Methodologies for Creating Software and How to Choose Them

Best 10 Practices for Software Engineering

To enhance software development workflow, companies adopt a software development methodology that comprises a series of procedures and different approaches. Such methodologies generally entail dividing the process into smaller segments, enabling teams to give more focused attention to each phase.

Choosing the right development tactics can be challenging since there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While some developers may prefer a particular approach, others may have their own preferred method.

Lately, the world of software development technology has seen numerous advancements to aid teams in producing high-quality software. This post will delve into the 10 most commonly utilized methods for software development.

1. Agile Software Development Process
2. The Waterfall Methodology for Software Development
3. Prototype Sample
4. Efficient Development
5. Rapid Application Development (RAD)
6. DevOps, A Software Development Approach that Emphasizes Collaboration Between Development and Operations Teams
7. Extreme Programming (XP)
8. Structured Dynamics Systems Model
9. Scrum Methodology for Software Construction
10. Feature-Driven Development (FDD)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Popular Software Development Methods

Agile Development Process

Agile development is becoming increasingly popular in the technology industry for its non-traditional, sequential approach. The goal of this methodology is to promote efficient development without strict regulations.

Agile approaches divide projects into manageable segments, each taking between one to four weeks to complete. Developers prioritize communication, actively seek user feedback, and make necessary adjustments.

Pros

• Consistency in comments results in fewer mistakes overall.
• Collaboration and Coordination Among Team Members
• Adjusts to New Circumstances Without Prolonging the Project Duration.
• Enhanced Quality of the Product Overall

Cons

• Less Emphasis on Paperwork Required.

Waterfall Software Development Approach

The Waterfall development process, which has been in use for decades, remains prevalent in modern software development. This approach is simple, dividing work into distinct stages that follow a logical progression, much like a waterfall. Each lifecycle stage of the project is clearly defined and managed.

Waterfall is a preferred option for inexperienced developers and teams with limited design experience, thanks to its straightforward approach. This methodology follows a sequential development process, requiring each step to be completed in order before proceeding to the next. Once a stage is finished, it cannot be revisited.

Pros

• Easy to Understand Due to its Linear Approach.
• Clear Description of Each Step Reduces Misunderstandings.

Cons

• Project Testing is Performed Only After Completion.
• This approach is unsuitable for complex projects due to its limited adaptability.

Sample for Formative Assessment

Using the Prototype methodology, developers can create software mockups rather than building from the ground up. These prototypes can be used to obtain feedback from clients, which can then be used to improve the product’s overall quality.

Customers provide continuous feedback, resulting in multiple prototype iterations before the final version is approved. The Prototype model is popular because it allows the product idea to be evaluated and tested before the actual development stage.

Pros

• Meant for Pre-Development Quality Assurance.
• Enables Teams to Confirm Customer Satisfaction with the Product Idea Before Actual Development Begins.
• Encourages Detailed Explanations.

Cons

• Creation and testing of multiple prototypes can sometimes delay the project timeline.

Efficient Growth

Lean software development incorporates Toyota’s lean manufacturing principles to eliminate unnecessary actions and increase productivity. Following these guidelines, software engineers can save time that would otherwise be spent on routine tasks and instead concentrate on product development.

Through the Lean approach, inspired by Toyota’s methodology, developers can acquire all necessary information and data before making any decisions. This approach fosters open communication among team members to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.

Pros

• Eliminates Unnecessary Actions and Paperwork, Thus Saving Time and Resources.
• Lean development principles help reduce the cost of new features.
• Efficient development cuts down on development time, subsequently reducing the overall project duration.

Cons

• Can be Challenging for Beginner Programmers.

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

Introduced in 1991, the Rapid Application Development approach (RAD) prioritizes swift project development without compromising quality.

The RAD framework consists of four primary stages: collecting project requirements, building a prototype, testing the prototype, and implementing the requirements. Similar to the Prototype approach, RAD emphasizes the need to understand the client’s needs before embarking on development.

Pros

• Prototypes provide an ideal opportunity to obtain consumer input and ensure that the final product meets their expectations.
• Furthermore, regular input helps reduce risks.
• Reduces development time.

Cons

• Requires assistance from experienced programmers.

DevOps – An Approach to Software Development that Highlights Collaboration Between Developers and Operations

The DevOps development approach requires tailored processes to foster cooperation amongst teams responsible for distinct phases of the software development life cycle, including development, quality assurance, and operations.

Pros

• Decreases time to market for products.
• Minimizes the number of unsuccessful product launches.
• Highly reliable.
• Enhances product quality and customer satisfaction.

Cons

• In certain fields, thorough testing is essential before a project can be launched.
• Without a shared environment among departments, issues may arise during production.

Extreme Programming (XP) – What Does it Mean?

Extreme Programming (XP) is an Agile-based software development approach that prioritizes writing error-free code.

XP’s focus on straightforward development, transparent communication, and dependable feedback permits frequent and rapid product releases.

Pros

• Accelerates the launch of new products.
• Precise and efficient communication.
• Client feedback.
• Flexible

Cons

• Requires active involvement from the target audience.

Dynamic Systems’ Structured Model

The Dynamic Systems Model and the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach share a common goal of ensuring prompt delivery and customer satisfaction. The model follows four iterative design processes: Business and Feasibility Analysis, Functional Model, Design and Build, and Implementation.

Integrating client feedback into the entire process and maintaining comprehensive documentation are crucial components of this development approach, which reduce the chances of client dissatisfaction with the final outcome.

Pros

• Iterating ensures that the project will operate as intended.
• Assists developers in effectively managing their time and resources.
• A successful collaboration between programmers and end-users.

Cons

• Information technology (IT) training can be expensive for both developers and end-users.
• Not suitable for less ambitious groups.

Scrum Method for Construction

Scrum is a flexible development framework that employs Agile methodology. The effective execution of this system relies on the contributions of the product owner, scrum master, and development team.

The Product Owner is responsible for gathering feedback from the client to meet their requirements. The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that all team members comprehend and comply with the Scrum methodology.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Precise and efficient communication.
• Quick problem-solving is enabled by short iterations.
• Daily meetings guarantee frequent inspections.

Cons

• Demands a balanced level of skill from all team members.
• Increases the duration of the development process.

Features-Driven Development (FDD)

Features-Driven Development (FDD) is a technique that breaks down all development requirements into an easy-to-implement list of features. Each feature is independently designed, planned, and executed by the development team, allowing them to complete each feature within a maximum of two weeks, increasing their control over the project timeline.

Like Agile, FDD strives to streamline the process to minimize ambiguity that could lead to costly rework.

Pros

• Divides complicated tasks into smaller, more manageable portions.
• Enables multiple individuals to collaborate on a project simultaneously without any misunderstandings.

Cons

• Not appropriate for small-scale projects.

Which Approach to Software Development is Suitable for You?

Choosing between different approaches can be difficult. The following recommendations may be helpful to some businesses.

1. It is crucial for teams to consider the project’s requirements before selecting a methodology.
2. When selecting a methodology, the size of the project should be considered. Some methods are better suited for larger projects, while others are more appropriate for smaller initiatives. As a result, the team should take into account the project’s size when selecting an approach.
3. The timeline for bringing a product to market should be considered when selecting a methodology since some approaches can shorten the time required. If the project has a specific deadline, it should be considered while making a decision.