7 Techniques for Software Development

The procedures required to design, build, test, deploy, and maintain software are specified by software development techniques. By adopting the best approach for your company, you can minimize problems like clients' shifting needs, pressing deadlines, and going over budget while also guaranteeing that your project is completed effectively and on schedule.

This article will discuss seven popular software development techniques, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to select the most appropriate one for your requirements.

Table of Contents

• Software Development Methodology: What Is It?

• Top 7 Software Development Processes

• Comparing Software Development Methodologies

• Key Takeaways On Software Development Methodologies: How to Select the Software Development Process That's Right for You

• FAQs about Software Development Methods

• Software Development Methodology: What Is It?

A collection of procedures, guidelines, and practices that direct the development of software is referred to as software development methodology. It includes all facets of developing software, from requirement collecting to preliminary planning to coding, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. 

By guaranteeing that software development projects are finished on schedule, within budget, and—above all—meet the needs of the end users, methodologies can enhance project management. Better quality control, effective cooperation, and stakeholder engagement are all benefits.

The best option will rely on a number of variables, including the size of the development team, the budget, the timetable, and the complexity and scope of your project.

7 Leading Software Development Methodologies

• Agile 

• Waterfall

• Scrum

• Lean

• Rapid Application Development

• Feature-Driven Development

• Rational Unified Process

1. Agile Software Development

Agile is a well-liked software development methodology that emphasizes adaptability to change, evolutionary development, and improvement through adaptive planning. Teams using this methodology develop and test software solutions over shorter intervals of time, known as "iterations," which might range from one week to one month.

Agile is a methodical approach to management that prioritizes the best possible delivery of discrete components over whole products. This permits modifications and adjustments to be made while the project is in progress and leads to quicker software releases with fewer chances of errors, overspending, and requirements changes. 

Advantages:

A flexible strategy that facilitates responding to the evolving needs of a client.

Clear communication and feedback between development teams, stakeholders, and other parties remove uncertainty and reduce the possibility of miscommunication.

increased openness between the development team and the client

Early identification of discrepancies between expectations and the actual product facilitates error discovery.

Working software can be produced before the final stage. 

Disadvantages: 

A lack of documentation and an emphasis on software may lead to problems with functionality.

Uncertain goals from the client might cause agile initiatives to veer off course. 

2. Waterfall Software Development

Waterfall is another well-liked software development methodology. The antithesis of Agile, it is a rigid, conventional, and linear process for creating software that demands developers finish each step or task before going on. In order to accommodate needs changes, developers do not go back to the previous step; instead, stages progressively flow into one another.

This technique streamlines the entire engineering process and has a life cycle that includes a rigid order of tasks that must be done. Smaller projects with clearly specified requirements from the start are best suited for it. 

Advantages:

Analytical, progressive, simple, and easy to grasp

Appropriate for novices in software development

The model's stiffness makes it incredibly manageable.

Every stage has a distinct review procedure and set deliverables.

Time is saved as tasks are processed and finished all at once.

Analyzing and testing are made easier by simple operations. 

Disadvantages:

This method requires specific criteria upfront in order to function.

Not appropriate for lengthy projects or upkeep

To test and generate functional software, the development cycle must proceed to its ultimate step.

It is not possible to go back and make modifications to the software once it has entered the testing phase. 

3. Scrum Software Development

Scrum is a well-liked technique for software development that is ideal for projects with dynamic requirements due to its multifaceted nature.

After a quick planning phase, there are daily stand-up meetings, also called scrums, when progress is discussed. Finally, there is a final review. To produce the result, this quick-paced software development process requires numerous work iterations, often known as sprints.

The main benefit it has over other development approaches is that it helps keep projects that move slowly along on schedule. Scrum software development is designed for teams of three to nine members who can complete the project in two weeks. 

Advantages:

Development teams operate independently and make all of the choices.

The success of the project does not greatly depend on the outline of business requirements.

a method that is adaptable and capable of taking regular updates and modifications.

Software development is sped significantly by the adaptive method.

Daily meetings allow for the measurement of individual productivity, which improves productivity.

Drawbacks:  

Unsuitable for extensive projects

needs a skilled workforce with a wide range of abilities to collaborate closely.

The fact that projects are divided into sprints means that extensive planning is required.

Software development techniques specify the procedures that must be followed in order to create, test, implement, and maintain software. By choosing the best approach for your company, you can minimize problems like clients' shifting needs, pressing deadlines, and going over budget while also guaranteeing that your project is completed effectively and on schedule. 

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4. Lean Software Development

Lean is an adaptable, strategically oriented software development methodology that produces solutions that are simple to modify. It is perfect for tasks with little requirements and a tight budget.

By implementing a strong conceptual framework, this methodology minimizes programming effort and defect rates by ensuring developers adhere to the set standards.

In order to reduce time or money spent, lean software development closely scrutinizes specifications. Value for the client is its primary focus, which makes prompt action and feedback essential. 

Advantages: 

adhere to the fundamental tenet of the Agile Manifesto, which is to "find good people and let them do their own jobs."

Quick and inexpensive procedure

In a shorter amount of time, developers can deliver more project features.

The development team is empowered to make decisions with greater autonomy, which guarantees motivation. 

Disadvantages:

A business analyst is responsible for ensuring that project documentation is correct and comprehensive.

The discipline and technical proficiency of the team will determine the project's success.

It could be necessary to receive further training.

An excessive amount of flexibility could lead to a lack of concentration, which could harm the project.

Software development techniques specify the procedures that must be followed in order to create, test, implement, and maintain software. By choosing the best approach for your company, you can minimize problems like clients' shifting needs, pressing deadlines, and going over budget while also guaranteeing that your project is completed effectively and on schedule. 

5. Rapid Application Development

Fast functional prototype creation is a key component of rapid application development (RAD), which allows for ongoing feedback. Adaptability and ongoing input are given precedence over meticulous planning in the early phases of the software development process by this methodology.

The final prototype was delivered quickly because of extensive software reuse and numerous iterations throughout the process. For these projects, low-code and no-code platforms are frequently used.

Software projects that center on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are best suited for RAD. The approach of software development is gaining immense popularity as software projects become more and more necessary in many industries every year. 

Advantages: 

lowers the possibility of subpar execution because of ongoing client input and early problem identification

Several iterations result in a superior final product.

Quick development since there is less documentation and planning

Open lines of communication and regular input between stakeholders and developers guarantee openness.

Drawbacks:

A dangerous and somewhat innovative technique

Because of the expenditures associated with modeling and automated code creation, it is not appropriate for small-budget applications.

This method's fast-paced nature necessitates an experienced team that collaborates over an extended period of time. 

6. Feature-Driven Development

Popular among large teams working on project-oriented or object-oriented technologies, as well as companies transitioning from stage-based to iterative techniques, is feature-driven development. Model development, feature list building, planning, design, and build by feature are the five easy steps involved.

A number of software development techniques are combined into one approach with feature-driven development. Its key goal is to swiftly deliver working iterations by centering development methods around product features. 

Advantages:

Delivers large projects that can scale

Ensures structure and a good overview of the project through detailed documentation

Built on set standards and industry-recognized best practices for software development

Disadvantages:

Not suitable for smaller projects and teams due to its complexity

Lead developers need to be highly trained and fully equipped because of various responsibilities

This highly complex process needs to be monitored at each phase to avoid significant issues

7. Rational Unified Process

Rational Unified Process (RUP) is designed to achieve quick results by leveraging the best features of other methodologies, making it one of the most popular software development methods out there.

It divides the software development life cycle into four phases: inception, elaboration, construction, and transition. Each phase involves business modeling, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.

This adaptable process is object-oriented and allows developers to find suitable guidelines, templates, and examples for all stages of the project. Moreover, teams can tailor this framework according to their internal workflows.

With adjustable fast prototyping and iterations, developers get quick feedback and can eliminate errors on the go, ensuring optimal product outcomes.

Advantages: 

Prototyping and defining milestones lead to detailed feedback from clients

Team members identify and resolve project risks associated with client’s changing requirements

Scalable and suitable for any team or project of any size

Reviews maintain project focus and ensure transparency

Disadvantages:

Highly complex, potentially disjointed process that’s difficult to understand and requires a skilled team

Continued testing and integration increase complexity, which may lead to other issues

Project outlook depends almost entirely on team performance

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How To Choose the Software Development Process That’s Right for You

An often overlooked and underestimated part of software development is choosing a methodology that best suits the project. Factors such as project cost, deadline, and software requirements determine how the software project will be executed and outline the path to successfully delivering the product.

The benefits of choosing the ideal software development methodology and project framework are as follows:

• Project costs remain constant

• Development teams adhere to the schedule and meet all deadlines

• Unrelated administrative discussions are eliminated from the workflow

• Teamwork and collaboration improve

• Developers meet client specifications and project requirements

• The risk of burnout is reduced

These five tips will help you choose the software development process suitable for your needs:

• Evaluate the Flexibility of Requirements

• Define The Software’s End-Users

• Be Aware of the Project Size

• Evaluate Your Development Time Frame

• Consider the Development Team’s Location

1. Evaluate the Flexibility of Requirements

Before choosing one among the many software engineering methodologies, consider the flexibility of your project.

The Agile approach is ideal for web and app development, in which the team will need to make frequent changes along the way. In contrast, waterfall is an excellent method for classic software development, in which predictability and stability are required in all phases.

2. Define the Software’s End-Users

If your project’s target audience is diverse, there will likely be a significant number of requests to include new features after launch. Agile and Scrum would be the most helpful for this scenario as you can edit your product at any phase.

If the software will likely maintain a fixed set of requirements in the long run, the Waterfall method is ideal.

3. Be Aware of the Project Size

Large and complex projects will require a more elaborate project management plan. The streamlined Waterfall methodology is best suited to meet intricate client requirements. Meanwhile, Agile and RAD are great for small to medium projects with evolving priorities. These methodologies ensure timely delivery and adherence to desired outcomes.

4. Evaluate Your Development Time Frame

If the time frame for software development is long-term and deadlines are flexible, the Waterfall methodology is the best choice. However, Agile and other iterative-based methodologies are the best choices for projects that require sprints due to limited timelines. These make the release of partially finished products possible.

5. Consider The Development Team’s Location

Accountability, coherence, and coordination are all very important if you’re working with an outsourced remote development team. In these scenarios, a rigid development method like Waterfall is best suited.

Agile, Feature-driven, and Rapid Application development methodologies require a lot of meetings and frequent discussions with teams that work closely together. They are better suited for software development teams working in one office or city.

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Takeaways On Software Development Methodologies

It is important to choose the software development methodology that is right for your project before any work begins. Changing your methods down the road can be very difficult for your team and may lead to project delays and complications.

Software requirements and the scope of the project are two of the most critical factors that will determine the best method to use and help you find the software development team that’s right for you.

Software Development Methodologies FAQs

1. Which software development methodology should I use?

The software development methodology you should use depends on the size and complexity of the project, available resources, timeline, and the specific needs and requirements of the final product.

For example, if your project is relatively small and simple, consider using a simpler methodology such as Waterfall. However, you might need Agile if your project is more complex and requires a lot of flexibility and adaptability.

2. Why adhere to software development methodology?

Adhering to one software methodology can help ensure that projects are completed efficiently, with a high-quality product that meets the needs of stakeholders and end-users. It also improves collaboration and communication among team members, making project management more seamless.