Top 5 Software Development Methodologies

Software development is the process of dividing software development work into distinct phases to improve design, product management, and project management. It is also known as a software development life cycle. Top 5 Software Development Methodologies may include the pre-definition of specific deliverables and artifacts that are created and completed by a project team to develop or maintain an application.

Majority of modern development processes are agile-based, but there are also other well-known methodologies, such as waterfall, spiral, rapid, and extreme. Let’s discuss these in details.

5 Different Software Development Methodologies Models

1.  Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Method offers a straightforward method for software project development. The order requires that phases including design and testing are finished ahead of progressing to the next. When a section ends it is hard to revisit and adjust which stresses the need for careful preparation at the outset. 

This process thrives with projects that have obvious and inflexible specifications. Despite being easy to use it proves rigid in the face of unforeseen challenges. This solution suits tasks where the final objective is clear and inflexible.

Phases:

• Requirement gathering

• Design

• Implementation

• Testing

• Deployment

• Maintenance

 Salient Features:

• It is considered the traditional method of explaining the software development process.

• It is also known as the linear sequential life cycle model.

• In this model, the next phase in the development process won’t begin until and unless the previous phase is completed. The phases don’t overlap each other.

• It is best suitable where requirements are predictable and stable.

• It is best suitable for small projects.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Ease in understanding. It is a structured approach. Stages and activities are well defined. Helps in proper planning and scheduling of activities. Early detection of errors, as it allows verification at every stage.	Poor anticipation of possible outcomes. It’s challenging to go back to any stage once it’s finished. Limited flexibility. The huge cost of implementation. It doesn’t specify the guidelines of how to handle the change in requirements

2. V-Shaped Model

The V-Shaped Model incorporates the Waterfall Method and enhances the testing emphasis at each stage. Similar to the Waterfall Method the steps proceed sequentially and include test phases for each one. Once the design phase is complete a testing phase occurs to confirm everything functions correctly prior to advancing. 

The “V” shape represents the connection between development and testing phases. It ensures that problems are caught early, reducing the chance of major issues later. This method works best for projects with clear, well-defined requirements where testing is important at every step.

Phases:

• Requirements

• Specifications

• High-level design

• Low-level design

• Development

• Unit testing

• Integration testing

• System testing

• Acceptance testing

Salient Features:

• It is considered an extension of the Waterfall model.

• It is also termed as Verification and validation model.

• Every phase in the developmental cycle is supported by the testing phase.

• Ideal for projects with well-defined equirements, early test planning sets it apart from the waterfall model.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
User-friendly and straightforward. Every phase has clear, defined goals. Higher success rate, thanks to early test planning. Ideal for small-scale projects.	It is rigid. The formation of prototypes of the software happens at the implementation stage. The model doesn’t provide a clear path for problems found during the testing phases. Requires updating of test project if any changes happen mid-way.

3. Spiral Method

The Spiral Method combines elements of both the Waterfall Method and iterative development. It focuses on repeating cycles, or “spirals,” where a project goes through several phases like planning, design, development, and testing. Each spiral adds more detail and features, allowing for continuous improvement.

What makes the Spiral Method unique is its focus on risk analysis. At the start of each cycle, potential risks are identified and addressed, reducing the chance of major problems later. This method is ideal for large, complex projects where ongoing refinement is needed and flexibility is key to managing risks.

Phases:

• Planning:

• Risk analysis

• Engineering

• Evaluation

Salient Features:

• It is a composite of the Waterfall Model and Iterative Model.

• Each phase of the software development process leads to the formation of a spiral with many loops.

• It is favorable for broad, premium, and complicated projects.

• Each phase is marked with and ends with the client examining the project.

 Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
It involves two-way communication between client and developer, so the client feedback is always invited. The formation of prototypes happens at an early stage, so cost estimation becomes easy. Changes can be performed at a later stage. Requirements can be predicted more accurately.	Strict adherence to spiral model protocols. It is not feasible for small projects. Huge documentation is required because of the intermediate phases. Requires appropriate risk assessment.

4. Iterative and Incremental Model

The Iterative and Incremental Model focuses on building software in small, manageable parts. Instead of completing the entire project at once, developers build it piece by piece. Each part, or “increment,” is a small section of the final product, and with each iteration, improvements are made based on feedback.

This model allows for constant refinement, making it flexible and adaptable. Teams can make adjustments as they go, ensuring the software evolves with changing needs. It works well for projects where requirements may change over time, and continuous feedback is essential for success.

Phases:

• Requirements gathering

• Design

• Implementation

• Testing

• Evaluation

Salient Features:

• This model addresses the shortcomings of the waterfall approach.

• It starts with initial planning and progresses through cycles with the goal of deploying the software. 

• The key concept is to build the system in smaller, learn-as-you-go iterations, allowing developers to benefit from insights gained during earlier phases.

• It’s a suitable choice for various scenarios, such as shrink-wrap applications and large systems developed in segmented phases. For instance, in an ERP system, you can begin with the budget module in the first iteration and then move on to the inventory module and other components in subsequent iterations.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Early creation of a functional model. Efficient resource allocation with defined increments. Allows for change requests. Reduces initial costs. Client engagement at each stage.	Enhances customer satisfaction and process adaptability. Suitable for various projects, requires active customer involvement. Ideal for projects with functional requirements within three weeks. Adopts an adaptive approach. Dreamsoft4u follows this model too.

5. Extreme Programming (Agile Development)

Enhancing speed and versatility in software delivery Extreme Programming enhances the output of high-quality programs. Within short iterations ranging from one to three weeks developers create smaller components of the software and gather responses. This facilitates prompt alterations according to the needs of users.

Two developers use pair programming by working together on one computer; continuous integration regularly assesses and joins code changes. This method fosters powerful cooperation as well as user engagement aiming to address projects that need responsiveness and concentrate on customer pleasure.

Phases:

• Planning

• Risk assessment

• Development and validation

• Evaluate results and plan the next “loop”

Salient Features:

• Its sole mission is to improve customer satisfaction and process adaptability.

• It can be used with any type of project, but it needs more involvement from customers and to be interactive.

• Also, it can be used when the customer needs to have some functional requirements ready in less than three weeks.

• It is based on an adaptive approach.

• We at Dreamsoft4u work on the same model.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
It is a realistic model of software development. Boost cross-training and teamwork. Best suitable for a dynamic environment. Awards flexibility to developers.	Requires exclusive skills for the team. Documentation is done at a later stage. Reduce the usability of components. Lack of documentation.

Source:-https://www.dreamsoft4u.com/blog/top-5-software-development-methodologies/