Updated July 5, 2023
Introduction to Methods of Development
Software development is the bread and butter of IT organizations and their employees. There are many methodologies with which software can be developed; some of them include a waterfall, Agile, Extreme Programming, Prototype Method, Rapid application development model, etc. Choosing which method to develop depends on many factors like the complexity of software, the client’s involvement, the fund that is approved for development, team skill and experience, and finally, the application of the developed software. But to choose, we must be aware of available methodologies of development. This article will see a few of the famous trending methods among organisations and their advantages and disadvantages.
5 Methods of Development
Below are the different Methods of Development:
1. WaterFall Development Methodology
The waterfall model is quite a popular term heard in IT organizations. This is considered a legacy or the traditional way of development, but some development processes consider waterfall to develop their requirement even then. The waterfall method follows a linear sequence of development by letting the user understand that the next level is implemented progressively upon completing the previous one. This methodology follows that going back to deal with any sort of change is not possible. This was created in 1970 and was prominent for several decades because of its plan-driven approach. The flow of development is rigid, and the sequence of development as follows.
- Get the software purpose or requirement and its scope
- once the scope and the requirement is understood, then analyze it
- Prepare the best possible design to implement the requirement
- Implement the design
- Rigorously test the implementation
- Deploy and maintain the Implementation
Let us list some of the advantages and disadvantages of this methodology below.
Advantages:
- This method is easy to understand as it is linear and sequential
- As the model is rigid, it is simpler to handle
- This methodology allows for easy testing and analysis.
Disadvantages:
- This method is applicable only to precise needs
- Waterfall the method is difficult to implement maintenance projects.
2. Prototype Methodology
This methodology encourages to development of only a sampler model for the requirement, and its results are validated for functional essence. Then the decision is taken whether to proceed with the final authentic solution or not. As the method suggests, this method actually tends to resolve the different issues incurred during waterfall method development. In this methodology of development, the client is involved continuously since the decision needs to be taken. Let us see some of the advantages of this model.
Advantages:
- This development methodology will supposedly reduce the inherent risk for the software.
- Since clients are involved throughout, better review and risk can be identified.
- This methodology gives a clear idea of the functional process of the software.
- This methodology will also help in better requirement gather for the projects.
Disadvantages:
- Excessive involvement of the client in the development be lag the project
- There are chances of cost getting increased with this project
3. Agile Development Methodology
There we few major limitations with the waterfall model, and one such is high in flexibility. To accommodate any change in waterfall often found to be difficult or impossible. To overcome these limitations and a few other limitations from other models Agile is developed. With agile, we can easily adapt to any change and also, we can adhere to the demand for faster software production.
Agile will allow customer collaboration in the entire phase of the software development, and it easily responds to change as the development process is iteration based. Agile methodology has less focus on documentation and more on the work software, and also, the document that prepared are concise and elaborative enough. Let us look at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of agile Advantages:
Advantages:
- Agile can easily handle complex requirements with sprint-based iterations and also handles variability quite effectively compared to other models.
- Agile allows direct communication with the customer, and hence implementations can be reviewed, and changes can be captured.
- Finding and resolving defects is relatively easy with the agile-based approach.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively less stress on documentation as more stress on working software.
- If the sprint outcome is not clear the, there is a chance of delay or getting off track.
4. Extreme Programming Methodology (XP)
Extreme programming will focus on producing higher quality software using the best available practices. Similar to the agile-based approach, XP allows releases in a shorter sprint.
XP methodology, in general, incorporates few values rather than rigid steps. These are simplicity which defines that develop what is required and not more, communication which defines that team must be collaborative enough and encouraging customer involvement; consistent feedback, which is required to work on shortcomings; and finally, respect. Let us look at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the XP model below.
Advantages:
- XP methodology enables greater transparency and traceability • Helps in cost reduction as it is more focused based development.
- Allows customer involvement to a large extent
- Allows developing rational plans and following the scheduled plans
Disadvantages:
- The effectiveness involves frequent meetups
- Also, the work is hugely dependent on the caliber of people involved, and hence high the skill of the developer is required.
5. Rapid Application Development (RAD)
This is one of the faster methods of developing software and hence replacement to a waterfall-based approach. It is for Agile based software development where the concentration is on a rapid prototype or rapid iteration release. Hence RAD is more towards the application of the software to be developed rather than strict planning and requirement recording, which is primary to the waterfall-based approach.
The phases in the RAD is like finalizing the project requirement and finalizing the design, begin building the prototypes until the final product is ready, once the product is ready to gather the user or customer feedback and apply their suggestions, test for any defects, deployment. Let us look at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the RAD methodology below.
Advantages:
- The development of the process is prototype-based and hence quite effortless.
- This method allows clients or user to provide quick feedback, and depending on the suggestions; the changes can be easily implemented.
Disadvantages:
- Requires well-skilled professionals in the team to develop
- Difficult to apply to small budgeted projects.
Conclusion – Methods of Development
Hence there are various methods with which we can develop the software, and we have seen a few of the popular ones in the above article. Most organizations are moving towards agile-based approaches in combination with other forms of development. This does not mean that the waterfall is irrelevant. The waterfall method gives better documentations, and hence few organizations use the waterfall method in their software development.
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This is a guide to Methods of Development. Here we discuss the famous methods that are trending among organizations along with their advantages and disadvantages. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
