Software development means creating, testing, and maintaining software products and services addressing users’ needs and stakeholder expectations. But many times, we don’t give enough importance to the choice of the most suitable methodology for software development. Software development methodologies are a vital part of the software development process and thus must be selected accurately after considering all the factors.
In this article, we will discuss the top software development methodologies used by developers while designing software.
What Is a Software Development Methodology?
The software development methodology means the software development life cycle (SDLC) model which focuses on organizing beneficial yet effective project development processes. In simpler words, it is a framework responsible for structuring, planning, and controlling the entire process of the software development system
From idea and implementation to front-back & back-end development, testing, and software launching, it focuses on all aspects.
Agile Development Methodology
Agile means the ability to quickly move and respond to change rapidly. The main focus of this methodology of software development is the project/product. It focuses on flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. The main purpose of designing an Agile Model is to quickly alter as per the changing requests and ensure quick project completion.
Advantages of Agile
- It ensures quick delivery of software products and features.
- Agile methodologies focus on user satisfaction.
- Agile methodology results in improved communication with the clients, and their close engagement to each stage of the software development process.
- Required changes are accepted even at the later stages of the development.
- It quickly adapts to the changing requirements and responds faster.
Drawbacks of Agile
- It lacks an understanding of the solution specifics before implementation.
- It ignores project documentation and requirements.
- Lack of predictability related to budgeting, marketing plans, etc.
- It requires immediate response to issues and feedback.
Scrum Development Methodology
Scrum, a subset of the Agile Software development process, is a lightweight framework. It is an iterative and incremental software development technology and segments the software development process into fixed-length iterations called sprints, which typically last from one to four weeks.
Scrum software development methodology is quite flexible and thus manages projects with changing requirements.
Key Advantages of Scrum
- Scrum provides a framework for managing complex projects.
- Scrum gives priority to customer satisfaction.
- This software development methodology removes the errors and project issues at the earliest.
- It is preferred for dynamic projects due to its scalability.
- Clients can trace the project’s performance
Disadvantages of Scrum
- The costs and time required can’t be decided in advance.
- There are no fixed deadlines.
- For managing big projects, this methodology is not appropriate.
- It requires technical expertise and, thus not suitable for beginners.
Kanban Development Methodology
Kanban is an effective way to manage projects and make workflow smoother. Software development strategies such as Kanban are known for their simplicity and come with quick and easy implementation.
Advantages of Kanban
- Kanban is easy to understand and deploy.
- It ensures transparency to drive process improvement.
- Kanban is an ideal choice, especially for employees working remotely.
- It adheres to the policies which results in improved quality and increased customer satisfaction.
Disadvantages of Kanban
- Constant board monitoring is needed.
- It is potentially complex.
- Being focused on cards makes scheduling and achievements rather complicated.
DevOps Development Methodology
DevOps, the combination of two words including Development and Operations improves collaboration between development and operations teams, resulting in improved communication. It is not just a development methodology but a set of practices supporting an organizational culture. Among many software development methodologies, this helps in increased efficiency, and faster delivery of the new products and frequent updates. DevOps’ purpose is to boost the speed of delivering apps and services.
Advantages of DevOps
- DevOps results in faster delivery of new products and updates
- It provides improved resource utilization.
- DevOps ensures users’ satisfaction due to frequent releases and updates.
- Companies using DevOps methods significantly benefit from reduced time to market and improved product quality.
DevOps Disadvantages
- Since DevOps needs cultural changes in its program, organizations have to restart the entire process to grow faster.
- DevOps software development methodology compromises security.
- A few quality attributes require human interaction, which reduces the delivery pipeline.
Waterfall Development Methodology
Waterfall is among other software development methodologies following incremental and sequential approaches. This technique has six phases of development including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. And most importantly, no changes or revisions are possible after moving to the next phase.
Advantages of Waterfall
- The Waterfall Model is quite simple and easy to understand.
- This model is suitable for smaller projects and projects with clear requirements.
- All testing steps are planned in advance.
- Each phase requires detailed documentation.
- One phase is processed at a time.
- It results in predictable outcomes which provides a flair understanding to the development team.
Drawbacks of Waterfall
- The planning stage is quite challenging to organize the entire process.
- It has less flexibility and can’t deploy the changes post the start of the software development process.
- Quick alterations result in additional expenses.
- It has a longer delivery time.
So, these are some of the widely used software development methodologies used by various companies. Other than the ones mentioned above, many other effective methodologies cater to different categories of project and software development, as per the organization’s needs in question.
Choose Kodehash as Your Trusted Software Development Partner
Kodehash Technologies is a leading software development and IT consulting company with years of experience in this niche. We implement the best practices while creating outstanding solutions for our client’s growth. Our team of developers provides an individual approach to each client’s idea and dedicates enough time to come up with outstanding solutions for improved product performance.
Contact our team today to get a customized consultation regarding software development methodologies and discuss what benefits you can gain from them.
Software Development Methodologies: FAQs
- What is software development methodology?
Software development methodology consists of principles that focus on using relevant tools, techniques, and approaches to create outstanding software that meets client expectations.
- Does Kodehash provide customized software development?
Yes, Kodehash Technologies provides enterprise custom software development as per your needs. Our dedicated team of developers have the required expertise needed to serve you with the best.
- What are the most popular software development methodologies?
The top software development methodologies include:
- Agile development methodology.
- Waterfall development method.
- Rapid application development.
- DevOps development methodology.