Best software development methodologies: Top 8 revealed

As software development firms employ them in their daily operations, software development methodologies play a crucial role in the software system development.

No matter how good the development team is, implementing the project without a clear strategic direction and functional management system would almost certainly result in chaos, or worse, a total disaster! Thus, a wide variety of software development methodologies have been presented over the years, and selecting the appropriate one is always a necessary first step when beginning a project because it will enable the efficient execution of the project’s needs.

There won’t, of course, be a unique methodology that works for all development teams, but there are several typical techniques used in software development, and each has advantages and disadvantages. This article will present you with a range of choices from which you may choose the one that best suits your team and yields good results. Find out by reading on!

Understanding of software development methodologies

1. What is it? Software & Application development methodologies 

Software development methodology

The methodical steps taken to accomplish a project are referred to as “software development methodologies.” It is a blend of design principles and pragmatism that has its roots in the early days of computing. Providing a logical approach to software development is the goal.

To make the most of the present resources and technology, various software development methodologies have evolved. Software development approaches offer a framework that makes it possible for engineers to work together more efficiently. It controls how members of the team share information and formalizes communication.

Application development methodologies

Application development, often known as app development, is the process of planning, creating, testing, and deploying a software application to perform different business activities. Furthermore, it can be done by either a lone freelance developer or big businesses with huge teams working on projects. In addition, application development covers the procedures necessary to build an application and frequently follows a predetermined methodology.

Various factors have an impact on the development of an application. Additionally, the size of the project, the amount of specificity of the requirements, the customer’s readiness to seek adjustments, the size and experience of the development team, and the project’s deadline, must all be considered.

2. Why adhere to software development methodology? 

There are numerous risks when the software development methodology is taken for granted.

The creation of software development methodologies aims to benefit the client as well as the development team. Besides, making the right decision ensures that discussions take place in the proper settings and that conclusions are made after taking into account all pertinent factors.

By using a software development methodology, the team may produce a product with greater accuracy and less waste. Since they are no longer forced to respond to every input, the team can deal with unforeseen occurrences in a systematic and planned manner. Before choosing the best software development methodologies, you should know how to choose the best software application development first. Read the article here to deep dive into the reason and steps to choose software application development: Ultimate guide in 2023. 

8 Types of Common Software Development Methodologies

1. Agile Development Methodology

What is agile methodology in software development?

A particular kind of software development methodology called agile foresees the requirement for flexibility and applies a degree of pragmatism to the delivery of the finished product. Furthermore, agile software development necessitates a cultural change in many businesses since it emphasizes the clean delivery of specific software components rather than the solution.

An agile project is perfect for those whose requirements change frequently. It is the best approach to take if you’re creating software for a fresh market.

Pros: 

• Because testing and fine-tuning are done iteratively, the software has very few flaws.
• During development, there is clarity among team members due to regular and open development.
• Project requirements can easily change, and doing so does not affect the timeframe.
• A general improvement in the standard of the output.

Cons:

• Overwhelming modification requests might occasionally cause the team to lose focus.
• Agile puts less emphasis on documentation, which can cause issues later in the development process.
• Agile emphasizes conversations and feedback, which might take up too much team time.
• Agile requires skilled developers who can function independently because of its unstructured methodology.

2. Waterfall Development Methodology

What is waterfall methodology in software development?

A project life cycle plan is created using a waterfall methodology once demands from stakeholders and clients are obtained at the beginning of the project. In addition, the waterfall model got its name because each project’s stages flow into the next, moving slowly downward like a cascade.

The waterfall methodology is used in the construction, IT, and software development industries. For example, the waterfall software development life cycle, or waterfall SDLC, is used to manage projects in the software engineering field.

Pros:

• The waterfall approach is simple to understand, especially for novice developers, due to its linearity.
• Before development begins, all specifications and deliverables are laid down.
• With the waterfall approach, there is no room for information to be miscommunicated because it is specified in detail at each level.

Cons:

• Early client feedback isn’t taken into account, which raises the possibility of the project deviating from its original course.
• Only the latter stages of development are tested. Later on, some issues are more difficult to resolve.
• The waterfall model is inadequate for complex projects because of its rigidity, which leaves no flexibility for modifications.
• The team may spend too much time documenting rather than providing solutions that address the issues of the users.

3. Lean Development 

What is lean methodology in software development?

A set of guidelines known as lean software development can be used to reduce programming time, spending, and failure rates in software development by one-third. Mary and Tom Poppendieck incorporated the ideas from lean manufacturing. Besides, Agile iterations reduce detailed pre-planned specifications, making this strategy advantageous to a business. User stories are easier for each team member to understand and communicate with than lengthy upfront specifications.

For a small project with a limited budget, lean development is more suitable. Because of its emphasis on reducing waste and boosting efficiency, you can achieve remarkable results with a small workforce. Moreover, larger projects make lean development less feasible because a bigger crew is required to complete the tasks.

Pros:

• Reduces project waste.
• The lean principles lower the overall cost of development.
• The software’s time-to-market is shortened since lean development encourages efficiency.
• A higher level of motivation among team members.

Cons:

• It’s difficult to put together a team of highly skilled developers, which is necessary for lean development to be successful.
• Less experienced developers may become disoriented by their obligations and lose focus on the project.
• The need for thorough documentation places a heavy strain on the business analyst.

4. Prototype Model

What is a Prototype model in software development?

When the customers are unsure about the precise project requirements in advance, they employ this paradigm. Furthermore, in the prototype model, an initial prototype of the finished product is created, tested, and constantly improved based on consumer feedback until a final acceptable prototype is reached, which serves as the foundation for creating the finished product.

Pros: 

• Good at resolving possible problems in the early stages of development, significantly lowering the likelihood of product failure.
• Ensures customers are satisfied with the “product” before beginning real development work.
• Establishing a rapport with the client early on in the project is beneficial.
• Use the prototype to gather specific information that will be utilized to build the finished product.

Cons:

• The development schedule may be slowed down by excessive back and forth when testing the prototype with the client.
• The prototype might not match the customer’s expectations for the finished product.
• Given that the developer frequently pays for the work on the prototype, there is a chance of cost overruns.

5. Rapid Application Development

What is Rapid Application in software development?

The Rapid Application Development (RAD) idea, introduced in 1991, established the foundation for modern iterative frameworks. Additionally, it emphasizes building things quickly while preserving quality.

The finest results from rapid application development occur when a group of talented developers and customers are equally committed to the project. Besides, the RAD approach depends on communication to finish tasks successfully. In addition, you’ll also need to invest in RAD tools like low-code/no-code applications to accelerate the development.

Pros:

• Reduction of risks by ongoing consumer input.
• Increased client satisfaction
• It’s ideal for medium-sized jobs.
• Reduce time to market.

Cons: 

• It is necessary to assemble a team of highly competent and experienced professionals.
• Not suitable for companies with a limited budget.
• Lack of progress monitoring documents.

6. Dynamic Systems Model

What is the Dynamic Systems model in software development?

The Rapid Application Development framework is responsible for the Dynamic System Model’s principles. Furthermore, this improved methodology aims for quick delivery and project goals with business requirements. 

It is impossible to use the Dynamic Systems Model with small entrepreneurs. Big businesses burdened by red tape, bottlenecks, and redundancies are suitable for it. Moreover, it facilitates communication across many teams and disassembles stiff procedures into more manageable iterative components.

Pros:

• The iterative methodology makes sure that fundamental software features are provided on time.
• The development schedule and budget are better under the developers’ control.
• All required paperwork is produced during the development process.
• Create a communication channel between developers and end users to keep the team on course.

Cons:

• The execution might be expensive.
• This concept will be challenging to apply to smaller teams.
• The model’s conception and application are both highly intricate.

7. Feature-Driven Development

What is feature driven in software development?

A software development process built on Agile is known as “Feature Driven Development” or FDD. Its straightforward objective is to avoid confusion that results in expensive rework. FDD is occasionally misconstrued for concentrating on each program feature.

When working on complicated projects, larger teams perform better when using feature-driven development. The best of an iterative framework is offered, but with a more organized approach. 

Pros:

• Reduces complex jobs to simpler actions, increasing efficiency.
• Allow teams to work on several projects at once.
• Dependable success is achieved by adhering to set standards and best practices.

Cons:

• Not appropriate for tiny tasks.
• Dependent heavily on the lead developer.
• Because the model is based on activities, it might occasionally stray from providing value to the end users.

8. Scrum Development

What is Scrum methodology in software development?

One of the most adaptable software development methodologies is probably Scrum. It is favored for its incremental and iterative approaches and is based on the Agile philosophy. The Development Team, Scrum Master, and Product Owner are all involved in the Scrum approach.

Scum is the methodology to adopt if you have a project with many uncertain requirements and need to adjust frequently. Remember that Scrum is only helpful if your team is dedicated and knowledgeable.

Pros:

• Short iterations enable rapid problem-solving.
• Scrum is adaptable to changes because it incorporates frequent feedback.
• Efficient and affordable.
• Team members are always in agreement thanks to regular meetings.
• The Scrum meetings allow for the recognition and appreciation of each member’s contributions.

Cons:

• For Scrum to function, each team member must be equally capable and dedicated.
• For team members, the daily Scrum sessions might be exhausting.
• If the deadline is not strictly controlled, it could lengthen the time to market.
• Impropriety for major projects.

Conclusion – Software development methodologies comparison

Software development methodologies give developers direction while creating apps and software. They have been in use since the beginning of programming and are still essential for contemporary developers.

Although new approaches have been developed over the years, none have emerged as the best. The composition of your team, your expertise, the specifications of the project, your objectives, your budget, and other underlying considerations all play a role in selecting the best software development technique.

With these thorough ideas, we hope you can choose a suitable methodology for your team. Don’t hesitate to contact Adamo if you need more help. Our software development services will satisfy your needs.