Delays, scope creep, and team misalignment can derail software development projects. Luckily, different software development methodologies address these issues directly. According to Statista, around 47% of developers, operations and security professionals embraced DevOps or DevSecOps in 2022, aiming for faster time to market, enhanced security, improved code quality, and better developer collaboration.
Rather than mindlessly following trends, check out the top seven software development life cycle methodologies to make an informed choice. Understanding their pros and cons will help you select the best fit for your project. It will ensure efficient, controlled development and timely, budget-friendly delivery.
So, this article will be useful for you if you:
- Struggle with the undefined process of software development
- Lack certain knowledge about project management techniques
- Aim to optimize and structure the development phase
- Interested in types of SDLC
- Want to accelerate the delivery process
- Reduce project risks
- Shorten the project timeline and excessive costs
Let’s overview the software development life cycle and learn about the differences in software methodologies in project development. You will see which suits you best by comparing their pros and cons.
- Why Are the Software Project Development Models Needed?
- Top 7 Software Development Methodologies: Pros, Cons & Use Cases
- 1. Waterfall model
- 2. Iterative and incremental methodologies
- 3. Spiral Model
- 4. V-shaped Model
- 5. Prototype model
- 6. Agile model
- 7. The DevOps Model
- Top 3 Software Development Methodologies Comparison
- How to choose the SDLC Model that will suit you best?
- What Software Development Methodology We Use at Inoxoft and Why
- Final Thoughts
Why Are the Software Project Development Models Needed?
Every software outsourcing company has its software development lifecycle (SDLC), which usually encompasses the following phases of app development:
- requirement analysis
- design
- development and testing
- implementation
- documentation
- maintenance
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These stages outline the typical software project, from gathering client needs to launching a fully supported product. What are software development methodologies? They emerged in response to tech companies’ search for customized workflows. This process led to various conceptual types of software development methodologies with predefined principles, flows, and timelines.
Currently, there are seven featured software development approaches to pay attention to:
- Waterfall
- Iterative and Incremental Methodology
- Spiral Model
- V-shaped Model
- Prototype Model
- Agile Methodology
- DevOps Model
- DevOps Model
Software development life cycle methodologies optimize processes and enhance team performance by promoting uniform working techniques, vision, mission, and tempo. With numerous options available, companies can find the approach that best fits their needs.
The most practiced software engineering process model worldwide is DevOps, taking as much as 47%. Then comes Agile with 37%, and the third leader is Kanban which is practiced by 34% of the IT community globally. The combined percentage of the top three exceeds 100%, suggesting that respondents use multiple technologies.
Read more about the agile development phases in our blog.
So, what are the software development models? What are the software engineering model types organizations use today?
Find out additional information on software engineering KPIs you should be measuring!
Top 7 Software Development Methodologies: Pros, Cons & Use Cases
1. Waterfall model
The Waterfall model, one of the earliest methodologies in software development, progresses linearly, with each stage completed before the next, allowing no overlap between stages.
Like a real-life waterfall, this software development method flows seamlessly from start to finish without interruption.
What factors contribute to choosing the Waterfall approach?
- Short-term projects
- Clear, fixed, and well-documented requirements
- Static easy-to-understand technology
- Stable product definition
- A variety of resources for product support
- Low Product Owner Involvement
- Strictly-set timeline
- Fixed budget that cannot be changed
For other scenarios, consider alternative models. Waterfall’s main advantage lies in its strict task order and clear timelines. It facilitates task division among departments and monitors progress closely.
Clients may prefer Waterfall for its predictability from start to finish. However, its lack of task revision poses challenges, making changes difficult as development progresses.
Waterfall Model Advantages & Disadvantages
|
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
| Clear model understanding and simplicity of use | The application will be a working one only in the last stages |
| Ease of management [deliverables — review] | Risks associated with the inability to go back to the previous stage and fix issues |
| Development is broken down into stages for easy task arrangement | The model is not suitable for complex, object-oriented, and long projects |
| Each stage is clearly defined and completed one by one | Not suitable for projects with the possibility of requirement changes |
| Milestones are evident and understood | Vague and unmeasurable progress within the development stages |
| Every step of the process and outcomes are documented | Integration is done at the very end, presenting bottlenecks |
2. Iterative and incremental methodologies
This application development strategy begins by implementing small requirements and progressively enhancing the product through multiple iterations. This process continues until all application features are complete and ready for deployment.
Focusing on developing small segments allows for easier review, quick identification of additional requirements, and prompt implementation or adjustments. Each iteration brings improvements, ensuring a better software version with every update.
Unlike Waterfall, this software methodology enables concurrent iterations and continuous product feedback. Validating software versions against requirements fosters a clear project understanding and verifies product functionality.
When is the iterative methodology applicable?
- System requirements are clearly defined and fully understood
- Additional requirements can occur with time
- The team learns new technology and works on the project simultaneously
- Specific resources will be in action only when they are required for particular iterations according to the contract
- The business goals might change in the future due to high-risk features
The iterative model’s major advantage lies in the early detection of feature and design flaws. Working in cycles and validating each development phase ensures a low-risk product with the flexibility to adjust features, costs, and timelines. However, it also comes with its drawbacks.
Iterative Model Advantages & Disadvantages
|
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
|
Functionality that works is developed early in the SDLC |
Additional resources can be utilized |
|
Results are achieved in cycles |
It requires more management than usual |
|
Iterative development allows parallel deployment Allows to measure the project progress |
As the beginning of SDLC allows minimum requirements. some of the system architecture or design issues may come forward during production |
|
Requirements can be changed and It won’t cost you a fortune |
Cannot apply to small projects |
|
It’s easy to test and debug when the iterations are small |
The result al the project is unknown and risky |
|
Any risks identified are easily resolved on the iteration |
Risk analysis requires highly skilled resources |
|
Issues, challenges, and risks related to one iteration ran be applied to the other iteration |
The project’s progress depends on the risk analysis |
|
The initial time for production decreases |
|
|
Is completely suitable for large and mission-critical projects |
|
|
Early production of software allows receiving early feedback |
3. Spiral Model
The Spiral Model merges iterative methodology’s cyclical development with Waterfall’s systematic approach and process control, emphasizing risk analysis. Projects progress through four stages in iterative cycles, known as spirals.
These stages include:
- Identification — the stage for business requirements gathering, initially in a basic spiral, followed by identifying system, subsystem, and unit requirements. It emphasizes communication between the customer and the system analyst.
- Design — starts in the basic spiral with the conceptual design and includes subsequent spirals with architectural design, logical design of modules, physical product design, and the final design.
- Construct (Build) — developing the actual software product at every spiral. In a basic spiral, evaluating feasibility involves developing a POC (Proof of Concept) to gather valuable customer feedback.
- Evaluation (Risk analysis) — identifying, estimating, and monitoring technical feasibility and management risks, like schedule overdue and cost overrun.
After customer evaluation, the next iteration implements feedback linearly. These spiral iterations continue throughout the SDLC until completion.
When is it best to use the Spiral Model?
The Spiral Model is applied when there is a need to “learn with the product’s maturity” and:
- There’s a budget limit and you need to foresee the risks
- You have a medium or high-risk project to carry out
- It’s a long-term project, and changes might occur
- The requirements are vague or unclear due to their complexity
- The primary product has to be released in several stages to get valuable customer feedback
- You expect major changes to the product during the SDLC
The main advantage of the Spiral Model is its flexibility. It lets you incorporate new elements as they become available while involving users early in the development process for constructive feedback.
Spiral Model Advantages & Disadvantages
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|
Ability to adjust the requirements |
Complex to manage and maintain |
|
Extensive prototype usage |
The end of the project is foreseen at the earliest stages |
|
Requirements are accurately understood |
Cannot apply to small and low-risk projects |
| End-users can view the product at the early | Can be expensive when used on small project stage |
|
Developments consist of smaller parts |
A large number of intermediate stages require to be documented |
| Parts, where there’s more risk, can be deployed earlier to eliminate the overall risk |
4. V-shaped Model
The Verification and Validation Model or V-model follows a sequential approach shaped like a ‘V.’ It’s based on the Waterfall Model but includes testing at every stage of development within the SDLC.
In this model, development and testing phases run concurrently, with verification and validation phases depicted on opposite sides of the model, connected by the coding phase.
Under those circumstances, there are 4 Verification phases. These are:
- Requirements analysis
- System design
- Architectural design
- Module design
The validation phase also includes 4 stages:
- Unit testing
- Integration testing
- System testing
- Acceptance testing
The Coding Phase combines the two other stages and makes a V shape.
The V-shaped model is applied like Waterfall. Requirements must be clearly defined at the beginning of the SDLC. Going back and making changes increases product development costs. This model best suits the healthcare industry.
When to implement the V-shaped model?
- There are clearly defined, documented, and stable requirements
- The technology is stable and the project team fully understands it
- All of the requirements are extra clear
- The project is short-term and not complex
The best advantage of the V-shaped Model is that it is easy to understand, apply to, and manage in an SDLC. However, the model lacks flexibility in accommodating changes, incurring significant extra costs for the customer.
V-shaped Model Advantages & Disadvantages
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| The model has a structure | There is a high risk of failure |
| Stages are carried out one at a time | The model doesn’t suit complex and object-oriented projects |
| Applies to small projects with a clearly defined project scope | The model also performs poorly on long-term projects |
| Simple and easy in both understanding and usage | Works bad with projects with a medium and high possibility of requirement changes |
| Easy to manage due to specific deliverables and review on every stage | It is hard to change functionality when the app is being tested |
| The software works only on the last stage of STIC |
5. Prototype model
Prototyping is the creation of visual representations of incomplete software products. This enables understanding customer requirements early in development and getting valuable feedback. The model includes:
- Identification of basic requirements
- Initial prototype development
- Prototype review
- Prototype revision and enhancement
Software prototypes come in various types:
- Rapid Prototyping: Quickly build the system with a clear understanding of user needs.
- Evolutionary Prototyping: Develop functional prototypes, gradually adding requirements.
- Incremental Prototyping: Build multiple functional prototypes that integrate into a system.
- Extreme Prototyping: Three-phase web development including basic HTML prototype, prototype service layer, and final prototype implementation.
Where and when is the Prototyping Model applicable?
Prototyping applies to development with a high level of user interaction:
- Systems that require users to fill out forms
- Software that requires lots of data processing
The Prototyping model also has pros and cons.
Prototyping Model Advantages & Disadvantages
|
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
|
User involvement in product development |
Too much dependency on the prototype, which may lead to insufficient analysis of requirements |
| A working model of the system is produced to allow users to understand it better | Inexperienced users might confuse prototypes with the complete system |
| Reduces time and cost due to early defect reduction | As the product scope expands, it increases the complexity of the final application. |
| User feedback is fast and makes room for better development solutions | The prototypes may be reused to deploy an app but this won’t be feasible in technical perspective |
| Any missing requirements in the functionality are easily identifiable | The efforts of building a prototype may exceed the potential value unless the process is monitored |
| Difficult and confusing functions can be identified early |
6. Agile model
Agile methodology is based on the iterative model, but it is more adaptive and delivers working software quickly. It meets clients needs and offers flexibility. Projects are divided into short iterations lasting 1 to 3 weeks, with multiple teams tackling various project aspects concurrently. This approach reduces production time and lowers costs.
Every iteration consists of the same processes, which are:
- Planning
- Requirements Analysis
- Design
- Coding
- Unit Testing
- Acceptance Testing
At the end of each iteration, a working product is presented to the customer for assessment and feedback gathering. Agile methodology encompasses various software development methods, each with unique principles:
- Rational Unified Process (RUP)
- Scrum
- Kanban
- ScrumBan
- Extreme Programming (XP)
- ScrumXP
- Iterative Development
- Lean Software Development
When can we use the Agile Methodology?
- In small and medium software projects
- To produce multiple variants of the product
- To break down the development process into smaller parts – iterations
- There’s a need for software delivery acceleration
- The team needs flexibility in changing priorities
- To enhance software quality, productivity, and predictability in delivery
- To promote project risk reduction and achieve cost reduction possibilities
- To manage teams effectively on the project
Like any other methodology, Agile has its positive and negative aspects. For example:
Agile Advantages and Disadvantages
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|
Realistic approach |
Cannot handle complex dependencies |
|
Promotes cross-functional teamwork and cooperation |
May not be sustainable, maintainable, and extensible |
|
Rapid and demonstrable functionality development |
Strick delivery management per project scope, functionality, adjustments, and deadlines |
|
Minimal resource usage |
Requires an agile leader and PM on the project |
|
Applies to both fixed and changing scope of work |
Highly dependent on customer collaboration and interaction to drive team in the right direction |
|
Can deliver a solution that works partially early |
Heightened developer self-dependency due to minimal documentation |
|
Is suitable for steadily changing environments |
Challenging technology transfer to new team members |
|
Documentation is easily employed due to less rules |
|
|
Allows to develop and deliver simultaneously within the given timeline |
|
|
Requires less planning than in the other methodologies |
|
|
The processes are easily managed |
|
|
Allows certain flexibility on projects |
7. The DevOps Model
While similar to the Agile methodology, the DevOps model emphasizes automation and team collaboration, enhancing collaboration through continuous feedback.
What does DevOps carry out?
- Continuous Integration and Delivery
- Microservices
- Infrastructure as Code
- Monitoring and Logging
- Communication and Collaboration
When can we apply the DevOps Model?
- In complex projects
- Projects requiring QA and testing
- Projects with large teams from multiple departments
Being popular, the DevOps Model also has its cons. It impacts productivity differently depending on project fit and readiness for its adoption curve.
DevOps Model Advantages & Disadvantages
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| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Process automation and optimization | No particular focus and documentation |
| Testers and engineers continuously exchange feedback | Merged product features are difficult to manage |
| Structured product delivery | The adoption of this model is rather challenging |
| Productivity improvement of custom teams | |
| Early defect and missing requirements detection |
|
Software Development Model |
Description |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Waterfall |
A sequential model where each phase of the development process is completed before moving on to the next. |
Clear and well-defined requirements. Easy to manage and track progress. Suitable for projects with well-defined requirements |
Changes to requirements can be costly and time-consuming. Difficult to adapt to changing requirements. Can be slow to deliver working software |
|
Iterative and Incremental |
An iterative model where the software is developed in small increments, with each iteration building on the previous one. |
More flexible than the Waterfall model. Allows for changes to requirements to be made more easily. Can deliver working software sooner |
Can be more difficult to manage and track progress. Can be difficult to control costs |
|
Spiral |
A risk-driven model that combines elements of the Waterfall and Iterative and Incremental models. |
More flexible than the Waterfall model. Allows for changes to requirements to be made more easily. Reduces risk |
Can be more complex to manage. Can be more expensive than other models |
|
V-shaped |
A model that combines elements of the Waterfall and Prototyping models. |
Provides a clear and structured approach to development and testing. Suitable for projects with well-defined requirements |
Changes to requirements can be costly and time-consuming. Difficult to adapt to changing requirements |
|
Prototype |
A model where a prototype of the software is developed and evaluated by users before the final product is developed. |
Allows users to get feedback on the software early in the development process. Can help to identify and fix problems early on. Can help to ensure that the software meets the needs of users |
Can be expensive and time-consuming to develop a prototype. Can be difficult to control costs |
|
Agile |
An iterative and incremental model that focuses on delivering working software frequently. |
More flexible than the Waterfall model. Allows for changes to requirements to be made more easily. Can deliver working software sooner |
Can be more difficult to manage and track progress. Can be difficult to control costs |
|
DevOps |
A collaborative approach to software development and operations that focuses on delivering software quickly and reliably. |
Can deliver software more quickly and reliably. Improves communication and collaboration between developers and operations teams. Can help to reduce costs |
Can be more complex to implement and manage. Requires a cultural shift within the organization |
Top 3 Software Development Methodologies Comparison
DevOps, Agile (Scrum and Kanban), and Waterfall are the most popular methodologies worldwide. Let’s compare these software development models.
|
Waterfall |
Agile |
DevOps |
|
|
Basic philosophy |
Systems are fully predictable and can be specified in advance Assumes business needs remain broadly similar throughout protect Adjust schedule to preserve scope |
Integrate business, dev and QA for rapid delivery of software Iterative ‘sprint’ cycles Assumes priority of business needs may change Adjust scope to preserve schedule |
Cross-furtimal teams utilize automation to enable continuous deployment of change Constant feedback loop Adjust mope to preserve schedule Adjust scope to preserve schedule |
|
Documentation level |
Comprehensive |
Light |
Light |
|
Automation level |
Low |
Varied |
High |
|
Delivery value |
Slow — only at major milestones (3 – 6 months) |
Rapid (daily/weekly) |
Continuous |
|
Business ownership of project |
No (typical) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Response to new business needs (flexible requirements) |
Extremely limited due to detailed specification |
Responsive — iterative delivery enables prioritization |
Highly responsive — cross-functional teams define business needs more precisely |
|
Collaboration |
Low — teams operate in functional silos |
Improved — business is highly engaged; short dev cycles |
High — all stakeholders involved from project start |
|
Quality |
Low — issue not identified until testing phase |
Improved — issues identified after every ‘sprint’ |
High — automated until testing during development |
|
Risk |
Increases as project progress |
Decreases as project progresses |
Decreases as project progresses |
|
Customer feedback |
Increases as project completion |
Frequent — after every sprint |
Continuous |
By the way, this table with methodologies comparison shows all the distinctive features of the delivery models.
|
Study |
Measurement |
Success rate |
|
Kisielniciu and Misiak |
1. ROl 2. Reducing process cycle time 3. Process improvement 4. BI adding value |
1. Agile 50% Waterfall 20% 2. Agile: 9344 Waterfall 20% 3. Agile. 70N Waterfall 10% 4. Agile: 53%; Waterfall 0% |
|
Ambler |
1. Successful 2. Challenged 3. Failed |
1. Agile. 39%; Waterfall: 11% 2. Agile: 52%; Waterfall 60% 3. Agile: 9% Waterfall. 29% |
|
The Standish Group |
1. Successful 2. Challenged 3. Failed |
1. Agile. 39%; Waterfall: 11% 2. Agile: 52%; Waterfall 60% 3. Agile: 9% Waterfall. 29% |
|
Serrador and Pinto |
1. Project efficiency 2. Stakeholder satisfaction |
1. A direct positive correlation between success and Agile 2. A direct positive correlation between stakeholder satisfaction and Agile |
And again, the Agile model wins here.
How to choose the SDLC Model that will suit you best?
There’s no definitive right or wrong approach when choosing a software development model. Follow these steps for a thorough selection process:
Step 1. Explore all available software development models to align with your beliefs, principles, and business needs.
Step 2. Prioritize stakeholder input, as their perspectives can influence your decision significantly.
Step 3. Consider acceptance criteria by evaluating:
- Team size and skills compatibility.
- Suitability to project technologies.
- Alignment with client and stakeholder requirements.
- Appropriateness for project size and complexity.
- Potential project risks.
- Flexibility to accommodate evolving requirements.
Step 4. Decide on the model that best serves your intentions.
Step 5. Customize and optimize the chosen model to fit your project.
Once you’ve thoroughly assessed project nuances and identified the model for optimal performance, proceed with product development.
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What Software Development Methodology We Use at Inoxoft and Why
Inoxoft is an international company providing best practices in software development. We offer mobile development and custom web development services and a software development discovery phase. Our company has successfully delivered over 80 successful custom solutions, choosing the best-fit software development methodology for the best outcomes.
Inoxoft predominantly adopts the Agile Methodology for its projects due to its inherent flexibility, iterative development approach, and integration of continuous customer feedback. Agile enables rapid delivery of potential working products and facilitates prompt client feedback to enhance or validate project direction.
Our team values Agile’s collaborative nature, which fosters improved communication skills and firsthand experience acquisition. If you’re considering implementing your project idea using Agile principles and seeking a dedicated team of developers and managers, let’s discuss this further.
Let’s discuss further if you’re considering implementing your project idea using Agile principles with a dedicated team of expert developers and managers.
Contact us to get an expert consultation from our teammate.
Final Thoughts
The right software development strategy ensures the best product development quality. You can choose the most suitable approach tailored to your needs by comparing popular software development methodologies. It will define your project activities, ultimately affecting software processing.
Understanding the principles of each methodology is essential for defining the best fit for your internal Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Despite their differences in processes, these models share a strategic approach to product development for optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the software development models?
A software development model is a methodology according to which the software development company carries out production processes. For example, there are the following software development models:
Waterfall Model
The Waterfall model is also called linear as the model implies each stage to be completed before going on to the next one. So, the model goes linearly step by step giving no possibility to overlap any stage.
Iterative and Incremental Model
In the Iterative model, the development starts with implementing several small requirements, and then the product is enhanced with the help of numerous iterations (incrementally).
Spiral Model
The Spiral Model is a combination of the Iterative and Waterfall models with cycled development, systematic approach, and process control (risk analysis).
V-shaped Model
The V-model allows a project to be carried out in a sequence and according to the V shape. Here, you carry out a phase, complete it, test it, and only then go to the next phase.
Prototype Model
Prototyping is the creation of software application prototypes that show the visual representation of the minimal features of the incomplete product.
Agile Model
Agile methodology is based on the iterative and incremental model, meets the client’s requirements, is flexible, and breaks the production process down into incremental builds or iterations.
The DevOps Model
The DevOps model has unique principles that promote automation and team collaboration focusing on the enhancement of collaboration between teams that are driven by sequential feedback.
What are the most popular software development models?
According to Statista, the most popular software development models are:
- DevOps
- Agile
- Kanban
- Waterfall
What is the software development lifecycle?
Every software development company has its software development life cycle or SDLC, which consists of the following development stages:
- Requirement analysis - gathering and analysing customer requirements
- Design - implementing user-friendly UI/UX design ideas
- Development and testing - adding functionality to the app and testing the app’s performance under different workloads
- Implementation - building the app till it is well-refined and functional
- Documentation - writing and adjusting relevant app documentation
Maintenance - supporting the app round the clock.
