Software Development Methodologies

There are a lot of methodologies for software development but in this blog, we will discuss the major four methodologies and they are; Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and Rational Unified Process (RUP).

Software Development Methodology 

Basically, software development methodologies are used to provide guidance to structure, plan, control, and execute the technique in which software or an information system is developed.

There are quite a lot of Software Development Methodologies like; Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Rational Unified Process (RUP), etc.

Waterfall

The waterfall methodology is considered the first methodology to be introduced in the area of software development. 

This methodology is simple and easy to understand. Might be risky and not much suitable for large projects. 

It works in a linear sequential flow which means that if one phase is completed then only the next phase begins. In case changes are needed to be altered to the previous phase then that is not practicable. 

Phases are not overlapped in the waterfall methodology. 

Following are the reasons for considering the waterfall methodology approach; 

➢ It is very simple and easy to implement and understand. 

➢ Requirements are clearly clarified, and the phases are processed and accomplished one at a time. 

➢ The documentation is well documented with understandable milestones. 

Following are the reasons for not selecting the waterfall methodology approach; 

➢ To begin a new phase, the previous phase must be completed. 

➢ Alteration in the requirement is not welcomed in this methodology. 

➢ This methodology approach is not considered suitable for the development of object-oriented and complex projects. 

➢ The change of risks and uncertainty are high.

Agile

Agile is another software development methodology having no definite requirements. 

This methodology approach does not practice any distinct phases of order in its development process but consists of specified timeframes and deliverables.

It assists its teams in regularly assessing how well the project is going throughout the project’s lifecycle. 

In Agile various tasks could be carried out fragmenting into segments but the client participation and interaction in each and every sprint are not practicable.

Following are the reasons for considering the agile methodology approach; 

➢ One of the best approaches to developing a system. 

➢ The approach requires frequent interaction with the user/client so that the altering requirements can be addressed. 

Following are the reasons for not selecting the agile methodology approach; 

➢ Since the approach develops the system in iteration, the team needs to undergo regular scrum meetings to fix bugs and errors in the system. 

➢ In this approach, each planned feature must be accomplished within the allocated time so that the rush may arise. 

➢ Need for frequent collaboration and coordination with the team members. 

➢ Enough meeting with the client is necessary which might not be practical from the client's point of view.

Scrum

Scrum methodology is the type of agile framework. 

Scrum uses an iterative approach to web development where the team is key. 

This approach requires self-management and self-organization which means that it will be a good fit for smaller projects with experienced and organized team members. 

It is not an ideal methodology for all kinds of projects.

Following are the reasons for considering the scrum methodology approach; 

➢ It is flexible with the changes in the requirements and designs during the process of application development. 

➢ The approach ensures the quality of the application. 

➢ Resource requirements are not wasted. As this allows and accepts the reviews and feedback. So, the designs and development are carried out concerning feedback, so the resource requirements are preserved. 

 Following are the reasons for not selecting the scrum methodology approach; 

➢ The approach is based upon the team working environment.

➢ Since this application is developed individually so this approach would not fit this application development. 

➢ High changes in the project failed because of a lack of a defined end date.

Rational Unified Process (RUP)

RUP is an effective software development methodology that is used majorly in the field of web application development. 

RUP is an iterative methodology and permits to acceptance of the changing requirements within the development life cycle of the project as per the client or user's desires. 

Changes are always welcomed in this methodology. 

It is proactively able to resolve the project risks that are associated with the client's evolving requirements for careful changes and request management. 

In addition, it provides proper documentation of the project so that clients or users can easily recognize the functionality and features of the project through the documentation. 

As this methodology process is iterative, the resources are used wisely and never wasted. 

Moreover, it helps to reduce unexpected project development costs.

Following are the reasons for selecting the RUP methodology approach; 

➢ This approach focuses on accurate documentation. 

➢ The changing requirements are always welcomed in the methodology approach. Iteration of the requirements is allowed here. 

➢ This approach targets removing the risk in the application based on the client and performs only the required interaction with the client.

Phases of RUP

Inception

Inception is the first phase of project development in RUP. 

In this phase, proper planning of the project is concerned. 

The client is also finalized here. Clients might not have the full clarity of the requirements but can somehow sketch the basic features and functional desires of the project. 

In addition, project finalization, resource estimation, research, project scope valuation, risk management, and cost and the time estimation are also prevalent in this phase. The methodology approach is also finalized in the inception phase.

Elaboration

In this phase, we go into more detail about the first phase (i.e. inception). The key features and the functions of the application are finalized. 

The meetings, discussions, and conversations regarding the various tasks are carried out with the client. 

Similarly, the proposal documentation is carried out which involves detailed information and a description of the application. 

Moreover, analysis of the problem domain, diagram, and chart (i.e. UML diagrams, work breakdown structure, milestones, Gantt chart, and so on) development are also performed in this phase.

Construction

After project elaboration, now the actual implementation of the project is to be done. 

This is the long-time-taking phase in RUP as the system building approach is carried out here. UI designing, database integration, and backend programming are done here. 

Moreover, testing is also carried out along with the development of the application. And finally, the overall application is documented.

Transition

Finally, the project is transitioning from a development environment to production. 

After the development of the application, it needs to be released or deployed to the client, so this task is carried out in the transition phase. 

After deployment, the feedback and review from the users are collected and analyzed. 

Lastly, any updates, upgrades, and maintenance of the application are performed accordingly.