Updated August 11, 2023
Introduction to Methodology
An analysis applied to the methods in any application or research field is called methodology. It is a systematic and theoretical process so that all the methods and principles associated with the field of knowledge is explored well. This process collects information and data about the particular subject and ponders it well, analysis is made and methods to find the solution is found. It explains the definition of the process and how it is carried out; hence, the user knows about the process well. It explains the way to reach the result is as important as the result.
What is Software Development Methodology?
A software development methodology/process, also referred to as the software development lifecycle is the set of principles or rules that directs the development team to the successful completion of the project. Choosing a methodology depends on the project requirements and time frame. The development work is divided into distinct phases according to the development methodology selected. It may follow either an iterative approach or end-to-end completion in one go according to the project requirements.
Why do we use SDM?
The methodologies ensure a smooth software development experience while fulfilling project requirements. The software development methodology is concerned only with the planning aspects of the software development and hence it acts as a framework that is used to design, plan, and guide the software development process.
If the SDM are either not in place or are not implemented properly, various problems start coming up as the development works progress. This may also lead to the development of a software application with a lot of defects. Software with various defects may damage the reliability and image of the company.
Importance of SDM
The software development methodology is of extreme importance in the development process.
- When you select a specific methodology, all the roles, processes, and management techniques within the team would be defined by that methodology.
- Your methodology determines the requirement-gathering process. For example, if the project requirements are frequently changing, it would be best to follow an agile approach. But if the requirements are clearly defined and are not expected to change, it would be better to follow a waterfall model.
- As mentioned earlier, it also determines the quality of your software. The methodology should cover all the basic requirements of the software development approach and should have a special focus on testing. Selecting a better methodology would improve the quality of the software.
- The SDM organizes the development process.
Types of Software Development Methodology
Below are the types of Software Development Methodology:
1. Waterfall
The waterfall model is considered the most basic and traditional software development methodology. The waterfall model consists of phases (requirements, design, implementation, verification, maintenance) that are carried out in sequence and focus on specific tasks for each phase. Each phase must be completed before the start of the next phase. Once a phase is complete, there is no going back to that phase for modification.
The waterfall method is easy to manage due to its sequential nature. Projects which have the requirements and goals clearly defined which are not expected to change are the best to be implemented in a waterfall approach. The waterfall is very tight and rigid which results in the process being slow and may be costly.
2. Agile
It is used when the team expects changes to the requirements or any increments to the existing functionalities. The software development is done in an iterative manner along with the changes. As the development methodology follows the iterative approach, the software is released in iterations. This iterative approach allows the team to find defects early on and fix them which improves the efficiency of the development process. The software development in a Feature-driven approach is done feature by feature, where features are the piece of work that is prioritized by the client and the delivery timeline is of two weeks.
Feature-driven development is done in five steps:
- Develop a model software.
- Build a list of each important feature.
- Plan the development as per the priority of features.
- Design by features
- Build by features
The maximum time for the development and delivery of any feature is two weeks. If the development of any feature takes more than 2 weeks of time, then it is expected to break down the feature into two parts so that it can be delivered in two weeks of a timeline.
3. Scum
Scrum is another way to implement the Agile development methodology. In Scrum, the team, developers and testers collaborate highly to deliver the product.
The development of the software follows the iterative approach where the entire team breaks down its deliverable into smaller tasks at the start and work on them in the fixed time know as sprints.
Scrum is the combination of the traditional development methodology which provides structure to the process and modern iterative development methodology which provides flexibility to the development process.
4. Lean
Lean is the methodology process borrowed from the manufacturing sector and applied to software development.
Lean’s basic process approach is to optimize the solution, remove and wastage, produce quality products, commit at a later stage, deliver the product as early as possible helps the company to make decisions at an organization level, and detect any issue while maintaining a good company environment.
5. DevOps
DevOps involve continuous delivery of the product. DevOps is based on enhanced collaboration between the various teams or departments. DevOps methodology improves the time to market, brings down failure rates, and the time to fix the issues while increasing the reliability of the product.
Conclusion
SDM is must be followed by every team involved in software development. It helps to speed up work, removes defects, and increases the reliability of the product. Each software methodologies has strengths and weaknesses. Implementing a mix of development methodologies helps to develop the software efficiently and securely.
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