Developing a custom software development solution is a challenging task. Managing the different stages of development is a crucial task. However, a developer can use a set of advanced software development methodologies that ensure a structured approach to application development. 

An enterprise software development company understands the difference that appropriate software development methodology can bring to the table. In addition, a software development methodology is affected by the business needs and budget both now and in the future as the enterprise grows. 

A software development methodology includes structured processes while working on projects. The methodologies are a mix of design ideas and expected outcomes. The objective is to provide an enhanced and systematic approach to software development. 

Today, a custom software app development company may agree that using a development methodology is essential for a team’s success. However, selecting the appropriate methodology is equally crucial. No matter how much you study each method in light of your requirement, you will most likely arrive at a partial answer. It’s because each methodology has its pros and cons. 

The project’s ultimate success will depend upon the team dynamics, requirements, and goals. There is no single standard methodology for all projects for the same team. Each project has a different scope and, therefore, requires different methodologies. 

Read More: Top 7 Reasons to Adopt the Agile Software Delivery Approach 

What are the Advantages of Using Software Development Methodologies?

Custom software development services must select an appropriate methodology for software development and apply it uniformly throughout the project. A software development project is bound to fail if development methodologies are taken for granted. 

With a structure to support the development cycles, a project can succeed due to changing requirements or a lack of proper communication. However, it may lead to frequently revisiting the software development cycles without considering the overall implications of the project. This may lead to wastage in time, cost, effort, and ultimately a below-par final product.

The software development methodologies have been designed with the motive of helping both the development team and customers. Choosing the correct methodology helps to ensure that discussions are conducted on proper communication channels, and decisions are made through comprehensive dialogues considering all factors.

Development methodologies help the team become more organized, thus allowing them to cut down on inefficiencies and deliver projects per timeline.

Top 4 Software Development Methodologies  

Here is a list of different types of software development methodologies that are commonly used by successful software development companies such as BoTree Technologies for custom software development.

  1. Agile Software Development
    • Agile is a prevalent software development methodology followed by leading companies. It is used to design software products where the team expects frequent alterations during the development lifecycle. 
    • Agile software development methodologies allow the development team to break down the task into sprints that can be taken up one after the other. Each Sprint takes approximately 1 to 4 weeks to complete. In addition, each iteration involves multiple tests as the development progresses. 
    • This enables the developers to ask for feedback, identify bugs and errors and accordingly make changes to the software.
      • Pros of Agile Software Development –
        • Customer satisfaction with the delivery of custom software
        • An adaptive approach that enables rapid response to any new requirements
        • Clear communication between teams during development cycles
      • Cons of Agile Software Development – 
        • Excessive focus on feedback and discussion may lead to delays
        • Documentation is not a high priority in Agile development
        • In the case of large projects, the estimation of the actual effort required is complicated
  1. DevOps Methodology
    • Unlike traditional software development methodologies, DevOps is focused on automation, rapid software delivery, and infrastructure changes. DevOps aims to reduce the hindrances in software deployment while maintaining high-security standards.
    • DevOps is driven by teamwork and collaboration in the true sense. Therefore it becomes necessary to ensure that the developers work consistently at different stages of development, such as design, testing, and development. 
    • The two siloed processes of Development and Operations are somewhat separate. However, the two departments function together as a single entity across all processes during the project’s lifecycle. The continuous integration delivery model allows development and operational teams to conduct everything simultaneously in design, development, quality assurance, security, and more.
    • In 2022, DevOps is getting used by nearly 47% of respondents worldwide as a software development methodology.
      • Pros of DevOps Methodology
        • Faster time to market
        • Better product quality
        • DevOps methodology promotes strong collaboration
      • Cons of DevOps Methodology
        • Rapid software development is not an outcome always
        • DevOps requires a suite of tools that may not be easy to shift upon
        • DevOps demands a cultural change in the team
Software development methodologies practiced worldwide 2022
Software Development Methodologies Practiced worldwide 2022
  1. Scrum Development Methodology
    • Scrum is amongst the best software development methodologies, which can be used for probably any software development services for any development project. The flexible methodology is based on the Agile methodology. It is liked for its incremental and iterative approaches. The methodology involves the participation of product owners, the scrum master, and the development team.
      • The product owner takes clients’ inputs and ensures the team is on track.
      • Scrum master ensures that the team members are familiar with the Scrum process.
      • The team takes responsibility for executing the development. 
    • Scrum is ideal for development because it works well in a fast-paced environment. Tasks are divided into sprints that last for up to 4 weeks. The speedy execution ensures that the team gathers feedback, finds bugs, and makes corrections in a short time.
      • Pros of Scrum Methodology
        • Short iterations lead to quick resolutions
        • The decision-making is mainly in the hands of the team
        • The project management steps can be controlled from a very close
      • Cons of Scrum Methodology
        • It is not very suitable for large and complex projects.
        • All team members should be equally skilled and committed.
        • Project quality management is only possible if the test team can conduct regression testing post the sprints.
  1. Lean Development Methodology
    • Lean methodology focuses on the development of easily changeable software. Custom software development services use this methodology since it is more focused compared to Agile software development.
    • This style of development aims to develop software one-third of the time, with limited financial resources and considerably less workflow. The lean methodology allows developers to identify the hindrances that could hamper the development cycle. In addition, the methodology is very human-centric and promotes good communication for enhancing team collaboration.
      • Pros of Lean Development Methodology
        • The overall development cost is reduced with lean principles
        • It cuts down the wastage, for instance, redundant codes, unnecessary documentation, etc
        • It empowers the development team and nurtures decision-making ability
      • Cons of Lean Development Methodology
        • Detailed documentation is necessary, which leads to an enormous burden
        • Success is dependent upon the discipline of the team members
        • Less skilled developers may lose their focus

Read More: Customized Software: What is it, Types, and Examples

Conclusion: What is the Best Software Development Methodology?

A premium software development company needs to understand the true meaning of software engineering methodologies and which methodology might be the best option for them in particular. 

Among the different software development methodologies types, none is a perfect fit. Therefore, it requires immense planning and analysis before selecting the one acceptable methodology. The SDLC process includes research, planning, design, and development phases. The way these stages are conducted will depend upon the methodology you choose. 

What makes a methodology special depends upon the business’s requirements and the industry’s nature. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Which SDLC phase can be considered the most important? 

Every stage of software development is equally important. However, the most critical development stage must be the ideation or planning phase. This is also the first phase in the process of SDLC.  

2) Is DevOps a subset of Agile development methodology?

Agile and DevOps are very successful and widely practiced software development methodologies worldwide. Both methodologies are very different; therefore, DevOps is not an extension of Agile. 

Agile is an iterative process that focuses on enhancing collaboration between development teams. On the other hand, DevOps focuses on improving collaboration between development and operations teams. 

3) Can the product owner and ScrumMaster be the same person in Scrum methodology? 

Due to the difference in ownership, product ownership takes care of the product backlog, user requirements, and validation of the working software product increment with the user necessities allocated to Sprint.

On the other hand, a ScrumMaster works with all the scrum team members to guide them through the clearly defined rules of the scrum framework.