Want to structurize your software development workflow? Take a look at widely used software development methodologies to help you decide which is suitable for your team.

Choosing a software development methodology has increased traction over the years—no surprise there, as even small projects would fail without the right approach. It is a codified way of communication that describes the “how” of the life cycle of software. But sometimes, choosing the proper methodology to manage a project is challenging as every methodology cannot get well with all kinds of business.

What are software development methodologies?

Software development methodologies are the combination of well-structured processes to implement while working on a development project. You can even call it a systematic approach or a defined way to describe the life cycle of every piece of software. Other than that, software development methodologies chalk out norms for developers or development teams that say how they will work and share information, whether that is documentation, discussion, or even drawings on paper.

Top 12 Software Development Methodologies

Custom software development companies use Agile Spiral, Scrum, Extreme Programming, Rational Unified Process, Big Bang, etc., to deliver a premium product to their clients. Therefore, it’s natural for them to deploy a combination of software development methods per their team’s needs and stakeholders’ expectations. Thus, using different software development methodologies for various projects is advisable.

1. Agile

Agile methodology is an iterative way of transforming a bunch of requirements into software. Constant planning, understanding, communication, development, delivery, and updation are the crucial aspects of the Agile process. In addition, Agile software development methodologies focus on the direct engagement of teams and clients to understand goals better and give timely solutions.

2. Scrum

Scrum methodology uses an iterative development approach in which team members break down enormous tasks into small tasks and work on them using sprints. This incremental method promotes faster development that adds value to complex projects. Apart from this, the Scrum framework assists developers in incorporating conventional system development methodologies with flexible Agile practices.

3. DevOps

DevOps has been a popular name in the IT domain since the movement gained momentum between 2007 and 2008. DevOps is a set of advanced tools, practices, and process automation philosophies to combine IT operations and software development.

4. Waterfall

Introduced in 1970 by Winston Royce in his research paper, Waterfall Model is a sequential and straightforward approach focusing on the logical progression of steps in the development process. In this method, the developer must complete every stage before the next phase begins.

5. Spiral

Spiral is a risk-driven software development model that merges iterative and waterfall models. Each phase of this model begins with a pre-defined goal and ends with a client review. In spiral methodology, the software engineering team adds functionality for every requirement in an ever-increasing spiral until the application is ready to go into the production phase.

6. Iterative

The Iterative or incremental development model enables software development teams to integrate a small set of software requirements and iteratively empowers the evolving versions till the entire system is ready.

7. V Model

V Model is one of the popular methodologies for custom software development where developers can add testing functionalities at each stage of a project that leads to timely completion of the project. However, you cannot move to the next step before completing the previous one. As a result, you don’t get deviated from the project goal.

8. Big Bang

The Big bang is the most straightforward Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model as it does not require in-depth planning or a complex procedure. Instead, it combines time, effort, and resources to build a product as per client requirements.

9. Feature-Driven Development

Feature-driven development model was first applied in 1997 by Jeff De Luca and Peter Coad while working on a development project for Singapore bank. They delivered the product in 15 months by working with a team of fifty professionals.

10. Prototype Methodology

The prototype model is a toy or crude version of the actual system, possibly exhibiting limited functional capabilities, low reliability, and inefficient performance compared to the real software. Nevertheless, it is useful as the client often has just a basic overview of what is expected from the software product.

11. Rapid Application Development

Rapid Application Development or RAD prioritizes speedier customer feedback and rapid prototyping over tedious development and testing cycles. RAD model enables developers to make numerous iterations and updates to software quickly without starting from scratch every time.

12. Lean Development

The lean methodology for software development mainly focuses on reducing wastage, optimizing overall efficiency, and ultimately delivering what is required for the product. In the lean software development approach, software engineers release the primary or initial version of the software.

How to choose the best methodology for software development?

The software landscape has changed immensely in the last few decades. Now businesses must analyze data before end product delivery. Tech giants like Microsoft and Google innovated new frameworks to manage the entire project lifecycle.

A methodology for developing software can make or break your development project. Because implementing an incorrect methodology can lead to unsatisfied clients, frustrated employees, and delayed deliveries. Therefore, you should carefully choose the one for your enterprise.

• Gather every piece of information about your stakeholders
• Choose the methodology that compliments your development budget
• Consider the level of flexibility offered by your chosen methodology
• Select the best-suited timeframe, i.e., Sprint or Marathon
• Be aware of your development team size, location, and time zone

Integrating an excellent software product development methodology can create a consistent structure for your projects so that you can properly strategize them. In addition, a software development methodology can standardize your product launch process. As a result, you can edge ahead of your competitors and inspire stakeholder confidence by working smartly and efficiently.

Closing Thoughts

Software development methodologies have remained prevalent for developers since the early programming days. It can assist developers in building robust tools and applications successfully.

The software development methodologies mentioned here are very pervasive. However, they require different levels of expertise. Therefore, you should analyze their pros and cons. In addition, project scope, necessary software development tools, development budget, resource availability, and time frame are some more factors that you should consider.

So, evaluate the software development methodologies mentioned here and choose the one that can work best for your enterprise. Feel free to speak with our experts for assistance in selecting the best software development methodology for your next project.