Software Development Methodologies: 5 Key in 2024
Looking to enhance the structure of your software development workflow? Picking efficient and optimised software development methodologies will always lean on the team’s size, the project’s goals, and other subtleties.
With the right software development team, you will be able to manage the project effectively, saving your resources with straightforward development. Simultaneously, you will increase the workers’ productivity and communication, providing a seamless work process.
Usually, a methodology plays a primary role in creating a complete software system. For this reason, custom software development companies involve a software development methodology to solve everyday tasks much faster and more efficiently. Among the numerous options, the most in-demand include:
- Agile
- Scrum
- Waterfall
- Lean
- Hybrid
In this article, we will consider each method and evaluate its effectiveness, ways to implement and how to choose the most suitable one and not get confused.
What is software development methodology?
Googling for software development methodology definition will take you to numerous variants of possible descriptions. Still simplified, it stands for an integral structure that allows you to establish, plan, control, and structure each stage of the information system-creating process. The fundamental goal of any methodology is to ensure slick and efficient software development that evaluates the plans and requirements of each specific project.
Choosing the leading among software development methods is a daunting task, which is better to perceive as you are streamlining the chaos. Developing or redesigning a product is a large-scale process that is only possible with proper organization. That’s where a suitable development model comes in handy.
Let’s model a situation: you have a concept for a new product or service and get stuck when you think about creating it. Using the proper method, you receive a step-by-step guide, insights about your development, and the possibility to evaluate your resources spending in advance. What are software development methodologies? In short, they help businesses to work effectively and efficiently.
Most businesses search for a perfect model, while there isn’t one. Each of them has particular pros and cons. Meanwhile, picking the best depends on the project, team size, terms, etc. This results in companies that prefer using multiple methods to make the process reach the business goals.
For you to be able to handle numerous techniques, Limeup experts handcrafted 5 options with the best statistics, proven success rates, and testimonials from various businesses that have already implemented them. Let’s take a closer look at each option, its pros and cons, and how to understand if it’s a perfect match for your project.
5 Top software development methodologies
Remember that no method is based on specific technical aspects. Instead, a practice is a tool capable of planning a straightforward work process on the development organization side. Check the top 5 software development methodologies you may find perfect for a development project.
Agile software development methodology
Agile software development methodology.
Agile feature-driven development is one of the most commonly used and practical approaches for managing software development workflows. The Agile methodology is used to assemble a strict, disciplined management process. Notably, this methodology’s versatility is great for building products requiring frequent development project changes.
Often, this type of methodology for software development is utilized by a software development company in London to create a conceptual framework for implementing other processes in software development. The Agile framework is the correct software development methodology that can minimize the risks that inevitably arise in software development if a project needs to be completed quickly. This applies to the so-called iterations, which range from a week to a month.
Pros
Ensure to consider the methodology’s strengths before opting for this approach. Hits of implementing Agile development cycle:
- Agile development methodology has simplified testing procedures. Short iterations positively affect maintenance and testing, resulting in fewer bugs and impressive results.
- Agile focuses on timely upgrades and modifications. Creating a software product with the Agile methodology of software development is an opportunity to make convenient alterations and creative upgrades. Thus, IT engineers can experiment with development tools and add code tweaks to achieve their goals with maximum efficiency.
- Agile methodology has Easy adaptation. This software development life cycle relies little on the initial documentation for easy customization. With the Agile approach, any changes you make will not negatively impact software product implementation in the projected period.
- Agile focuses on effective interaction with clients. Agile principles emphasize clear communication between developers, production stakeholders, and customers during development, resulting in a transparent working relationship.
Now, you can decide whether this method suits businesses’ use.
Cons
Every software development methodology has room for improvement; this approach is no exception. Pay attention to the shortcomings before making a final decision:
- Unclear end-product requirements from customers can result in a project being taken off track.
- Unpredictable shifts can make it difficult to accurately estimate the resources and project costs required to develop a product with the Agile method.
- Focusing on working software within the software development cycle rather than documentation makes documentation ineffective.
- The Agile method needs to bring clear deadlines for project implementation. Changes in the project requirements and specifications may result in an accurate estimate of the time and resources required to execute the project.
Iterations make this method perfect for creating well-thought-out projects with complex structures. Since it requires accuracy and thoughtfulness at every stage, with Agile, you can manage the process effortlessly.
Scrum software development methodology
Scrum methodology.
Scrum is a universal and one of the most effective software development methodologies suitable for all development projects without exception. The solution is trendy among projects facing the need to make quick changes.
If you want to speed up the workflow and operate Tier-1 software development services, Scrum is the number one solution. This will allow you to make many changes in a single go. It is not for nothing that the development methodology with Scrum is considered one of the most effective software development approaches. However, it is unlikely that all of them can boast of fast movement like Scrum software development methodologies.
Pros
The time has come to consider the strengths of this approach in more detail:
- Fast and ever-evolving workflow. The software development approach has proven exceptionally efficacious for rapid codes and risk analysis phase, as well as fast-moving and cutting-edge results with easy-to-implement feature changes under its belt.
- Retain complete control of the software development teams. Scrum hands a blank check to the development team, allowing them to make timely decisions.
- Software projects with precise business requirements documentation can unleash this methodology to the fullest.
- Precise control and timely changes. Companies get complete control over each project development stage tailored to this methodology and can make the necessary number of changes with any frequency.
- Improved software development team productivity. Daily meetings are a great motivator to evaluate and improve the individual performance of each team member.
- Comfortable implementation of changes. Short sprints and well-organized feedback positively influence the quick processing and implementation of the changes that have arisen.
- Just in time. Using the Scrum technique significantly augments the chances of delivering a top-quality product within the time frame set by a customer.
Cons
Even if you have been pleasantly impressed with the method’s advantages, its disadvantages also have implications to keep in mind:
- Scrum flexibility is one of the vulnerabilities of this method. The absence of a specific date for the completion of development leads to the fact that the project management will constantly demand to provide new features that have been implemented.
- Vague or underestimated software development project timelines and costs are significant barriers that can impact the final product.
- The method is hardly appropriate for large projects with a long-term development perspective.
- Scrum means you have to assemble a highly experienced team ready to demonstrate their agility.
- The approach requires complete trust in the team from the scrum master. Too stringent control can lead to profound demoralization and disruption of the project deadlines.
- Possible hardships with quantification on the side of the project quality manager if a team cannot provide regression testing at the end of each sprint.
Scrum is related to the previous method with the difference that it’s focused on the team and their possibilities. More freedom for experts requires increased skills in time management.
Waterfall software development methodology
The waterfall model.
The Waterfall is a reasonably popular software development approach. Many software development companies in London that use this model believe this methodology is a classic approach to software development.
The essence of the Waterfall is that the methodology explains the workflow as a linear sequential flow. From an organizational point of view, you must carefully ensure that the previous phase is completed before moving on to the next stage.
This canonical software development method can be compared to a rigid linear model. The Waterfall approach eliminates the possibility of returning to the previous phase to make the required changes.
Pros
Take your time to prefer other methodologies until you know about the strengths of this method.
- Easy-to-understand approach. The Waterfall functional model is considered an essential tool with a simple methodology. Unlike most software development methodologies, it is an excellent solution for beginners or inexperienced developers.
- Simplified organization model workflow. Rigidity is one of the essential elements of the Waterfall method. On the other hand, this factor makes project management much more effortless because each stage assesses all processes and envisioned results.
- Clear understanding and adherence to deadlines. The Waterfall development methodology implies precise project requirements and achievement of goals, which is excellent for small projects.
- Waterfall software development methodologies bring task scheduling focus. Task and practical scheduling are prioritized, influencing the software developers to ensure their dedication to the project.
Please note that these are not all the advantages of this methodology, but only the most important of them. Be active and spend a few minutes studying the features of the method in more detail.
Cons
It makes no sense to consider the features of the methodology without considering the weaknesses of the approach you may encounter when organizing the work process.
- The need for well-defined needs in advance can positively affect the project’s implementation.
- The Waterfall method cannot be used for maintenance projects. Thus, a software development team should search for alternative methodologies.
- Once the testing stage has been reached, you cannot make even the slightest changes to the final product.
- The Waterfall development methodology is an approach taken by small and medium-sized projects. The method can hardly be practical for research initiatives or long-term projects.
The Waterfall paradigm matches its naming, offering an approach with the process as a flow, clear instructions, and predefined stages.
Lean software development methodology
Lean methodology.
Lean is a highly effective model for strategic planning and resource cost optimization. The framework allows developers to create quality products with a limited budget in one-third of the time.
Pros
Many IT companies in London that consider its strengths have successfully applied this methodology:
- Accelerated product process. Optimization of resource costs leads to a reduction in the number of resources used and the acceleration of the strategy.
- Timely delivery of the product. The structure of development methods allows a software developer to offer more features in a limited period. As a result, developers are implementing more software projects.
- Decision control. As a top development approach, Lean provides enhanced opportunities to make crucial decisions, positively affecting IT engineers’ motivation.
Generally, each approach has several advantages. However, the shortcomings of the methodology will tell you whether to prefer this method or not.
Cons
Still not sure if this method is suitable for your company? Go over the shortcomings of the methodology to make a wise decision:
- The entire project’s success depends on the team members’ discipline and each software developer’s technical skills.
- The increased role of the business analyst is due to the need to follow the business needs of the documentation strictly. An experienced business analyst needs to make Lean development a helpful method.
- There is a high chance that a developer with more flexibility in decision-making may lose focus on the original goals, adversely affecting the development workflow.
With an expert-centric approach, Lean is a perfect match for businesses that want to allocate resources wisely and avoid overruns.
Hybrid software development methodology
Hybrid methodology.
System development is a daunting task requiring full use of available resources, thereby, a common Agile or Scrum may not meet the business requirements. In this case, using hybrid software development methodologies comes in handy. Let’s reveal its benefits and drawbacks and what to expect when implementing this method.
Pros
Regarding its intention to empower development with flexibility and a quick work process, you may also benefit your project with the following:
- Certainty. Clear defining of timelines and the final budget allows you to estimate your project and avoid the risk of bounds.
- The sequence of actions. Organization of a more straightforward way for risk analysis, solving tasks, and opportunities to make adjustments throughout the project.
- Cost-efficiency. Combining two methodologies, this works to preserve as much of the team’s resources as possible.
Cons
Despite the fact this is one of the modern techniques, it has challenges you should be prepared for:
- Establishing communication between various departments is a burdensome task that requires time and involvement of each member.
- Hybrid requires good management skills to set up deadlines and, moreover, to follow them.
- Using a Hybrid software development approach as a combination of Agile and Waterfall, it’s essential to consider their approach inconsistencies to prevent development conflicts.
Notably, to benefit from the hybrid method, you need to consider that it has advantages and disadvantages of both Agile and Waterfall. After that, customize it the way your team needs and start developing a product.
What about the best methodology? We guess that the answer “every project has its needs” will not satisfy you, so, according to the statistics, Agile software development methodologies are among developers’ most used methods. The reason for being in demand lies in its versatility and the ability to be customized for both startup and large-scale product creations.
Sprints are also excellent practice for projects that allow team members to prioritize tasks and divide them into smaller amounts. Reporting on the work done is also becoming more manageable, for example, the team submits results weekly and follows the workflow. Furthermore, this development model helps implement edits in real time instead of returning to a particular part after testing or launching the solution.
If we refer to the list of most used methods for IT companies in the UK and worldwide, along with Agile, specialists mention Waterfall and Lean. However, it is worth noticing that choosing the best methodology only based on its popularity is not an option. Keep in mind that your goal is to facilitate and streamline the product creation process, consider its challenges and risks, and, afterward, choose the suitable method.
Now, let’s consider what determines “the perfect” approach for software development projects.
Why adhere to software development methodology?
Using the best software development methodologies helps businesses to think over the strategy and create a defined plan for the product creation process. Many projects fail because they chose the wrong software method, so in case to prevent such risks, think wisely about your project’s unique needs and requirements.
With the proper technique, you are able to recognize end users’ needs and why and how they will use your product. Simultaneously, you will receive a better-grouped team with a clear vision of your product’s future.
Moreover, you will receive a well-structured approach for your project, which means you 100% meet the users’ expectations and requirements. You will receive straightforward communication between team members and improve the quality of touch between different departments.
How to choose the best software development methodology for your project?
Choosing development methodology for business.
Each of the listed above software methodologies has its edges and drawbacks. Therefore, their pick depends entirely on the business goals and requirements of the customer, the team’s experience, and the budget. Here are more things to consider while choosing the suitable method for your business:
- Locate the project scope. Having a clear idea of your product’s size, the number of features, and preliminary budget with timelines is essential. The type of method will depend on the named points, as not all development methods are suitable for all projects.
- Meet with the best developers. Talking about specialists, if you don’t have an in-house team, you can hire freelancers or cooperate with software development companies in the UK to receive full-fledged products. When choosing a partner, ensure they have related expertise and are ready for a long-term partnership.
- Think of development project terms. When selecting a method, you will be guided by the timeframe of the product creation. For example, there’s no need for sprints if the project takes up to a week. However, dividing large tasks into smaller ones is essential for complex development to avoid overwhelming and maintain productive performance.
- Consider features-related risks. It means providing a clear view of your product’s possible options for end users. It’s challenging to make changes in the middle of a project or post-launch stage. If there’s a risk of significant edits and improvements, better choose the appropriate method.
Choosing a technique involves focusing on specific projects, their duration, and the speed of passing each stage. The best option is to understand your team’s necessities and the product requirements. It’s possible that you will need more specialists or a developer with a rare programming language, and this will also affect methodologies selection.
Final thoughts on software development methodologies
Remember that none of the popular software methodologies listed are ideal. Even the most used techniques have room for improvement. Be sure to study the details of all procedures before making the final decision and proceeding with the development of your project. We recommend focusing on the team’s capabilities and business needs instead of choosing the most widely used methods.
For best results, consult with professional development companies, including Limeup, which has accumulated over 10 years of experience and assembled a team of 50+ world-class engineers.