For me, Software Development Process is going from an abstract idea in somebody head (for example the costumer) to a concrete system, that actually implements that idea. I think it is a very complex process because it can be overwhelming.
First in the software development process, the requirements phase outlines the goals of what the program will be capable of doing. Next, the design phase covers how the program is going to be created, who will be doing what, etc. The implementation phase is where the programmers and other designers start work on the program. After the developers have a working copy, the testing and verification step can begin to help verify the program has no errors. During the testing phase, problems found are fixed, until the program meets the company’s quality controls. After the program’s development, the documentation phase on how to use the program can be completed. Finally, maintaining (updating) the program must continue for several years after the initial release.
A software development process makes everything easier and reduces the amount of problems encountered, is the way we take a task into smaller steps that we can handle.
Source: http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/softdeve.htm
