Top 12 Software Development Methodologies & Its Advantages & Disadvantages

The Full Rundown of the Top Software Development Methodologies And Which One Is The Most Suitable For You

Who does not wish to add more structure to the workflow of their software development? However, a big part of the process that we often overlook is selecting the appropriate methodology for your software development process based upon the ultimate goals, team size, and many other factors of your particular product organization.

So what exactly is a software development methodology? It is a framework responsible for structuring, planning, and controlling the entire process of the software development system. However, a sole concern that prevails in this kind of software development methodology is that it does not revolve around any technical aspect; rather, it takes into account and requires a proper planning layout for the development lifecycle of the software.

The Agile Software Development Methodology:

One of the most popular methodologies in the market, the agile software development methodology is the approach that aims to design and provide a process of software management that is not only disciplined and organized but also leaves some space for the common and frequent alterations that often pop up in the development process of any project.

Pros of the Agile Software Development Methodology:

The quick and continuous flow of delivering the software ensures the utmost customer satisfaction.
Rather than emphasizing the tools and techniques, this methodology focuses majorly on people and interactions.

Cons of the Agile Software Development Methodology:

It can get quite difficult to assess how much effort will be required in the beginning steps of the software development lifecycle, especially in large projects.
Since there is a major focus on working on the software rather than documenting it, there may be a lack of documentation of the process.

The DevOps Software Development Methodology:

DevOps has recently become a rather popular term and attracted quite a lot of developers’ attention due to its list of the many benefits that it offers to its users. However, one must keep in mind that the siloed methods of development and operation are not the reason for the inception of this methodology. Rather, the two departments work together unitedly as a team for all processes throughout its lifecycle.

Pros of the DevOps Software Development Methodology:

The framework of the quicker and multiple ongoing processes that work simultaneously allows the overall process to get a quicker and easier pace.
By adapting itself to the constant changes in the market, DevOps has let businesses to grow effectively and drive efficient and definite business results.

Cons of the DevOps Software Development Methodology:

Since DevOps requires cultural changes in its program, the business may need to restart the whole process to grow faster.
Speed and security may not always be achieved using the DevOps software development methodology.

The Scrum Software Development Methodology:

A great benefit of the scrum development methodology is that you can use it in nearly every kind of project. Especially if you are in a company where the needs are highly emerging, and the rapid changes can be conveniently looked after, you can use this type of methodology the best. This methodology first starts with quick and brief planning, then comes to a meeting, and concludes with the final review.

Pros of the Scrum Software Development Methodology:

The scrum development methodology allows mistake testing to be easily rectified, rapid coding, a cutting edge development process, and a fast-moving process.
The decision-making will be done entirely by the team.

Cons of the Scrum Software Development Methodology:

It requires a proper estimation of project cost and time requirements.
More suitable for small and fast-moving projects, but not so much for bigger-sized projects.

The Waterfall Model of Software Development Methodology:

In this kind of traditional software development methodology, there is a single board of a linear sequential flow, under which you can carry out many different types of software engineering projects. This model of software development methodology is most commonly used to lessen the risks associated with developing software by doing it in a development process where the previous steps are always cross-checked before moving to the next step.

Pros of the Waterfall Model of Software Development Methodology:

This methodology is very simple and easy to understand; hence this system is the most beneficial for beginner or novice developers.
It is easier to manage due to the rigidity of the model. Every phase of the model requires deliveries along with an individual process of review.

Cons of the Waterfall Model of Software Development Methodology:

In this model, the developer has no way to know the end product beforehand.
Since there is no direct interaction with the customer and the team cannot receive constant feedback from them, there is a lot of space for guesswork or assumptions in the system.

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The Prototype Software Development Methodology:

This concept is the same for all types of businesses. In this methodology, the continuous development process lets developers create a prototype of the end product before its delivery to demonstrate its usage to the client. This reason has contributed to businesses favoring Prototype as a lean and agile approach for their development processes.

Pros of the Prototype Software Development Methodology:

It makes use of an adaptive way of approach which is capable of responding to the constantly changing needs of the clients.
Using it, businesses get an opportunity to continuously innovate and improve their products for better customer satisfaction.

Cons of the Prototype Software Development Methodology:

Since the clients are very much involved in the process, the developers may not feel very much aligned with the process.
The client’s demand to get the actual product may speed up after viewing the early Prototype.

The Lean Software Development Methodology:

It focuses mainly on creating software that you can easily change. It is much more focused when compared to other types of agile methodology. Businesses can boost their software development process by using this methodology that lets a series of iterations be made in a single go. The methodology is ideal for bringing the slow-progressing projects on track, on a limited budget and workflow.

Pros of the Lean Software Development Methodology:

The overall efficiency of the process ensures the entire process is sped up and the cost is reduced.
The development team gets to deliver the end product much earlier than the expected date.

Cons of the Lean Software Development Methodology:

The success of the project depends upon the discipline of the team members and their technical skills.
The business analyst plays the most vital role, without which the method is not useful.

RAD or the Rapid Application Development Model:

It usually provides time-efficient and effectively high-quality outcomes when compared to any other model or methodology. Its design makes it possible for it to make the most of any software development. The RAD model mainly focuses on accelerating software development through active participation by the users.

Pros of the RAD Model

Reduces the extent of effort and risks taken by the software developer
It also helps the client to review the project on a short term basis

Cons of the RAD Model

Can only work on systems that accept modularization
Needs high level of skills, which may or may not be available in an organization

The Spiral Model:

This sophisticated model is designed to detect and reduce project risks quite early. In this model, project developers start on a small scale, explore the levels of risks involved, and finally consider the next phase of the development.

Pros of the Spiral Model

Due to the detailed analysis of risks in an early stage, risks are reduced to a great extent
Advantageous for bigger projects

Cons of the Spiral Model

It is quite costly
It is not appropriate for low-risk projects

Final Word

In this article, we listed the top software development methodologies most commonly used by big companies. Other than this, many other effective methodologies cater to different categories of project and software development, as per the organization’s needs in question.

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