Top 5 software development methodologies_ Explained.docx.pdf

Top 5 software development methodologies: Explained
Software development is an ever-evolving field that is indispensable in modern society. It encompasses
designing, coding, testing, and maintaining computer software according to specific user requirements;
thus, it forms the basis of modern apps, websites, and systems.
Software development aims to produce high-quality applications that solve problems, increase
productivity and provide an enjoyable user experience. To achieve this goal, software developers employ
a systematic process that begins with understanding the needs and objectives of the software project
before designing and implementing solutions accordingly.
Software development typically comprises several stages, from requirements gathering through analysis,
design, coding, testing and maintenance. Every stage requires careful planning, collaboration and
attention to detail from all parties involved. Software developers use various programming languages,
frameworks and tools for software application creation - translating requirements into efficient, scalable
and secure code that meets client requirements.
Software development encompasses various methodologies, from the traditional Waterfall model to
more agile approaches such as Scrum or Kanban. The decision on the methodology depends on both the
nature of the project at hand and the preferences of its development team.
What Are Software Development Methodologies?
Software development methodologies refer to structured processes used when undertaking a project,
from the conceptual designs and pragmatic realities back to early computing days that provide a
systematic approach towards software development.

Following such methodologies can benefit software professionals as it provides a structured sequence of
steps to guide professionals through each stage of development. Furthermore, development
methodologies often follow a design philosophy that can assist developers with aligning their process
and product's features to its functional goals - for instance, defining what the product does or any issues
it solves for users as part of its design philosophy is often part of this approach.
Software development methodologies are systematic processes engineers employ when working on
various projects, helping software engineers organize task execution, assessment and control methods in
an orderly fashion.
Software development methodology (SD Methodology) refers to any process or series of processes used
in software development. While its definition may be broad, SD Methodology typically involves design
and development phases and non-iterative methods like a waterfall. In most cases, SD Method is divided
into defined phases to describe how software evolves from conception through completion and beyond.
Types of Software Development
The type of software development employed often depends upon project requirements, development
team strengths and an organization's overall goals. Here we explore some of the most prevalent
methods and their unique characteristics.
Waterfall Development
Waterfall Development Waterfall development is a straightforward approach to software development
that follows a predetermined, sequential process for requirements gathering, design, implementation,
testing and deployment. Each phase (requirements collection, design, implementation testing and
deployment) must be complete before moving to the next. This type of development works well when
working on projects with established requirements that clearly understand their end products; however,
this might prove less suited when changes need to be implemented during development.
Agile Development
Agile development is an iterative, flexible methodology emphasizing collaboration and adaptability. It
fosters close working relationships among developers and stakeholders throughout the development
process. Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban allow continuous feedback and adjustments
throughout each development sprint, making this development ideal for projects with evolving
requirements that need frequent iteration cycles.
Rapid Application Development (RAD)
Rapid Application Development is a form of software development specializing in rapidly building
functional prototypes with the aid of reusable components, iterative development, and user feedback.
RAD seeks to decrease development time and costs while producing usable software quickly, often
utilized when an urgent deadline or rapid prototyping is required.
DevOps
DevOps (Developer Operations, or DevOps for short) is an amalgamation of development (Dev) and
operations (Ops) designed to streamline software development and deployment processes. DevOps
emphasizes collaboration, automation, continuous integration/delivery (CI/D), and bottleneck reduction.

With DevOps development and operations teams work collaboratively throughout all software lifecycle
phases to reduce bottlenecks faster, speed up delivery of high-quality software releases quicker, reduce
bottlenecks as well as reduce bottlenecks between updates/deployments/ updates/deployments/
updates/deployments/updates or deployments/upgrades frequently - perfect for projects requiring
frequent updates/deployments/upgrades/deployments.
Prototype Development
Prototype development entails creating an initial version of the software with limited functionality to
gather user feedback and test feasibility. Prototyping allows developers to quickly validate ideas, identify
potential issues and refine requirements before moving forward with full-scale development.
Prototyping is often employed in user experience-focused projects where usability plays a significant
role.
Incremental Development
Incremental development divides a complex software project into smaller increments or modules for
testing and deployment, using all stages of the software development lifecycle, such as planning,
analysis, design, implementation testing and deployment for each increment. This approach allows
developers to deliver functional software pieces in stages for early feedback and risk management
purposes - an especially helpful method when dealing with complex projects with evolving
requirements.
Mobile App Development
Mobile app development entails creating software applications specifically tailored for mobile devices
like smartphones and tablets, including those running the iOS or Android operating systems, in terms of
designing user interfaces, optimizing performance, leveraging the unique capabilities of each mobile
device as well as designing user experiences that make sense on a screen. Today's digital landscape
makes mobile app development highly sought-after.
Web Development
Web development refers to designing websites and web apps that run on browsers. This process
encompasses frontend development - which deals with the user experience - and backend development
which encompasses server-side programming and database administration. Web developers employ
technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks as a part of this field of software
engineering. With an ever-increasing demand for online presence, this area remains essential in software
engineering.
Top 5 Software Development Methodologies
Here is an overview of some of the more commonly utilized software development methodologies and
why different methodologies exist.
Agile Development Methodology
All agile methods involve developing software in iterations containing mini increments of new features -
including scrum, crystal, extreme programming (XP) and feature-driven development (FDD). Various

forms of agile development methods include scrum, crystal XP or feature-driven development (FDD). All
forms contribute to creating an agile software development cycle.
Agile software development cycles can be broken down into six steps:
● Concept
● Inception
● Iteration/Construction
● Release
● Production.
● Retirement
The initial step, concept, involves the identification of business opportunities within each potential
project and estimating the time and work required to complete it. With this knowledge, projects can be
prioritized according to technical and economic feasibility before progressing.
At inception, team members must be identified, funding arranged, and initial customer requirements
discussed.
Iteration/construction is the third step of agile software development services and involves teams
beginning to produce working software based on requirements and user feedback. This iterative cycle
typically lasts two to four weeks with an end date set; its goal is a working product ready for launch upon
each iteration completion.
The release is the last stage, consisting of final quality assurance testing, resolution of any outstanding
defects, finalization of system and user documentation, and finally, releasing the final iteration into
production.
After release, production takes the next step and provides ongoing software maintenance support to
keep it running smoothly while teaching users how to use it effectively. It continues until either support
has ceased or it is time for the product's retirement.
When retiring a system release from production, it should either be replaced by another release or
removed due to becoming outdated, redundant, or incompatible with business objectives.
DevOps Deployment Methodology
DevOps is more than a development methodology; it's also an approach to culture change within an
organization. DevOps deployment entails organizational changes which enhance collaboration between
departments responsible for different parts of development life cycle management such as
development, quality assurance and operations.
DevOps Software Development Cycle
DevOps' process flow emphasizes agility and automation.
Continuous Development
Continuous development (or iterative development) refers to an iterative process for creating software
products that will be delivered directly to customers. This may involve continuous integration, testing,
delivery and deployment - each step being part of this larger process.

Implementing a continuous development strategy and sub-strategies enables businesses to deliver new
features or products faster while meeting higher quality and risk standards without significant
bandwidth restrictions.
Continuous Integration
Continuous integration (CI) is a software development practice often seen within DevOps process flows.
Developers regularly commit their code changes into a central repository where those updates are
tested automatically.
Continuous integration (CI) ensures developers can access the latest, validated code. CI helps reduce
delays by enabling multiple developers to work simultaneously on one source code rather than waiting
until release day to integrate separate sections simultaneously.
Continuous Testing
Continuous testing is a verification process to help developers ensure the code works exactly as designed
in real-life environments. Testing can uncover bugs or highlight specific aspects of the product that
require further attention or improvement, which can then be fed back into development stages for
continued enhancement.
Continuous Monitoring and Feedback
Maintain Continuous Monitoring and Feedback at every point in the development pipeline, and your
team should implement measures for continuous monitoring and feedback of products and systems
developed. Much of this monitoring should be automated to provide continuous feedback loops.
IT operations use this process to quickly identify issues and alert developers of changes.
Continuous Delivery
Continuous Delivery (CD) is the next logical step after Continuous Integration. Changes to code are
automatically built, tested, packaged for release into production and delivered quickly and sustainably to
end users. The goal is to update users quickly yet sustainably.
CD automates the release process (based on automated testing in CI) so that new builds can be released
at a click of a button.
Continuous Deployment
Continuous deployment for experienced DevOps organizations, continuous deployment may be
preferred over continuous integration (CI). Continuous deployment provides fully automated versions of
both CD and CI with no manual intervention necessary.
Waterfall Development Method
Waterfall development method Many consider the waterfall method the classic software development
methodology, with five sequential phases comprising requirements gathering, design development,
implementation testing verification maintenance. Each phase must be 100% complete before starting its
next stage, and there's usually no way to backtrack or change directions in any phase. There are 5 stages
commonly found within a Waterfall process.

5 common stages in a Waterfall process
Assuming you're developing software, the Waterfall process typically includes stages such as these:
● Requirements: The Waterfall methodology assumes that all project requirements can be
collected and understood upfront, with the project manager doing their best to gain an in-depth
knowledge of the sponsor's expectations. Written requirements serve as the main document
detailing each phase of the project: costs, assumptions, risks, dependencies, success metrics and
timelines for completion.
● Design: Software developers use design to provide technical solutions to product requirements,
creating scenarios, layouts and data models to meet them. First, a higher-level or logical design is
made, which describes the purpose and scope of the project along with general traffic flows of
components and integration points before finally being translated into physical designs using
specific hardware/software technologies.
● Implementation: After the design is complete, technical implementation begins - possibly the
shortest stage of the Waterfall process, as all necessary research and design have already
occurred. Should significant modifications arise during this stage, this may necessitate returning
to the design phase for adjustments.
● Verification or testing: Before releasing any product to customers, rigorous testing must occur to
ensure there are no errors and all requirements have been fulfilled; this ensures the user
experience with software is optimal. A team dedicated to testing will use documents, personas
and user case scenarios provided by product managers in creating test cases for this process.
● Deployment and Maintenance: After the software has been released onto the market or
customers, its maintenance phase begins. As user defects or change requests arise, a team will
be assigned to oversee updates or new versions of it being made available to them.
Rapid application development
Scott Stiner is the CEO and President of UM Technologies. Forbes quoted him: "RAD allows us to adapt
quickly to changes in a fast-paced market - resulting in low, upfront investment costs."
Steps in Rapid Application Development
Rapid application development (RAD) methodology comprises four phases: requirements planning, user
design, and construction and cutover. These four basic steps represent Rapid App Development:
● Define the requirements: Rapid application development sets itself apart from traditional
software development by shifting away from detailed specifications-gathering workshops with
end users, instead requesting broad requirements that enable you to take time segmenting them
throughout development.
● Prototype: Here lies the actual development. Instead of following rigid requirements, developers
create prototypes quickly with various features and functions for display to clients, who will
decide what they like and don't like about each prototype.
● More often than not, prototypes are created quickly to show just the key features. This is the
norm; finalization happens when the client and developer agree on what their final product
should look like.

● Construction: The construction stage of development is of critical importance. Engineers and
developers work tirelessly to turn a working model into a functioning system with regular
feedback sessions from engineers and developers working on it. Reviews play an essential part in
this stage, as bugs, issues, or changes must be addressed promptly during this phase of the
development cycle. Often this phase can last for an extended period when clients change
direction frequently, or feedback becomes numerous.
● Deployment: The final stage of Rapid Application Development is deploying the built system into
a live production environment. This phase includes rigorous scale testing, technical
documentation and issue tracking, final customizations and system simulation.
Scrum Methodology
Scrum is the go-to agile framework. Based on empirical techniques, it can quickly adapt to fast-changing
or priority emerging requirements.
Scrum refers to iterations as sprints. As part of its software development plan process, this approach
starts with brief planning for each sprint before holding daily scrum meetings to track its progress,
ending in a final review meeting.
Scrum methodology is ideal for projects with loosely-defined requirements and client feedback and
requires teamwork, transparency, and regular status updates to speed up development.
Scrum Phases and Processes
Scrum processes represent the activities and flow that make up a Scrum project. There are 19 such
processes listed in SBOK(r), which have been organized:
● Craft a Project Vision Statement: In this step, a review of the project business case is used to
create a Project Vision Statement, which serves as inspiration and focus for the entire endeavor.
Furthermore, the Product Owner is identified in this phase.
● Form Scrum Team: In this process, members of a Scrum Team are identified. Generally, Product
Owners bear primary responsibility for selecting team members with assistance from Scrum
Masters.
● Define Epic(s): For this process, user group meetings or vision statements are the starting point
in creating Epics.
● Establish Prioritized Product Backlog: Done Criteria are established at this stage.
● Conduct Release Planning: As part of this process, the Product Owner works alongside their
Scrum Team to develop a Release Planning Schedule - effectively an organized deployment
schedule shared with project stakeholders - along with sprint length determination.
Selecting an Appropriate Methodology for Your Business
Deliberately selecting the ideal methodology is critical to any business's success, providing a structured
approach to problem-solving, managing projects, and reaching goals. Unfortunately, with so many
methodologies out there it can be daunting trying to select one that's a best fit. In this article we will
address key points to keep in mind when selecting one for yourself.
Understand Your Business Needs

Before choosing a methodology, it is vital that you have an in-depth knowledge of your business needs
and objectives. Recognize any challenges your organization is currently facing as well as goals it desires
to attain; for instance if your focus lies with software development Agile/Scrum may be best-suited;
while Lean/Six Sigma could be more appropriate based on manufacturing processes.
Consider Your Team's Expertise
Asses the Expertise of Your Team Evaluate the skillset and expertise of each of your team members
before selecting a methodology. Different methodologies require different skill sets and levels of
expertise, making it important to select one that fits with the capabilities of your team members. If a
method has worked well in the past, sticking with it may be more efficient; alternatively if your team is
open to trying something different you could consider considering methods which offer training or
support to help them adapt.
Evaluate Flexibility and Adaptability
Consider the flexibility and adaptability of any methodologies that you are considering for use within
your business. Businesses frequently face unexpected changes that require their chosen methodology to
adjust. Agile methodologies, for instance, have proven adept at accommodating rapidly shifting
environments by being adaptable enough to adapt quickly as requirements evolve over time - this
feature could prove especially advantageous if your industry operates quickly changing environments.
Assess Project Size and Complexity
Project size and complexity play an essential part in selecting an appropriate methodology. While certain
approaches might work better with smaller, simpler endeavors, others are meant to handle larger
endeavors with more intricate requirements - for instance Waterfall's traditional sequential methodology
might work best when dealing with projects with clearly-outlined requirements while Kanban may
provide better support for ongoing tasks.
Examine Your Time and Resource Constraints
First, evaluate the time and resource constraints within your business. Certain methodologies require
more time and resources to implement and sustain, so consider availability of team members, budget
constraints, project deadlines and project completion dates when making decisions about
implementation methods such as Rapid Application Development (RAD) or Extreme Programming (XP).
These approaches could potentially expedite development faster.
Find Industry Best Practices
Explore industry best practices and standards relevant to your business. Different industries tend to favor
methodologies which have shown success within their sector; review case studies, success stories and
advice from industry experts in order to determine which techniques have become popular among
professionals in your field.
Conduct Pilot Projects
Prior to fully adopting a new methodology, conducting pilot projects may prove valuable. Select a
small-scale project and implement the method under evaluation to assess its success within your

business environment. Doing this allows you to identify any challenges or receive feedback from team
members while making more informed decisions on its suitability for your organization.
Seek Advice
If you need guidance in selecting an approach, seek expert advice from industry professionals,
consultants, or mentors. Their insights may prove useful as you learn more about various methodologies
from discussions to workshops to online forums that highlight them all.
Conduct Pilot Projects
After Selecting and Implementing Once you have selected a methodology, it is critical that its
performance be regularly reviewed and any necessary adaptations made as soon as possible. No
methodology is perfect, so identifying areas for improvement and making adjustments accordingly are
vital steps in keeping it effective and meeting business goals. Track outcomes of projects undertaken
using your methodology as you gather feedback from team members before optimizing implementation
by making adjustments necessary for continuous improvement.
Stay Open to Evolution
Methodologies change over time with new approaches and practices emerging, so keep up-to-date with
industry trends and advancements to remain up-to-date on methods that may better suit your business
needs. Foster a culture of learning and adaptability so your organization remains agile and competitive.
Conclusion
Software development methodology is an indispensable element of application development.
Understanding its various approaches will enable you to identify which one best meets your
development process and achieve desired results. Don't neglect committing time and energy into
objective planning, budgeting, resource allocation planning, product creation or time frame
considerations before choosing your method - software development methodology will assist in
selecting an approach tailored specifically to you so as to achieve project development success!
Software development methodologies offer a structured way of building software and apps. Since early
programming days, these methodologies have become essential tools for modern developers.
Since new methodologies are continually being introduced, it is impossible for any methodology to
become the clear winner. Selecting the ideal software development methodology depends on a range of
factors including team structure, experience level, project requirements, goals, budgetary considerations
and any additional underlying considerations.
Software development methodologies provide an excellent starting point for any software project. This
overview and its accompanying benefits and drawbacks will enable you to select an approach best suited
to you and your company.
Software development methodologies are extremely essential when it comes to software projects, and
are widely utilized across a range of software development ventures. All these popular methodologies
may work better in certain projects based on their nature; sometimes one methodology that may have
worked for one project may not suit another one entirely.

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