# The custom software development process, step by step

Published 23 April 2026. Updated 29 May 2026. By the LOLCorp engineering team.

**Short answer:** A custom software project moves through discovery, a fixed-scope quote, design and prototyping, build in short sprints, testing, launch, and ongoing support. At LOLCorp a focused first release typically reaches production in about 4–6 weeks.

## 1. Discovery
We learn how your business actually works: the people, the workflows, the systems and the pain points. Good discovery is mostly listening, and it prevents building the wrong thing.

## 2. Scope and fixed quote
The findings become a written scope and a fixed price, so you know the investment before any building starts. This is where an instant quote can give you a realistic range even earlier.

## 3. Design and prototype
Before heavy engineering, we prototype the interface and agree the architecture. It is far cheaper to change a clickable prototype than finished code.

## 4. Build in short sprints
We build in weekly increments and demonstrate working software regularly, so you can steer as it takes shape. Automated tests run continuously from the first sprint.

## 5. Test, secure and launch
Security, performance and permissions are checked before go-live. Deployments are designed to avoid downtime, and monitoring is in place from day one.

## 6. Support and grow
After launch, you can take the system in-house, since you own the code, or keep us on through a maintenance or fully managed plan to keep it secure, fast and evolving.

## What you need to provide
You do not need technical knowledge. You need a decision-maker, access to the people who use the current process, and honest feedback in each demo.

Before you start, write a requirements brief and use our checklist for choosing a partner. After launch, plan for maintenance and security. The whole journey is covered in the complete custom software development guide.

Need a website rather than software? Read how to hire a website developer.

Performance and accessibility are tested before launch; see Core Web Vitals explained for what good looks like.

## FAQ
### How long does a custom software project take?
Focused projects typically reach a first release in about 4–6 weeks. Larger platforms are phased so you launch early and keep adding capability.

### Will I see progress during the build?
Yes. Working software is demonstrated regularly, so there are no surprises at the end.

### What happens after launch?
You own the code and can run it yourself, or we can maintain and manage it under a yearly plan.

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Canonical page: https://lolcorp.co.uk/guides/custom-software-development-process/
Publisher: LOLCorp PVT LTD (Company No. 15380538), 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom. Phone +44 20 3576 3417, email hello@lolcorp.co.uk.
Last generated: 2026-10-25