Ever since the 1950s, software development methodologies have evolved and offered innovative approaches. With every passing decade, the changes made a focus on bringing more structure to the workflow. Having the correct methodology contributes to a structured and more integrated outlook. Listed below are some of the commonly known software development methodologies.

  • Agile software development methodology

It is an incremental and repetitive approach to software development. This methodology is rooted in 12 principles and 4 crucial values of the Agile Manifesto. It is a commonly used software development methodology for introducing speed, cross-functional steps, flexibility, communication, and collaboration.

Pros:

  • Introduces minimal viable product and is capable of being marketed at a faster pace.
  • A customer-centric approach to development, keeping perspectives, feedbacks, and requirements in check.
  • Agile testing is carried out at the end of every sprint cycle, reducing software testing time.

Cons.

  • Invariable increase in project requirements throughout the timeline.
  • Lack of appropriate documents related to Agile development for the project to follow.
  • Agile anti-patterns like unclear requirements, miscommunication, ignorance.

  • Lean development methodology

It is an extended version of Agile software development. It runs on the belief that changes with the least effort are critical and demand less time for implementation. It relies on 7 principles namely:

  • Eliminating waste
  • Amplify learning
  • Decide late
  • Deliver fast
  • Team empowerment
  • Integrity buildup
  • Complete optimization

Pros.

  • Quick MVP development and delivery within a set budget.
  • Changes are planned well to minimize expenses.
  • Freedom to decide project-related decisions – increasing team productivity.

Cons.

  • No learning – only highly skilled developers can benefit from it.
  • The business analyst is crucial for project success.
  • Excess flexibility leads to unwanted extension in delivery time.

  • Feature-driven development

It is a feature-centric development methodology in which tasks are assigned based on the finalized list of features. Five steps of the methodology are further broken down into six milestones per feature. It allows users to track their progress easily.

Pros.

  • Documentation helps to facilitate communication within fewer meetings.
  • User-centric methodology.
  • Scalable approach, accommodating increased scope and project size.
  • Focus on individual features, tracking and iterating through them.

Cons.

  • No emphasis on shared or collective ownership.
  • Lacks documentation of features.
  • Not ideal for small projects with restricted developer count.
  • Chief programmer plays many roles which may burden him or them.

  • Waterfall software development methodology

Ìt is a sequential and linear software development methodology, introduced in the 1970s. This project management approach looks at the logical progression of all the stages included in the software development life cycle.

Pros.

  • Constant and consistent project requirements from developers.
  • A clean and defined project structure offers easy project management.
  • Apt for a small-scale project with precise requirements.

Cons.

  • Moving backward through the stages is impossible.
  • Doesn’t include the client’s perspective at any stage.
  • One-time efforts in testing delay the leading time.

  • Rapid application development

It roots in the Agile methodology, prioritizing adaptability over planning. The central factor is demonstrating design specifications through prototype development. It is most suitable for software projects where user interface requirements are primarily considered.

Pros.

  • Quality product delivery with emphasis on prototype development, offering quality software.
  • Lesser risks since users are involved early in the mechanism.
  • High probability of project completion in time due to RAD’s incremental development.

Cons.

  • No focus on non-functional requirements.
  • Less control on projects due to increased flexibility.
  • Lacks scalability.

Summing Up!

This article offers an idea of five of the most commonly used software development methodology. Based on business and project requirements, choose a methodology that suits them best. For more details, view Innuy.com.