27/09/2024
Software development methodologies are not a new concept, as traditional lifecycle systems began to emerge in the 1960s. The main objective was to develop large-scale information systems that were functional, structured, methodical, and repetitive for each phase of the lifecycle. Since then, many other methodologies have been developed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
A software development methodology is a framework used to structure, plan, and control the software development process. Its goal is to establish a systematic approach to software development.
The software development methodology provides a structure for development teams to work together as efficiently as possible. It lays the foundation for communication among them and determines how information is shared within the team. It also helps facilitate communication between the development team and the client or product owner, allowing a better understanding of what users want, optimizing time and cost, and reducing risk and uncertainty.
All software developers are already aware that using a software development methodology is essential for their projects. However, there is no ideal methodology, as each one has its pros and cons. The choice of one methodology or another depends on the structure, project requirements, and the team’s goals.
On the one hand, it allows for faster validation of the software’s needs, requirements, and functionalities with end users. On the other hand, it facilitates the structure, coordination, and communication of the development team, as well as the communication, feedback, and review guidelines with the client. In this way, the implications of each change you want to make are considered within the project’s overall outcomes.
Can you imagine the consequences of not validating the idea quickly or making constant changes in software development without considering all the implications? A loss of money and effort, resulting in a mediocre application that offers no real value.
Software development methodologies were designed to benefit both the development team and the clients. Choosing the right methodology ensures that communication about the development process is carried out through appropriate channels and that all factors affecting the project are considered when making decisions.
This way, inefficiencies are avoided, and the most accurate possible delivery timeline is provided. By not reacting to every input from the start, the development project gains both organization and structure.
Development teams have many different options when choosing a software development methodology. Most of them can be categorized as waterfall, iterative, or continuous models. Below are the 8 most common methodologies today:
It is a hot topic and possibly one of the most commonly used methodologies. The focus of the Agile methodology is to satisfy users rather than focusing on documentation and rigid processes.
Using the Agile development methodology, tasks are divided into short sprints lasting from one to four weeks each. It is an iterative model that involves various tests throughout the development process. Developers constantly gather feedback from their clients and users, implementing changes based on their comments.
With the Agile development methodology, communication between the development team, clients, and users is a priority.
The Agile methodology is ideal for projects where requirements change rapidly and without a defined budget. This is particularly well-suited for software development in a new niche or for R&D. In such cases, it is beneficial to implement new ideas as the market’s needs become clearer.
The SCRUM model is probably one of the most flexible development methodologies out there. It is based on the Agile framework and benefits from an incremental and iterative approach. It can be said that this model is a concrete implementation of Agile. The SCRUM development methodology involves the “product owner,” the “Scrum Master,” and the development team.
The product owner gathers all the information from the client and ensures that the development team remains focused on fulfilling all the client’s requirements. Meanwhile, the Scrum Master acts as a facilitator, ensuring that all members of the development team are aligned with the SCRUM process. As is evident, the rest of the team is responsible for executing the development.
The SCRUM methodology is ideal in a fast-paced environment due to the way tasks are executed in different sprints. Each sprint usually lasts up to 4 weeks, and its rapid execution allows teams to identify problems, propose solutions, test, and gather feedback in a short period of time. This makes managing projects with quick time demands much easier.
The SCRUM development methodology is ideal for projects with unclear requirements that need to be adapted to possible changes. It allows for fully functional version deliveries as development progresses. By nature, the SCRUM model is only effective if there is a highly experienced and very committed development team.
Despite having existed for decades, providing solutions to the manufacturing and construction sectors, this software development methodology is still in use today. It is a simple and linear method in which the different development stages are structured sequentially, in a waterfall format.
Its ease of understanding makes it very common in teams with little design experience. Since it is a sequential process where each stage must be completed before moving on to the next, it means there is no going back in execution. This makes it a less flexible methodology that should be avoided in projects where requirements can change rapidly. On the other hand, it fits well in large projects where a fixed budget is required.
The Waterfall development methodology is useful for projects with a well-defined scope. It is not suitable for those with many unknowns. Its ideal application is in projects with predictable outcomes that do not require R&D.
This methodology emerged several decades ago from the automotive industry, with Toyota’s manufacturing principles. It focuses on maximizing productivity while minimizing unproductive activities. The Lean software development methodology emphasizes learning and continuous improvement, allowing development teams to keep an open mind throughout the process, considering all factors before making decisions.
Software must offer value, clear functionality, and concrete utility to its users. To achieve this, it is important to minimize options, potential paths, and functionalities by applying practicality and simplicity. Development teams should focus and prioritize functionalities that provide value, leaving sophistication and secondary features for future iterations. The principle of discarding all non-core functionalities is applied.
The Lean software development methodology is ideal for projects that require prototypes or MVPs. By focusing on maximizing productivity, a small team can achieve great results. It is usually less suitable for larger projects, as a bigger team is needed to manage all tasks.
This development methodology was conceived over 30 years ago and has been used as a model for other modern iterative development frameworks. It focuses on achieving final results in the shortest time possible without compromising quality.
The RAD model has four stages: requirements gathering, prototyping, testing, and final implementation. Unlike linear models, the Rapid Application Development methodology focuses on designing prototypes based on specifications so that they can be tested by the client, allowing for A/B testing. This is managed through multiple iterations until the client is satisfied with the results.
The feedback generated from prototype testing helps eliminate many risks in the final development. By nature, this methodology increases the chances of success in the launch within the established timelines, although it also increases development costs.
The RAD methodology is ideal for highly qualified teams and clients who are actively involved in the project’s development and have a large budget. For this reason, these projects offer a high guarantee of success in the final result. With this model, communication is key, as is investment in RAD tools, such as low-code/no-code applications, to accelerate development. This type of methodology also fits well for specific and small parts of a larger project.
Software development methodologies provide structured working models for creating software and applications. Their use is essential for optimizing the development processes of modern software and apps.
There is no ideal development methodology, as each one has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of a methodology will depend on the structure of the development team and their experience, as well as the project’s requirements, its industry, goals, budget, and other involved factors.
The GooApps development team works with its own implementation of the advantages of Design Thinking, Lean, Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall: The focus is placed on the user’s needs, mapping the user journey with the design of a prototype before development begins, allowing all kinds of testing with end users. Functionality, quality, and utility are prioritized to ensure the results meet expectations and deliver the expected ROI.
Through experience with all kinds of projects, we have defined a software development methodology that facilitates an agile environment. We typically work in two-week sprints, with functional versions and deliverables completed at the end of each sprint. Daily meetings, retrospectives, and product demonstrations are held with the client, defining and refining the best functionalities. Thanks to this methodology, with each incremental delivery, it is possible to publish or launch the latest developed version.
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