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17 Dec 2022, 11:02 GMT+10
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that specifies the stages involved in the development of an information system, from an early business plan to the maintenance of the finished application.
Various SDLC models are used in the software development phase. These are also known as "Software Development Process Models". To ensure success in the phases of software development, each process model follows a sequence of phases unique to its nature.
There are already more than 50 recognised SDLC models in use. None of them are flawless, and each has advantages and downsides for a particular software development project or team. Here we are going to look at some of the commonly used models.
Once upon a time, at the dawn of the programming age, the only participants in the development process were programmers. They wrote software functions to facilitate mathematical calculations or automate other routine activities. Today everything is different. Modern systems are so large and complex that entire teams of specialists of various profiles work on their creation: programmers, analysts, system administrators, testers, and end users. They all work together to develop programs containing millions of lines of code.
The oldest and most well-known model for building a multi-level development process is the waterfall model: in it, each development stage corresponds to a certain phase of the software development life cycle and directly continues the previous one. That is, in order to move to a new stage, we must fully complete the current one.
The waterfall model is simple and straightforward, but not as practical as it once was. In the face of dynamically changing requirements, a rigidly structured process can turn from an advantage into a hindrance to the successful completion of system development. Therefore, today the waterfall model is mainly used by large companies for large and complex projects that involve comprehensive risk control.
Pros of the waterfall model:
Cons of the waterfall model
Despite the fact that the waterfall model is still in use, it has already lost its former positions. Today it is being replaced by more advanced models in software development and methodologies.
The V-model is an improved version of the classic waterfall model. Here, the process of each stage is monitored in order to make sure that it is possible to move to the next level. In this model, testing begins at the stage of writing requirements, and each subsequent stage has its own level of test coverage.
For each level of testing, a separate test plan is developed. So as the current level is being tested, we are already developing a testing strategy for the next one. We also define the expected test results and indicate the entry and exit criteria for each stage when creating test plans.
Pros of the V-model:
Cons of the V-model:
The spiral model represents a software development process pattern that combines the ideas of the iterative and waterfall models. Its essence is that the entire process of creating the final product is presented as a conditional plan, divided into 4 sectors, each of which represents separate stages of its development: setting goals, assessing risks, developing and testing, and planning a new iteration.
In the spiral model, the life path of a product under development is depicted as a spiral, which, starting at the planning stage, unwinds with the passage of each consecutive step. Thus, at the exit from the next round, we should get a ready-made tested prototype that complements the existing build. A prototype that satisfies all the requirements is ready for release.
The main feature of the spiral model is the concentration on possible risks. There is even a corresponding stage for their evaluation. The main types of risks that may arise in the software development process are:
Pros of the spiral model:
Cons of the spiral model:
Not all life cycle models are consistent. There are also iterative (or incremental) models that take a different approach. Instead of one long sequence of actions, the entire product life cycle is broken down into a series of separate mini-cycles. Moreover, each of them consists of all the same basic stages of the life cycle model. These mini-loops are called iterations. In each of the iterations, a separate component of the system is developed, after which this component is added to the previously developed functionality.
The iterative model does not assume the full scope of requirements for starting work on the product. The development of a program can begin with requirements for a part of the functionality, which can subsequently be supplemented and changed. The process is repeated, ensuring that a new version of the product is created for each cycle.
In a somewhat simplified form, the iterative model consists of four main stages, which are repeated in each of the iterations (plan-do-check-act):
Based on the results of each iteration, a decision is made whether its results will be used to supplement existing functionality as an entry point for the next iteration (the so-called incremental prototyping). Ultimately, there comes a point when all the requirements have been embodied in the product. That means it's ready to release.
In mathematical terms, the iterative model represents the implementation of the successive approximation technique - that is, the gradual approximation to the image of the finished product.
The key to the successful use of this model is a strict verification of requirements and a thorough validation of the developed functionality in each of the iterations.
The main stages of the development process in the iterative model actually repeat the waterfall model. Each iteration creates software that requires testing at all levels.
Pros of the iterative model:
Cons of the iterative model:
Scrum is a sporting term taken from rugby. Initially, it denoted the state of the teams at the beginning of the match, before the ball is dropped.
In software development and support, its value lies in the minimum required number of resources, roles, common rules, and other things that are necessary to start a teamwork cycle. Otherwise, it can be called the basic necessary set of rules, which at the output will give a ready-made working solution.
Scrum development methodology involves creating a product with new business opportunities that have the highest priority. This is done in a certain number of fixed time intervals (cycles), which are called sprints.
Usually, before the start of the sprint, there is a meeting where tasks and the duration of the sprint are planned. Following the results of the sprint, a review meeting is held, where the customer is shown a version of the product with all the main functions. The customer must accept the product at this stage or make adjustments so that it is clear what the next step should be - another sprint (finalisation) or the delivery of a finished solution.
The duration of one sprint is 1-4 weeks. On one hand, reducing sprint time speeds up development and makes it more flexible, because releases come out more often. It also allows you to quickly respond to feedback from the customer / client. On the other hand, the increase in terms allows you to reduce the overhead costs for a lot of meetings, corrections, and so on. The team selects the duration of the sprint depending on the type of product.
Like any tool, Scrum is good for getting things done. However, sometimes it turns out to be an inefficient way to solve certain problems. In this section, we'll talk about when this happens and what to do about it.
So, the effectiveness of Scrum is manifested only when a number of conditions are met. Their list looks something like this:
The benefits of Scrum are also obvious:
The team is motivated, because no one engages in "passive sabotage" - stretching the work or slowing down the process.
Extreme Programming or XP is an agile software development methodology. Like other agile methodologies, it has its specific tools, processes, and roles. Although the author of XP did not come up with anything new, he took the best practices of flexible development and strengthened them to the maximum. That is why programming is called extreme. The purpose of the XP methodology is to cope with the ever-changing requirements for a software product and improve the quality of development. Therefore, XP is well suited for complex and uncertain projects.
The XP methodology is built around four processes: coding, testing, design, and listening. In addition, Extreme Programming has values: simplicity, communication, feedback, courage, and respect.
The XP methodology causes a lot of controversy and criticism from those who have not been able to implement it in their team.
The benefits of Extreme Programming only make sense when the team makes full use of at least one of the XP practises. So, it's worth a try for the following reasons:
Despite all the pluses, XP does not always work and has a number of weaknesses. So, extreme programming - disadvantages:
Kanban is a system for setting goals and organising workflows to effectively achieve the necessary outcome. This methodology assumes transparency regarding the progress of work and is one of the most popular Agile approaches.
Kanban helps to track the progress of tasks and distribute the workload among employees. This method allows you to effectively manage the work of the team and monitor the timing of its implementation. The visualisation of all stages allows each employee to be aware of the current progress. Let's familiarise ourselves with the basic principles of the Kanban methodology.
The Kanban methodology has no hard and fast rules or restrictions. Therefore, it is used in various fields. The Kanban method is used by HR specialists for the selection of candidates, software developers, startups, and even bloggers. This approach can also be found in CRM systems when developing a sales pipeline. Take a look at the benefits of the Kanban methodology.
Now that you've seen the benefits of the Kanban methodology, it's time to learn about the downsides of this approach.
The Rational Unified Process is a universal methodology for assigning tasks and responsibilities in software development. Its goal is to create high-quality software that meets the needs and demands of users. The RUP methodology was developed by Rational Software Corporation, which was bought by IBM in 2003.
The incredible success of the RUP approach has helped many companies understand the importance of having a well-defined and documented development process.
The RUP methodology is designed for large development projects, so many managers believe that it is not suitable for small tasks that do not require a large amount of resources. But there are many examples where small projects have benefited greatly from the implementation of RUP.
The RUP is based on six main principles:
RUP Benefits
Disadvantages of RUP
Although the RUP development methodology shows excellent results, especially in the field of software development, it is a rather complex method that is difficult to implement in your project, especially if you have a small team or company.
Choosing between distinct software models is an important phase of product development in software engineering. When working on a project, the models provide you with ways and means to attain your goal, as well as with clear guidance and remedies for challenges.
You should be well-prepared to tackle your project with the top software development methods listed above. And if you decide to entrust your project to a custom software development company, you can be sure you will be on the same page as the team when it comes to discussing the approach to software development.
In case you are looking to get started with an experienced development partner, consider Bamboo Agile. We are a trusted company that is recognised by many well-known brands in e-Commerce, Education, Telecom, and more. Contact us to book a free consultation and become one step closer to success.
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