Anything good is always seen from the beginning. The same applies to software management, whereby the software lifecycle phases have to be managed effectively. Each phase is essential and unique in its own way. This implies that as a developer, it is vital to select a management system that will be effective in the process of software development.
In the field of software development, the sdlc phases have different functions, like identifying the objectives, timeframe, goals, and costs involved. For this reason, we will discuss some of the practices to use to achieve the desired objectives.
A software development agency use methods started way back in 1950. However, technology keeps changing every other year, leading to new innovations. The changes in system development were to make the system stronger and to make the process easy.
Note: Software development is a process of operating different departments, assigning tasks, and objectives in respective departments to achieve defined goals. Below are some of the methods to embrace in the process of software development to get a positive outcome. Read also at ergonotes.
Extreme Programming
In extreme programming, the main base is involving targeted users as much as possible in the entire process. This method is effective, especially when the project is experiencing some instabilities. As a result, the development team keeps getting feedback and suggestions from different teams, including customers.
One benefit is extreme programming is a quality product because of excellent communication and customer involvement who gives ideas on how to make the product better. However, extreme programming has one drawback because of a large number of teams involved; some may not be highly competent.
Dynamic Systems Model
Allocated budget and defined time frame is the basis of a dynamic system model. This method operates within stipulated rules which involve producing quality products but should not exceed a certain amount. Also, the projected product should be released within a given time limit. Frequent communication is involved so as to make the process faster. Therefore, feedback from users is highly required to produce quality products.
The advantage of this method is that good collaboration among the development team always leads to quality products within the required time. The disadvantage of this method is the high costs involved; hence, it is not applicable to small establishments.
Scrum Development
Scrum development is practical in the kind of projects which require changes every now and then. The entire process is easy to follow and achieve the desired results. The basis of this method is sprints, whereby every sprint has defined tasks to accomplish. There a room for questions and answers as to produce the best outcome.
The benefit of this method is that regular updates and changes in decisions always make the work easier for all the teams involved. However, the disadvantage is that this method excludes big projects because of uncertainty in the costs involved. Also, only professionals can manage this method because there is no room for trainees or beginners.
Lean Development
One thing that lean development focus on is the satisfaction of the client. The client has a big say here, and any changes suggested are dealt with immediately. To add to that, the method works towards minimizing the costs involved. For this reason, a thorough analysis is conducted before the onset of the project to cut off unnecessary costs.
The benefit of this strategy is that it is cost-effective and no limitations of time. But then, the method is disadvantageous because, for a project to succeed well, it all depends on how the teams involved operate, meaning too much freedom can lead to poor results.
Agile Development Strategy
Agile development’s main focus lies on the product or the project. For this reason, it entirely depends on the targeted audience’s feedback to make the necessary changes. The method does not have a fixed timeframe; plus, the work is divided into phases and is monitored using a tool like Jira or a suitable Jira alternative. This enables quick feedback, which later on leads to a perfect product produced. The continuous process of improvement and adaptation is supported by the effective tracking of issues, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency through jira bug reporting.
The advantage of agile development is that a high-quality product is guaranteed because any problems are dealt with before the project is done. The disadvantage is that the development team can lose track due to frequent amendments that have to be made.
Joint Application Development
As the name suggests, joint application development relies on the collaboration from developers, the audience, and the designers. The method involves a setup session used to speed up the process of development. In the session, developers, a facilitator, experts, customers, mediators, and observers are usually present to give their views, and then the final decision is made from different views and ideas. Also, this method is cost-effective because errors are eliminated at an early stage, a factor which saves more money.
The advantage of this method is budget-friendly, and quality products are achieved within a short period. The disadvantage is that highly skilled personnel are required to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Good results in the development process require a good plan and a suitable method selected. As a developer, take your time to highlight your goals, approximate the costs, and above all, set the time limit to achieve the desired results. Once you have analyzed all these, now select the appropriate method to use.