Customers and most custom software development companies want to provide high-quality software at a reasonable price within a short period. To reach such an objective, proper planning, and management of the development process with the correct approach are essential.

Many software development processes offer various options for achieving the desired outcome at a reasonable cost and promptly. These approaches provide the basis for designing, regulating, and creating information systems.

Here we’ll look at the most common software development approaches, highlighting their positive and negative aspects. The following is a thorough list of the software development models now used by most onshore and offshore software development companies.

What is a Software Development Methodology?

Software solutions and projects are built using a specific methodology or structured processes. Design philosophy and practical, real-world ideas are combined to create an organized approach to software development.

Since their inception, various methodologies based on multiple approaches have been developed.

Top 15 Software Development Methodologies with Their Pros & Cons

Here is the list of popular software development methodologies in 2022 with their pros & cons, so that you choose the best-fit for your next project:

Agile Methodology

Agile software development involves creating and then working on modifications. It’s a way to adapt to and thrive in a fluctuating climate. 

Agile is an iterative approach to software development and project management that relies on continual planning, learning, improvement, collaboration, and early delivery. Its goal is to promote a flexible response to change.

Pros

• Agile offers a superior result since quick iterations contain easy testing and fewer errors.
• It allows for software improvements and adjustments.
• Budgets are correctly organized.

Cons 

• Due to some product deliverables, particularly the major ones, it’s challenging to estimate the work needed at the start of the product development life cycle.
• This technique focuses on working software rather than documentation. Hence it may be unable to provide documentation.
• If the customer isn’t clear on the end outcome, the project might veer off course.

Scrum Methodology

It is possible to apply the Scrum methodology to any project. Scrum meetings are held at regular intervals to highlight the project’s progress, and a final report is provided after each sprint. Managing jobs with customer input and details that aren’t expressly stated is a good fit for Scrum’s process.

Pros

• The regular meetings increase the proportion of individual production, enhancing each team member’s endeavors.
• The rapidity with which Scrum methodology uncovers problems is one of its most appealing features.
• Client-driven features can be organized in a hierarchical way using Scrum. A successful turn of events does not necessitate business necessity documentation.

Cons

• Using this approach, it’s critical to have a collaborative process. 
• If the cutoff time is not strictly controlled, the time to market may be extended accordingly.
• Significant undertakings aren’t a suitable fit for this person.

Feature Driven Development Methodology

The iterative approach is combined with object modeling, and large team initiatives benefit from it. This process begins with a scoping review. After a detailed study, domain models are created for each feature, and the system scope is examined again.

Pros

• This strategy is successful for large projects.
• In addition, its five-step software development method facilitates software delivery.
• FDD covers all projects that demand consecutive updates.

Cons

• Project owners get little documentation.
• Given the effort, it’s not ideal for simple jobs.
• It’s too difficult for individual on-demand developers.

Lean Methodology

Lean works best with highly competent engineers who can identify and reduce bottlenecks. Teams that effectively adopt this technique may minimize project time and expense by removing any non-value-added tasks. This includes meetings, documentation, etc., and stresses quality.

Pros

• Completing tasks faster means starting new ones sooner.
• Completing tasks faster helps meet customer deadlines.
• Lean decreases the need to repair errors, saving time and money.

Cons

• The project’s success depends on cooperation, discipline, and individual skill processes.
• Too much freedom might delay teamwork.
• An incorrect business analyst will confound process documentation.

Extreme Programming Methodology

Extreme Programming is a software development approach. This approach, XP, is used to create software in an unstable environment. It makes modeling more flexible. The XP model lowers software costs. Modifying requirements late in the project can be costly.

Pros

• This methodology involves more emphasize on the customers.
• XP model helps construct realistic goals and timetables and gets on-demand developers personally dedicated to their schedules.
• This paradigm is compatible with most contemporary development techniques to build excellent software.

Cons

• Agile is only as good as the people that use it.
• This software development paradigm demands regular, costly meetings.
• It involves too many development modifications that are hard to embrace for software developers.

Waterfall Methodology

This is an old software development methodology, yet it’s still popular and relevant today. It uses a straightforward, linear method with sequential development steps. It’s easy to follow and great for beginner developers.

Pros

• It’s simple, linear, and perfect for beginner developers.
• Before work begins, all details and outcomes are determined.
• With a clear concept, misinterpretation is rare.

Cons

• Without early client feedback, the project may deviate from the aim.
• Testing is executed after development; this might make bug fixes difficult.
• It’s a strict model, inappropriate for complex tasks.

Prototyping Methodology

The prototyping technique may accommodate all software engineering shortcomings. This methodology dictates that software engineers begin by creating a working solution prototype. Investors and clients can see how it will work since they have a clear picture of how it will operate.

Pros

• Because all flaws can be spotted early, there is a low risk of a product failing.
• It assures the product’s quality.
• Even before the actual creation of the product begins, it takes care of client happiness.

Cons

• Developing a finished product requires testing and feedback.
• There is no way to foresee what customers want. 
• Costly

Rapid Application Development (RAD) Methodology

Rapid App Development speeds up software processing. By designing functions in parallel and then combining them into a functional prototype. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an SDLC strategy that promises improved quality and faster outcomes. Clients and end-users participating in the development process make it user-friendly. 

Pros

• Client input improves and maintains all software development processes.
• RAD decreases mistake risks by working on functions individually and then integrating them.
• Regular RAD testing prevents costly mistakes.

Cons

• It is not suitable for projects with limited funds. 
• An experienced team of professionals must comprehend and create the client’s requirements.
• A team of designers and trained professional developers is not affordable for many companies.

Dynamic Systems Development Model

Rapid Application Development drives the Dynamic Systems Development Model. This iterative strategy emphasizes user participation. Its goal is to construct frameworks on time and under budget.

Pros

• Clients are intimately involved in the software’s development and hence fully informed.
• This model quickly conveys critical functionality.
• This technique allows engineers easy client access.

Cons

• It’s new. It’s not regular or easy.
• This model needs massive clients.
• This approach develops needs dynamically.

Spiral Methodology

The Spiral Model identifies and reduces project risks early. In this software development process, developers start small, study the project’s hazards, devise a strategy to address them, and determine whether to execute the next spiral iteration. 

Pros

• With so much risk analysis, this methodology reduces risk.
• This approach works well for massive projects.
• The spiral approach allows for further additions of functionality.

Cons

• It is a pricey model to utilize in development.
• The risk analysis phase is critical to project success.
• Low-risk ventures aren’t suited.

Joint Application Development Methodology

JAD sessions establish an engagement area between the client and the development team, including the customer in the development phase.

Every level allows for client input. JAD was only for system programs, but now it’s utilized in every process, including web apps.

Pro

• Each session advances the client and developer’s project.
• JAD produces high-quality results in a hurry.
• Fewer mistakes mean faster progress.

Cons

• Needs Proper planning amongst team members to implement the session.
• Needs well-seasoned pros

Rational Unified Process (RUP) Methodology

A rational unified process is a modern approach based on object-oriented and web-enabled program development. It divides the workflow into four sections. This includes analysis, design, business modeling, deployment, and implementation.

Pros

• The reuse of parts speeds up development.
• Integration is a continuous process throughout development and has no set timeline.
• Focus on documentation.

Cons

• Projects that require the latest technologies can’t always recycle components.
• Requires expert skills, so not suitable for beginners
• These stages can be complex and hard to organize.

DevOps Methodology

DevOps is a series of exercises that promote a hierarchical culture. DevOps is a functional transformation that strengthens cooperation across divisions responsible for different development life cycle phases.

Pros

• Quick and uninterrupted application delivery
• Fewer errors when the team works together
• Improves usability

Cons

• DevOps development demands a culture shift.
• Require a lot of human interaction
• Require thorough testing

Adaptive Software Development (ASD)

Rapid Application Development and Evolutionary Life Cycles are the foundations of Adaptive Software Development (ASD). The software development model adapts to changing business needs to meet initial goals.

Pros

• Rapidly changing requirements benefit from short feedback loops.
• The ASD method ensures high-quality, low-maintenance products.
• Vulnerabilities and bugs are rare in this approach because quality assurance is built into the development phase.

Cons

• It includes client or user collaboration throughout development.
• Changes during development may cause less detailed documentation.

Behavior Driven Development

BDD formalizes a shared vision of how an app should behave among all participants. It aims to involve non-technical people in technical implementation.

Pros

• Teams are more self-assured and plan.
• demonstrates the custom software development company the benefit of functionality prioritization
• Developer teams may focus on business-prioritized features with a greater understanding

Cons

• BDD demands a thorough comprehension of many concepts
• As a notion, putting it into a technical practice or linking it to one set of tools destroys it.

Conclusion

From a software development perspective, these are a few practical approaches. Working with VLink, a custom software development company based out of Hartford, CT with offshore development centers in India and Indonesia, ensures that the best-fit technology is selected for your project based on your specifications, budget, and desired outcomes.