The development of a quality product begins with defining its life cycle. This is a clear plan of action that allows developers to understand what should be achieved, how to achieve the result and what methods to use for this. Software development methodology is proven methods and practices that allow you to create a digital product correctly and with high quality. There are several fundamental methods of software development in IT, and we will talk about them today.
What is a product development model and why is it needed?
Each project has its own life cycle. These are the stages through which the entire development takes place. It starts with creating an idea and making decisions. You have decided to make a website or application for your company. At this point, the life cycle has already started.
Next, preparation and analysis, search for a concept and a way to create a product are carried out. When it becomes clear what you want to get, you need to decide how to achieve it. At the analysis stage, the idea is transformed into an action plan, a technology stack is selected, and software development methodologies are chosen in particular.
This is the approach by which the team will develop the product. And the quality of the final product also depends on the choice of this approach. After all, the choice of a software development model allows you to determine the order of execution and implementation of tasks, develop a system of control and assessment of development, form the terms of product creation, and determine the cost. The choice of methodology allows to achieve stability during development, and this is one of the main tasks.
The software development process itself consists of approximately the same stages. We will talk about them later. But how these stages will be implemented, how they are related to each other and according to which principles they work – determines the software development methodology. Her tasks are as follows:
- helps to understand how to implement an idea and create a product useful for business;
- gives a clear idea of work methods and action plan, which reduces the probability of errors during development;
- helps to save at the development stage, minimizing the number of edits and speeding up the process thanks to a clear action plan;
- allows you to distribute tasks within the team depending on the chosen method;
- creates a sequence of processes, forms requirements for the product.
The need to choose a software development methodology is based on focus on the result. Otherwise, you can start building a product and never finish it, because there will be no clear plan of action. But even such a method can be described in the methodology, although it will be less effective. There are many models, some companies offer work using unique methods. But the basis is always 7 basic methods that have been proven over the years and work.
Basic development methodologies
Each software development model has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. It is impossible to determine which of them is better, since different tasks, products and ideas choose their own development principle. Let’s analyze the main types used in programming.
“Waterfall Model” (cascade model or “waterfall”)
This is a classic model that was used at the beginning of the development era, but continues to be actively used today. Its principle of operation is quite simple: each subsequent stage is performed only when the previous one is completely completed. There is a clear distribution of stages, and the technology is implemented as if in a cascade, gradually moving from the first to the last stage.
This software development model is quite rigid and has strict rules. It clearly defines the timing of each stage. But there is a drawback: it is very difficult to take a step back. Making changes to an existing project is very expensive and problematic. This method is suitable only for clearly defined projects, where there is a complete understanding of what is being created, for what purposes and what requirements are set.
You can use this approach if the project has a detailed prototype or an existing program. In addition, the cascade model is very popular with state institutions – in working with them, it is important to strictly prepare reports, adhere to the schedule and not deviate from the initially set plan.
“Incremental Model” (incremental model)
The incremental model of software development is suitable when there is a clear plan of action, but the product needs to be launched fairly quickly, and changes can be made later. Its essence is that an action plan is first developed and segmented into small tasks. Next, each block is developed according to the traditional cascade model. First, a “basic” product with minimal but important functions is made. It is gradually supplemented by the development of other components, which are called increments. The process loops until a single system is fully assembled.
Each part of work in such a project is a finished element. Sometimes it can be used separately. As a rule, it is developed in such a way that it is not reworked later. That is why the cascade model is used inside the incremental model.
What does this software development methodology offer? First of all, risks are minimized, quick release and launch of the product is ensured. In addition, the basic functionality will already work and bring benefits to the business, and if necessary, you can always implement newly developed tools.
“Iterative Model” (iterative or iterative model)
This approach somewhat resembles the previous one in its design. The essence of the iterative software development methodology is to create basic functionality and gradually improve it. So far, it sounds similar to the previous version, but there is a difference.
The incremental model can be compared to a puzzle, where all elements are laid out one by one and gradually assembled into a single picture. An iterative model is a sketch of an artist who first makes a drawing with a pencil, then picks up paints, and then draws out the details and creates a picture.
This method is suitable for large projects, in which the main tasks are defined and there is a general idea of what should come out. But at the same time, the details are not clear, it is not completely clear how this or that function will work. This method is used to develop, for example, social networks and large corporate platforms. The general functionality is clear, but the number of functions and capabilities are not fully defined. This approach allows you to gradually add new components and improve existing ones.
“Agile Model” (flexible development methodology)
Agile software development methodology is a great solution for creating a product that is not fully formed in its idea. The peculiarity of this method is that the customer can immediately observe changes in development and adjust actions. This is possible thanks to the definition of sprints – segments in which tasks are performed. During the discussion, goals are set, the time of the segment during which the developers complete the tasks is determined. Then there is a discussion, changes are made, and a new segment is assigned.
The agile development method is very effective, but it has its drawbacks. Due to the fact that it is impossible to determine the exact results and understand how long it will take to implement the idea, it is not possible to determine the exact cost in advance.
If the project is configured for a long life cycle, must have adaptability to changes in the market, the Agile method is perfect. It allows you to adapt to new requirements and constantly develop the product.
“Spiral Model” (spiral model)
Spiral models of software development are suitable for large projects, where the assumption of errors leads to large losses and negative consequences. Emphasis is placed on risk assessment and processing of specific business tasks. The principle of operation is as follows:
The work proceeds in a spiral, at each turn of which 4 main actions are carried out: creating a plan, analyzing risks, developing and constructing, evaluating the result and collecting feedback. If all 4 stages are successfully completed, the technology moves on to a new round.
And the very transition to a new round resembles an incremental model, where each block is developed independently and joins the initially created basic functionality. The peculiarity of the approach is that more time is spent on analysis, calculations and evaluation of consequences than directly on the development itself. Developers sometimes implement a feature much faster than analysts learn it.