08 Best Software Development Methodologies

As we progress through 2024, various software development methodologies continue to evolve, responding to the dynamic demands of the technology landscape. The primary goal of any software development methodology remains consistent: to facilitate continuous delivery, shorten development cycles, enhance software quality control, and improve collaboration among developers. With the influx of new tools and approaches, finding the right software development methodology for your development team is more critical than ever, as there isn’t a universal solution applicable to every project.

In this article, we will explore the eight most effective software development methodologies that can significantly benefit your organization in 2024.

1. What is Software Development Methodology?

In software engineering, a Software Development Methodology encompasses a structured process of segmentation of development tasks into smaller, manageable software development processes. This is essential to enhance design and product management, often referred to as the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Typically, a Software Development Methodology predefining specific deliverables and artifacts guides a project team toward the successful development or maintenance of applications. According to the 2023 State of Agile Report, 76% of organizations reported that Agile is their primary Software Development Methodology. This shift towards Agile showcases the importance of adaptability in project management (Source: VersionOne). While many modern methodologies such as Agile software development dominate the scene, traditional methods like the Waterfall model and newer frameworks are also gaining traction. The need for effective communication and collaboration drives these Software Development Methodologies as teams aim for expedient project delivery while maintaining high-quality standards.

2. 08 Best Software Development Methodologies

2.1. Agile Development Methodology

In recent years, the agile methodology has become one of the most popular software development methodologies. It differs from the traditional linear method because it takes a different approach. Instead of emphasizing paperwork and strict procedures, Agile focuses on how to satisfy consumers.

Tasks are broken down into tiny sprints that take 1 to 4 weeks to complete in Agile. It’s an iterative model in which many tests are run as the project proceeds. Customers’ feedback is constantly sought by developers, who then make modifications to the software.

Pros:

• The software has minimal defects due to the iterative effort in testing and fine-tuning. 
• Clarity between team members during development, thanks to systematic and transparent development.
• Changes in project requirements are quickly addressed and worked on with little impact on the timeline.
• An overall improvement in the deliverable’s quality.

Cons:

• The development team can sometimes lose focus due to overwhelming requests for changes.
• Documentation takes a back seat in Agile, which can be a problem later on in development. 
• Agile focuses on discussions and feedback, which can be time-consuming for the team without an experienced PM and BA.
• Due to its non-structured approach, Agile requires experienced developers who can work independently. 

Suitable For:

For projects with rapidly changing needs, the Agile technique is perfect. If you’re developing software for a new market, Agile is the way to go. Adopting the additional ideas is ideal when you gain a better understanding of the market’s needs. Of course, this requires that your development staff is self-sufficient and accustomed to working in a fast-paced, unstructured atmosphere.

2.2. Waterfall Development Methodology

The waterfall methodology is still applicable in some projects, despite being utilized for decades. It’s a straightforward, linear strategy in which development stages are organized into a series of sequential, cascading steps.

Because the waterfall development process is simple to grasp, it is common among teams with little design knowledge. Before moving on to the next stage, each one must be accomplished. Before design can begin, for example, all requirements must be determined.

There is no going back in this method, just as there is no going back in a waterfall. As a result, the waterfall method is inflexible and should be avoided for projects with quickly changing needs. According to a study performed by Ambysoft in 2013, the waterfall methodology has a success rate of 49% while the agile method has a success rate of 69%.

Pros:

• The linearity of the waterfall model makes it easy to understand, particularly for new developers.
• All specifications and deliverables are spelled out before the development commences.
• There’s no room for miscommunicating information with the waterfall model as it’s clearly defined in each stage.

Cons:

• It doesn’t include customer feedback in the early phases, which increases the risk of the project veering off target.
• Testing is only executed at the end of the development. Some problems are harder to fix at a later stage.
• The rigidity of the waterfall model gives no room for changes, making it unsuitable for complex projects. 
• The team can spend too much time on documentation instead of delivering solutions to the user’s problems.

Suitable For:

Only use waterfall if your project has a well-defined scope. It is unsuitable for development with a large number of unknowns. Waterfall is the way to go when you have a team of inexperienced developers and a project with predictable outcomes.

2.3. Lean Development

Toyota’s lean manufacturing concepts inspired lean development, and it concentrates on reducing waste and improving output. Developers can avoid non-productive activities while still delivering high-quality work by following the guiding principles.

Continuous learning and decision deferral are also emphasized in the Toyota-inspired methodology. It allows teams to have an open mind during the development process and examine all considerations before making a final decision.

Developers are responsible for identifying bottlenecks that could stymie the process using the lean methodology. The goal is to create a system that is both efficient and reliable. Human respect is also emphasized in the process, which means communication is essential for improving team collaboration.

Pros:

• Cuts down unnecessary parts in the project, such as redundant codes, unnecessary documentation, and repetitive tasks. 
• The overall cost of development is reduced with lean principles.
• Time-to-market for the software is shortened as lean development promotes efficiency. 
• Increased motivation amongst team members as they are empowered with more decision-making authority.

Cons:

• For lean development to be successful, you’ll need a team of highly-skilled developers, which isn’t easy to put together.
• Less-skilled developers can be overwhelmed by the responsibilities and loss focus on the project.
• Detailed documentation is needed, which places an enormous burden on the business analyst.

Suitable For:

Lean development is appropriate for working on a small project with a limited budget. Its ideas of reducing waste and boosting efficiency imply you’ll be able to get great results with a little workforce. Larger projects make lean development less realistic because they require a more extensive staff to complete the tasks.

2.4. Prototype Model

The prototype model allows developers to work on a prototype version of the eventual product rather than producing a full-fledged software. Customers can then test, evaluate, and provide comments on the prototype.

The prototype goes through multiple stages of development based on the customer’s feedback until it’s judged satisfactory. The advantage of the prototype technique is that it allows for a thorough examination that exposes potential problems before actual development begins.

The effectiveness of this technique depends not just on the development team but also on how well they communicate with clients during the test. It’s also worth noting that the prototype is frequently built at no expense to the developers.

Pros:

• Good in ironing out potential issues in the early development stage significantly reduces product failure risk.
• Ensures the customer is happy with the ‘product’ before the development starts.
• Build rapport with the customer early on with the discussions, which helps throughout the project.
• Gather detailed information with the prototype, which is later used in building the final version.

Cons:

• Excessive to and fro testing the prototype with the customer can delay the development timeline.
• The customer’s expectations of the product may not align with the prototype.
• There’s a risk of cost overrun as the works on the prototype are often paid for by the developer.

Suitable For:

When you’re designing software with a lot of unknowns, the prototype model is ideal. Consider an online platform with a high level of user interaction. You may find out what works best with people and lessen the risk of building the actual product using the prototype approach.

2.5. Rapid Application Development

In 1991, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology was created, and it became the basis for modern iterative frameworks. It focuses on producing items in a considerably shorter amount of time without sacrificing quality.

The RAD framework is a four-step process that includes project requirements, prototyping, testing, and implementation. Instead of linear software development models, RAD focuses on creating prototypes based on the supplied needs and testing them with the customer. This is done through several iterations until the customer is satisfied with the outcome.

Extensive prototype testing yields valuable input, which helps to minimize much of the product risk. When RAD is used, there is a reasonable likelihood that the product will be released on time. RAD frequently uses development tools that automate and streamline the process.

Pros:

• Risks reduction through regular customer feedback.
• Increased satisfaction for customers. 
• Works well for small and medium applications.
• Reduces time-to-market.

Cons:

• Highly dependent on a responsive customer.
• Requires a team of highly-skilled and experienced developers. 
• Not suitable for projects with budget constraints.
• Lack of documentation for progress tracking.

Suitable For:

Rapid Application Development will yield the finest results if you have a team of professional developers and customers equally invested in the project. The RAD technique relies heavily on communication to complete tasks. You’ll need to invest in RAD tools like low-code/no-code applications to speed up development.

2.6. Dynamic Systems Model

Much of the Dynamic System Model’s principles come from the Rapid Application Development framework. This improved methodology aims for on-time delivery and project goals aligned with company needs. The four iterative processes are feasible and business study, functional model, design and build, and implementation.

End users are heavily involved in providing input throughout the process. This lowers the chances of deviating from the project’s objectives and needs. Most Agile frameworks lack thorough documentation, which the Dynamic Systems Model provides.

Pros:

• The iterative approach ensures that basic software functionalities are delivered promptly.
• Developers have better control of the development timeline and budget.
• Necessary documentation is created throughout the development.
• Establish communication between end-users and developers, which keeps the team on the right track.

Cons:

• It can be pretty expensive to execute. Heavy user and developers’ involvement is needed, and it takes a considerable budget to train them.
• Smaller teams will have a hard time implementing this methodology. 
• The concept and implementation of the model are pretty complex.

Suitable For:

It’s impossible to use the Dynamic Systems Model in small businesses. Instead, it’s better suited to large companies with a lot of red tape, bottlenecks, and redundant processes. It simplifies team communication by breaking down complex procedures into smaller iterative segments.

2.7. Feature Driven Development

FDD (Feature Driven Development) is an Agile-based software development methodology. Its purpose is straightforward: to avoid misunderstandings that result in costly rework. FDD is frequently misunderstood as focused on each program feature, which isn’t the case.

Breaking down development activities into a feature list on the overall model is what Feature Driven Development achieves. Developers go through an iteration of each feature’s planning, designing, and building. A feature should typically take no more than two weeks to complete.

FDD produces quick, impactful results for each of the actions described as features. This method is intended for large groups, and information is provided via thorough documentation.

Pros:

• Breaks down complicated tasks into more minor activities, which fuels efficiency.
• Enable large teams to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Based on predefined standards and best practices, which leads to predictable success. 

Cons:

• Not suitable for smaller projects.
• Highly dependent on the lead developer, as they are in charge of coordinating the tasks between members.
• It can sometimes deviate from delivering value to the end-users as the model is driven by activities.

Suitable For:

Larger teams working on complicated projects benefit from Feature Driven Development. It combines the advantages of an iterative framework with a more structured methodology. With FDD, you should ideally have a capable lead developer in control.

2.8. Scrum Development Methodology

Scrum is, without a doubt, one of the most adaptable software development strategies. It is built on the Agile principle and is well-known for its incremental and iterative methods. The Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team are all in the Scrum approach.

The product owner accepts the client’s feedback and ensures that the team is on track to meet the client’s needs. Meanwhile, the Scrum Master is a facilitator, ensuring that all team members understand the Scrum methodology. The team is responsible for putting the plan into action.

The way tasks are completed in sprints makes Scrum an appropriate methodology for a fast-paced setting. Each sprint can take up to four weeks to complete. Teams can quickly discover issues, present solutions, test them, and receive feedback thanks to the quick execution. It makes tackling time-sensitive assignments a lot easier.

Pros:

• Short iterations allow quick resolutions to problems.
• Scrum is very responsive to changes as the process includes regular feedback.
• Scrum is economical and practical.
• Regular meetings ensure that team members are on the same page.
• Contributions of individual members are noticed and appreciated through the Scrum meetings.

Cons:

• All team members must be equally skilled and committed for Scrum to work.
• The daily Scrum meetings can be draining for team members.
• May increase time-to-market if there’s no strict control on the deadline.
• Not suitable for large projects.

Suitable For:

If you have a project with ambiguous requirements that must adapt to frequent changes, Scum is the methodology to use. For example, you may need to quickly build an MVP and test it with users. Scrum is only effective if you have a team that is totally committed and experienced.

Conclusion

Software Development Methodology	Pros	Cons
Waterfall	– Clear project guidelines and specifications.	– Inflexible to change, increasing risks if project scopes shift.
	– Easy for new developers to understand.
Continuous	– Streamlined processes that shorten time-to-market.	– Challenges in ensuring all team members follow the approach.
Agile	– Fewer defects due to continuous testing and software quality control.	– Potential for loss of focus on long-term goals due to constant changes.
	– High-quality deliverables through frequent feedback.
Lean	– Cost-effective and time-efficient.	– Requires highly skilled developers who can manage lean practices.
Prototype Model	– Identifies potential issues early, lowering development risks.	– Excessive feedback cycles can delay project timelines.
Rapid Application Development (RAD)	– Quick delivery with ongoing user feedback.	– Requires a highly skilled and responsive team for rapid iterations.
Dynamic Systems Model	– Enhanced control over timelines and objectives.	– Resource-intensive, requiring substantial training and collaboration.
Feature Driven Development (FDD)	– Produces rapid results through benchmarked features.	– Less beneficial for smaller teams struggling with task division.
Scrum	– Quick resolution of issues via frequent feedback loops.	– Can be overwhelming if not all team members are equally engaged.
Iterative	– Early identification of problems.	– Can lead to scope creep if not managed properly.
	– Good for projects with changing requirements.

In 2024, selecting the appropriate software development methodology is crucial for your organization’s success. Each software development methodology offers unique strengths and weaknesses that should be considered based on your project’s scope, team dynamics, and customer needs. Understanding current software development trends and leveraging effective software project estimation techniques can further enhance the effectiveness of your chosen methodology. Additionally, knowing different software development types allows for tailored approaches that can lead to better software development cost management and adherence to software compliance standards. By tailoring your approach to fit your specific requirements, you can ensure efficient and high-quality software delivery that meets or exceeds expectations.