Which software development methodology should you use?

Efficient project management is key to successful software development. The development team or project manager must select the software development methodology that is most appropriate for the current project in order to manage it effectively. Every methodology has different benefits and drawbacks, and every methodology serves a different purpose. Numerous methodologies are prevalent in the industry.

When selecting a software development methodology, it is essential to consider the project’s goals, the resources available, and the team’s skill level. Time and budget should be kept in mind when choosing a methodology for a project. This article summarises the three most popular approaches for developing software: Scrum, Kanban, and Waterfall. It will help you choose the right methodology for your project. Read on to learn more.

1. Waterfall development methodology

Waterfall development is now widely regarded as the most traditional approach to software development. In this rigid linear model, the stages of development are arranged into sequential, cascading processes, which means each phase must be completed before the next phase can start.

There are four phases in the process: requirements, design, implementation, and verification. Reversing course to change the project or direction is typically not possible. Because of this, the Waterfall approach is inflexible and should be avoided for projects whose requirements change frequently.

Advantages

The following are some benefits of the Waterfall methodology:

As said, the method’s linear nature enhances the simplicity and clarity of the development process, making it easy for developers, especially beginners, to understand and manage the projects.
Teams with frequently changing members and project managers with less experience may gain the most from the waterfall development methodology.
There is a clear definition of specifications and deliverables upfront, so there are no misunderstandings during development.
Precise communication is ensured by clearly outlining every aspect of the project at every stage.
It is best suited for projects with well-defined goals and consistent requirements.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages include the following:

Due to its tight controls and rigid structure, the method is slow and expensive, prompting users to consider alternative software development methodologies.
This method is inappropriate for complex or evolving projects because it prohibits mid-project adjustments.
Customer feedback is not considered in the early stages of the process, which raises the possibility that the project will go off course.
Because testing is done only at the very end of the development process, it becomes more difficult to address issues afterwards.

2. Scrum development methodology

In contrast to Waterfall, Scrum offers the most flexibility in software development. It is based on Agile methodologies and employs incremental and iterative development practices. The Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team work together to implement the methodology.

The product owner solicits client feedback and ensures the team meets the client’s needs as planned.
In the meantime, Scrum Master facilitates teamwork and ensures everyone knows the Scrum methodology.
The development team is responsible for carrying out the development.

Scrum’s sprint-based task execution is the perfect software development methodology for a hectic work environment. Each sprint can take four weeks. Teams can quickly identify problems, present solutions, test, and get feedback due to the quick execution. It greatly facilitates taking on quick projects. For projects with ambiguous requirements that require frequent modifications, Scum is the recommended methodology. And keep in mind that it works best with a team that is experienced and fully committed.

Advantages

The following are the methodology’s benefits:

The short iterations allow the team to find quick resolutions to emerging problems.
The method is highly responsive to changes in the process, incorporating regular feedback.
Scrum is a cost-effective and successful methodology.
Regular meetings facilitate coordination and information sharing among team members.
Scrum meetings serve as a vehicle for recognising and valuing the contributions of each team member.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages are the following:

Scrum can only be effective if every team member is equally skilled and committed.
Team members may become burned out from the demanding nature of daily Scrum meetings.
If deadlines are not strictly controlled, it could lengthen the time to market.
It is not suitable for very large projects due to its emphasis on frequent communication and close collaboration.

3. Kanban development methodology

Kanban is also part of the Agile methodology. It seeks to continuously improve workflow and give task management flexibility. The method’s central feature is the Kanban board. It is a tool for tracking the project’s progress and visualising the entire undertaking. The graphical method of Kanban boards makes it easy for a new team member or outside party to comprehend what is going on, what has been completed, and what needs to be done next.

The Kanban framework stands out from other agile approaches because it can be incorporated into the current organisational structure regardless of the industry.
It may be helpful when work arrives unpredictably or when you prefer to deploy work immediately upon completion rather than hold off on other work items.
Kanban is the best option if your priorities change frequently and you need to add tasks to any stage of the work process. It can also be applied without iterations.

Advantages

The Kanban methodology has the following benefits:

Workflow visualisation and transparency
Flexibility and adaptability
Continuous improvement
Reduced Work in Progress (WIP)
Enhanced customer satisfaction

Disadvantages

Some of the disadvantages are given below:

Lack of prescriptive structure
Limited predictability
Requires strong team discipline and self-regulation
Provides limited guidance regarding specific processes.

Software development methodologies offer a structured approach to creating applications and software. They have been used and are still essential to contemporary developers since the early days of programming. Over the years, various approaches have been introduced; however, no single approach has emerged as the most successful.

Your team structure, experience, project requirements, goals, budget, and other underlying factors all play a role in selecting the best software development methodology. This article will give you a better idea of which methodology best fits your team, its advantages and disadvantages, and other details provided.

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Pictures: Canva

The author: Sascha Thattil works at Software-Developer-India.com which is a part of the YUHIRO Group. YUHIRO is a German-Indian enterprise which provides programmers to IT companies, agencies and IT departments.