't affected by changes made to its contents. Therefore, changing internal representation of existing code won't influence speed at runtime. Of course, it's possible to improve efficiency of existing software without knowing anything about underlying architecture. One way to achieve that goal is introducing features known as hot patching and dynamic loading. Both techniques allow modifying existing program and then continue processing unchanged. Hot patching allows adding additional functionalities to software without building entirely new version. Dynamic loading lets users load library modules dynamically whenever needed.

There exist several frameworks designed specifically for easy creation of desktop applications. Two most popular among them are QT Creator and Visual Studio Express 2012. They provide similar set of useful tools including integrated debugging environment, graphical layout editors, unit test runners, documentation generators and wizards. To learn more about various aspects related to creating software, check out official websites of these companies: Microsoft, Code42. Also, Google search will definitely bring you results concerning this topic.

What is software price?

Now that you've learned what makes a piece of software valuable, next logical question is 'how expensive is it?' Price depends mainly on number of elements included in finished product. Some of them are listed below:

1. Source code -- price ranges from $0 per hour to millions depending on complexity of tasks performed.

2. Testing -- price varies greatly since it strongly depends on size of project, type of tests implemented and level of expertise required. A lot of non-programmers charge $20-$30 per hour for manual testing.

3. Documentation -- price also varies widely. Sometimes it costs nothing, sometimes hundreds of dollars. Generally speaking, it depends on volume of documents produced.

4. Packaging -- amount charged depends largely on scope of work. From very basic packages consisting solely of executables, to fully featured products with installation package, technical documentation and custom branding.

If you decide to purchase commercial license for open-source software, you might be surprised to find out that pricing model employed by major contributors such as Mozilla Foundation and GNU Project is quite unusual. According to their philosophy, prices paid by end users shouldn't exceed 20% of total budget spent on maintaining free software infrastructure. As you can imagine, it requires great deal of discipline to follow such policy.

So, based on previous discussions, here's another interesting question. Which part of software is responsible for generating revenue? Is it bug fixing, writing tutorials, updating manuals or marketing campaigns? Unfortunately, we cannot tell you exact percentage. Only thing you can do is conduct thorough analysis of existing projects. See which parts of the code require regular updates, fix frequent crashes and identify potential customers. Once you come across such issues, contact relevant parties to negotiate discounts.

How much does it cost to buy a software?

In order to acquire full rights over licensed product, you're supposed to pay licensing fee. Since buying licenses for multiple versions of software is rather complicated procedure, most vendors offer special deals targeted towards small businesses. Depending on current market conditions, it takes anywhere from 2 weeks to couple months to receive approval. Licensing fees range from $100 to thousands. Not surprisingly, larger organizations tend to spend less. By paying upfront, you avoid having to worry about terms and conditions imposed by third party providers.

Another option available for buyers is purchasing software under subscription basis. Subscription models differ depending on vendor. Some of them charge monthly recurring fee, while others prefer annual payments. Either way, getting access to latest releases is always guaranteed provided you stick to terms & conditions agreed upon.

How much does it cost to run software?

Running software is relatively cheap affair. Although actual figures depend heavily on nature of operations carried out by particular machine, maintenance expenses don't pose significant challenge. Main reason behind that is fact that modern computers possess plenty of resources capable of supporting concurrent processes. In addition, majority of apps nowadays utilize shared memory for storage. Lastly, most servers are equipped with RAID technology, which significantly reduces risk of losing data due to disk failure.

Other notable points worth mentioning are usage of virtualization technologies and cloud computing solutions. Virtual machines allow dividing physical server into separate sections or partitions, each dedicated to perform specific tasks. Thanks to that mechanism, single server can serve numerous clients simultaneously. Cloud computing is concept allowing consumers to rent unused capacity offered by remote datacenters located in distant locations. Such facilities usually consist of dozens of PCs interconnected via network. Users pay for service based on consumed resources. Despite differences, both approaches share common goal of maximizing productivity, reliability and scalability.

Conclusion

It may be surprising for many people that actually there are jobs like "software developers" in our world today. And while it might seem strange at first, as technology advances and becomes more complex, so does the need for new programmers to help us understand them better. This article will try to explain how software gets developed and what kind of knowledge or experience are required to become a programmer.

When people think about programming they usually envision someone sitting behind their computer screen typing lines of code until everything works perfectly. However, modern software development has evolved into something much different than that. Nowadays, anyone from young students just starting out on coding courses all the way up to experienced professionals can write software programs. No matter where you're coming from, knowing some fundamental principles about software engineering will come handy when learning to program for your career later down the road.

In order to fully grasp how software develops, let's take a look at basic steps involved in creating an application.

How can we create software?

There are several ways one could go about developing a piece of software depending on their level of expertise and current situation. If you've been tasked with writing a small utility app for yourself, then you'll likely use only standard text editors such as Notepad, TextMate or even Microsoft Word. For bigger projects, you may opt to use integrated development environments (IDEs) instead. These tools allow coders to manage multiple files at once, compile codes for various platforms, debug errors and perform unit testing among others. With these IDEs, programmers don't always need extensive background knowledge to get started because most tasks would involve mouse clicks rather than complicated commands.

At its core, software creation entails three main components: logic design, user interface design and implementation. Logic refers to algorithms used to control certain functions within applications while UI stands for User Interface -- basically the graphical elements made visible through screens and monitors. Implementation involves getting those designs ready to run on devices. Depending on the type of project, each step could require specialized training and years worth of experience before being able to produce successful results.

Now that we know where we begin, let's review some basics on how software gets designed and built.

How system software is created?

For any given operating system to work properly, it needs to follow certain rules and procedures known as standards. One example of such guidelines is UNIX/POSIX, also referred to as System V Unix or simply Unix. It consists of specifications regarding file systems, networking protocols, device drivers and shells along with other useful features. In addition to following the standard, developers must ensure that their creations work smoothly across hundreds of thousands of machines worldwide. To achieve this goal, engineers often employ common object-oriented languages including C++, Java, PHP and Python. They rely heavily upon cross-platform frameworks such as Adobe Flex and Google Web Toolkit. Other examples include Apple OS X Cocoa and Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

The best part about working on big companies' products is that they already handle most of the technical details needed to make things easier for you. But how do they determine whether a product should be released or not? That's why large organizations hire teams of experts who spend time looking over prototypes and analyzing data. Afterward, they decide whether changes need to be made or if the final version meets company requirements enough. Only after passing both tests, the finished product goes public for everyone else to enjoy.

As mentioned earlier, the process of designing software mostly begins with drawing pictures depicting functionalities using diagrams, sketches, flow charts or wireframes. Once the rough concept is completed, programmers move on to implementing specific parts of the application based on those designs. At times, they may consult specialists in graphics, web design, hardware interfaces, etc., in order to ensure users receive the best overall experience. Finally, testers evaluate the prototype thoroughly by performing stress tests and running scenarios under real conditions. All of these steps combined result in delivering quality software at the end.

While the above description seems overly simplified, it helps illustrate a general principle of how software gets produced. As long as you keep track of deadlines and stick to established processes, you shouldn't encounter too many problems during production.

Where can I create a software?

Once you've mastered the fundamentals of software development, the next logical question is where should you start? There are plenty of places online where you can find freelance opportunities. You can search popular job boards such as Indeed, Simply Hired and Monster Jobs to see listings available near your location. Some good options to consider include Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Fiverr and Upwork. Just remember to research potential employers carefully to avoid scams. Before signing contracts, ask questions about wages, hours worked and other relevant terms. Also check out reviews posted by former employees. Make sure to read the fine print!

If you'd prefer to stay close to home, local colleges and universities offer great resources for finding employment. Most schools dedicate entire classes toward teaching students how to build websites, apps and games. While you won't learn how to become a millionaire overnight, you never know where your journey towards becoming an expert coder could lead.

Finally, if you're still unsure about pursuing this field full time, freelancing sites such as PeoplePerHour and Freelancer provide affordable solutions. Many clients seeking custom-built pieces of software tend to post individual gigs on these marketplaces since hiring a team of developers can cost upwards of $1,000 per month. By contrast, bidding services charge less but give you fewer perks compared to traditional ones. A lot depends on personal preferences though, especially if you aim to earn extra income.

Can I develop software by myself?

One thing to note is that there really isn't anything stopping you from trying to create software without any prior knowledge or experience. The problem is that doing so requires lots of trial and error, which takes away valuable time and money. Without proper guidance, it can be difficult to figure out important aspects of building high-quality software. Sooner or later, you'll probably realize that it takes far longer than expected to complete even simple tasks. Besides wasting countless hours, beginners may also risk losing interest due to constant frustrations.

To prevent yourself from falling victim to these pitfalls, here are some tips you should bear in mind:

Start slow. Take baby steps to familiarize yourself with essential concepts. Begin by making smaller projects -- perhaps ones involving adding functionality to existing scripts -- and gradually advance onto larger tasks. Don't fall prey to overconfidence either. Remember that every rookie mistakes happen to seasoned veterans as well.

Be patient. Learning doesn't occur instantly. Instead, it comes from practicing day in and day out. Set realistic goals and treat failures as stepping stones leading closer to success. Never quit!

Have fun. Programming can sometimes feel tedious and monotonous. Having a sense of humor relieves tension associated with repetitive routines. Try playing video game soundtracks or listening to comedy podcasts whenever possible.

Before diving headfirst into programming, make sure you've done your homework. Understand the difference between syntax and semantics, variables versus constants, array vs. list, OOP vs. procedural etc. Knowing key vocabulary words will save tons of confusion later.

So now you know how software gets written and whether you can create it on your own. Good luck ahead!