What is SaaS programming?
Saas programming is a process of developing a specific type of software called SaaS (Software as a service), done by a software developer. While SaaS or Software as a Service is a specific method of internet delivering applications. It’s a cloud computing model you can access from any device, you just need the internet. Applications based on SaaS programming are the ones offered to end-users to achieve their needs.
SaaS History
Back in the 1960s, people started to feel the need for easier manipulation of business applications, as well as higher reach, especially for large companies whose employees needed access to the same software, such as banks and other organizations. This kind of service first started by offering computing power and database storage. The expansion of internet needs brought ASP – application service providers which provided services of hosting and managing business applications, but the ASP required software installation on the user’s PC.
With the advent of SaaS programming, users have made it easier to access software wherever they are, while on the other hand, SaaS can serve multiple users and share its data accordingly. SaaS applications can be customized with fine-tuning and each user can change a set of options and adjust them to achieve the required functionality and also a brand highlighting. Using an app interface or with the help of provider staff, users can custom logo and colors, but if there’s no such an option, they can’t change the page layout.
Top SaaS Advantages
In addition to easy access, SaaS programming has several other advantages:
- Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for some device-based programs, the dynamic of paying for apps based on SaaS programming is projected monthly, for a significantly lower price, which in most cases, is more cost-effective.
- Apps based on SaaS programming are being updated more often than traditional software (sometimes even on weekly bases).
- Many SaaS applications have collaborative functionality, giving users space to interact, comment, plan, share documents, and even suggest their ideas and vote for others. This kind of option really can simplify the operation of the intranet system.
You’ve probably already heard about some apps based on SaaS programming, such as Facebook, Amazon, Google mail, Dropbox, etc.
Does SaaS require coding?
Like most programs that are built from scratch, coding can certainly be an advantage in manipulating SaaS. On the other hand, you don’t have to be on a proficiency level to build a SaaS app. With all the available options, you just need to know the basics so you can build it on your own. First of all, you need to be able to operate with a programming language, such as Python or Javascript. You should also know database design and management. If you’ve had experience with user interface and also have design skills, it would be helpful too. However, it is better to find a few professionals who are already good at that, but if you’re not limited by time, learning new skills and gaining knowledge is always a big plus.
Is SaaS a programming language?
For beginners, IT topics are often confusing, which is why it’s very important to clarify certain things. SaaS is not a programming language. SaaS is online web-based software that is built from some type of programming language.
How do you program SaaS?
- If you want to program SaaS applications, first of all, you need to analyze the market, clients, and of course competitors. As technology is being improved rapidly, you need to be aware of the latest market trends on which SaaS is based. You should get to know your audience and learn everything you can about their needs. Of course, you want to provide the best treatment for your clients, and to do that, you need to study competitors’ weaknesses, so you can do better work.
- After you conduct the analysis, you should choose the application monetization model and it’s very important to do it before you start with the process of application development, because it will dictate the application features later.
- The next step is the security and reliability plan. Because the SaaS programming apps run on the cloud, there could be some risks and you should choose a reliable cloud vendor. Multi-tenancy could also be a problem, so make sure you choose the right system architecture, and of course, encrypt and back up your data.
- SaaS apps should smoothly interact with other business applications and you can achieve this with application programming interfaces (API), so developers can access the software code and make everything work together at the same time.
- Now we’re coming to the tricky, but creative part – development. It is necessary to choose the appropriate technology on which frontend, backend, backend storage, and application server are based. For SaaS programming apps, the frontend usually uses technologies like HTML and CSS, and backend development is based on programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Ruby, etc. Backend storage uses MySQL, MongoDB, or PostgreSQL, and applications servers usually use Nginx. Choosing the tech stack depends on what type of application is being developed.
- The next step in the process of programming SaaS is building a minimum viable product (MVP) as some kind of „trial period“, so users can get a better picture of the product. But, don’t expect too much from this step, because the MVP is built on a small budget which makes it hard to examine how the market accepts the product.
- Finally, you can start developing your SaaS app! Make sure that you always communicate with your development team if you have that kind of support. Testing the app is a big part of the developing process and figuring out what works for you the most. Only after QA’s beta-testing, the publication of the app can be under the consideration.
Which Programming Languages are used in SaaS?
The programming language should be carefully selected and easy to read because it determines the speed and efficiency of SaaS. Also, the SaaS programming language requests appropriate development and testing tools, as well as the right repairing system.
Python is probably the best choice for SaaS programming because it’s simple to read. On the other hand, JavaScript is great, but mostly for general purposes. Ruby is also very popular and has access to web-based tools which is helpful and contributes to the developers’ speed.
SaaS Programming Tutorial Suggestions for 2023
SaaS programming tutorial is a kind of manual in video or written form, as well as a great way to quickly find the answers you need. Beginners or juniors who need more SaaS programming skills can always reach for the appropriate tutorial and expand their knowledge. The great thing is that everything you need is available on the Internet nowadays, and you will most likely find answers to your questions with a simple Google search.
To make it easier for you, we present five websites with SaaS tutorials where you can find appropriate solutions:
- Freecode Camp – this website provides a lot of useful IT information and also describes the development of the SaaS application in detail.
- Usersnap – this site has a pictorial presentation of the SaaS app development process, with a lot of additional links that could redirect you on the right path if you get lost during the research.
- Flackbox – this tutorial gives you a video explanation of how SaaS programming works.
- Clockwise Software – besides all the relevant information about developing the SaaS application, on this site you can also find some statistics information and monetary benefits of SaaS.
- Data Flair – this site emphasizes the essence of SaaS programming concisely and clearly.
SaaS programming course
Researching and learning on your own is great, but sometimes it’s okay to ask professionals for help, especially in the IT field, which can be very confusing for many beginners. In that case, SaaS programming courses are a great solution. In line with technological advances and the times in which we live, most of these courses are held online, which means that you can gain new SaaS skills from the comfort of your home.
These are some great SaaS programming courses, so check them out if you want to learn from professionals:
What is a SaaS developer?
A SaaS developer is a person who is specialized in developing and servicing SaaS applications. A SaaS developer must know to implement appropriate technology for building a SaaS application. This IT knowledge includes programming languages and the relevant frameworks and procedures necessary for building a SaaS app.
What is a SaaS programmer?
A SaaS programmer is also a person involved in the development of SaaS applications. The terms developer and programmer in general, just like the SaaS ones, are synonyms that describe the same profession. The only difference comes from the companies, which decide the name of the job position. As mentioned, a SaaS developer or SaaS programmer is an IT professional who develops the SaaS application based on a chosen code language by focusing on data and analysis.
Conclusion
By all accounts, the SaaS is a system that is a competitive model nowadays. The simplicity and efficiency it provides make it very attractive, especially in a business environment. Although prior IT knowledge is certainly an advantage if you plan to build SaaS applications, for those curious and persistent individuals, SaaS programming will be just another challenge and an opportunity to gain new skills that are always useful. Are you ready to explore so many possibilities SaaS offers? Choose the best ingredients and make your favorite pizza! Good luck!
