Software development is always trying to reach new milestones. While there are technical barriers to breakthrough, logistics, staffing, and resource allocation must be continually overhauled from project to project.
We’ve seen how fast the world of software changes. Its big thinkers can depart their positions abruptly and be replaced with new minds. New tools and techniques are constantly being developed to further enhance the software development process. Nothing stays the same for very long.
However, one tool has proven itself to be a key pillar of support for software development; the PDF compressor tool. While their inclusion in the development process might not seem obvious to begin with, their use can streamline processes and make working in this field much more efficient.
How is this possible? We’ll explore these ideas more down below.
Providing Reliable Documentation
Many documents get distributed during the software development process. The entire process relies on the smooth and prompt exchange of data.
Steadfast processes need to be established here. If documentation is managed effectively, code can be better maintained, the user experience can be refined, and collaboration between workers can be accelerated.
Documentation plays three important roles during software development. They are:
- API Documentation – A set of protocols defining how to use an application programming interface (API) and how to facilitate different compatible applications working together.
- Internal Code Documentation – Detailing the nuances of the programming with things like annotated code, version control parameters, programming languages, and class and module documentation.
- User guides – Instructions outlining everything else about the software development procedures; system architecture, data models, functional requirements, user interface design, testing procedures, error handling, etc.
PDF compressor tools can help with all of this. There’s a lot of data to share here, and it can put a strain on sharing platforms and network bandwidths when sent between team members. Fortunately, the solution to the problem is this PDF compressor tool, which can reduce file sizes by up to 99% and has TLS encryption for secure document processing. It can be used for free, ensuring all the documentation around software development is compressed and ready to be sent out in moments.
Speeding Up File Transfers
Smaller files can be sent more quickly. Therefore, reducing the PDF file sizes around the software development process can give the project at large a boost in productivity.
Fast and efficient communication can also greatly improve working relationships. If teams developing software together can exchange information rapidly, they will come to depend on one another with greater levels of trust and transparency. All of these things can benefit the wider development process, with a stronger synergy forming between workers.
Furthermore, it’s also worth remembering that innovation is often a race among competitors, each vying to be the first to break new ground. There are also cost considerations; if development projects go on for longer than they’re really needed to, it can be a significant drain on time and finances. Because there’s often a ticking clock with software development projects, any resources that help to save time are undoubtedly worth exploring. PDF compression tools can be counted among them.
Archiving Procedures
Software development is often a multi-phased endeavour. The parameters of the project can evolve as time goes on.
Because things can pivot unexpectedly, archiving becomes a key process – one that endures throughout all cycles of the software development cycle. Project-related documents can be amended and fine-tuned, but the older versions should always be stashed away for future reference.
It can be a matter of law too. Software development must be undertaken under measures that follow regulatory compliance procedures. Auditing processes may also need to be followed. Consequently, all of the archived data can be evidence these parameters are being adhered to.
If you haven’t already guessed, compressed PDFs don’t need as much storage space as their regularly-sized counterparts. That means compressed versions of archived data can be stashed away in long-term storage options without a problem. Storage capacity can be optimised in personal files or on cloud servers, and there’s scope for significant cost-savings around document retention too.
Controlling Versions
Archived versions of software that’s being developed can be fleshed out and expanded upon. These efforts are undertaken in a process known as version control.
Version control is a key focus during software development. It’s typically divided into three distinct avenues for developers to go down:
- Branching – Allows developers to address bug fixes, implement new features, or experiment with the software without affecting the main project itself. They can be deleted as needed or merged with other versions.
- Merging – Involves taking the results of one branching project and merging it into another. Manual conflict resolution may sometimes be required, but the process can be automated to as a unified version of the code is created.
- Cloning – Uses version control systems like Git to create copies of the local repository, which includes the full software source code, its version history and all branches and mergers associated with it.
Where do the PDF compression tools come in? Well, they can optimise these processes, reducing the sizes of the files stored in the repositories. Once that happens, branching, merging, and cloning can all be conducted much faster, and version control documents can be more easily passed around between team members, keeping all workers on track.
Backing Up Data
If data can be archived and various versions of the software development process can be preserved more easily with PDF compressors, then it also benefits another important part of the project; having backup procedures in place.
Disaster can strike with all tech, regardless of what stage of development it’s in. Less storage space can be needed for backup when files are compressed first. However, it also means that backup processes can be carried out far more efficiently and quickly if disaster strikes, as the files can be quickly downloaded because of their smaller size.
A prompt response is always needed during setbacks in software development. Any time spent panicking or being short on solutions will exacerbate these concerns. PDF compressor tools could be the backbone of a data recovery effort, giving developers key assurances that they can keep moving forward no matter what.
