4 Trending Software Development Methodologies in 2021
A custom software development company can leverage many types of methodologies. The aim is to achieve efficient project management techniques suitable to the projects concerned. We have reached 2021 – the latest technological era and it’s imminent that development methodologies would differ as per your needs.
The most advanced custom software development services resort to some largely preferred methods for software development, such as these:
- Waterfall Development Methodology
- DevOps Deployment Methodology
- Rapid Application Development Methodology
- Agile Development Methodology
Let’s ponder over the usage, benefits, and challenges associated with the above-mentioned software development methodologies…
Waterfall Development Methodology
Every software development company is aware of this traditionally used method. It consists of a sequential series of procedures, such as:
- Project orientation
- Designing
- Implementation
- Verification
- Maintenance
This method has phases that need to be fully completed to move on to the next one in the process. Developers would be unable to modify any preceding stages of this method once they have passed through the same.
Benefits
The linear process of this method makes the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) simpler to comprehend and manage. It’s the most effective method for developing projects having sheer clarity and stability related to the requirements and specifications.
Challenges
The only challenging factor about the Waterfall Development Methodology is its time-consuming process and the costs which follow. These reasons might act as critical factors for some developers, depending on the project urgency and timeline.
DevOps Deployment Methodology
The DevOps method isn’t all about being a method in itself. It consists of different strategies that go well with an organizational environment. It focuses on establishing a streamlined linkage between the various departments of an organization. These departments handle and manage different parts of the SDLC, including development, testing and QA, and other deployment functions.
Benefits
DevOps Methodology ensures a better ‘time to market’ process, increasing the success rate of newly released apps and software. It also shortens the lead time while making fixes and overcomes obstacles by capitalizing on consistency and reliability.
Custom software development companies with the DevOps method plan to automate constant deployment phases to make sure the process remains smooth and result-oriented. As a result, one can expect the utmost client satisfaction, quality, and team efficiency.
Challenges
If you’re looking for software development services based on the DevOps process, here are some challenges you might come across:
- You might not have a need for constant system updates and in that case, DevOps might not serve the purpose.
- Your industry might have regulations in place that necessitate comprehensive testing processes before initiating the operations stage.
- Depending on various departmental environments, issues or glitches might go undetected.
- A few quality attributes rely on human interaction and this can decrease the deployment speed.
Rapid Application Development Methodology
Rapid application development (RAD) is a speedy development methodology. It’s known for producing a top-notch system with lower costs. It enables developers to rapidly adapt to various fluctuating requisites amidst a dynamic market scenario. The speedy adjustments make it possible for organizations to experience low investment costs.
This methodology involves a 4-step process:
- Project planning based on requirements
- User design
- Construction
- Cutover
The user design and construction stages are repeated until the project is perfectly completed.
Benefits
RAD method offers the maximum efficiency for projects which have clarity over the target users. It serves as the right method for projects with tight timelines and urgent deployment needs.
Challenges
RAD method demands skilled developers and expert team members. Even the users should be aware and knowledgeable when it comes to the application’s features. It’d be challenging for organizations that are devoid of these facets while leveraging the RAD methodology.
Agile Development Methodology
Risk and project management are two of the most important needs of software development companies. Agile development methodology helps in minimizing risks that prevail in the form of bugs, overbudgets, changes in project specifications, etc.
This method is in itself a set of different practices such as scrum, crystal, FDD (feature-driven development, XP (extreme programming), and the likes. Teams proceed with software development in parts containing segments of the concerned functionalities.
Benefits
Releasing software in iterations is one of the many benefits of the agile development method. It’s especially useful for custom software development companies as they can manage defects and fix them before going ahead with the further process.
Challenges
Agile development methods need the following for being implemented efficaciously:
- Real-time communication
- Availability of user documents
- Effort-intensive process for developers
- Greater time-commitment from users
Agile development methods are similar to the RAD methodology as they can backfire for large scale organizations. Switching from the traditional waterfall method to the agile methods can be a tough challenge for organizations. Hence, a hybrid approach can definitely do the trick in such a scenario.
How Can Our Custom Software Development Services Help You?
Every methodology comes with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Sometimes, you can simply overcome the challenges and make use of your favoured methodology to achieve project targets. In 2021, any of these 4 methods can help you get your hands on amazing software or applications.
The best alternative is to get in touch with a custom software development company such as P5Infosoft. Not only your project needs would be catered to, but even your business objectives will be taken care of while leveraging the most suitable software development methodology.
