What it is like to work on a Laravel project with Mallow

Have you recently explored information about Mallow? Did you complete the form to initiate a conversation with our expert? We comprehend that your journey to this phase of the shortlisting process likely involved surmounting various challenges. Yet, your questions and hesitations are not likely to cease here. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in assisting you to make an informed decision as you consider collaborating with us. With the help of this article, we have aimed to provide insight into what you can anticipate during your engagement with Mallow for developing an application.

As a dedicated custom software development company, we at Mallow recognise that transparency and communication are the cornerstones of successful collaboration.  The way we value empowering our clients to make informed and unbiased decisions has always been the reason for our clients returning to us for more.

After reading this article, you will have a clear idea about collaborating on a Laravel project infused with Mallow’s unique touch. With our client-centric approach, we’ve designed a comprehensive roadmap that takes you through each stage of the Laravel application development, granting you a front-row seat to the  well-defined process.

What does the initial phase of setting up look like?

From the initial spark of the discovery call to the kickoff of project execution, each stage is crucial. Below are the steps involved during the initial phase of the project setup.

1. The discovery call (duration – 1 day)

The journey into the Laravel application development process with Mallow commences with a pivotal discovery call. This phase serves as the foundation for the project. During this interactive session, our team will engage with you to grasp your vision, objectives, and expectations. This open dialogue aids in aligning the development approach with your aspirations, ensuring a clear understanding of the project’s scope, goals, and challenges. By the end of the discovery call, we both will share a unified perspective, setting the stage for a collaborative and informed development journey.

Regardless of who the Laravel application development team is, it is crucial to prepare for the discovery call by understanding the essential aspects of the project. By taking the time to prepare for the discovery call, you can ensure that it is a productive and successful experience for everyone involved. Refer to the checklist provided in the article before your discovery call, about choosing the right application development team. This checklist will be your go-to guide during the discovery call, ensuring you derive maximum value from the interaction. 

2. Defining your application development team (duration 1-2 days)

The composition and scale of your Laravel application development team are directly linked to the specific services you intend to engage with Mallow. The nature of your project, whether it involves creating a sleek mobile app, a robust web platform, or a complex enterprise solution, will influence the expertise and skill sets required. 

The team size may range from a compact, agile group for smaller projects to a multidisciplinary ensemble for more extensive ventures. This includes services such as design, development, quality assurance, and project management, which will determine the roles and specialisation within the team. Aligning the scope of your Laravel project with the appropriate team configuration is crucial in ensuring a seamless and successful collaboration with Mallow.

For example, let us consider a Laravel application with around 8-10 modules and each module having 7 to 8 features. The application also needs a few third-party integrations, handling a sizable amount of data and being used by various users. It is essential to hire the right amount of team members from different services to manage the features delivered within the timeline.

The table below will give you an overview of some possible roles you could consider hiring.

Roles	Responsibilities
Project Manager	Responsible for defining project goalsEnsures alignment with business objectives throughout the development process
Business Analyst	Works closely with stakeholders to gather requirementsAnalyses business requirementsTranslates them into functional specifications for the development team
Technical Manager	Ensures the successful delivery of the application.Build platform strategies to achieve customer business goalsIdentify business risks and technical solutions to mitigate themCollaborate with across the team members on technical and customer service challengesEvaluate existing client data/architectural models and perform/drive in-depth analysis of systems, data flows processes, and architectural setup
Designer	Analyses the customer needs and implements the same in prototypingIdeation of designsExecution of proper theme and colourations as per the expectationsWorks on implementing user interfaceEnsures the way of presentation is compatible enough
Back-end developer(s)	Develops the server-side componentsHandles data managementImplements business logicIntegrates various systems to ensure the application’s functionality and performance.
Front-end developer(s)	Implements the user interface and interactive components of the application using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, React and AngularEnsures an engaging and user-friendly experience
DevOps	Coordinates with project managers for architecture planningCreate scripts to automate deploymentsSetting up CI/CDDeploys updatesAdheres to proper security measures in the production workloadsAnalyses the root cause for hosting-related errors in productionDoes risk analysis of the applicationAudits the project architecture and suggests the best practicesMonitors the health of the applicationImplements procedures to tackle system troubleshooting and maintenanceEnsures the application meets the current industry standards
Quality Analyst	Ensures the quality of the software deliveredDevelops and executes plans for testingImplements and monitors test scripts and monitors reliability and performanceMonitors and recommends preventive measuresSuggests corrective actionsInvestigates customer complaints and product issuesDrafts quality assurance policy and procedures
Team Lead	Mentor and lead development teams in the implementation of solutions.Technically manages the team, audits the code, and assures product quality.Define the solution roadmap, as well as the requirements and use cases that will be used to drive implementation plans and estimates.

Please note that the roles mentioned above represent potential contributors within an application development team, but the optimal combination of services and team members must be tailored to align precisely with the unique demands of your project.

3. Signing contracts (duration – 1 day)

Contracts are the legal foundation of a collaborative partnership. This stage, lasting a day, involves formalising the agreement between you and team Mallow. The contract outlines deliverables, timelines, terms of engagement (including pricing details, team size, services opted and the notice period), and confidentiality agreements. This essential step ensures clarity and transparency, establishing a framework for mutual understanding and accountability.

4. Defining the ideal project management model for your application (duration – 1 day)

With requirements crystallised, Mallow spends a day defining the project management model. This step establishes the roadmap for project execution, encompassing timelines, milestones, communication protocols, and workflow strategies. By crafting a robust project management model, we ensure seamless coordination, transparent reporting, and efficient resource allocation throughout the development lifecycle.

Establishing the appropriate project management model for your application is very crucial as that demands careful consideration. Explore this article on selecting the right project management model to effectively navigate the process of choosing the right approach for your project’s management.

5. Setting up your project  (duration – 1 to 2 days)

The start of the project is the most exciting part, especially when everyone has put in their input and ideas to make it a collaborative and informed kick-off. Over 1 to 2 days, the development team begins actualising the project plan. This entails setting up development environments, establishing communication channels, and aligning resources. With a shared vision, comprehensive requirements, and a solid team in place, the project enters its active execution phase, marking the commencement of turning ideas into reality.

The below-mentioned table below will give you an idea of what the nature of the tasks during this phase will look like when you are planning to develop either a new application or enhance your existing application.

Tasks	If you are planning for a new application	If you own an existing application
Set up development environments	Configure development tools and frameworks for building the application. Prepare version control systems and establish coding standards.	Assess the existing development environment. Update and align tools, frameworks, and coding standards as necessary.
Establishing communication channels	Set up collaborative platforms and communication tools for the team. Define communication protocols and establish regular meetings.	Review and enhance communication channels. Ensure ongoing collaboration with developers, designers, and stakeholders.
Aligning resources	Assign roles and responsibilities within the development team. Ensure a mix of developers, designers, QA specialists, and a project manager.	Reassess team roles and responsibilities. Allocate resources based on new tasks, updates, and any changes to the development team structure.
Verifying shared vision	Confirm that the entire team understands the project’s objectives and goals. Address any questions or concerns regarding the project.	Revisit the initial vision of the application. Align the vision with any shifts in business goals, user needs, or industry trends.
Adapting comprehensive requirements	Ensure the team has a clear understanding of the application’s functionalities. Refine user stories, features, and technical specifications.	Review and refine existing application features. Consider enhancements, bug fixes, and updates based on user feedback and evolving business needs.
Transitioning to the active execution phase	Initiate coding, designing, and testing processes as per the project plan. Develop the first iteration or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for testing.	Seamlessly integrate new tasks into the ongoing development workflow. Prioritise updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements based on business priorities.

What does the application development cycle look like?

As a leading custom software development company, Mallow follows a meticulously crafted application development cycle that ensures the creation of robust, innovative, and user-centric software solutions. This comprehensive approach guides the journey from conception to deployment, encompassing a series of interconnected stages that leverage cutting-edge technologies, efficient processes, and collaborative expertise. 

1. Finalising the application’s requirement 

During this phase, team Mallow will analyse your requirements. This comprehensive evaluation delves deep into the intricacies of the project, encompassing its functional, technical, and design aspects. 

Your active engagement is crucial during the requirement finalisation process. This involves thorough back-and-forth confirmations to ensure no aspect is overlooked in shaping the application precisely according to your needs. The outcome is a comprehensive project brief outlining the blueprint, functionalities, user experiences, and technical specifications. This stage facilitates an in-depth understanding of your needs and lays the groundwork for informed decision-making.

This phase includes tasks such as:

✅ Understanding your business goals

✅ Defining, prioritising and documenting the requirements of the scope

✅ Validating requirements received

✅ Prototyping or mockups

✅ Legal and compliance

✅ Data Management, performance and scalability

✅ Security and privacy

✅ Localisation and internationalisation

✅ Review and approval

✅ Documentation repository

Please note that The typical timeframe for requirement analysis varies from a few days to several weeks based on the project’s specifics. The exact duration is contingent upon the unique nature of each project undertaken by the Mallow development team.

2. Planning and strategy

Once requirements are established, the planning and strategy stage comes into play. We craft the project plan that outlines timelines, milestones, allocation of resources to the designated tasks in the project, and risk management strategies. This plan serves as a roadmap, guiding the development process and ensuring efficient execution. The team establishes communication protocols, sets up project management tools, and defines roles and responsibilities, projecting a collaborative environment that ensures smooth progress.

Key components of the planning stage
Aspect	Description
Timeline	Establish a project timeline with key milestones and deadlines
Resource Allocation	Allocate roles, responsibilities, and needed skill sets
Task Breakdown	Divide the project into smaller tasks and subtasks
Risk Assessment	Identify potential risks and plan for mitigation
Communication Plan	Define communication channels and reporting structures

3. Design and prototyping

In the design and prototyping stage, our  designers create interactive prototypes that offer a tangible representation of the application’s user interface and experience. This prototyping phase allows clients and stakeholders to visualise the software’s functionality and flow, enabling informed feedback and design refinements. By integrating user-centric design principles, Mallow ensures that the application meets and exceeds user expectations.

4. Development and coding

With the blueprint in hand, the development and coding stage comes to the forefront. Mallow’s proficient developers transform concepts into code and build the backend and frontend components of the application. Adhering to industry best practices and leveraging the latest technologies, the team builds a robust and scalable foundation that forms the core of the software solution.

What does the development and coding phase of Mallow look like?

• Sprint planning
  
  Before each sprint, Mallow’s development team conducts sprint planning sessions. They break down the project into user stories or tasks, estimate the effort required, and prioritise them based on business value and complexity.
• Coding and development
  
  Mallow’s skilled developers begin writing the code based on the requirements and user stories outlined in the sprint. We diligently formulate comprehensive unit test cases to ensure the robustness and functionality of our codebase.
• Version control and collaboration
  
  Mallow uses version control systems like Git to manage the codebase. This enables seamless collaboration among developers, facilitates code reviews, and provides a history of changes made to the codebase.
• Continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD)
  
  Mallow emphasises CI/CD practices to automate the testing, building, and deployment of the application. Automated tests are run regularly to ensure that new code changes don’t impact the existing flow of the application.
• Code reviews
  
  Code reviews are a vital part of Mallow’s development process. Developers review each other’s code to identify bugs, ensure adherence to coding standards, optimise the code and share knowledge. This practice of peer review promotes code quality and knowledge sharing.
• Unit and Integration Testing
  
  Mallow’s development team writes unit tests to verify the functionality of individual components and integration tests to test the interactions between different modules. These tests help catch bugs early in the development process.

5. Quality assurance

Mallow’s commitment to quality in the thorough Quality Assurance and Testing phase. The application undergoes rigorous testing to identify and rectify any potential bugs, glitches, or performance issues. Mallow’s QA specialists conduct various types of testing, including functional, performance, security, and usability testing, ensuring that the application not only works flawlessly but also offers a seamless and secure user experience.

Just to give you an overview, this stage includes tasks like

• Thorough functional testing to validate each feature’s intended behaviour.
• Regression testing to ensure new code changes do not impact existing functionalities.
• Performance testing to assess application responsiveness, scalability, and stability.
• Security testing to identify vulnerabilities, breaches, and data leaks.
• Usability testing to evaluate user-friendliness and ease of navigation.
• Compatibility testing across different devices, browsers, and operating systems.
• Integration testing to verify seamless interaction between application components.
• Creation of comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases.
• Execution of test cases to identify and document issues.
• Bug reporting, tracking, and resolution.
• Collaboration with developers for issue clarification and resolution.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) involving clients.
• Documentation of testing process, results, and identified issues.
• Validation of fixes and improvements after issue resolution.
• Ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

6. Deployment and launch

As the development journey nears its culmination, Mallow focuses on the deployment and launch stages. The application is carefully deployed on the chosen platform, whether it’s a website, mobile app store, or other distribution channel. Mallow’s team ensures a smooth transition from development to live, meticulously verifying that the software operates as intended in the real-world environment.

To give you an overview of what the process looks like, below are some steps included during the deployment and launch of your Laravel application.

• Infrastructure setup
  
  Mallow’s DevOps team configures the live environment, including servers, databases, and necessary services. They ensure that the infrastructure is optimised for performance, security, and scalability. Team Mallow sets up and fine-tunes the CI/CD pipeline using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or others. This pipeline automates the process of building, testing, and deploying code changes, ensuring a consistent and reliable deployment process.
• Staging environment deployment
  
  Mallow deploys the application to a staging environment that closely mirrors the production environment. This allows for thorough testing and validation of the application in a controlled setting.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  
  Mallow involves clients and stakeholders in the UAT process. They test the application in the staging environment to validate that it meets their requirements and expectations before deployment to the live environment. Mallow’s security experts perform a final security audit, ensuring that all vulnerabilities are addressed and the application is fortified against potential threats.
• Data migration and configuration management
  
  If applicable, Mallow ensures a seamless data migration from the development or previous and version of the application to the new production environment. We ensure that configurations, settings, and environment variables are correctly set up for the production environment, maintaining consistency and stability.
• Load balancing and scalability setup
  
  Mallow configures load balancing and scaling mechanisms to distribute traffic and ensure the application can handle varying workloads without downtime.
• Backup and recovery plans
  
  Mallow establishes backup and recovery strategies to safeguard against data loss or unexpected issues. This ensures the Laravel application’s availability and data integrity. We also set up monitoring tools to track  application performance, server health, and other critical metrics. Automated alerts are configured to address any issues that arise promptly.
• Final user acceptance testing
  
  Before the actual launch, we conduct a final round of UAT in the production environment to ensure everything is functioning as expected. The QA team performs a final check to validate that all issues identified during testing have been resolved and the Laravel application is ready for launch.

7. Deployment to production

• Once all testing and validation are complete, we deploy the application to the live production environment. This involves making the Laravel application accessible to users through app stores, websites, or other distribution channels.

8. Post-launch monitoring and support setup

• Mallow sets up post-launch monitoring and support mechanisms to quickly address any issues that may arise after the application is live. This includes monitoring user feedback, performance metrics, and system health etc.

9. Post-launch monitoring and support

Mallow’s commitment to client success extends beyond deployment. The Post-launch Monitoring and Support stage involves continuous monitoring of the application’s performance, user feedback collection, and addressing any post-launch issues. Mallow’s team continues to provide ongoing support, updates, and enhancements to ensure the Laravel application’s long-term success and relevance. 

How do application development companies determine the cost they charge?

By now, you should have a clear understanding of the experience of collaborating on a Laravel project using Mallow. You’ve gained insight into how the structured process can be customised to align with your expectations. 

Following this, your next action item involves conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the compatibility of your application with the capabilities and expertise of Mallow. This evaluation is essential to ascertain whether Mallow is the appropriate fit for bringing your project to fruition. Check out this article Is my Laravel project right fit to be built by Mallow to get more details about your project’s compatibility with team Mallow.

If you already own a Laravel application but are looking for a team to support you with your maintenance or other support-related work, then our team of experts can help you out with that as well. For more details about post-launch monitoring and support-related queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Still, wondering where you need to start taking your next move? Please feel free to get in touch with our team.