The Top 5 Software Development Methodologies: Stages, Benefits, and Comparison

Software development methodology is a procedure used by developers to design, implement, and test new computer programs. Developers gain from adhering to a methodology since these procedures provide an organized flow of actions that lead experts through every phase of development. Throughout the development lifecycle, these approaches specify how work should be arranged, roles should be given, communication should be encouraged, and progress should be monitored.

Take a look at the following statistics that prove that software development is only going to grow in the coming years:

It is projected that there will be 28.7 million software developers globally by 2024, up from the current estimate of 26.9 million.
By 2027, the market for software development is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of $22.54%, reaching $1039 million.

The only issue with this type of development approach is that the software development process does not involve any technical aspects. Instead, the development organization must properly prepare for the software development lifecycle.

With a thorough examination of each methodology’s phases, advantages, and comparative analysis, this article will assist you in selecting the best approach for your upcoming software projects.

The Top 5 Software Development Methodologies

1. Agile Methodology

The agile software development technique is a very effective strategy for developing a disciplined software management process. This method of project management divides the work into manageable chunks and places a strong emphasis on ongoing cooperation and development. It entails creating software through brief iterations. Typically, the iterations last between one and four weeks. Agile aims to match development to evolving business requirements.

Steps of the Agile Methodology

Development iteration
QA iteration
Retrospective
Scope adjustment

Advantages of the Agile Methodology

Agile methodology consistently prioritizes high-quality design and technological proficiency.
It provides regular, intimate collaboration between developers and clients.
Developers can experiment with different code alterations.
Agility is improved by constant attention to technical perfection and smart design.

Disadvantages of Agile Methodology

The essential design and documentation in agile methodology are not carried out with enough vigor.
Agile may lead to a lack of documentation since it places more emphasis on working software than documentation.
Agile development methodology comes at a slightly higher cost than conventional methodologies.

2. Lean Methodology

The emphasis on the lean technique in developing software is both flexible and affordable. It is based on the ideas of lean manufacturing and maximizes resources by using a third of the usual amount of capital, labor, and production time. The process is designed to be as simple as possible, removing any extraneous components such as lengthy meetings and paperwork.

Steps of Lean Methodology

Identify value
Map the value stream
Create flow
Establish pull
Continuous improvement

Advantages of Lean Methodology

Lean methodology offers a more efficient method that enables the delivery of greater functionality in less time.
Lean software development promotes productivity and accelerates corresponding projects, meeting the constantly shifting demands of today’s corporate environment.

Disadvantages of Lean Methodology

Flexibility is encouraged by lean software development. However, if a project is overly flexible and has too many requirements, it loses its essence and fundamental framework.
Lean software development heavily relies on teamwork. It might be very problematic if the development team’s technical proficiency is inconsistent.

3. Waterfall Methodology

Among the most widely used approaches for software development is the waterfall method. This life cycle model is regarded by most firms as a traditional method of developing software. Teams using the waterfall method must adhere to a set of instructions and refrain from proceeding until the preceding phase is finished.

Smaller projects with easily defined deliverables from the outset are best suited for this framework. This conventional approach to software development follows a strict linear model.

Steps of the Waterfall Methodology

Requirements
System design
Development
QA
Deployment & maintenance

Advantages of the Waterfall Methodology

In contrast to other approaches, Waterfall places the greatest emphasis on a precisely defined set of steps. Its structure is straightforward, with distinct phases for every job.
The Waterfall model is useful for short projects with defined goals because it helps your team stay focused on the main objective early on. It reduces the risk of becoming bogged down in the specifics as the project progresses.

Disadvantages of the Waterfall Methodology

A disadvantage of the waterfall model is that it relies entirely on a set of procedures to keep teams moving forward, which ironically is also one of its benefits. There is very little room for unforeseen modifications or updates to the approach in its current version.
The waterfall method is not appropriate for projects requiring ongoing maintenance.

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4. Dynamic Systems Development (DSD) Model

The dynamic systems development model has characteristics of the RAD (Rapid Application Development) model. This model’s central tenet is that flawless software can only be created via an iterative process. It is goal-oriented, iterative, and possesses other important qualities, including lightness, adaptability, and ongoing development. DSD tries to design and provide software models based on a given budget and timeline, with an emphasis on user interaction.

Steps of Dynamic Systems Development Methodology

Feasibility and business study
Functional model iteration
Design and build iterations
Implementation

Advantages of the DSD Methodology

DSD methodology offers product functionality quickly.
End users are easily accessible to developers.
It enables users to complete projects on time.

Disadvantages of the DSD Methodology

The implementation of DSDM is expensive since both developers and users need to be trained on how to use it properly. It might not be appropriate for one-time tasks or tiny organizations.
Although easy collaboration is a fundamental tenet of DSDM, it might not always be viable or workable in some settings. It may be difficult for some teams to completely adopt the DSDM strategy since they operate remotely or have few opportunities for in-person communication.

5. Joint Application Development Methodology

The Joint technique is best suited for developing corporate software solutions. However, it works well for a variety of development initiatives. Interactive workshops are part of this software development and design process. The developers, along with the end-user or customer, define the software system during these workshop sessions. It’s a well-liked methodology for automating a developing business, paying particular attention to user stories and use cases.

Steps of the Joint Application Development Methodology

Define objectives
Session preparation
Session conduct
Documentation

Advantages of the Joint Application Development Methodology

In a short period of time, this software development technique efficiently generates a lot of high-quality information. It cuts down on the expenses and duration of project development.
In this manner, the conflicts are settled right away with the organizer’s help.
This paradigm offers a platform for discussing many viewpoints on a subject.

Disadvantages of the Joint Application Development Methodology

A large time and effort commitment from investors is necessary.
The successful execution of the project as a whole depends on the presence of skilled and knowledgeable staff members in this approach.
It is challenging for the team to stay focused and align goals due to divergent viewpoints.

Ending Note

Since there is no perfect method, developers must carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages. Budget, project scope, resources available, timeline, and individual preferences are all equally important considerations. The aforementioned software development methodologies hold significant importance and are commonly employed in a range of software development projects. Many times, a methodology that works well for one project cannot work well for another. Thus, based on the project’s requirements, each of these well-liked software development approaches is effective for a different kind of project. However, none of them is infallible.