(Last Updated On: July 3, 2023)

Software development cannot be done in a jiffy for every finest product you desire. It is a collective effort and dedication of different skilled professional teams to get the product polished we use today that started as a rough product. The software development process must be done systematically, one phase at a time to accelerate accuracy in software deliverables.

Determining the right custom software development methodology is a decision that may make or break your project. Business decisions should be based on real insights that count every detail while considering operational demands and finer aspects of customized application development.

A software development methodology is a set of methods and principles used in the software development process.

After conducting in-depth research, we have curated a list of the five best software development methodologies to help you make the right decision when developing customized software solutions.

1. Agile Methodology

Agile software development is one of the most used software development methodologies that focuses on continuous improvement in developing products and services. The agile process utilizes short development cycles called “sprints” that help developers build a digital product in multiple sprints. Each sprint takes around 2-4 weeks for tasks, and your client can track your development process at each sprint. 

Agile methodology is a comprehensive set of frameworks and practices defined by principles expressed in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development.

The iterative and incremental approaches followed in the Agile model are process flexibility and customer satisfaction through the rapid delivery of custom software solutions. Agile software development involves customer feedback based on which modifications and changes are made to the software development.

Pros:

• Timely delivery of software built
• Increased adaptability and flexibility
• Minimal rules and documentation
• Customer response is focused
• Fully controlled
• Supreme Quality software delivered

Cons:

• Skilled expertise and experience are required
• If the process is not appropriately managed, it can be too time-consuming for the team

2. Scrum Model

The Scrum methodology comprises projects divided into smaller modules where each module has a different approach for the work. The scrum model addresses job complexities by ensuring transparency and increasing the software’s adaptability based on the predetermined conditions.

The scrum model can do several iterations in a single step while ensuring faster software development. This is because the tasks here are executed in the sprints, and it handles even complex projects easier and faster.

Regular meetings are conducted for better coordination between different teams to ensure changes are implemented before the deadline. Team collaboration and coordination are responsible for project management instead of an individual.

This highly popular framework utilizes sprints and daily standup meetings (called “scrums”) to handle critical portions of a project at frequent intervals until the project is completed. 

Pros:

• The team is free to make any decision regarding the development process
• Time-to-market reduced
• Perform modifications using short sprints and feedback
• The model is effective and economical
• Develop a high-quality product on time.

Cons:

• A skilled and experienced team is required
• Time and cost estimations must be precise
• The connection between scrum masters and teams depended on trust and adaptability.

3. Spiral Model

The Spiral Model is about starting with the smallest part of the project and gradually moving to larger areas to discover and remove pitfalls at an earlier stage of development. This approach addresses risks at each level, and the next step or iteration is taken.

Each phase in the spiral model starts with a predetermined goal and ends with a client review of progress in software development. Everything from start to end is standardized in the spiral. Suitable for large SOW and critical projects.

Pros:

• Time-to-market reduced
• Strict disciplines and procedures
• Elements at risk are identified and eliminated beforehand.

Cons:

• Involves high costs
• Multi-phased project with extensive documentation
• Custom software development processes are difficult to manage

4. Waterfall Software Development Methodology

The waterfall software development methodology is considered one of the most conventional and extensively used methodologies for building solutions. It is a sequential design approach that ensures the project must have a functional flow that saves your costs and money as every point is well planned.

This simple and linear approach is suitable for all kinds of projects, which is why it is widely used by teams with less experience in design and development. This approach must efficiently complete each phase before moving on to the next stage, and this means you must fulfill all requirements established appropriately before the web development begins.

Pros:

• Easy to utilize and comprehend
• Setting clear milestones
• All deliverables and specifications are clearly defined
• No room for miscommunication
• Best fit approach to both small and large tasks

Cons:

• Difficult to adapt to changes
• Time-consuming documentation procedure
• Ambiguity and high risk involved

5. V-Shaped Approach

The V-shaped model is all about testing at each stage of development and possesses some elements of agile methodology. This model, also known as the verification and validation model, is based on the involvement of the test phase for each corresponding development stage.

You can expect better development and high-quality products in this approach as testing is prior, and all issues and errors resolve earlier. You will only initiate the next phase after the successful completion and testing of the previous step.

Smaller teams with tight deadlines mainly use the V-Shaped approach to accomplish tasks, and the V-Shaped model is unsuitable for volatile and complex object-oriented projects.

Pros:

• Time-to-market reduced
• Strict disciplines and procedures
• Elements at risk are identified and eliminated beforehand.

Cons:

• Require technical resources and expertise
• This model does not help you handle concurrent events
• It is not suitable for volatile and complex object-oriented projects

Concluding Lines

All the above software development methodologies simplify and strengthen your application development process.

A  custom software development company like Appinventiv uses these models to develop customized software solutions and achieve accelerated, high-quality, and profitable solutions. Thus, the collaboration of software methodologies and emerging modern technologies make the software development process faster and easier.

Every approach has pros and cons that you need to consider before initiating the development process. Make sure you understand every software development methodology before making any decision.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing between the models is ensuring that they handle complexities and challenges that require in-depth expertise. It helps you achieve the top-notch performance of software products under the guidance of skilled expertise. 

Choosing the best-fit software development approach also depends on your team structure, experience, project requirements, objectives, budget, and other underlying factors.