What are the Top Software Development Process Models?

The success of every project depends on its planned execution. Regarding software development, each has a set of goals and objectives. These are the primary differentiating factors that separate one project from another. The manager or the development team chooses a software development methodology, keeping in mind the complexities of the procedure. This is how the top software development companies aim to add more structure to the workflow.

Selecting the right software development method depends on the organisation, the team size and several other factors. All methods have their strengths and weaknesses. It also depends on the project segments, which you can identify during the various phases of development. The varying criteria help you code in a particular manner.

The main aim is to establish the project flow and ensure a seamless exit from one phase to another. This is why experienced programmers use various software development models. Known as SPDMs, the software model can specify the order in which the development should proceed. Besides, it impacts the testing procedures as well. The software process model decides what should be tested and when should it be initiated. This is why choosing the right one enables you to develop a robust and error-free application.

Overall, the software process model is an abstract representation of the development process. The development methods are a framework that structures, plans and controls the process on an information system. It demands technical knowledge and proper planning. But most importantly, it helps with software creation from start to finish.

The Software Process Development Models define the following-

• The task which you have to perform

• The input and output of every task

• Its pre and post conditions

• The flow and sequence of the tasks

Hence the goal is to provide guidance to control and coordinate the tasks and achieve the end product effectively.

Factors to Choose the Right SPDM

It is difficult to select the right SPDM model. However, you have to consider the project requirements to decide which one suits them best.

• Project Pre-requisites

You should take some time to go through the fundamentals of the project. This will help you choose the right model as per the team’s expectations. The other factors of concern include changes during the process, etc.

• Project size

The team must consider the size of the project they are working on. Large projects need big teams and elaborate management plans.

• Project Complexity

Projects which are complex lack clarity in requirements. It comes with an increased cost of delay. You should know if the project needs constant monitoring and client feedbacks. You can then select the SPDM model accordingly. The project timeline matters in terms of flexibility.

• Resources and technology

The developer's knowledge and experience play a crucial role in software creation. They must know about the tools, languages and methods. The project resources involve fund availability, staffing etc.

• Customer involvement

If you have to consult the customers during the software development process, it is a factor that needs consideration.

Some Top Software Development Process Models

Let us now enlist the different SDPMs and their use by the software development companies.

1. Agile Software Development Method

This is one of the best software development approaches to design a disciplined process with scopes for frequent alterations. It facilitates frequent reassessment and changes in software planning. This model follows the mantra “customer satisfaction at every project stage”. This is what breaks down the model into individual iterations.

Agile development minimises the risks of software development in short periods. Its adaptive approach keeps the potential to help developers respond to last-minute development changes. Moreover, direct communication from the customers leaves no scope for any guesswork.

Scrum is a popular agile framework. It pays attention to the continual delivery of software products and services. This way, it attempts not to overburden the development team with a heavy workload. Kanban is another Agile framework that encourages the teams to work productively with less friction.

Advantages

• Low cost

• Faster release

• Successful end product

• Consistent evaluation and feedback

• Greater project transparency

2. The Waterfall Model

Referred to as the cascading waterfall, it is the earliest of all the software development methodologies. The sequential flow is linear when after starting one stage, the developers gradually go to the next. The testing is done after the entire development process is complete. Often it poses a problem for the developers since the bugs and failures are noted at the end. Hence it is most suitable while launching smaller projects.

The waterfall model lets you check if you are on the right path through feedback available at the end of every phase. But the reviews and revisions are only possible at the maintenance stage. Therefore, inflexibility is a primary drawback of the waterfall model. It does not work well with long term, ongoing projects.

The model consists of five stages –

• Communication to exchange information between the developer and client

• Planning to chalk out an estimate of the time and pattern of schedule.

• Modelling for the complete analysis, project design, flowchart, the shape of the algorithm, etc.

• Construction using the coding language and performing subsequent testing after matching the specifications.

• Deployment to assess the deliverables and collate them with the client’s feedback.

Advantages

• Simple and easy to understand

• Easy for project management because of rigidity

• Time-saving

• Swift testing

• Effective for smaller projects

3. DevOps Methodology

The term DevOps has gathered immense popularity in the present times. It offers unconditional benefits to the software developers. DevOps has emerged from two main trends – applying agile and lean methodologies. The emphasis here is to value cooperation between operations and the development personnel through the SDLC process. They function as one team to fasten the delivery of high-quality, reliable software products. Therefore, the hallmarks of this method are discipline, consistent reviews and process enhancement.

Advantages

• Fast process with multiple ongoing tasks

• Offer rapid deliveries microservices and continuous delivery

• Reliability with scope for changes in product infrastructure

• Collaboration with ownership and accountability

4. The Lean Model

The main focus of lean transformation is improving the health of the organisation. There are seven lean principles –

• Elimination of the waste like non-value-added components

• Emphasising constant learning

• Fast delivery

• Empowerment of the team

• Building up integrity

• Seeing the whole picture

This software development process method optimises people, their efforts, and resources towards creating value for the customers. It strives to work on the basis of continuous improvement after optimising operations and the supporting processes. With lean value stream mapping, companies can see how the value flows in different functions, bringing decisions favouring customer satisfaction.

Advantages

• Managing team processes

• Managing the changing priorities

• Better project visibility

• Better team morale

• Improved visibility to the stakeholders

• Reduced lead time

5. Scrum Development Methodology

The software developers can apply the scrum model to all types of projects. For companies with high requirements, the model allows for rapid changes by adhering to the specific guidelines. The process starts with brief planning, meeting and concluding with a final review. It helps businesses accelerate their software development schedule through a series of iterations in a single go. This makes the Scrum model a favoured choice to bring slow-moving projects on track.

Advantages

• Cutting edge and fast-moving developments, rapid coding and testing

• Easy decision making in the hands of the team

• Control project development steps with frequent updates

• Daily meeting with the developers to measure productivity

• Quick product delivery within the scheduled time

• Easy to cope with changes because of feedback

6. Iterative and Incremental Model

The word iterative means repetitive. It applies the same principle to software development and design. The developers separate the application into smaller modules. Each of these modules becomes subjective to further improvements. The repeating and rinsing continue till the making of the final product.

A similar model to this is the Incremental model. This process enables you to have a working version of the software in the early stages of the project itself. This way, the organisation can cut down on expensive costs. The first increment is the actual product. The developer builds codes and modifies them accordingly. Finally, they implement the changes suggested by the client to the earlier increments.

Both these models are suitable for loosely coupled projects to fix functional design flaws.

The stages of the Increment Model are the same as the Waterfall model –

• Communication to initiate information exchange between client and the team

• Planning to come to decide the project schedule

• Modelling for project analysis through flowcharts and algorithms

• Construction to generate coding and testing

• Deployment after getting feedback from the clients

Advantages

• A simple method for testing and debugging during smaller iterations

• Identify fixes at the early stages of development

• Smooth risk management

• Low-cost software development lifecycle

7. The Spiral Model

This one is regarded as the most flexible among the other SDLC methodologies. It takes a cue from the repetitions inbuilt with the iterative model combined with the waterfall method. The project goes through four main stages-

• Planning

• Engineering

• Risk analysis

• Evaluation

The developers repeat these stages one after another in a spiral. Eventually, it makes room for multiple rounds of changes and improvement. They work on project functionalities in a pattern of spirals till the entire application is ready to move to the production phase.

The Spiral method is most recommended for large software development processes. The development teams can include user feedback to create customised products with complex specifications. Another benefit of using the SDLC model is risk management. The developers start every iteration after analysing potential risks and taking measures to reduce them. Hence, they can make changes to the code anytime.

Advantages

• Facilitate development for large, critical projects

• Enables higher level risk analysis

• Allow symmetric addition of features

• Allow faster development

• Easier cost estimation

8. Rapid Application Development or RAD

RAD is an effective methodology that enables rapid development with high-quality results. It carries out software creation by breaking down the project into smaller parts and simultaneously building components. The developers code every mini project and assemble it in a prototype. Then they deliver it to the clients and get feedback about the project deliverables. The goal is achievable since it allows user participation in the development process.

The various phases of the RAD model are as such-

• Business Modeling – Information exchange between the various business entities.

• Data Modeling – Defining data objects with processed information as per client needs.

• Process Modeling – Ensuring that the data objects become instruments to achieve pre-defined objectives.

• Application Generation – Employing automated tools to convert earlier process models into software code.

• Testing and Turnover – Testing of the components with the interfaces.

Advantages

• Reduces risks and efforts on the part of the software developer

• Clients can take quick reviews of the project

• Encourages customer feedback

• Increased scope for betterment

• Lesser defects due to prototyping

• High priority functioning delivery

9. Dynamics System Development Model

The Dynamic System Development Model is originally based on the RAD model. This approach emphasises continuous user involvement. The software developer targets to deliver the software systems on time and budget. The philosophy is simple- nothing is perfect on the first go, and the process is ever-changing.

Advantages

• In-depth involvement of users to get a strong grip of the software development process

• Quick delivery

• Easy access to the end-users

• Project delivery on time

10. Prototype Model

The developers utilise this methodology to create a single prototype of the solution. They utilise it to demonstrate functionalities before sending it to the clients. You can make all necessary modifications before developing the application.

The Prototype model finds its use in large, complicated software that do not demand manual processing. The best feature of this model is that it can solve multiple issues occurring in the traditional waterfall model.

Advantages

• Show the prototype to the client to get a clear understanding

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction

• Lower the risk of failures by identifying them at the early stages

• Good communication

• Easy requirement gathering and analysis

Conclusion

In today’s business scenario, steady innovation and improvement are crucial to delivering high customer value. All the software development process models aim to do that. The top software development companies deliver the best products by optimising business flow across functional areas. This is how they cater to client satisfaction. The choice of the best methodology also depends on the unique project interests. Besides, it would be best to have a good team of professionals devoted to taking the project forward through every iteration or development cycle.