Top Custom Software Development Methodologies | Sigma Data Systems

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Do you know what are top custom software
development methodologies?
The world is advancing and so is the custom
software development industry. It is confusive to
choose an approach for your software development
from a variety of options. But a clear
understanding of custom software development
methodologies will help in making a more informed
decision. Before we do that, it is essential to
know about all the types of Custom software
development methodologies. This article will
briefly describe the methodologies in customized
software development.
Introduction to software development methodology
The software development methodology is a
sequence of processes used in software
development. We can say that it is a kind of
framework where you structure, plan and control
the whole development process. It includes
standard processes like design, development, and
implementation.
Methodologies play a significant role in
developing customized software. The style of
development and the system we put to use does
impact the success of the project. Selection of
development methodology largely depends on the
team size, organization or product goals, and
other factors. Each methodology has advantages
and disadvantages associated with it. But the
primary purpose of these methodologies is to have
a smooth and effective software development
process depending
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upon the project requirements. After reviewing
the methodologies given below, you will easily be
able to choose the suitable one for your project.
1. Big Bang Methodology This methodology is
usually used for small and simple projects where
the client is unsure about their project
requirements and how it would take shape during
deployment. Pre-planning is not required as there
are no rigid or formal protocols in this
methodology.
Big Bang Methodology
SICMA
Pros of Big Bang Methodology This model is
straightforward to use. Doesn't need
proactive planning. Minimal resource
requirement. Very easy to manage at every
stage.
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Offers high flexibility to developers.
Suitable for beginners, learners, and students.
Cons of Big Bang Methodology It has very
high risks and uncertainty. Not at all
suitable for complex and object-oriented
projects. It is a weak model for long-term
or ongoing projects. There are chances of
the project getting scrapped. It can be
costly if requirements are misunderstood.
2. Agile Software Development Methodology Agile
software development or agile development
methodology is one of the popular methods adopted
by software development companies and usually
preferred by developers. It allows developers and
clients to make continuous changes at any phase
in a custom software development process. The
agile method is one of the most flexible
development models and reduces the risk by
separating the process into small time
intervals. The agile methodology follows a
sequence of unique procedures and practices. This
allows developers to implement the best fitting
solution in the custom software development
process.
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Pros of Agile Software Development Methodology
Rapid and continuous delivery of software.
High client satisfaction. People and
interactions are essential rather than processes
or tools.
Its adaptive approach can quickly meet
changing requirements. Two-way communication
between client and vendor reduces the error
margins. The development process divided
into parts helps to manage, test, and deliver the
best quality software.
Cons of Agile Software Development methodology
Lack of proper documentation
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Need precise requirements regarding the
final outcome or project may divert from the
track. Requires a highly experienced team.
It does not have a definite structure, so some
projects may face difficulty at the starting
phase.
3. Waterfall Model
The waterfall model is one of the oldest and most
popular methodologies in custom software
development. It is also known as a linear
sequential life cycle model. A majority of
businesses consider it as a classic life cycle
approach to software development. It is a stiff
model that follows a definite pattern and has
some preconditions. Every phase has to be
followed before moving to another, and
overlapping among them is not possible.
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Waterfall Methodology
SICV1A
The Waterfall Model has sequential phases
namely 1. Requirement Gathering and
Analysis 2. System Design 3. Implementation
(Coding) 4. Integration and testing 5.
Deployment 6. Maintenance
Pros of Waterfall Model Simple to understand
and use. Easy to manage projects due to
rigidity. Suitable for small as well as big
projects. Clearly defined stages.
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Milestones are well-understood.
Tasks can be arranged easily. Timeline
for every phase and whole project can be
determined precisely, and it is very time-saving.
Cons of Waterfall Model Deployment is
possible in only the last stage of the model.
It has very high risks and uncertainty involved
in it. Not a good model for complex and
object-oriented projects. Not suitable for
long-term and ongoing projects. Measuring
the progress of an ongoing project at any stage
is not possible. This model is not for the
projects where there are chances of requirements
being changed. We could not accommodate the
project with the changing requirement.
Client's feedback cannot be included in the
ongoing development phase. This model is not
applicable to projects that demand continuous
maintenance. Documentation process takes a
lot of time.
4. Spiral Model Spiral Model starts with the
smaller aspect of the project and then moves to
larger sections to identify and eliminate risks
at an earlier
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development stage. Software development companies
start with the smaller modules and then proceed
to bigger ones to carry forward a systematic
flow. Risks at every stage are handled, and the
next step or iteration is taken. The project's
movement is a spiral shape from one module to
another, eliminating risks and injecting feedback.
Pros of Spiral Model Changing requirements
can be easily accommodated. Cost estimation
is straightforward. Risks are eliminated at
the early stages. Highly disciplined
development procedure. Suitable for large
size and critical projects. Faster
development and symmetrical addition of
features. Suitable for high risks and
requirement fluctuating projects.
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Development process is divided into smaller
parts that help in better risk management and
project deployment.
Cons of Spiral Model It is a costly
development model. Success is highly
dependent on risk analysis. Not suitable for
low-risk projects. Continuous implementation
of changes stretches the project deadline.
Lengthy documentation due to multiple phases.
Management of custom software development
processes is complex. Chances of going over
the timeframe and budget.
5. Scrum Development methodology
Scrum Methodology divides projects into smaller
modules and decides work for every module
simultaneously with a different strategy. Like
Agile development, Scrum development is also a
popular methodology. It can be applied to any
project, especially where there is a requirement
for rapid change. Software development is done
rapidly through Scrum as it allows a series of
iterations in a single go. It can easily bring
the slowest moving projects on track.
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Scrum Development Methodology
SICV1A DATA SYSTEMS Scrum has three sequential
phases to be followed. These phases are 1.
Planning 2. Meeting 3. Conclusion Pros of
Scrum Development Methodology Entire
decision-making responsibility is on the
development team. Project development can be
tracked, and frequent updates on the progress are
received. Short sprints and feedback make
the process changes easier. Developers could
deliver a high-quality product on time.
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Cons of Scrum Development Methodology
Getting the project to an end is difficult
as clients demand new functionality and
changes. Need highly accurate time and cost
estimation. It is not suitable for
large-size and long-term projects. This
methodology requires a highly experienced team.
Need trust and flexibility in the relationship
between scrum masters and their teams.
Regression testing is required at every phase. 7.
Prototype Model / Prototype Methodology
Prototype Model involves different processes to
go through stage by stage evolution. Before
making a prototype, software requirements are
needed to be understood clearly, and proper
market research is required to be done. Prototype
Methodology allows developers to create only a
prototype of solutions and represent it to the
client. Then necessary changes can be made
according to the feedback of the client. The best
feature of Prototype is that it solves the issues
occurring in Waterfall Model.
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Methodology
INITIAL REQUIREMENTS
DESICN
REVIEW UPDATION
CLIENT
CUSTOMER EVALUATION
DEVELOPMENT
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Pros of Prototype Model / Prototype Methodology
Instant prototype shown to the client helps in
a clear understanding of the project. High
customer satisfaction. Analysis and feedback
from client help in accurate delivery of the
project. Potential risks are identified at
early stages, and mitigation steps are taken
quickly. Reduced time and costs as risks are
mitigated at an early stage. Missing
functions can be added easily. Up to date
documentation is easily possible.
Cons of Prototype Model / prototype Methodology
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Development of a prototype is needed to be
done with minimal cost and resources, or it may
affect the budget. Multiple changes from the
client can disturb the project's flow. As
the scope of a project expands, its complexities
also broaden. Efforts invested in the
prototype are high.
7. Joint Application Development Methodology (JAD
Model) There is a continuous interaction between
developers, designers, and clients in joint
Application Development Methodology or JAD Model.
During the development process, several off-site
meetings and conferences are conducted to
finalize the software system. JAD Methodology
involves the client in the design and development
of an application. The primary purpose of the JAD
Model is to eliminate business errors in the
earlier stages of development.
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Joint Application Development Methodology
CODE SYSTEM
VERIFY CODE
VALIDATE CODE
SIGMA
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Pros of Joint Application Development (JAD Model)
Errors are eliminated at the early stage of
development. Large amount of information is
gathered from the meetings. Due to
Information, the Cost and time required for
project development are less. Well defined
requirements improve development quality.
Cons of Joint Application Development (JAD
Model) Scheduling and planning phase
requires a lot of time from the developer's
team. Required highly trained and
experienced personals to run the project.
Difference in the opinion of internal team
members makes it complicated.
8. Feature Driven Development (FDD Model) Feature
Driven Development also known as the FDD Model,
is an iterative software development methodology
for object-oriented programming specially used by
large teams. In FDD Methodology, features are
added on the feedback of the client. The entire
process from designing to development and
implementation, is feature-based.
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Pros of Feature Driven Development (FDD Model)
Multiple teams can work simultaneously, and
that reduces the time It is suitable for
larger-size projects. Development process is
highly standardized and simplified. Tracking
progress through different phases is
elementary. Cons of Feature Driven Development
(FDD Model) It is not suitable for smaller
projects and a small team. High dependency
on the lead developer. Deadlines cannot be
strictly determined. Lack of proper
documentation.
9. Rapid Application Development (RAD
Model) Rapid Application Development Methodology
focuses on faster development and high-quality
results compared to other methodologies. RAD
Model is a combined approach of prototype Model
and Agile Software Development Methodology to
create more rapid iteration and faster release of
prototypes. The main aim of RAD Methodology is to
accelerate the entire development process.
Achieving end goals is made easier and quicker
due to feedback, faster corrections, and client
participation in the development process.
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Rapid Application Development
SICVIA
Pros of Rapid Application Development (RAD
Model) It reduces risks and efforts from the
developer side. It helps the client to take
a review of the project. Through continuous
feedback, software development is improved.
Due to the building of the prototype, there are
lesser errors. The system is transparent so
progress can be tracked easily. Changes in
requirements are easily accommodated.
Integration from the beginning solves end
integration issues.
Cons of Rapid Application Development (RAD
Model) Requires highly skilled developers
and designers. Not suitable for small and
low-budget projects.
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Documentation is tough to maintain.
Dependency on technically strong team members.
Management complexity is high. 10. Dynamic
Systems Development Methodology (DSDM Model)
Dynamic Systems Development Methodology or DSDM
Model is based on Rapid Application Development
Model and Agile Development Model's combined
approach. This is an incremental and iterative
approach that encourages the involvement of the
client. The main aim of DSDM is to develop Custom
Software on time and within a specific budget.
Pros of Dynamic Systems Development Methodology
(DSDM Model)
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Basic functionality is delivered in less
time. Projects are usually completed on time
and within the budget. DSDM allows easy
access to developers and clients.
Cons of Dynamic Systems Development Methodology
(DSDM Model) Not suitable for small
organizations or small projects.
Implementation cost is usually high. It is a
new concept in the market and is a bit complex to
understand. It demands continuous client
involvement.
11. Extreme Programming (XP) Methodology / XP
model
Extreme Programming (XP) is a part of agile
software engineering methodology. And this model
is generally used to develop software within a
volatile environment. The flexibility in the
modeling process is high in XP. At the same time,
this methodology aims to reduce the cost of
development.
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Project realization time and cost are
saved. Timely delivery of final software.
Simple documentation is done here.
Emphasizes client involvement. Plans and
schedules are built, and developers remain
committed to it. XP Model is consistent with
modern software development, which results in
high-quality products.
Cons of Extreme Programming (XP) Methodology / XP
model Requires meetings at frequent intervals.
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Requires too many development changes, which
makes the process complicated for a developer.
Focuses more on code and less on design.
Lack of documentation often leads to the
occurrence of bugs in the future.
12. Lean Development Methodology
Lean development, also sometimes referred to as
the LD Model, is an agile framework that focuses
on optimizing development time and resources,
eliminating waste, and creating easily changeable
software. The goal of Lean Development is to
build software in less time with less cost. A
small version is released in the market and based
on the user feedback, more functionalities are
added.
Lean Development Methodology
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Pros of Lean Development
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Streamlined processes deliver more
functionality in less time. Time and cost
are reduced through the elimination of
unnecessary activity. Decision making is on
the development team, which empowers them and
boosts their morale.
Cons of Lean Development Success is highly
dependent on team members and their skill sets.
Requires expert business analysis to implement
the LD model. Can lead to development
mistakes if the documentation is not robust.
14. Conclusion All of the listed methodologies
work well depending upon the requirement and type
of the project. It is not necessary that a
methodology suited for one project must work for
another project. None of these methodologies are
entirely perfect, as each has its pros and cons.
And to get the desired level of product within
your criteria, it is necessary to go with the
most suitable software methodology. Hence, I
would suggest consulting a good software
development company for effective outcomes.
Sigma Data Systems offers a helping hand in
choosing the most appropriate methodology for
your custom software
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development. We spend quality time on defining
goals, analysis of product requirements, cost and
time estimation, and expert team bundling for
your project. Our experienced team with the
required industrial skillset can implement the
most complex methodologies and deliver quality
end products on time.