It’s Time To Delve Into 6 Types Of Software Development Models And Methods

Technology has developed beyond our imagination and all thanks to the emerging software development industry! When done right, software development can do wonders for both, startups and large enterprises. Software development models and methodologies play a vital role in the successful development of a software. Besides, there are several advantages and disadvantages associated each methodology which we will learn later in the following post.

Software development methodology is a system used to structure, plan and control the whole procedure of building up a system. The following post comprises of some of the most popular types of software development models and methods. Take a look!

#1 Waterfall development Methodology

Considered as one of the most traditional software development model, Waterfall comprises of sequential phases such as requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. Each phase requires to be 100% accomplished before moving onto the next level. And since it is a rigid linear model, no process can be modified later on. However, the linear structure of the method makes it widely acceptable and manageable for numerous software developers in Melbourne.

Its Pros

• Easy to understand and function
• Simple enough to handle
• Saves adequate amount of time
• Allows for easy testing and analysis

Its Cons

• Only matches specific needs
• Not applicable for maintenance projects
• Does not allow editing in the testing phase
• No option to estimate possible outcome of a project
• Not apt for long and ongoing projects

Software development companies with less experienced managers, project teams may receive benefit from using the methodology. Drawbacks like slow, tight controls and costly solutions drives users to explore other development methodologies.

#2 Rapid application development methodology

Aimed to provide quick results, RAD is a condensed development process is meant to produce a high-quality system at low investment costs. The model is created to augment the workability of the whole software development procedure in order to highlight the participation of an active user. RAD allows a software developer to adjust to switching requirements in a fast-paced and ever-changing market. The methodology is mainly divided into four phrases:-

• Requirements planning
• User Design
• Construction
• Cutover

Its Pros

• Makes the entire development procedure process effortless
• Assists client in taking quick action
• Encourages feedback from customers for improvement

Its Cons

• Dependent on the team for performance
• Works on modularized system
• Requires extremely skilled professional to handle sudden complexities.
• Not applicable for small budgeted projects

If you have a well-defined business objective, RAD turns out to be the most effective methodology. It may quite interest you to know that many software development companies in Melbourne choose the methodology if the project is of small to medium size and time sensitive.

#3 Agile development methodology

The agile model comprises of numerous forms including Scrum, Crystal, Extreme programming (XP) and Feature-Driven Development (FDD). This model in particular attempts to minimize risk such as bugs, cost overruns and ever-changing requirements by creating softwares featuring high-end functionality. Agile relies on real-time communication which means a huge time commitment is required from the users. Besides, such methods are even considered as labor-intensive on software developers in Melbourne as well as across the globe.

Its Pros

• Adaptive approach that responds to change easily
• Allows direct communication in order to maintain transparency
• Improved quality by finding and fixing defects at a faster pace

Its Cons

• Focuses on working with software and lacks documentation efficiency
• There are more chances of getting off-track as results are not clear

#4 Spiral Model

Highly sophisticated in design, spiral model is meant to reduce the early risks in the project. Initially, developers start on a small scale then slowly explores the different risks involved in the project. The spiral model is favored for large, expensive and complicated projects and uses the same phrases as the waterfall model in the same order.

Its Pros

• Risk factors are reduced to a considerable amount
• Excellent for large and complex looking projects
• Allows for additional functionality
• Suitable for high risky projects with different business needs

Its cons

• Costly model in software development
• Failure in risk analysis phase may damage the entire project
• Not appropriate for low-risk projects
• It keeps on going
• Highly customized limiting re-usability  

#5 Dynamic Systems Development Model Methodology

The methodology originally based on Rapid application development model is a monotonous and incremental approach continuously emphasizing on user involvement. The model aims to deliver software systems on time as well on the budget. Offshore software developers end up choosing the model as it works on the philosophy that nothing is perfectly in the first attempt and considers development as a continuous process.

Its Pros

• Extreme involvement of users in the software development procedure
• Basic functionality delivers quick results at regular intervals
• Easily accessible by developers
• Projects are delivered on time and within a specific budget

Its Cons

• Dynamic System Development model is costly in terms of implementation as it requires skilled and experienced users and developers
• Unsuitable for small organizations or one-time project
• Difficult to understand and manage

#6 Joint Application Development Methodology

The method is another name for requirement-classification and user-interface expansion approach that necessitates for the end-users, clients and developers attend a powerful off-site conference to accentuate and confirm software system. Joint application development methodology serves towards involving the client in design as well as the expansion of any application.

Its Pros

• Allows simultaneous congregation and alliance of excessive information
• Produces huge amount of information in short period
• Immediate resolving of differences with suitable assistance
• Provides forum to explore multiple options

Its Cons

• Requires an extreme amount of time for planning and scheduling
• Requires significant investment of time and effort
• Calls for highly trained experts

So this is it for now! Keep watching the space to know more about software development in Melbourne.