Top 12 Software Development Methodologies You Should Know

One of the keys to success when developing software is choosing a system and style of management smartly. Nowadays, there are different approaches to this, with each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Software development procedure has to do with splitting the working process into several stages, as well as assigning different tasks among the employees. There are various types of methodologies aimed at improving SDLC. Every method was created to best suit the needs at a certain time and to resolve the problems of those days. New approaches are still appearing to date.

It is important to define your goals, objectives, budget, and timeline, as well as to choose a method. In this blog post, we will be examining 12 common methodologies, with essential information, along with pros and cons.

1. Agile Development Methodology

Essence: This methodology’s primary focus is the product itself. All constant modifications, including internal changes related to the work of engineers, are based on users’ and customers’ feedback. The methodology is free of rigid frameworks; however, the working process is divided into short time boxes. Agile development methodology offers real results and feedback fast.

Pros: The quality of the final product is often top-notch, since problems are fixed at the early stage.

Cons: Constant changes and amendments aimed at improving the product may cause it to go astray from the main aim.

2. Waterfall Development Methodology

Essence: The waterfall methodology is strict and linear. A new stage can only commence if the previous one is concluded. Each phase progressively flows into the next one, and there is no going back to the preceding step. This approach is a strict sequence of completed tasks that make it easier to understand, which is why it is often regarded as a classic representation of software development.

Pros: It is simple, practical, and analytical.

Cons: It works well with exact requirements and needs only. Weak for long or ongoing projects.

3. Extreme Programming Methodology

Essence: Due to its ability to adapt to dynamic changing demands, Extreme programming methodology is believed to enhance the value of software. It is an ideal approach for unstable projects, as it requires involving the customer as much as possible. Also, this methodology assumes substantial flexibility. Besides, communication and constant feedback is the key to an efficient and happy team environment.

Pros: Encourages constant feedback and the courage to make difficult decisions. Customer participation results in high-quality products.

Cons: Elusive and unknown future results. Efficacy is at the mercy of the people involved.

4. Lean Development Methodology

Essence: The core component Lean development methodology revolves around its value for the client. Only the essential components that are worth it should be included; if not, it should be eliminated. The whole project is scrutinized significantly in advance to eliminate any waste of time or money since the approach focuses a lot on loss reduction. And like Extreme programming, feedback also plays a crucial role in the lean development methodology.

Pros: Perfect for projects with strict time margins and low budget.

Cons: Success is much more reliant on the working capacity of the team. 

5. Prototype Model Methodology

Essence: The idea of this approach is in the name itself – prototype methodology. Developers present samples, and only after customers assess the functionality of these samples, the final development begins. This means there will be thorough research and prototyping to avoid unnecessary risks before getting down to business.

Pros: Low risks of failure and increased chances of top-quality functionality.

Cons: Too much of client involvement can slow down the whole process.

6. Dynamic Systems Model Methodology

Essence: For this approach, a strict time frame and assigned budget are the two main focus. Delivering within a time frame and budget, a successful and valuable software is the concept here. The participation of users is also important. Continuous feedback is accepted by the Dynamic systems model methodology to provide functionality within the agreed requirements.

Pros: The required functionality is accomplished as fast as possible with the help of great communication between developers and users.

Cons: This methodology is not suitable to meet the needs of a small organization, and costs are rather substantial. 

7. Feature Driven Development Methodology

Essence: Planning, designing, and the building are all feature-based. Feature-driven development methodology involves repetitions to enhance functionality and deal with diverse intricacies. This approach aims at managing the work of a large number of teams within a big organization.

Pros: Facilitates any developer with suitable skills and expertise to manage the tasks. Great with huge projects. The pre-set standards streamline the developing procedure.

Cons: It is not ideal for a small organization since it requires leading developers to supervise the process. A strict deadline can be difficult to guarantee.

8. Rational Unified Process Methodology

Essence: The four stages of the developing process are the highlights of this approach. Six main development disciplines take place in all four stages. Creating software of high value without increasing the budget and missing the time frame are the emphasis in this approach.

Pros: It avoids risk by taking into consideration clients’ evolving needs. Consistent and stringent documentation.

Cons: The whole process may be too challenging. Consequently, a professional developer is needed.

9. Spiral Model Methodology

Essence: The Spiral Model merges waterfall ideas with repetitions. Eliminating the risks at the early stage of the project is the main idea. Each stage includes setting and achieving goals and getting feedback from clients. Progressing from one stage to another in a spiral model entails finishing and eliminating risks before moving forward.

Pros: Repetitions help to control the risks. The process of estimating the costs is uncomplicated. Progress is achieved fast because there is a system of developing procedures.

Cons: Not appropriate for small projects and organizations. Risk of failing to meet the fixed budget and time limit.

10. Joint Application Development Methodology

Essence: The Joint application methodology involves significant collaboration between users, designers, and developers. The concept here is to eliminate errors at an early stage. Consequently the approach involves a facilitator, end-users, developer, observers, mediators and experts for a workshop session to aid the development process.

Pros: Fast elimination of errors and solving of differences. Invaluable information is realized within a short period.

Cons: Planning consumes lots of time and energy. Needs a considerable budget. Expert professionals with applicable experience are needed.

11. Scrum Development Methodology

Essence: Effective when it comes to achieving results and straightforward to understand. The working process is partitioned into sprints. Assignments for each sprint are fixed previously and are then deliberated after this period. This all makes Scrum development methodology very flexible.

Pros: The team is in charge of decision-making. Constant update, and light control to keep the team always on guard.

Cons: Costs can often be uncertain. Only expert professionals can be involved. Big projects cannot be supervised with this approach.

12. Rapid Application Development Methodology

Essence: The concept here is to attain fast results with emphasis on fast prototype releases and repetitions. Consequently, quick feedback is gathered, errors are removed, and the desired results are accomplished. Also, the focus is to adapt so that the software is made functional and effective fast. 

Pros: Customers supply constant feedback for improvement.

Cons: Highly expert professionals are needed. Too dependent on team performance. It is not fitting for small projects.

Let Us Help You

Dedicating time and energy to outline your goals and objectives will help you comprehend which method to use if you want to thrive. Painstakingly scrutinize each methodology before selecting one because every methodology has its advantages and disadvantages.

Now you should feel more confident in choosing the right approach that will be the best fit for your team, and we can help with that. Get in touch with us today to discuss the best option for you.

Top Three Approaches To Mobile Application Development

Every business wants to make the next best mobile application to bring in traffic. Nowadays, businesses are continually developing and are moving in the direction of developing themselves. They are attempting to coordinate the most recent trends and technologies with the help of the best mobile app development companies, which can be helpful for their clients and can generate higher incomes. These three approaches to technology will give you further insight on mobile development applications that your company can choose from.

Native Applications

As the title suggests, it is the most time-honoured approach to mobile application development. Based on mobile platforms, operating systems or even specific devices, this particular technology approach is illustrated by different source codes and development. For instance, there are applications with different versions for Apple iPhone and iPad. 

Leading-edge performance and its ability to perfectly exploit the hardware features of the device are some of the many perks of this approach. However, as with most technological functions, it comes with its flaws; lots of resources, the need to maintain numerous projects to support each platform and certain requirements for development tools for each platform.

Cross-platform Applications

The most prominent alternative to the traditional approach is cross-platform mobile application. The principle on which it operates is its ability to maintain a single project for the application, by writing the code once and adapting it to each environment. All of this is done with the help of many available frameworks on the market. The primary edge of this approach is that it's easy to maintain and new features can be added faster, keeping different device versions consistent with each other.

Now, it is considered as a realistic solution because of considerable advancement in the frameworks used to develop mobile cross-platform. Be that as it may, certain applications can face trouble with this particular approach if they require high performance or really advanced utilization of specific device characteristics.

HTML5 Applications

There is no better technology to use than HTML5 if your business is looking at developing web-frontend applications for mobile devices. And these applications, completely based out of HTML 5, are referred to as “mobile web”.

This technology approach operates on the fact that you would use the same tools used in developing a web app or creating a website. Talking about its advantages, it wins a trophy for its affordability. Mainly because all the tools are easily available and mobile development can be integrated with web development.

In spite of the impressive sites and applications that HTML 5 can be used for, there is a risk of lower performance. As well, any discrepancy between user experience and typical user expectations is not taken into consideration by websites. Hence, it is suggested to intensively strategize user acceptance testing with actual end users of your mobile application.

To make your mobile application it is very important to choose the right technology for your business and this decision is based on the needs and requirements of your company. 

For expert advice on software that can help improve your business, feel free to reach out and we will get back to you shortly.

11 Best Practices for a Successful Client-Provider Relationship

A valuable concept to trust for every B2B or service-related business is developing relationships between the company and the clients. At ISU corp, we stress the importance of building, developing, and nurturing relationships between our company and our clients. We have been able to distinguish ourselves from the competition through strong relationships, and one of the very reasons clients continue to work with us is because we always go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction with our work. 

To nurture this relationship, both parties should follow these eleven simple commandments:

1. Be patient in building new relationships. 

Relationships take time. Take time to get to know your client, instead of indulging in hypocritical networking, as it can be a severe put-off. It is prominent to note that your work for your client is paramount in building a relationship, as no amount of personal connection can substitute for a great job.

2. Do your research (Due diligence)

An online presence which includes the website, reviews, and social media, is the simplest way to learn who you are forming a relationship with and learn their company culture. It’s crucial for the service provider to learn what their clients do, to be familiar with their industry, and learn about their target market. Reading up on the service provider’s industry will help the clients to learn about the average prices and the service providers’ reputation.  

3. Ask questions

When an individual needs more understanding or information on a subject, all he or she has to do is ask. This is why the saying "you won't know unless you ask" is relevant in this context. In order to know the worth of anything, understanding it is key

4. Answer questions

The partnership consists of two or more parties, which means it is a two-way relationship. Now that there are questions asked, it is essential to make sure that they get answered on time and efficiently.

5. Read the documents you are given, they are essential

Clients often provide information to the service providers about the project or services they need (RFPs, Requirements, Project Plans, etc.). These documents include essential information service providers require to fulfill the project demands. Hence the service providers need to read and understand these documents and act accordingly.

Then again, service providers provide their clients with several documents that explain the requirements, process, and terms and conditions of the project. These documents are written for a purpose, trust us when we say Technical Documents are NOT fun to write. These documents are used as the groundwork for your software and are used in the whole development process after. If you don’t get anything, be sure to ask for them.

6. Walk in the other party’s shoes

Both parties should be understanding in identifying each other’s needs and requirements. Not every glitch, hitch, and delay are the fault of the service provider. And the service provider should regard the client’s issues and projects as if it were their own. 

7. Give reasonable pricing/estimation

Both service providers and clients need to be practical when it comes to cost, time estimation, and budgeting. As a service provider, you must break down estimates for the client to help them understand where the pricing is coming from. 

8. Be open to suggestions

As a client, you are outsourcing by hiring service providers to help with processes you cannot do yourselves. Therefore, you need to be open to new ideas, new opinions, and take the time to listen to the suggestions from the experts in the field.

On the other hand, the clients are the professionals in their company and industry. Since they are well informed of their target audience and the preferences that will be best suitable for their business, it is essential to listen to their suggestions as well.

9. Be more than an email address

Communication is the key to growing a great and prosperous relationship. Clear, abundant, effective, and direct communication helps both parties. Although emails are convenient, it is not always the most effective. A phone call, an in-person or Skype meeting will help to put a face or voice to a name. These are great ways to build a better relationship with your client.

10. Adhere to the appropriate communication protocol

It is essential to stick to the contact information and communication process you were given to ensure communication lines are clean and clear. The team member or group of people were appointed to be the point of contact to avoid confusion and broken communication.

11. Follow up and stay in touch

The completion of the project does not mean the partnership is over. Most service providers have maintenance and support packages. There will always be maintenance and new revisions to be done in the future. And the learning curve will be much shorter if another project comes in.

Here at ISU corp we strive to provide the best possible partnership. If you are interested in working together, please contact us!